Socials, as the weather gets chillier and the skies get darker, we still have the countdown to the holidays! No matter what you celebrate or who you celebrate with, if you’re looking for gifting inspo, look no further. Your one stop shopaganza has landed! Hope you enjoy. And, of course, happy healthy holidays and beautiful New Year to one and all, from our Diary family to yours!
FOR THE BEAUTY LOVERS:
While so many beauty procedures abound (confusing consumers no end!), we can safely say with Social Gal gusto that good brows are one of the best places to start. They add dimension to the face, shape the eyes and are the ultimate face accessory when permanent. To that end, our best recommendation is Billionaire Brows. The name speaks for itself… 😉
With a gift certificate for Clinique K—celebrity plastic surgeon Karl Schwarz’s stunning clinic/beauty emporium—you can help a special someone feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin this season with a facial treatment, injection, or cosmetic surgery procedure. The gift that keeps on giving! (Prices vary.)
Josie Fuschini Haute Cosmétiques
There are so many reasons to love this Montreal-based brand made with integrity and a love of product that comes straight from the owner’s big heart. Their best-selling Charcoal Face Polish Mask is just one of them…
Invisalign is another gift that keeps on giving no matter how old you are, guaranteeing a killer smile for years to come. As for skill set, KA ORTHO is the way to go! 😉
Also pioneered and powered by a home-grown beauty aficionado, we in world Diary can’t get enough of the Karine Joncas range. Top picks for the holidays (and way beyond) include their Advanced Global Anti-Aging cream and legendary Dermo-Lift Corrective Eye Patches. Life changing.
Skin and smiles can’t have all the fun, which is why hair products from industry leader Kérastase are always a good gift idea. That said, we’re O-B-S-E-S-S-E-D with their signature oil, the ultimate complement to every one of their ranges specially curated for specific needs (like the one pictured below). Don’t miss their amazing sales and hair care bundles.
Première Decalcifying & Repairing Haircare Gift Set. Photo courtesy of Kérastase.
Rounding off the namesake beauty disruptors we love: don’t dare miss the magic of NANNETTE de GASPÉ for your fave skincare fanatics. Their Art of Noir skincare collection, brilliantly designed to firm, brighten, and soothe skin, morphs a skincare routine into a luxury calming ritual. Each product can be purchased individually to customize the experience or as a complete bundle for the ultimate firming, brightening, and calming skincare immersion/escape. Best of all? Social Gals and Gents benefit from an exclusive promo! Use promo code SOCIALGLO for 15% off any purchase on the NANNETTE de GASPÉ website!
The Art of Noir collection, featuring the Elixir Noir Face Oil (a nutrient-rich oil that deeply nourishes, firms, soothes, and hydrates), the Essence Noir Cleanser (a Vitamin C rich cleanser that purifies while brightening and rejuvenating the skin) and the Gua Sha Noir (a sculpting tool made of Bian stone that promotes circulation, relieves tension, and enhances firmness). Photos courtesy of Nannette de Gaspé.
Representing the next wave in beauty shopping, on and offline, the brand new Rennaï experience with a spectacularly curated array of ranges to choose from, comprises part of the overall Royalmount retail and entertainment world, where we promise you won’t know where to dab, spray, rub, sample first. Already renowned for mastering the cross-section of innovation and self-care, a gift from this emporium is an excellent one for all beauty lovers.
Finally, if a gorgeous healthy faux glow is your party/life bestie (it’s ours), you definitely want to share this glow love with the beauty devotees on the list, especially given their special holiday promotions. Some of our faves are the Keep Me Sunkissed Face Tan Water and Colour Me Dark Express. Perfection.
MORE SOCIAL GAL SELECTS ON THE BEAUTY FRONT: When it comes to beauty, we’ve also fallen madly deeply for: Bio sculpture, Neostrata.com, Moroccanoil.com, Salon Pure, SBLA Beauty, and YSL Beauty.
FOR THE WELLNESS DEVOTEES:
Nothing says gift of wellness like a deep rejuvenating massage and/or take-you-away luxury beauty treatment akin to those that await at the internationally beloved professional Guerlain Spa in the Four Seasons Montreal. Truth be told we love them ALL. (Prices vary).
On the luxury spa front, there’s also our other guiltiest Social Gal & Gent luxury pampering addiction: The Spa St.James at international bijou Ritz-Carlton Montreal, where massage and beauty professionals of the highest calibre don’t only magically remove all that ails but leave you to bliss away in one of the city’s most gorgeous and rejuvenating relaxation rooms, right in front of the roaring fire. #Canyousayperfection?
When it comes to health and wellness, this cult brand earns its reputation infusing products with 50 ppm of 99% pure CBD and vegan hemp seed oil. One of its bestsellers, Wellphoria’s CBD-infused hair care kit including shampoo, conditioner, masque and oil is, in a word, everything. Hemp heaven.
Oh how we love us some luxury premium essential oils for all that ails, especially against the backdrop of a crazy world. Though there are several standout brands in this space, we’re big time crushing on Bliss Essentials (brain baby of the talented healthfluencer Erica Diamond) for their high quality formulations and soothing / addictive scents. Talk about good stocking stuffers …
Finally in this corner, the kind of towel love you and your wellness focused giftees have been dreaming of, cozy, luxurious, and … hands-free! We can’t get enough … #WellnessBrilliant!! Shop the awesome promotions now:
MORE SOCIAL GAL WELLNESS SELECTS: Of course, there are more super-honourable mentions here including floating nirvana spa Bota Bota, and brand new aesthetic wellness spa Sabbya:
FOR THE SUPER HEALTHIES:
Against the backdrop of a challenging healthcare system like Canada’s, an innovative and thoughtful gift is the gift of next-level healthcare, the kind readily available at ISMI Montreal. Among the many exclusive rapid access services offered at the award-winning state-of-the-art health centre is a Full-Body MRI, one of the most reliable emerging tools in longevity medicine, enabling early detection of health threats such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological conditions.
Another A-MA-ZING clinic that goes the distance on the medical front is downtown’s Quatuor MD. Not only is the brand new space stunning, more akin to a spa, but the level of care and number of leading specialists at your fingertips is beyond.
FOR THE STYLE ICONS:
Yes, we’re those Social Gals and Gents who can never have enough in their wardrobes. If only the walls were elastic. 😉 And so, we move now to the fashion corner, catering to the style-smitten in your world:
As we playfully kick off this section with shoes (Carrie’d away!), be advised that Browns Shoes Holiday Shop is wide open … You know what that means! The coziest, chicest options for winter are now readily available alongside their other classic offerings. Sneakers, boots, heels, or something in between, Browns is the place to go for the shoe-obsessed in your lives.
Not surprisingly, the exceptional Holt Renfrew Ogilvy‘s offerings are endless. From beauty and fragrance to clothing and luxury bags, your fashion-forward loved ones will love nothing more than a glossily wrapped Holts surprise or an equally irresistible gift card to put towards their dream purchases. Notably, the user/buyer-friendly website features dedicated gift guides for her, him, home, and kids, as well as by price point to make searches even more effortless!
Looking for something more classic holiday themed? Holt Renfrew Ogilvy/Holt Renfrew have that too: their several advent calendars can give you or loved ones a taste of luxury on multiple days in December (and they’re on sale right now!).
The Holt Renfrew Fragrance Advent Calendar 2024 has a $555 value ($330, currently $281 on sale).
NOT DONE YET: This Holt Renfrew Beauty Advent Calendar has a $410 value ($330, currently $281 on sale).
Holt Renfrew Beauty Advent Calendar 2024. Photo courtesy of Holt Renfrew.
Another great last minute gift destination is jeane+jax, the perfect place to gift shop for environmentally-conscious loved ones. Their gorgeous high end bags are vegan, made from premium recycled and plant-based materials. Whether you’re looking for a handbag, weekender, crossbody, or tote, jeane+jax has you covered. They also have gift cards, so you can give your loved ones the gift of choice, as well.
Can you hear the cries? 😉 Homegrown luxury brand Lamarque screams glamour and we can’t live without it. From the slinkiest sexiest dresses to the coziest high fashion outerwear, you’ll make your gift mark when you gift the luxury of Lamarque.
How lucky we are to have this sartorial power pair in our orbit. Both upscale destinations in the downtown core carry unique womenswear pieces for all occasions. To add a bit of welcome colour or texture to any wardrobe, stop by the stunning boutiques or shop online to browse the collections.
Call it your super stylish home away from home, where the closet is just right, housing some of the best brands on the planet. Even more fabulous: the variety of items makes it the perfect place to check more gifts off your lists!
Shopping for the stylish men in your lives? Boutique Vault by Europa is another retailer to keep top of mind in addition to several already names above. Also be sure to visit their sister boutique, Prfkt by Europa, where luxury womenswear awaits in every category!
Beloved by discriminating men for over a hundred years and currently dressing top tier athletes like NFL players among many other A-listers the world over, one of our fave partners in the last edition, Jack Victor, is yet another premium menswear destination not to miss. Treat the men in your life to elevated classics and suits of dreams! For a taste of the fabulous, see below:
Yes, we would be remiss if we failed to include Harry in this guide for Socials Gents, because in addition to recently honouring 70 years of impeccable sartorial splendour, the gifting opportunities are better and more stylish than ever. Definitely check out their current supersales. Your loved ones will thank you.
We all know and love Parasuco for their jeans, but have you seen their new adventures in outerwear? It is possible to stay fashionable, even in our dire Montreal winters, thanks to Parasuco’s outerwear. There’s no better gift for someone who wants to add some kick to their winter wardrobe.
Finally, a trip to Royalmount is so necessary this shopping season. Like breathing lol. It really lives up to its royal moniker, offering almost every top-tier brand you can think/fantasize about in a setting that well, defies description (even by us description-inclined Social Gals.) #THATGOOD! With exclusives like MANGO, Anine Bing, and The Rec Room, classic stores like Garage, Mackage, Nike, and Sephora, and SUPER luxury spots like La Maison Monaco, Versace, Jimmy Choo, and Louis Vuitton, playing gift giver here could not be more fun or easy! Gift cards available too.
MORE SOCIAL GAL SELECTS ON THE FASH FRONT: You know the drill. Of course we have more mentions here too like Blush Lingerie, Hugo Boss, Judith & Charles, La Canadienne, Marc Cain, Marchon Eyewear, Michael Kors, Pajar, Smythe, SSENSE, and Sartorialto. On and offline, they’re well worth exploring!
FOR THE BLING RING:
Clothes and accessories are fabulous but a little (ok a lot) of bling also goes a long way, especially during the holidays… Behold some of our faves on this front.
For the bold and delicate jools lovers, Anzie has it all. From earrings to pendants, there’s something for Social Gals and Gents of all ages.
Love Letter Royal Love Medallion Necklace. Photo courtesy of Anzie Jewelry.
A Montreal institution that carries an extensive line of designers and in-house artists and specialists that both create, and restore rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, cufflinks and watches, Atelier Lou specializes in custom-made diamond jewellery for that special someone in your life. Bremont Supermarine watch:
An official Rolex distributor in Montreal and the holiday wish list fulfiller of many a happy bling lover, Bijouterie Italienne knows how to wow, carrying some of the most luxurious jewellery and watch brands on the planet. Point finale. Exhibit A: The Rolex Lady-Datejust. We don’t just love BI, we worship at their glittering altar.
This holiday season, give a little luxury from the homegrown luxury label that aligns only with the biggest and the best: BIRKS (home to our favourite blue-hued holiday gift box):
Known for its conflict-free diamonds and sustainable jewellery, Ecksand has as many designs as it does meaningful mementos to give your loved ones.
One-of-a-kind pieces like this watermelon tourmaline necklace designed by the namesake master herself can’t be replicated, which says a lot about the sentiment behind sharing one of the unique jewellery creations.
Finally, we can’t say enough about this edgy glam range, brain baby of a homegrown furniture designer turned jools creator who wanted more from her bling. Maison Alysia‘s stunning, unique pieces are sure to wow any lucky recipient.
Photo courtesy of Alysia, appearing in Diary Vol. 11.
FOR THE FOODIES:
Whether for Jatoba, Le Cathcart, and many newer offerings like Belvu, a gift card to any one of these leading restaurants owned and operated by A5 Hospitality is sure to impress and leave a very good taste … Prices vary.
The F Gift Card comes in wallet friendly increments and is available at Ferreira Café, Café Vasco da Gama and Campo. F-ANTASTIQUE!
Like the name implies, there’s nothing small about the way the Jegantic Group thinks. Currently one of the most major players on the Montreal luxury eatery and hospitality scene, their popular venues like Bord’Elle, The Farsides, Hang and Yoko Luna have rapidly emerged as some of the most sought after reservations in the city, making them perfect gifts for the foodies in your lives. But get excited for 2025 because this group has way more in store. #CAN’TSTOPTHEJOHNERGY!
If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of this incredible European style gourmet hall in the heart of Montreal, do treat yourselves. Housed in the wondrous new shop emporium otherwise known as Royalmount, the well curated variety of foods available is so impressive. From Japanese to Indian to Mexican to Italian and much more, indulgence is the experience, and yes, makes a tremendous gift.
Le Richmond and Marché Italien
Whether you’re in the market for a gift basket of delicious, Italian goodies or a gift card for the restaurant that serves Northern Italian cuisine devotees can’t get enough of, Le Richmond has got you covered. Prices vary.
To lounge, to people-watch, to martini, to friend-group, to dine like kings and queens in the most sublime setting is to experience the magic of Marcus. Sharing this experience is the height of caring.
Tucked neatly into the newly imagined Nelligan Hotel this beyond gorgeous new space (SO PRETTY!) also boasts some of the most mouthwateringly delicious Greek fare (with a twist!) in the city. It is an absolute delight and wonderful gift for the palate-discerning. Try it yourselves too. Social Gal & Gent worthy!
Truth be told Mandy’s is the quintessential Montreal/world salad spot!! Why not treat a greens-loving loved one to to one of their to-die-for bottled dressings or stock them up on fun Mandy’s merch? The fame salad sisters also have a 24-day chocolate advent calendar available for a limited time, in collaboration with the chocolate masters at Juliette & Chocolat… ($50).
Brownie addicts like us, get excited! The experts at one of our fave home-grown brownie destinations, Blissful Brownies, are setting us up right for the holidays. The melt-in-your-mouth masterpieces available in a panoply of decadent flavours are yours for the taking, enjoying and sharing… As the adage goes, sharing is caring.
And now, chocolate lovers keep rejoicing! Lindt has holiday gifts to make your holidays even sweeter! Whether you’re looking for a gift for a teacher, friend, or the kids in your life, Lindt’s chocolate bears, gift boxes, and truffles are a seriously delicious option. (Prices vary).
As for the cocktails, we love to raise a glass and craft a tail with our faves, Moët & Chandon. Belvedere, Hennessy, and homegrown PUR Vodka.
FOR HOMELOVING HOMEBODIES:
If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of the MARTHA STEWART documentary on Netflix, now is the time. Get inspired by her desire to make beauty and homemaking celebratory and accessible. Is there someone in your life with the Martha gene, who loves to cater and/or beautify their living spaces? Here are some things you could wow them with this holiday season. Martha worthy!
In a nutshell: Batimat is the haven for beautiful home hardware. If your loved one is always talking about wanting to renovate kitchens and/or bathrooms or just has a killer eye for detail and taste for luxury, consider taking them to Batimat to explore the options in various metals and finishes. Their newly expanded showroom on 8300 Devonshire is well worth the visit!
Montauk‘s indoor and outdoor sofas are literal works of art. Like people dream of owning them since childhood. Fact. They also have rugs and tables. Moreover, every upholstered product is handmade in the Montreal factory. With so many custom design options, the gifting options are limitless! Go Montauk and go home! 😉
Blinds, drapes, fabric galore! C&M has all the fabrics of fantasies and is the go-to for all interiors gurus. If fabrics and blinds are involved in the gifting, this is the destination…
MORE SOCIAL GAL SELECTS ON THE HOME FRONT: Further brands and emporiums to consider for the home lovers on the list include Cameo Collection, Environment Electronique, Latitude Nord, Linen Chest, Maison Westmount, Red Carpet & Rug, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove, and Union Lighting & Décor. All are homeware meccas, with everything from luxury fixtures, custom furnishings, the softest linens, high-end appliances, most comfortable sofas, unique rugs and distinct lighting for the houseware aficionados in your life.
FOR THE STAYCATIONERS:
I mean, really, who doesn’t love the gift of a staycation, especially when it involves some of the most magnificent and welcoming luxury hotels in the city?
Four Seasons Montreal, Hotel Esterel, Le Mount Stephen, Ritz-Carlton Montreal, The Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain, Nelligan, Warwick Le Crystal and Hotel Place D’Armes are all top-notch spots to spend the holidays, and most of them have special packages that include special treats (ie, the fun Ritz offer below).
ESPECIALLY FOR RITZ ENTHUSIASTS:
For a daily treat leading up to Christmas Day, consider this Ritz-Carlton Montreal advent calendar ($130).
For some added luxury to your day-to-day: the holiday mug ($50), water bottle ($60) and tote bag ($15).
For a piece of the high tea experience in the comfort of your home, the Ritz-Carlton Montréal tea ($75) is the perfect choice.
FOR THE TRAVEL SAVVIES:
Air Canada is the premiere airline of choice for holiday and all travel (our fave!) if you’re looking to book a getaway for yourself, family members or other loved ones. While the safety and flight experience is elevated in all senses of the word, they’ve recently updated the in-air menu, which makes the travel even more enjoyable and attuned to senses, particularly for the foodies among us!
FOR PET PARENTS:
If you’re a fur parent, you know that your four legged bestie deserves the very best accessories, during the holidays especially. You also know how wasteful they can be (think of the bags alone!). Enter Earth Rated, creators of the eco-conscious bags, toys, grooming essentials, and accessories that make lowering your pup’s carbon footprint a breeze. Talk about good pet gifting!
FOR THE LOVE OF SOCIAL MEDIA:
Finally, we can’t help but top off the 2024 guide with some of our fave social media finds, mostly ‘INSTA-discoveries. Many come courtesy of homegrown local businesses, all are absolutely fabulous. ENJOY. (And to those we may have missed, our human is showing. Doesn’t mean we love you any less!):
And It’s a wrap. Once again, wishing one and all every blessing for the holidays and beyond. Please stay safe and take care of you and your loved ones … xxxxxxx