And here you have it Social Gals and Gents, our last minute 2023 GIFT GUIDE because thanks to technology (and forgiving late store hours), there’s still a window to secure some fab gifts for your loved ones. Enjoy and happy holidays!
FOR BEAUTY LOVERS
Ever-inspired by Pantone colours of the year, Bio Sculpture (the innovative, award-winning leader in healthy nail care) never disappoints. The popular Gemini polishes contain hardening plant extracts like aloe vera, a UV filter, and, much to our delight, are fast drying and long lasting. Nailed it!
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.
Another homegrown rang that delivers the goods time and again is Neostrata, particularly beloved for its clinical results based approach to beauty. This season, they’re offering all kinds of good gifting. Definitely check out the Rebound Sculpting Cream. #LOVE
Faces can’t have all the fun, which is why hair products from industry leader Moroccanoil are always a good idea. That said, we recently tried their hand cream and were blown away. All the love and care for hair was gently infused into this can’t-live-without Hand Cream, available in a variety fo fragrances and formulations depending on your individual needs.
With a gift certificate for Clinique K – celebrity plastic surgeon Karl Schwarz’s stunning clinic/ beauty emporium – you can help 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.
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! 😉
Gift cards for hair treatments, extensions, colour, cuts and styling at this legendary salon go a long way in upping someone’s shine and spirits this season when we need it most. Prices vary.
From individual lip plumpers and neck, chin and jawline sculptors to the Essential Collection Set, the supermodel approved brand by OG beauty disruptor Randi Shinder has everything to make the holidays a little (ahem a lot!) more fabulous.
Josie Fuschini Haute Cosmétiques
There are so many reasons to love this Montreal based beauty brand made with integrity and a love of product that goes the distance, like their new best-selling Charcoal Face Polish Mask. That said, they close soon for the holidays – December 22nd – so do check out all their holiday shopportunities soon!!
But of course, some of the best makeup sets, fragrance sets, stocking stuffers and more can all be found at luxury beauty destination YSL, which also provides engraving services for that special personal touch. #BeautyGiftNirvana. Prices vary.
THE WELLNESS CORNER
When it comes to 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.
If a gorgeous healthy faux glow is your party/life bestie (it’s ours), you definitely want to share this glowlove with beauty lovers on your list, especially given their special holiday promotions including free gifts with purchases of $50 and more. Some of our faves are the Keep Me Sunkissed Face Tan Water and Colour Me Dark Express. Perfection.
Oh how we love us some luxury premium essential oils for all that ails, especially against the backdrop of this 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:
FOR FASHIONISTAS
Browns, Europa Group, Holt Renfrew and Ogilvy, Hugo Boss, Judith & Charles, La Canadienne, Marc Cain, Marchon Eyewear, Michael Kors, Ofélia, Pajar, Smythe, SSENSE, and Sartorialto are just some of our favourite sartorial spots on and offline for luxury fashion, shoes, boots, glasses, tailoring and more; also aptly known as “a few of our favourite things” (sassy holiday wink).
FOR FOODIES
Continuing a now beloved tradition, Fabrique 1840 created three gourmet boxes — Exquisite Delights, Wild Flavours and Grill Master, that bring together unique products from Canadian artisans. Mouthwatering and homegrown. The Exquisite Delights set includes:
- Hazelnut & Dark Chocolate Spread by Allo Simonne, Quebec
- Peach Apricot Jam by Provisions Food Company, Ontario
- Lavender Honey Blend by MOB Honey, Alberta
- Maple Sugar Buckwheat Shortbreads by Dinette Nationale, Quebec
- Sea Buckthorn Fruit Paste by Dinette Nationale, Quebec
- 44% Milk Chocolate bar with Caramel by KIN+POD, Alberta
- Rose Gold Popcorn Kernels by Provisions Food Company, Ontario
- Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn Seasoning by Provisions Food Company, Ontario
Whether for Kampai, Madame Bovary, Jatoba, Westwood Bar and Grill, Gypsy Kitchen+Bar, Suwu, Hà and many new 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!
Nothing like a one-stop-shop when you’re in the mood for good food. Thanks to the historic Fairmont Queen E, you can gratify gourmet tastes at luxury eatery Roselys and casual fun at Marche Artisans, and then grab a drink at Nacarat. Oh did we mention that certificates are available at all, and specialty gifts at the Marche? That too. Prices Vary.
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.
Traditional Greek cuisine beckons at this classic eatery specializing in seafood and good times, and where gift cards are readily available for a special holiday meal.
Whether gourmet salads, soups, bowls or merch are what you want to offer, this Montreal classic has it all, including the best blondies in town (or anywhere, for that matter!).
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.
In fact, the first Quebec vodka and most awarded Canadian vodka in the world has all kinds of good surprises in store for the holidays including one seriously good tasting (and holiday palette conforming) Bloody Caesar!
FOR HOME-LOVING HOMEBODIES
Batimat, Cameo Collection, Environment Electronique, Latitude Nord, Linen Chest, Maison Westmount, Montauk, Red Carpet & Rug, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove, and Union Lighting & Décor are all 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 aficionado in your life. For a little taste, behold the bestselling Chilewich table and floor mats from Union. Sustainable and stylish, they make homes beautiful and event ready while still being kind to Mother Nature. A perfect combo. Prices vary.
FOR THE BLING RING
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:
The official Rolex distributor in Montreal and the holiday wish list fulfiller of many a happy bling lover, Bijouterie Italienne knows how to wow. Point finale. Rolex Lady-Datejust:
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 to your loved ones.
One-of-a-kind pieces like this watermelon tourmaline necklace designed by the master herself can’t be replicated, which says a lot about the sentiment behind sharing one of the unique jewellery creations.
FOR STAYCATIONERS
Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, Four Seasons Montreal, Hotel Esterel, Le Mount Stephen, Ritz-Carlton Montreal, The Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain, and Hotel Place D’Armes all top-notch spots to spend the holidays, and most of them have special packages that include special treats.
FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE EVERYTHING
Luxurious cigar accessories for the distinguished gentleman (or gentlewoman!) who has everything, but appreciates the finer things in life. S.T. Dupont lighter:
With its classic pens and other luxury writing items, bags, watches, fragrances and more, Montblanc is more than a just symbol, it’s an enduring example of craftsmanship and history. Meisterstück fountain pen:
The florist with the mostest.
FOR THE LOVE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Finally, we can’t help but top off the 2023 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. Wishing one and all every blessing for the holidays and beyond. Please stay safe and take care of you and your loved ones … xxxxxxx