Gracie Carroll x The Promenade: #ArtOfGifting

When it comes to gifting, I take things very seriously. I will spend months thinking about the perfect gift to get someone, or buy something months in advance if it strikes me as the right item. Personally, I’d rather give no gift than one that I don’t feel good about giving. Some friends refer to my gifting abilities as a true talent, but really I think it’s all about taking the time to think about who you are buying for. Still, it’s always helpful to be pointed in the right direction for some inspiration. For this reason, I teamed up with The Promenade in Thornhill to highlight some of the best gifts you can buy from their many best-in-class retailers.

So to start: Who are you buying for and what do they love? To make things easier I’ve broken this gifting guide into the four GracieCarroll.com categories to highlight fabulous finds for those who favour fashion, beauty, culture and lifestyle. And don’t worry, I’ve found items to suit every budget. Ready? Here we go!

THE FASHIONISTA

Lately it seems like you can throw a pair of animal ears onto anything and voila! you’ve got yourself a hit amongst the fashion set. I guess deep down us fashion folk are all a bunch of extreme animal lovers. Maybe that’s why we love leopard print so much! What I’m trying to say is, if you’re shopping for a Fashionista, you can’t go wrong with this Fox Clutch from BCBGMAXAZRIA at The Promenade for $136.

Looking for a lower-priced accessory to give? What about these Malerova Gloves from Aldo Accessories at The Promenade for only $20?

Depending on the age of who you are buying for, the print on this Aurelie dress from Club Monaco at The Promenade ($229) might bring back some fond, or not-so-fond memories from the late 90s/early 00s. Clearly I’ve removed any memories of this print in my wardrobe (hence being unable to pin point the exact dates of its existence) but I would happily create new memories in this number. Who wouldn’t?

If you really want to knock her socks off might I suggest these seriously sexy Eve pumps ($341) from BCBGMAXAZRIA at The Promenade? I mean, between the delicate black lace and silver stud detail I’m just in love these shoes!

Speaking of socks, I actually enjoy receiving socks as gifts around the holidays because I rather dislike having to buy them for myself. Plus, they make great stocking stuffers! If you are going to go the sock route, I recommend avoiding packs of tube socks and instead picking out fun versions like these from MoxyMaus at The Promenade. Prices range from $6-$20, with styles available for both men and women.

THE BEAUTY BUFF

My friend Rema of the beauty blog, The Burgundy Book, says that oil cleansers are all the rage. Since she is a total beauty guru, you really can’t doubt anything she says. If you want to impress the beauty obsessed without breaking the bank, I suggest this Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil from The Body Shop at The Promenade that retails for a mere $16!

When it comes to beauty products I really try to use more natural and organic products, which is why I absolutely love Aveda. I was so impressed to find a full Aveda location at The Promenade and highly suggest stocking up on Aveda products if you have a bigger budget to work with. If you can only choose one thing, I might suggest reaching for Aveda’s Comforting Tea ($39), because who wouldn’t love a fancy organic tea from Aveda?

Waxed Wax Bar only just opened up at The Promenade last weekend and it is such a stunning, modern and bright space. Having to pay for waxing is never a very exciting way to spend money, so why not cover the tab with a gift certificate?

Although shopping for a fragrance for others can be a tricky thing, it would be nearly impossible not to love opening up a Chloe box set ($134). Chic? Oh yes, and you can conveniently find it in the beauty section of Sears at The Promenade.

Here are two more fun little stocking stuffer ideas to consider:

The Rosemary Mint Bath Bar ($19.50) from Aveda!

My favourite hand cream, Hemp Hand Protector ($20), from The Body Shop. This is also a great item for men.

THE CULTURE LOVER

These are one of my favourite stocking stuffer finds from The Promenade. I mean, if your culture-loving girl isn’t already covered in tattoos, there’s a good chance that she wants one, or some. Either way, anyone would have fun playing around with these temporary tattoos from Aldo Accessories at The Promenade ($8)!

This should probably be on the bookshelf, or coffee table, of every Canadian in the country… or even in the world?? Ps. getting a new coffee table book is, like, the ultimate present. Find 40 Years of Style at Roots at The Promenade for $39.95.

Not only are these ear muffs covered in rabbit fur, but they also feature built-in HEADPHONES! How cool is that? This is definitely an item that top’s my own wish list. Find them at BCBGMAXAZRIA at The Promenade for $67, and they’re also available in black.

Perfect for the emoji obsessed, these little Swarovski ‘Emotis‘ are probably one of my favourite finds in The Promenade. Unless you’re a toy or trinket collector, they really aren’t things you buy yourself. But if you love trinkets and toys (just like I do) you would be more than happy to receive them as gifts. There’s one for every personality and mood, find them at Swarovski at The Promenade for $110 each.

The music obsessed are the ones that truly appreciate limited edition box sets from the world’s best bands. Just ask my boyfriend! This Nirvana In Utero set includes 3 CDs and 1 DVD ($129.99) while the Rolling Stones Sweet Summer Sun Hyde Park Lane Deluxe Edition includes a 60-page photo book, 2 DVDs and 2 CDs ($79.99) both available at HMV at The Promenade.

If you’re in search of a gadget to impress at a reasonable price, consider Panasonic‘s Lumix DMX-XS1 White for $139 from Black’s at The Promenade. The camera is compact and slim, which is great for anyone on the go who loves to document their life.

THE FABULOUS FOODIE

Can you think of a better Canadian gift? And it smells amazing! Personally, once the candle was done I would save the tin and use it to hold pencils or brushes. I mean, it’s too cute! This would make a great gift on its own, or as a stocking stuffer and is perfect for the foodie. Find it for $16 at Roots at The Promenade.

The other day while chatting on the phone with my friend Erin (who happens to be a former Editor at Flare Magazine) we somehow got onto the subject of gifts. She made a good point that fancy olive oils and vinaigrettes are something you hardly ever buy for yourself, but are totally awesome when someone gives them to you. I loved the wide range of Olia Vinaigrettes (particularly the Infused Figs and Kumquat) from Fruit of The Land at The Promenade ($14).

Perhaps it’s from my time spent living in London, England but I love a good tea. I think finding these little canisters of DAVIDsTEA in your stocking would basically be the best thing ever. With about a million flavours to choose from, prices range from $8-40 per canister, find them at the DAVIDsTEA location at The Promenade.

Any chef can appreciate cast iron pots! If Le Creusets are out of the question, consider this little mini version by Cuisinart for $39.99 – it’s beyond cute! Find it at Sears at The Promenade.

Vitamix what? Those who love to cook and love design will be more than happy to make room for this stylish blender by Bodum in their kitchen. Even better is that they’re far more wallet friendly at $159.99 each. The hardest decision you’ll make is which colour to buy! Find them at Sears at The Promenade.

In case you haven’t been to The Promenade yet, here are some pictures of the shopping centre to get you excited for your first visit. I love how open and airy the mall feels with the help of their glass ceilings! It’s kind of like shopping outdoors… if the outdoors were warm and dry.