My Trusted Holiday Gift Guide

What to get the cool people in your life.

Montreal just got hit with its first snowstorm, which means I’ve officially entered my holiday vibe (without kicking and screaming, a novelty) — ready to prep for Christmas, put up the tree, and, of course, start curating gifts for all the special people in my life. Below are some things I’ll be gifting this year.

1. ByRedo Bibliothèque Candle (C$65): I know — so original. But this one is a classic. Love love love this scent. Felt only right to begin with the obligatory candle shout (this is a holiday gift guide after all). I promise the rest of this guide is more inspired !!!

   

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2. A Classic Black Pant (C$288): Everyone needs a good pair of black pants for nights out or days at the office (such a good gift for the corporate girlie in your life). I love these Reformation x Camille Rowe ones — super chic, flattering, and comfortably tight (no awkward riding up, no camel toes).

   

3. Simuero Birthstone Ring ($398): Or anything from their birthstone collection. I have the Agosto ring and it’s my favourite piece of jewelry I own — so meaningful and magical. It makes me feel protected and grounded (the powers of the Agate gem!!!). A sweet birthday gift, but I wouldn’t mind unwrapping this for Christmas either.

   

4. ByRedo Perfume Set ($60): Perfect for the perfume lover in your life (Mom, if you’re reading this…). ByRedo has the best, most unique scents (their Casablanca Lilly is my dream scent). Plus, the discovery set is customizable, so you can include all of your faves (mine are Mojave Ghost, Blanche, and Gyspy Water).

   

5. Maison Balzac Cocktail Glasses: The chicest, most fun gift for your cocktail-loving friends. I fear these would break upon unboxing in my household (I can’t be trusted one drink in), BUT these are a great gift if you have responsible friends. Alternatively, these glasses are stunning for everyday use.

   

6. Bink Day Bottle ($55): The only water bottle that holds me accountable and makes me want to stay hydrated (s/o to the straw). Good if you have oral fixations and great if you can’t be f*ed to drink water (it legit feels like a chore to me). It comes in so many colours and is the most adorable thing.

   

7. Dedcool 01 “Taunt” Eau De Parfum ($90): Genderless and sooo delicious, Taunt is one of my fave fragrances to gift because it’s so versatile and suits everyone. They also have it in a travel size.

   

8. EADEM Lip Balm ($24): Le Chouchou in Bissap Glaze is my fave — a tinted lip balm that looks like a gloss (without the stickiness). All of us Meloche girls carry one of these with us wherever we go (it’s my mum’s fave).

   

9. Cyklar Sex Musk ($24): A roll-on perfume that smells like heaven. It’s small-purse-friendly, something I take with me everywhere and reapply with a heavy hand when I’m out. It gets me so many compliments. Perfect for the friend who loves to smell amazing in a subtle, sexy way.

   

10. Hitster (C$28): A board (ish) game for music lovers. I’ve discovered so many songs while playing this. It can get rowdy if you’re playing with ultra-competitive people (e.g. my entire family). It’s so fun. I’m sure you can make it into a drinking game if you wanted to (who wouldn’t!).

11. Oribe Hair Care Holiday Set (C$144): Oribe makes my hair feel luxurious (their shampoo is so creamy). This limited edition set is a gorgeous gift for any hair care enthusiast (includes shampoo, conditioner, and hair oil).

    

12. Lore Sublimity ($88/$28): My latest perfume obsession — it is so fresh, with beachy, salty-sweet notes of coconut and sandalwood. Yum. I think it’s physically impossible not to love this scent. And the bottle sits so pretty on my shelf.

    

13. Dave Swindells Ibiza ‘89 (C$100): A cool coffee table book for the friend who can’t stop talking about that one trip to Ibiza (I am that friend).

    

14. Any IDEA Book (C$140): This Katie Grand one is on my personal wishlist (because pink and gorg).

    

15. Acne Paper Issue 20 ($85): The coolest coffee table book, filled with fashion essays, art, and stunning imagery. A thoughtful gift for any friend who loves fashion, print media, and Acne (of course).

    

16. Nuuna Journal (€31.50): My favourite journal brand. I’ve used their journals for over a decade and can’t imagine ever using any other. I’m on my third one — they are like 250 pages thick, and I write in miniature. Yes my mind is a crazy place to be thank you. They’re thick, heavy, and extremely satisfying to write in. I recommend the bullet journal.

    

17. Flamingo Estate Candle ($87): Smells like cake (the Principessa cake from Saint Ambroeus, to be exact) in the best way possible (not too sweet). Made with soy wax, so it’s better for you. They also have a tomato one you can customize if you like your space to smell like a garden (also very yummy).

    

18. Theraplush Hand Cream ($74): I keep this on my nightstand, where it not only looks good, but reminds me to care for my hands (which are dry, ashy, kinda gross this time of year). Makes it so I wake up with luscious, hydrated hands (on nights I remember to apply it (which, I regret to say, is not often enough)).

    

19. Gem Wear Bra (C$120): My most worn bra. It is so comfy and so cool. I wear it with everything. It elevates any outfit where it can be glimpsed beneath garments. Good for small boobs.

    

20. Paris Review Subscription ($59): The perfect gift for a book or print media lover. I’d get this for a friend who keeps mentioning they want to read more. Emma got me this last year, and it is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

    

21. Tekla Bathrobe (C$340): My favourite bathrobe — heavy, timeless, STRIPES (love a Tekla stripe). Dangerously comfy (once I put this on, good luck convincing me to leave the house). You can’t go wrong with this.

    

22. Hourglass Brush Set ($175): These makeup brushes are a game-changer. From someone who is not incredible at makeup but loves to play around with it, these will lessen the blow of misplaced, misblended, misused product. Bonus: it comes with a cute pouch.

    

23. Best Lip Tint Ever ($22)): This is the best lip tint in the world (shade Charming is perfection). I will die on this hill. I would looooove to receive this as I go through them so quickly. A must-have in every beauty kit.

24. Alex Eagle Mosaic Murano Glasses (£260): I spotted these at Alex Eagle Studios in London this summer and fell in love. The glasswork is gorgeous. A thoughtful gift for someone moving into a new space or just looking to add a pop of colour to their apartment.

    

25. Customizable Monica Vinader Swede Jewelry Box (£100): I never travel anywhere without mine — it protects my jewelry in style. Anything customizable makes for such a lovely gift.

    

26. Niko June Mug (C$90): My matcha cup (I have it in yellow). I love her soooo much. They come in so many colours and materials (ceramic or glass) — something for everyone.

    

27. Merit Bronzy Highlighting Balm ($44): Everyone needs this in their makeup routine — it adds glow and bronze to skin, works as both a highlighter and an eyeshadow, and revives a dull winter complexion.

    

28. Crown Affair Hair Gel ($57): In the age of slickbacks, this gel is my holy grail. Not crunchy (my hair pet peeve) and smells lux.

    

29. L’Occitane Hand Cream ($32): A winter necessity — this is a no BS hand cream, shea butter-heavy, hydrating without the greasy feel. Every mom I know has one of these in their bedside table (it passing the Mom Test is justification enough).

    

30. Saie Glossy Bounce (C$33): The best lip gloss — not sticky, gives your lips that plump, dewy look. Everyone needs one in their purse.

    

31. Aesop Shaving Set ($95): My go-to for the men in my life. Smells incredible and looks great in the bathroom.

    

32. The Outset Essentials Set ($150): What I would gift to anyone struggling with their skincare routine/looking for a new skincare regimen. Clean, fragrance-free, it has never let my skin down.

    

33. Guerlain Hand Cream (C$75): More of a splurge, but legitimately the best hand cream I’ve ever tried. Non-greasy, super hydrating, and smells divine. Fits in any purse.

34. Moleskin Notebook (C$61): I’ve gifted this exact notebook to so many friends (everyone should have one!). It’s a great beginner’s journal (my Nuuna is thick in contrast lol). Plus, it can be customized, which makes it extra special.