Well, the sweatshirt says it all: ‘don’t rush me, I’m waiting for the last minute’.
This statement definitely applies to most things I do – just ask my husband, he’ll vouch that I’m the ultimate procrastinator.
BUT I’m happy to report that this holiday season, I’ve made an exception: I’m ahead of the game when it comes to Christmas gift shopping and wrapping.
So put on your festive pants, because today I’m talking all about Christmas presents! Plus, I’m sharing gift wrapping tips, as well as some swoon-worthy Christmas gift ideas for the ladies, men and littles in your life!
Swoon-worthy Christmas Gift Wrapping Tips
When it comes to wrapping Christmas gifts, I always suggest sticking within the colour scheme of your Christmas tree. After all, those pretty little pressies are going to be acting as decor in your home for several weeks before they’re opened by family and friends!
While I do keep wrapping paper on-hand for oversized gifts, I always lean towards re-useable gift bags and boxes. On top of being less wasteful, sturdy gift boxes (like these) are ideal for storing your delicate ornaments once the holiday season wraps up.
This year, I held onto some tulle I had left over from decorating my tree, which made a great present-filler.
But, if I’m being honest, I’m most thrilled with these personalised monogrammed tote bags from The Scarlett Studio in Toronto. I’m so glad I found them – they’re a gift AND a gift bag all in one! (And if my sister Sophie is reading this – yes, you guessed right – that ‘S’ bag is for you, LOL).
Swoon-worthy Christmas Gifts
Okay – so this is an obvious one – but before you get to wrapping presents, you’ll first need to find the perfect gifts!
I don’t know about your family, but over the last few years mine has been trending towards a ‘less is more’ approach. We’re very fortunate in the sense that we have everything we need. And, particularly since having Elle, I’ve worked to be mindful of the items we purchase and bring into our home. It’s quite alarming the sheer volume of ‘stuff’ that one household can accumulate!
And so, throughout the year and especially at Christmastime, I like to be thoughtful in my gift giving. I try to find something unique. Something you wouldn’t see every day. Something made with care and personalised to reflect my loved one’s style and interests.
And so, on my quest for ‘that something special’, I often turn to Etsy – the world’s most imaginative marketplace.
I originally fell in love with Etsy while wedding planning. I spent months trolling through ALL the malls, searching out paper products and decor that I envisioned in my mind but couldn’t find in person. And then, voila – I found them with the click of a mouse.
That love continued as I marked special occasions with keepsake items, like custom artwork for Elle’s nursery and a printout of our wedding song lyrics for Aaron on our first wedding anniversary.
And so, given my long-standing Etsy love, I’m excited to have partnered with them to put together a gift guide featuring items from creatives right here in Canada!
Swoon-worthy Christmas Gifts for Her
I’m sure it comes as no surprise, but I mayyyyyy have picked up a little somethin’ somethin’ for myself while Christmas shopping!
The 31-week baby bump is loving my new SIYTSHIRT sweatshirt. It’s super soft and oh-so-cozy. Here’s to hoping that baby takes a page out of my book and takes his or her sweet time arriving. Elle came six days late, so I’m not mentally prepared for baby to come early, LOL!
And isn’t this cozy pompom beanie the cutest?!
Keeping my sisters, Mum, mother-in-law and girlfriends in mind, I curated some other swoon-worthy Christmas gifts for the fabulous ladies in YOUR life.
/ Slouchy pompom beanie/ Sole protectors/ Custom doormat/ Monogrammed tote bag/ Lip balm/ Personalized phone case/ Terrarium tea towel/ Wine bag/ Plant Mom,Extra AFand Pretty AF pencils/ Fancy AF candle/ Tassel earrings/ Succulent pillow/ Personalised cosmetic bag/ Personalised floral robe/ Himalayan salt soak/ Moon necklace/ Quartz necklace/ Purple clay bath bomb/ Jasmine mosaic soap/ Geometric vase/ Ivory pompom beanie/ ‘Don’t rush me I’m waiting for the last minute’ sweatshirt/ Concrete metallic pot/ Sangria mix/ Champagne bottle ornament/ Ring box/
And can we just take a second to appreciate how adorable these hand-sewn Christmas ornaments are! Such a great gift idea for the retro-loving gal pal in your life.
Swoon-worthy Christmas Gifts for Him
Aaron is a big wine fan and loves making his own craft cocktails, so I was excited when I found Montreal-based Chez Figue’s sangria mix and homemade gin kit.
Here are some other Canadian gift ideas for the men on your Christmas list. Not going to lie – my favourite is probably the Daddy Shark shirt (and if you have a toddler, sorry for getting the song stuck in your head…. du-du-du-du-du-du!)
/ Beer Christmas ornaments/ Personalized monogram whiskey glass/ Matching shark outfits/ Personalized bottle opener/ Bacon and eggs socks/ Homemade gin kit/ Leather wallet/ Personalised cooler chair/ Walnut phone case/ Mandle candle/ Engraved lighter/ Wood phone stand/ Custom cutting board/ Personalized pen/ Beard box/ Caesar socks/ Sangria mix/ Leather monogram keychain/
Swoon-worthy Christmas Gifts for Little Ones
So, did you know that my favourite home decor item EVER is from Etsy?
If you’ve been following along on my Instagram for long, you probably know exactly what I’m talking about: Elle’s watercolor peony wall art from Rocky Mountain Decals.
They add such a dreamy element to her nursery. In fact, I love them so much I had to dress up the walls in Elle’s playroom with flowers, too!
I always have new moms, aunties and grandparents reaching out and asking where I found them. So they’re just one of several charming gift ideas for little ones that I’m linking below.
I think it’s safe to say that Elle’s faves are these adorable Ellie bows!
/Floral teether/ Fox teether/ Canvas tent/ Cactus baby blanket/ Floral baby blanket/ 5-in-1 car seat cover/ Pop tart and pickle plush food/ Bunny hats/ Gray knotted sleeper/ Donut teether/ Mauve knotted sleeper/ Personalised floral wall art/ Personalised Celtic wall art/ Fiesta pompom outfit/ Christmas pajamas/ Cacti wall decals/ Peony wall decals/ Monthly milestone blanket/ Hair bows/ Tooth fairy bag/ Personalised floral blanket/ Personalised crown pillow/ 2019 baby onesie/ Double pompom beanie/ Personalised sweet dreams pillow/ Soft sole baby booties/ Personalised feather blanket/ Personalised unicorn book/ Personalised dinosaur book/
Well, guys, I hope you found some inspiration in my swoon-worthy Christmas gift guide! I’d love to hear what your favourites are in the comments below.
Also, a big thank you to Etsy for sponsoring this post. As always, all thoughts are my own.
Xo Holly Hunka