When I think gifts for moms, I think luxury, pampering, and awesome items that’ll simply make any hardworking mama’s life easier. That my friends, is the focus of today’s gift guide – so let’s celebrate your mothers with this collection of awesome gifts for moms.
SleepPhones – $49.95 @ Indigo (or $39.95 USD from Slee
She’s had to put up with dad’s snoring for years. If you want mom to finally get a decent’s night rest, then check out SleepPhones. Essentially, this ultra cozy fabric headband covers your ears and includes a super thin, comfortable pair of earphones for you to listen to your favourite lullabies (or whatever helps you drift off), blocking out pesky noises like it’s NBD. I emphasize the ‘super thin’ aspect of the headphones as it means no painful earbuds digging into your ears when you roll over. Even if mom’s not one to listen to tunes as she drifts off, these are great for travelers, or even just to slip on when you’re doing errands around the house or going on a walk and want a comfy way to listen up. They’re available at Indigo this holiday season or you can order directly from the SleepPhones website for allll the choices.
Two Minute Mornings Journal – $22.50
Practicing gratitude is an increasingly popular (and positive) thing to do. This little journal is a sweet choice for the mom who is looking into mindfulness, from the author of the bestselling The Happiness Equation and The Book of Awesome. Each morning, mom will be challenged to highlight what’s getting her down that she’s planning to let go of, what she’s grateful for that day, and three things she’s going to focus on for the day. It’s a great way to shake off what’s holding you back and focus on what you’d like to feel good about tomorrow – all accomplished in two minutes or less. Plus the petite size of this little journal makes it easy for her to stash in her briefcase or purse.
Vichy Purete Thermale Cleansing Gel – $19.95 + Makeup Cleansing Wipes – $14.95
Here’s a tip: Beautiful skin truly starts at the cleansing stage, to help minimize buildup and oils, leaving skin feeling simply refreshed – not tight. Vichy’s Purete Thermale collection does just that. Start off with the brand’s gel cleanser, specifically tailored for sensitive skin and perfect for stashing in the shower or keeping near the sink. In a rush? Use the paraben / alcohol / fragrance-free Purete Thermale wipes to cleanse off the daily grime and makeup residue. It’s a one-two punch mom can follow up with her favourite skin treatments!
The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman – $36.99
Over two decades ago, acclaimed author Alice Hoffman introduced us to the Owens family in Practical Magic; the story of sisters Gillian and Sally who want to escape the buzz of suspicion around their family and its witchy associations. Now, Hoffman has gone back to the well and brought fans this wildly appealing prequel that centers on matriarch Susanna and her three ‘gifted’ children, Franny, Jet, and Vincent. While Susanna is determined as all get out that her children aren’t painted with a witch brush, things begin to unravel when they visit their aunt Isabelle in the same town Practical Magic takes place in, and in turn, realizes what they are and what the family curse entails. Can they outrun it? You’ll have to read this twisty, engaging book to find out. Perfect for fans of the original book and the cult classic movie, this delightful tale introduces us to a fresh cast of characters while incorporating plenty of Easter eggs and cameos from the original book. A must-have for any mom that read Practical Magic in her book club at some point!
Charcuterie Board – $60 @ Woodrift.co
I featured Woodrift’s coasters the other week as part of my hostess gifts post, but in case you missed it – here’s a quick recap of what makes this Canadian brand so special: as an eco-friendly gift option, these boards are made using reclaimed driftwood salvaged from beaches throughout Vancouver Island. They’re then finished with the brand’s own WoodWax, free from harsh chemicals and designed to bring out your board’s gorgeous wood grain. Ideal for the hostessing mom – she can even break it out for Christmas dinner!
Elizabeth Grant Night Wonder Concentrate – $70
Help mom turn back the clock on her skin with this seriously powerful serum (and winner of Fashion Magazine’s beauty awards!) With gentle exfoliating action via power ingredients like Torricelumn
, glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid, this deeply moisturizing serum is so potent, you only need to apply it a few nights a week. Come morning time, mom will wake up with minimized pores, smoother skin, and reduced age spots. Ingenious!
Holiday Diffuser Bundle – $75 @ Escents
Every mom deserves a little R&R – and the power of aromatherapy can certainly help lift or soothe her spirits. Escents has 20+ locations across Canada (and a great online shop) that caters to anyone looking at add a little zen to their spaces. While there are tons of essential oils and diffusers to choose from, my pick is this holiday bundle, featuring the brand’s pint-sized Dot diffuser, with cycling LED lights built right in, and two aroma blends.
Toast & Jam by Sarah Owens – $40
If your mama is all about ‘classic with a twist’, then she’ll adore this lovely cookbook. The recipes really are aligned with the title – the first half is filled with scrumptious baking recipes to concoct everything from pillowy soft pretzels to classic lavash, each with their own list of recommendations for what to spread on top. The second half is where things get interesting, as Sarah Owens’ definition of ‘jam’ is more accurately defined as ‘spreads’ (in fact I’d nickname this book breads and spreads) with exotic fare like spicy harissa alongside creative jams like vanilla marmalade and spiced plum preserves. Nab it, then invite yourself over for breakfast on New Year’s Day!
OGX Extra Strength Damage Ready + Coconut Miracle Oil – $10.99 each @ Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Jean Coutu, and London Drugs
There are plenty of skincare and beauty lines out there dedicated to mamas, but lets not forget about her mane! It’s been through a lot my friends – but luckily there are brands like OGX that offer up some sincerely smoothing and soothing products to restore her locks back to lustrous health. One of OGX’s latest lines is infused with coconut and ‘miracle’ oil to help calm and tame frizz, leaving hair silky smooth. While you’re at it, be sure to check out the brand’s limited edition seasonal collection with YouTube artist Kandee Johnson – perfect for stocking stuffers!
Lavishy Wallets and Change Purses – From $12.50
So, a lot of these gift ideas have been about mom enjoying time at home, but when she does venture out, make sure she’s looking stylish with a chic accessory from Ontario-based Lavishy. This eco chic brand delivers on things mom will seriously value: non-toxic, recyclable, and biodegradable materials used throughout the line, as well as a lot of upcycled materials and vegan leather. While I’ve focused in on a few of their cute wallets / change purses above, they also carry jewelry, tech cases, luggage tags, and more, in gorgeous prints inspired by nature, exotic cultures, and classic motifs. And seriously, those price points? No joke – you can easily get mom a matching collection of goodies or stuff her stocking!
3 Wick Pie Candles – $20 each @ Foggy Island Candles
Nothing quite beats the smell (and taste) of mom’s baking, but if she’s ready to kick back and enjoy those heavenly aromas for herself, try these cute pie candles instead. Created by Newfoundland-based Foggy Island Candle Co., these pie-shaped candles look good enough to eat – never mind smell! Scented like buttery crust and cooked fruit, you can nab one of these long-burning three-wick candles in your choice of six scents – including standbys like Apple and Blueberry.
Zwilling Plus Wok with Steamer – $240
Shopping for a foodie mom? She’ll appreciate the multi-tasking function of this high quality stainless steel pan from trusted kitchen brand Zwilling. Use it to make sensational stir fries, and attach the steamer basket on top to either multi-task and make side dishes or healthy steamed fish, or to cook an entire meal on its own. You can also use it in the oven and on virtually any cooktop. Save time, save energy, and save space – this amazing two-in-one dish does it all.
Maple Leaf Necklace – $62 @ Birch Jewellery
It wouldn’t be the Canadian Gift Guide without some truly Canadian gift ideas. Birch Jewellery is an Ottawa-based outfit doing something pretty unique with their maple leaf necklaces that are, in fact, actually made from maple leaves! How you ask? They collect fallen leaves from the forest floor (yay sustainability), coat them in copper to preserve its beautiful shape and veins, and finished with your choice of silver or 24K gold. It’s a lovely piece for any newcomers to Canada or those that simply want to show off their love for our True North.
I know that you might feel like your mom has it all, but does she have all of these amazing gift ideas? I think not. And I happen to be giving away a bunch of them as well – you could win over $750 in fantastic prizing, including:
- SleepPhones
- Copy of Two Minute Mornings
- Vichy Purete Thermale Cleansing Gel & Makeup Removing Wipes
- Copy of The Rules of Magic
- Woodrift Charcuter-sea Board
- Escents Holiday Diffuser Bundle
- Copy of Toast & Jam
- OGX Beauty Collection
- Lavishy Large Wallet and Coin Purse
- 3x Foggy Island Candles Pie Candles
- Zwilling Plus Wok with Steamer
- Birch Jewellery 24K Maple Leaf Necklace
Want to score this marvelous collection of gifts for mom? Here’s how to enter for your chance to win:
1) MAKE SURE YOU READ THIS! You must be a Canadian Gift Guide subscriber to enter this giveaway. Just find the ‘Gift of Gab’ box on the righthand side of this page and either hit ‘Follow’ or enter your email address. Once you’ve done that, leave me a comment by December 8, 2017 telling me your favourite gift ideas for mom from this list.
2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around December 9, 2017 to select the winner(s), who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.
3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible for this promotion.
4) Bonus Entries – Complete as many of these as you’d like, leave separate comments for each one, and you’ll earn extra entries into the draw!
Like SleepPhones on Facebook and leave a wall post that tags a friend in need of this awesome gift idea. Link back to your wall post in a separate comment below.
Follow Raincoast Books on Instagram and comment on one of their posts, tagging a friend you think would be interested in whatever title they’re featuring in that post. Link back to the post you commented on (with your Instagram username!) in a separate comment below.
Follow Vichy on Instagram and comment on one of their posts, tagging a friend you think would be interested in whatever title they’re featuring in that post. Link back to the post you commented on (with your Instagram username!) in a separate comment below.
Follow Simon & Schuster on Instagram and like one of their posts. Then leave a separate comment below that tells me you’ve done so and includes your IG username.
Follow Woodrift on Instagram and like one of their posts. Then leave a separate comment below that tells me you’ve done so and includes your IG username.
Follow Escents on Instagram, then tag two friends on one of their posts that you think would dig their products. Link back to the Instagram post you commented on in a separate comment below, with your IG username.
Follow Penguin Random House of Canada on Instagram and like one of their posts. Then leave a separate comment below that tells me you’ve done so and includes your IG username.
Follow OGX Beauty on Instagram, then create a post on your own feed (you can regram one of theirs or grab a photo off their site or even from this post) that tags them. Link back to your post in a separate comment below.
Like Lavishy on Facebook, then leave a wall post that tags a friend you think would be interested in their products. Link back to your wall post in a separate comment below.
Like Foggy Island Candles on Facebook, then leave a wall post that tags a friend you think would be interested in their products. Link back to your wall post in a separate comment below.
Follow Zwilling on Instagram, then create a post on your own feed (you can regram one of theirs or grab a photo off their site or even from this post) that tags them. Link back to your post in a separate comment below.
Follow Birch Jewellery on Instagram and like one of their posts. Then leave a separate comment below that tells me you’ve done so and includes your IG username.