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Year of the Snake

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Well the Chinese New Year is JUST around the corner, and while you can certainly opt to purchase a gift to bring to whatever kind of fete you might be attending, I just like the idea of picking out Zodiac-themed gifts to use year-round for people celebrating special occasions – whether the arrival of a new child or a marriage, it’s cool to commemorate what Chinese Zodiac that event happened. And of course, if a special someone is a ‘Snake’, you can play on it with a birthday gift of that theme this year. With that in mind, I’ve curated a small collection of snake-themed gifts for your perussssssssal…

MAC Year of the SnakeM.A.C. Year of the Snake Collection – $19 to $29
You’ll see plenty of beauty collections dedicated to this year’s Chinese Zodiac symbol, but perhaps none so thorough as the line-up from M.A.C. The shimmery & smoothing collection is inspired by the iridescent shine of snake scales, and is brought to life through a palette of rich plums and pinks. Not only are the colours inspired by snakes, the entire collection comes with special Year of the Snake packaging, with many of the powders embossed with a snake motif. A ssssseriously (I promise I’ll stop that now) awesome choice for the M.A.C. maven in your life.

Sterling Silver Snake Rings – $106 each @ Michelle Chang Jewelry
Coiled rings have long been a staple in jewelry design, and there’s no doubt they were inspired by snakes. These rings take that reference literally by adding in bejewelled eyes and a slightly tapered tail. Want one with a little more bite? There’s a stand-up version as well. If you’re gifting this as a special token for someone born in the Year of the Snake (particularly if say, they’re celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary), you can ramp up the luxe factor with a variation in gold.

2013 Birth Year Box

Birth Year Box – $48 @ Tree by Kerri Lee
Like I’ve alluded to, one of the best ways to give a ‘Year of the Snake’ gift is for folks giving birth to little baby snakes this year. Contrary to popular belief, you can make snakes cute, at least Tree by Kerri Lee has managed to with this super cute illustrated baby box, perfect for storing your baby book and all those accoutrements – that lock of hair from baby’s first haircut, those first shoes, that swaddling blanket…plus maybe a Chinese Zodiac token or two. Super cute way to celebrate this ancient way of predicting a prosperous future.

Michael Kors Snakeskin Embossed WalletMichael Kors Snake-Embossed Zip Wallet – $89.95
Celebrate the new year in a subtle way with this uber-glam snake-embossed wallet from Michael Kors. Aside from the sleek, python-like outside, take note of the smartly organized inside, that has a dedicated pocket for iPhone users. The wristlet attachments means you can keep your precious possessions close-at-hand for those special evenings out. A seriously luxe way to bring on the Year of the Snake!

Your Chinese Horoscope 2013Your Chinese Horoscope 2013 by Neil Somerville – $17.99 (list)
Even if you aren’t born in the Year of the Snake, there’s still plenty of insight in store for you according to the Chinese Zodiac calendar. This nifty guide (in its 26th edition) provides insight into all twelve signs of the zodiac, plus the five elements, and provides personalized predictions for your 2013. If your friend is into the mystical world of horoscopes and fortune telling, pass along a copy of the book as a good luck birthday gift or thank-you present.

Snake Vertebrae Bracelet SetSnake Vertebrae Bracelets – $98 @ Astali
So…these might not be for everyone, although they are, in theory for anyone – these unisex bracelets are made from real African snake vertebrae, strung on leather with a simple lobster clasp. What might look like a wooden bracelet will basically prove to be an instant conversation starter once you reveal its origin. A seriously exotic and daring look for the wild child of your group – consider picking up the set of three for a slight discount.

Estee Lauder Year of the Snake Powder Case

Estee Lauder Year of the Snake with Lucidity Powder – $80 @ The Bay
Sometimes it’s worth splurging on a beauty product not just because it’s going to make you look amazing, but it’s pretty in and of itself. Such is the case with this enamel-and-gold snakeskin print case, with Estee Lauder’s famed luminous pressed powder. I actually wrote about the brand’s ongoing collection of collectible cases once before, and what I said then rings true now: you aren’t just paying for the powder when you spend this much. The powder is actually refillable. The whole idea is to pick a case that matches your personality and love it for a lifetime (or, you know, till something cuter comes along).

Mint Year of the Snake1/4 oz Fine Silver Coin – $31.95 @ The Royal Canadian Mint
This limited-edition coin celebrating this year’s Chinese zodiac is nearly sold out, so maybe it’s not entirely fair of me to feature it, but it’s just so gosh darn cool. Then again, even if you can’t score this nifty snake engraved on a branch, the Mint has produced an array of collectible coins as part of their ongoing zodiac series – from baby gift appropriate styles in the $35-$45 range, to the serious coin collector booty climbing up into the thousands. No matter what, you’ll know our very own Mint is behind these breathtaking designs.

MIA Botticelli SandalMIA Botticelli Snake Sandal – $60 @ Urban Outfitters
If this is the next evolution of the still-popular gladiator sandal, colour me impressed. The ‘Botticelli’ sandal from MIA is a caged, lace-up affair, with nifty details like a small wedge heel and peep toe for a look that’s part-fashion star, part-vacation-ready beach babe. Pair it with your favourite summer dresses to ramp up the style factor, or gift it to your sister that was born during one of the past Snake years as a nod to her birth year.

Rodial Glamoxy Snake CollectionRodial Glamoxy Snake Collection – $83 – $160
After last month’s smashing response to the Rodial line, I knew I had to save a follow-up for Year of the Snake, namely with their line of Glamoxy products. The entire line is infused with dipeptides, which create a similar effect to that of the Temple Viper’s venom. In other words, the one-two-three punch of the mask, serum, and pen give you the same plumping and firming effects as more invasive treatments like Botox. If your Chinese New Year’s resolution is to reduce fine lines and brighten up your skin, look no further than this exotic line of products.

There you have it, ten super Snake-inspired ideas for the Zodiac lovers on your list. And a special giveaway for a lucky reader: I’ve got a Glamoxy Snake Serum Pen to help you banish those worry lines and enjoy a peaceful and prosperous 2013. Here’s how to enter:

1) Leave a comment by February 22nd with what snake-inspired gift idea caught your eye.

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 February 23rd to select the winners, 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 to participate in this promotion.

4) Bonus Entry: Pin all ten items featured in this post to Pinterest, and leave a link back to ‘em in the comments below! You’ll earn up to 10 bonus entries (1 per item you Pin).



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