Is it just me, or has November just flown by? But you know what that means... Christmas shopping! With Sporting Life (my new favourite store), Sephora, Aritzia, David's Tea, and so much more, Hillcrest has everything you need to check off your wish list! Bonus points if some of these goodies end up under the tree from Santa ;)
1 - Roots Cabin Collection
The Roots Cabin Collection is everything you need to stay warm and cozy this winter. With classic sweaters, hats, mitts, and more, this collection evokes an old school Canadiana that just reminds you how lucky we are to be Canadian. A perfect gift to end off Canada's 150, this collection has classics for both him and her. My top pick for her is the Roots Cabin Chenille Crew ($80). For him, I am loving the Roots Cotton Cabin Cardigan ($88). Roots at Hillcrest is in the process of converting from an outlet store to a regular store, which means that right now they don't have full stock of all the new collections-- but they're working on it! When I spoke to the team there they were more than happy to order in anything that other locations had.
2 - Disney x Pandora
Upgrade your (or her!) classic Pandora charm bracelet with some Disney magic! My top picks are the Cinderella Coach ($105) and Minnie Headband ($55). Perfect for the young and young at heart, I also love the Minnie Mouse cutout earrings and the necklace charms. View the full collection here.
3 - A Unique Perfume
Sephora never fails to disappoint for the beauty addict in your life. I could probably fill a gift guide exclusively with their gift sets... I love the idea of including a roller ball as a stocking stuffer. Perfect to keep in your purse when you are on the go, and a great way to gift perfume at a more affordable price point, lately I have been loving the Elizabeth and James Amethyst Nirvana ($35). Warm and spicy with notes of honeysuckle, tobacco and ceder, I know I will be wearing this perfume to holiday parties this year. Interested in something sweeter? Try Chloe's classic fragrance ($35). Something sexier? Try Kat Von D's Sinner with liquid lipstick ($36) Something entirely unique? Try Angel by Mugler ($29).
4 - Timeless Gloves
Apparently I am the last person to learn that "Sporting Life" is more Holt Renfrew, less Sport Check. New to Hillcrest, Sporting Life is basically a winter wonderland for stylish, high end outer wear. They even carry Rebecca Minkoff purses! While I am sure that given enough time I could have come up with quite the wishlist exclusive to Sporting Life, I was instantly drawn to Barbour's Women's Tartan Trim Gloves ($125). I love how classic and timeless they are. Knowing that I will love them five years down the line makes the splurge worth it, and makes them both a worthy investment and a thoughtful gift. Bearing three Royal Warrants (you can read a more in depth commentary on that in my Fall /Winter Transition Fashion post), Barbour is a favourite of the British Royal Family. And if its good enough for The Queen, its good enough for you, your best friend, your mom, or your aunt!
5 - Cosy PJs
Something about PJs make them perfect to gift. The idea of being warm and cosy as we head into the long stretch of winter really warms my heart. I love this fuzzy grey pair from Reitmans -- the top could totally be worn grocery shopping with a pair of Lulus if you didn't feel like putting on "real clothes" in that time between Christmas and New Years. This Christmas Reitmans has both a regular collection and a deluxe collection. I recommend springing for the deluxe collection as the fabrics are much softer. Since the sets come pre-packaged make sure to double check that the sizing is consistent between the top and the bottom. My top pick is the Deluxe Fox Set ($54.90). If you are looking at the regular collection, the pink Champagne for Breakfast nighty ($26.90) is adorable, and the Dachshund Print set ($32.90) is perfect for dog lovers!
6 - Some (faux) Fur
Aritzia is always a crowd pleaser, with teenagers, millennials, and moms alike. I am loving the Eton Peak Hat ($45). Available in a range of greys, white, and pink, this sung hat is both warm and fashion forward. And the best part? The huge, fluffy pompom is made with faux fur! If you wanted to solidify your spot as the best gift giver ever, consider adding one of their oversized scarves. I love this blue and grey Haus Party Blanket ($85) by Wilfrid (vert/aqua) as a wrap, blanket, and scarf. Perfect to wear out in the cold, and then wrap yourself up in at school or work when you get chilly! Did I mention my favourite thing about Aritzia at Hillcrest? It is right across the hall from Sephora!
See how I style this hat in my Fall / Winter Fashion Transition post.
7 - Something Sweet
For stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, or treats to share with guests, there is nothing better than good quality chocolate. I am low-key obsessed with Purdys Chocolate Hedgehogs (10 for $18)-- they are rich, creamy, crunchy, and adorable. Perfect as a teacher gift, or to have on hand when your nephew's girlfriend unexpectedly shows up for Christmas dinner the only person I wouldn't give them to is somebody with a nut allergy. Purdys also offers an impressive collection of No Sugar Added chocolate and Kosher chocolates. Oh and the coolest thing I learned while I was in store? Purdys carries a holiday season exclusive: dark chocolate hedgehogs!
8 - For the Hostess
I stumbled upon Fruit of the Land while browsing the mall, and was immediately taken by all the yummy looking products they carried. From Israeli olive oil, to fancy preserves, from brie bakers to gift baskets, they have some real treats to add to your next holiday party, or to gift to your number one hostess. I picked up a white brie baker that was about $22 and a few Tishbi fruit preserves (~$6): Cherry Shiraz and Pear Riesling. The Cherry Shiraz fruit preserve tasted fantastic over top of the baked brie and was a real guest pleaser!
9 - Tea for Days
David's Tea never fails to disappoint with their holiday collection. This year's 24 Days of Tea (tea advent calendar) retails for $45. I love this as a pre-holiday gift. My boyfriend's mom loved the idea so much that she bought it for herself! I love the tree patterned tea press as a gift for any tea lover, though if you were looking for something more versatile it is also available in solid colours. Retailing for $35, this is really more of a tea investment as it is good for both hot and iced teas! While you're there why not grab a cup of your favourite tea before going to visit Santa!
Holiday Extras
Like any good mall, Santa is visiting Hillcrest! You can find out about his hours here. Santa was very cheerful and had a fantastic natural beard! He asked what I wanted for Christmas and I said that he had already taken care of it ;) (exciting life update to come soon!). For an extra $10 you can have your digital file. Using My Holiday Moments editor I was able to take my original image and update it with better cropping, a boarder, and fun stickers! Santa will also be taking pet photos, so don't miss those special days!
ZaZaZoo
Sephora? Check. Giant plush Koala? Check. Wondering stares from the other shoppers? Priceless.
Santa, Mr. Koala and I all encourage you to leave a toy for Toy Mountain for a child in need. Located just beside Santa's chair, why not share the joy of giving with your family and gift a toy while you are getting your photos done?
Have you ever rode a massive plush koala bear to the nearest Sephora? No? Then you don't know what you are missing! Fun for kids of all ages (including 24 year olds!) these motorised animals can't exactly speed away, but they are pretty great to putter along in. $6 for the first 10 minutes and $4.50 for each 10 minutes after that, they can not be taken into the stores. If you run out of time while you are on the "road" simply push them back to the starting point, or buy another coin. Kids will love them as a welcome distraction in the middle of shopping, or as a fun treat after their Santa photos are done!
Holiday Hours
Black Friday, November 24: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Commencing November 25:
Monday – Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Sundays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Christmas Eve, December 24: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
December 25: CLOSED
Boxing Day: December 26: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
December 27 – 29: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
December 30: 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
New Year’s Eve, December 31: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
New Year’s Day, January 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
January 2 (Regular Hours Resume): 10:00 a.m. – 9 p.m.
What is on your Christmas gifting list? I only have a few items left to gather! Happy gifting! xoxo
More Hillcrest posts: Fall Fashion (2016), Urban Beekeeping
This post is sponsored by Hillcrest Mall. Opinions remain my own.
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