Holiday 2018 Gift Guide | Great Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List

Christmas is in less than 2 weeks, the malls are crowded and many people are still searching for the perfect gifts. If you’ve started to panic, take a deep breath, have some hot cocoa and re-group. There is still time to get everything done and bake a batch of sugar cookies.

To help you survive the holiday season without having a meltdown, I’ve rounded-up a great selection of beauty items and gift sets for everyone on your list.

For the Tea Drinkers

There is nothing better than a warm cup of tea on a cold winter’s night and David’s Tea has cute Advent Calendars full of tasty blends. 24 Days of Tea ($49.00) is stocked with festive favorites and each box contains enough loose leaf yumminess for 2 cups. The calendar is a great way to discover delicious medleys and test new flavors. My top picks are apple cider, caramel shortbread, Santa’s secret, festive peppermint, s’mores chai, candy cane crush and red velvet cake.

To complete the set I highly recommend the White Starcut Nordic Mug ($23.00) with stainless steel diffuser and saucer/lid. (Available in stores and online at davidstea.com)

For the Spa Lovers

After a long December day I love sinking into a warm bath and soaking my stress away. For those who need a little down-time, the Zoella Cosmic Star Bather Set ($29.99) is an indulgent gift. The box includes bubble bath, body lotion, bath milk and exfoliating gloves to soften, cleanse, nourish and hydrate with scrumptious vanilla and peppermint. (Available at London Drugs, Familiprix, Pharmasave and farleyco.ca)

The I Love...Festive Joy Gift Boxes ($9.99 ea) are available in delicious scents like Pink Marshmallow and Blackberry-Raspberry. They can be used as shower crème or bubble bath and the fluffy foam rinses away dirt and impurities without causing dryness. Each set also comes with an exfoliating bath puff so you can lather up and relax. (Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmaprix and farleyco.ca)

Your loved ones will go crazy for the Fruits & Passion Alo Shower Gel ($8.50), Hand Cream ($4.50), candles and body lotions. The delectable formulas gently cleanse and moisturize with a combination of vitamins, antioxidants and citrus. (Available in stores and online at fruitsandpassion.com)

Recently I was vacationing in beautiful Isla Mujeres Mexico where my husband booked a luxurious suite with a large ocean view balcony and deep jacuzzi tub. We spent our evenings lounging in the warm water while looking out at the peaceful sunset, it was absolute bliss! The Me!bath Bath Bombs are a great addition to your spa treatments or romantic getaways. They are free of artificial preservatives and infused with a unique blend of 6 essential oils, indulgent fragrances, purifying minerals and healing Epsom Salt. Submerge them in water and kick-back as they soften and soothe your body. The Christmas sets include Santa’s Cookies, Snow Kissed Cranberry, and Candy Cane.

For the Fragrance Connoisseurs

Scent is very subjective so finding the right perfume for friends and family can be quite challenging. Atelier Cologne makes the task easier by offering seductive unisex fragrances. The 30 ml bottles retail for around $90.00- $100.00 each and this vibrant set comes with 3 bestsellers: Clementine California (sweet, citrus-y and fruity with a hint of pepper, vetiver, sandalwood and cypress), Vanilla Intense (rich oak-y moss, jasmine, vanilla, spicy coriander, lime and amber) and Iris Rebelle (Moroccan iris, orange flower and seductive woodiness). (Available at Sephora)

For the Gadget Enthusiasts

Hair removal can be a hassle so any tool that makes the job quick and easy is a beauty essential! The Veet Sensitive Precision Beauty Styler Expert ($29.96) helps you prepare for holiday parties and New Year’s Eve with a functional design for both wet and dry grooming. The device comes with 2 comb attachments, cleaning brush, battery, storage pouch and 2 changeable heads. The two-sided blade is great for eyebrow shaping and gentle hair removal on the face while the large blade can be used on the bikini area and under arms. Since there is no direct contact with the skin, you don’t have to worry about cuts or razor bumps and the trimmer is great for vacation. (Available at Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, Amazon, Jean Couttu and Uniprix)

The Amope Electric Foot File with Diamond Crystals ($39.97 - $44.99) is the gift that keeps on giving! The rotating files swiftly remove rough peeling skin while buffing down hard calluses and dry heels. This set includes 3 roller refills with varying degrees of coarseness to keep feet soft, healthy and pedi-perfect all year long! (Available at Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, Amazon and amope.ca)

For the Health Fanatics and Gym Members

In the New Year most of us make resolutions to be healthier and improve our diet so why not kick-start your plan with the Arbonne Essentials Protein Shakes ($38.00 per box - 10 servings). Each packet is loaded with vitamins, minerals and amino acids to help support muscles and bone. I recommend gifting the beverages with the new BPA-free Shaker Cup ($11.00) which thoroughly mixes all the ingredients. I also filled the cup with Arbonne’s Energy Fizz Sticks in various flavors to help promote mental alertness and cognitive functioning. These are great for busy mornings, travel and sleepless nights.

Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin and Nails Strawberry Gummies ($9.97) are delicious! Each fruity piece contains biotin, vitamin C and Vitamin E to support the development and maintenance of bones, cartilage, teeth and gums. They also help metabolize fat and protein so make sure to slip a bottle in everyone’s stocking. (Available at drugstores nationwide)

For Skincare Advocates & Outdoorsy Types

Winter can be harsh on the body causing dryness, peeling and chapping. Those dealing with specific skin ailments may need products that are medically proven to relieve irritation and sensitivity which is why I give the gift of Flexitol. For diabetics like my mother-in-law, healthy feet are very important and Heel Magic ($14.99) softens and protects with rich emollients, vitamins, shea butter, beeswax and olive oil. She also loves the Flexitol Ultra Moisturizing Lip Balm ($5.49) because it is the only formula that heals soreness, discomfort and severe dryness.

For my workaholic husband and those who love the great outdoors (even in December), the Flexitol Very Dry Skin Cream ($12.99) provides optimum hydration for ashy patches and winter itch. The replenishing ingredients improve texture and boosts suppleness while alleviating symptoms of Psoriasis and Dermatitis. The Eczema Cream ($16.00) is effective for mild to moderate episodes of irritation, redness or pain and the formula does not contain cortisone, steroids or parabens. (Available at drugstores nationwide)

Aveeno has been keeping families moisturized for years so their products are great for gift baskets and care packages. 

Some of my favorites include:

*Positively Radiant Exfoliating Body Wash ($11.49 - gently eliminates dry flaky skin, dirt and impurities with a hypoallergenic, soap-free formula.

*Positively Radiant Body Cream with natural walnut powder ($9.49) - absorbs quickly without greasiness to hydrate and soften for 24 hours.

*Ultra Calming Cleanser for sensitive skin ($9.97) - gently removes oil, pollutants and stubborn makeup without disrupting the moisture barrier.

*Ultra Calming Sensitive Skin Nourishing Night Cream ($25.00) - regenerates, hydrates, calms redness, minimizes pores and soothes irritation for a glowing complexion.

(Aveeno is available at drugstores nationwide)

For the Stylists

If you know someone who takes pride in their hair, KMS offers a fabulous selection of products that prevent dryness, breakage and split-ends. The Moist Repair Collection includes the balancing shampoo ($20.75), restructuring conditioner ($44.95) and Leave-In Detangling Spray ($23.50) designed to improve elasticity, strengthen, restore the cuticle, moisturize and boost shine. (Available at Trade Secrets and salons)

Don’t forget to include a stylish new Wet Brush Pro Detangler ($13.99) with flexible bristles that undo pesky knots with ease. They can be used on wet or dry hair, (curly and straight) to smooth, neaten and distribute natural oils that keep fragile ends nourished and healthy. I love how the durable teeth glide through my long mane without causing static and the brush is great for applying deep conditioner.

For the Lip Balm Junkies

If you’re like me and have a lip balm stashed in every room, it is a good time to stock up on Limited-Edition eos Gift Sets. The holiday line-up includes: First Snow, Fireside Chai, Pomegranate Raspberry and Sugar Plum – perfect for stuffing the stockings! Each organic balm is infused with natural fruit extracts, butters and lavish oils that keep your pout mistletoe ready! (Available at drugstores nationwide)

Happy Holidays!