I was very hesitant to create a gift guide this season, for two reasons. First, being that I have mainly shifted into gifting “experiences” over the last couple of years (it’s just more fun to do things together), and second, because there is already an overwhelming amount of gift guides circling the internet.
After I made the decision to create one, I asked both my Mom and brother what their dream gifts would be, if money was no object. Both of them simultaneously answered, “I want to be gifted an experience, I want to be gifted a house”. The two of you, were simply no help at all. After those responses, I knew I had to comprise my own list of ideas.
Lo and behold, the Gift Guide: 10 items in each section, tailored to, and inspired by the men, and women in my life.
GIFTS FOR HER
A list comprised of my favourite items. I can give you a 100% guarantee that any lady in your life will be giddy over any of these gifts.
Almina Concept Cardigan- like the Khaite cardigan, but at a reasonable price point. Use code ‘CHLOEAC-20’ for a holiday discount.
Uncle Studios Jumper- my favourite red sweater.
Mejuri Thin Dome Ring- 14k gold is a girl’s best friend… that’s how the saying goes, right?
Libertine Fragrance- my personal favourite scent is Sweet Grass. However, gifting a scent is both personal, and intimate, be sure you know their likes and dislikes.
James Street Co. beanie- the coziest hat I’ve ever worn. Bonus points because it’s not itchy.
Still Here Cool Jeans- can guarantee she’ll be the coolest girl in the room.
Halfdays Fleece- the most worn piece in my closet.
Sidia Hand Serum- my holy grail product. I’ve successfully put numerous friends onto this, and will continue to recommend this product till the day I die.
James Street Co. Knitted Pants- it’s no secret that I have a soft spot for J.S. Co., but I promise you these pants are a win-win for everyone. After all, nothing makes your bum look better than a pair of grey “sweats”, right?
Digo Studio Mini Bag- my most worn bag. Perfect for every occasion: can be dressed up or down, comes in the two most versatile colours. Plus, we’re supporting a small business, this is a must.
GIFTS FOR MOM
Slightly different than Gifts for Her. Usually, Mom’s like what we like, so anything from the Gifts for Her section is also a safe bet. However, sometime’s they’re a little less-daring than we are.
Everlane Alpaca Crew- straight from my Mom and I’s text-thread. A soft, oversized sweater is the key to Mom’s heart this winter.
Heavyweight leggings- the #1 item on my Mom’s wish list.
Dorsey 15” necklace- because Mom deserves diamonds (and then you can borrow from her too).
ON Running Cloudmonster- a supportive, yet stylish shoe for Mom to run all her errands in.
Tekla Robe- my Mom is a serial robe-wearer, so this was a no-brainer.
Deiji Studios Pants- an all-time favourite of mine. Great for in-house lounging, or dressing-up for dinner.
Gift Mom a Facial- coming back to my bit about gifting ‘experiences’, nobody deserves a relaxing day more than Mom. Gifting a Facial is a great way to show your affection, my personal fav is Formula Fig.
Merit Le Gloss Kit- I’ve already gifted my Mom this. When it sells out (it’s bound to), opt for the Great Skin, Flush balm, or literally anything else on the Merit website.
Alma Boot- a row look-a-like. Comfy and the most stylish (see the trend going on here).
Levi’s 501 90’s- give the gift of Nostalgia, I promise your Mom will say “I used to have those exact jeans” when she opens these up.
GIFTS FOR HER UNDER $100
Grouping her, and Mom together, for an ultimate round-up on a budget.
Gap Cashsoft- the best option for quality sweats, on a budget. Gift the matching sweater to win her over.
Sidia Body Serum- exactly what I said about the hand-serum, but for your body.
Salt and Stone Body Wash- she’ll never smell better.
Okay to Rest Rodeo Tee- the comfiest, cutest t-shirt of the season.
Saltyface Tanning Water- the ladies in your life deserve to be tanned year-round. Use code ‘CHLOEMIHAILO’ for a discount.
Merge Toque- one of my favourite small businesses, and a gift I always circle back to.
Crown Affair Renewal Mask- anything Crown Affair will be a crowd pleaser.
Base Crew Sock- my favourite socks that come in a multitude of colours.
Saie Bronzer- anything Saie will be a winner. This bronzer melts onto skin like butter.
Align Bra- the best workout “top” I’ve ever put on my body.
GIFTS FOR HIM
Gifts for Him and Gifts for Dad will be merged. Mostly, because I have little to no-experience on "Gifts for Dad”. My Dad, much like my Mom, and brother is a “gift-me-an-experience-man” (see the trend going on here). Every gift I’ve ever bought him, he’s promptly returned with a smile on his face, and a comment like, “you don’t need to buy me anything, let’s just go on a cross-country ski together”.
So here's my guide for “Him”, whoever him may be. Either way, every man in my life wants the same thing; ski gear and a closet full of Arc’teryx jackets.
Salomon XT-6- simply the best shoe. Opt for the gore-tex version if they live in a rainy climate.
Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket- the ultimate year-round shell (I gifted this earlier in the year, and it’s safe to say they were ecstatic). Great for rain, hiking, and year-round wear. If they’re looking for a ski specific shell, opt for the Alpha SV.
Akimbo Club Hoodie- best hoodie on the market.
Arc’teryx Gamma Pant- every man in my life owns these. They’re a fan favourite.
Tekla Sheets- good bedding (sheets, duvet, you name it). There I said it. Maybe this is more a gift for us, than them. No more dark grey sheets. Opt for soft grey instead of white, because might be a jump-scare.
Snow Peak Mug- perfectly lightweight for backcountry expeditions, clipping onto a backpack, or if you’re my Dad, still opting to drink out of your camping mug when there is a cabinet full of ceramics beside you.
Apple Watch- men love gadgets. That’s the whole explanation.
Mountain Hardware Jacket- opt for the new, or scroll and find a vintage gem on eBay.
Lululemon Long sleeve- it’ll never be a miss gifting a man something from Lulu.
California Arts Knit- just in case you have a Dad/boyfriend/brother that doesn’t enjoy scaling mountains in their free time (clearly I don’t fall in this category).
GIFTS FOR HIM UNDER $100
Stussy Socks- self-explanatory. Socks are the ultimate stocking-stuffer.
Arc’teryx Beanie- gifting this in a “let’s go skiing and you can wear this under your helmet way”, not in an ironic “gorpcore bro on Instagram way".
Salt & Stone Body Wash- the universal gift. I will be gifting this to pretty much everyone I know.
Lululemon Boxers- “They’re just the best boxers, I don’t know how to explain it, OK?”, an excerpt from a conversation I’ve had. Let’s take their word for it.
Head Lamp- give the gift of peace of mind. Buy it once, and save yourself years of stress worrying whether or not your boyfriend is stuck in the middle of B.F. nowhere past sunset.
Nalgene Bottle- specifically the narrow mouth, it’s just better.
Aesop Polish Bar- boys need to exfoliate too.
Running Belt- I will be gifting my brother this, good thing he doesn’t read my Substack.
A Good T-shirt- every man needs a good, basic white tee.
Ski Socks- because I’m sick of smelling the worn-4-days-in-a-row socks that are laying on the living room floor, it’s time to add a new pair (or 6) into the rotation.
Happy Holidays x
-CM