2019 Holiday Gift Guide
‘Tis the season of gifting oh yet again my friends, and trust me when I say, these goods will not disappoint! Everything on the list this year has been chosen with a health and eco-friendly vibe in mind, and already owned or experienced by yours truly-not gifted, not sponsored, just my stamp of approval!
Stocking Stuffers
Honest Hazel Eye Gels $12
Yes to de-puffing and brightening tired eyes! These have been my go-to under-eye treatment for a few years now, perfect as a stocking stuffer or gift for a co-worker/friend.
Nuun Hydration Tablets $8.95
Electrolyte enhanced drink tabs are a great way to encourage someone to hydrate more. Lots of flavours and sugar-free options too. Most electrolyte sachets contain glucose, and while sugar is normally important for sport rehydration, it’s not always suitable for all diets/health conditions!
Midnight Paloma from $9
Skin tools are very popular right now. This Vancouver-based company carries the essentials for a skin-filled Sunday routine: rose-quarts facial rollers, gua sha tools and my current favourite, the silicone cleansing mitt.
Lavender & Black from $5
I absolutely loved my visit to this tranquil lavender farm on Salt Spring Island this past summer, and their hand-crafted organic lavender products are delicious to the senses. I use my lavender noir relax aromatherapy blend nightly and the nar botanical fragrance is the only perfume I currently own!
Cocokind MyMatcha Moisture Stick $9
Love me some matcha. Love when it’s part of my skin care routine. I’ve been using this stick to brighten and de-puff under-eyes, and it’s great. Did I mention Cocokind is a clean, conscious skincare company?
Stasher Reusable Bags from $14.95
I’ve been using these for a few years and I can honestly say they’ve come in handy SO many times, especially when I travel. I can pack snacks for the plane or take home left-overs so easily, and it means less single-use plastic, which is better for you, and the planet.
Bontanica Superfood Beverage from 16.95
Upgrade their afternoon ritual with one of Vancouver’s Botanica’s superfood beverages. My favourite is the reishi hot chocolate. Non-gmo, organic, gluten/soy/dairy/sugar-free & vegan… so it’s a safe bet :)
Viva Organics Face Masks $10
I live for these and whomever you purchase these for will too. Hyaluronic acid plumps skin for a smooth and glowy appearance. Great as a post-procedure mask to help calm and quench the skin. Also a Vancouver-based company!
Lux Hair Scrunchy $14
Is there any other way to wear your hair anymore? Fine Finds Boutique has it dialled with these gold bead-rimmed scrunchies, I have 3 already, so if you’re looking to get me something? Look no further.
Nala Deodorant $29
Regular deodorant is loaded with chemicals -while I wont get into details in this post, Nala has some great information on their website about why you should switch to a natural version. Yes, there was adjustment period but now, I’m sweat and scent free without the burden to my body. Another local company doing great things!
Under $100
Radiance Face Serum $70
In keeping with the clean skin care theme, this is one of my favourite daily skin serums from Sahajan. Luminous skin starts here.
Blue-Light Blocking Glasses $39.95
Reduce digital eye-strain with blue-light blocking glasses from Prive Revaux. With all of the screen time these days, our eyes are exposed to a ton of stimulating blue-light, which can affect sleep, energy and potentially worsen headaches. Blue-light filters prevent significant amounts of blue light emitted from your devices from reaching your eyes without affecting the visibility of the display.
Travel Mug from $30
It hasn’t stopped me from purchasing my coffee and making it at home instead…but at least I’m not using a paper cup and plastic lid! Coffee and tea lovers, this one is for you.
Brand & Iron Candle $30
When it comes to gift-giving, candles are a reliable and safe bet. My bestie gave me the yuzu-birch scented candle from this Vancouver company for my birthday last year and you should give your bestie one too!
Mint Integrative Gift Card from $100
The most obvious choice of gifts is the gift of health. Support their health journey with a gift card towards treatment at Mint. Health consultations, iv nutrient therapy, weight management programs, acupuncture, massage & more. Team Tandem has theirs/your health goals covered.
Spoil Them, Or Yourself!
Sleep Wear from $240
Lunya has the most luxurious washable silk sleep wear in which to luxuriate about in, on your luxurious weekend mornings with your luxurious bad self. Your giftee will be ever so pleased.
Vegan Rain Wear by Stutterheim from $195
After the sun always comes rain, in Vancouver anyway. If they don’t have proper rain gear (like I didn’t for years), this is the most practical and thoughtful gift you could give a Vancouverite!
Away Suitcases from $325
Luggage is an investment for sure. Now that I’m no longer a student, I am lucky to be able afford to travel more, but every time I go to pack, I’m reminded that I need to upgrade my bags! This year, I’m hoping Santa will bring me some Away luggage. Budget-friendly, but oh so sophisticated.
Facial Treatments with Dr. Overton from $175
My skin rejuvenation treatments make for good gifts too! Gua Sha, microneedling & PRP skin rejuvenation are just some of the skin services I offer for healthy skin aging.
Willow Stream Spa from $189
My favourite urban escape is the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Pacific Rim. The body treatments are incredible, and the spa amenities are on point. A day at the spa is the ultimate gift.
Wish you and yours a happy, healthy holiday season!
Dr. Alaina