Alright people the countdown is on...
18 days until Christmas!
It's around this time of year that the panic and stress of Christmas shopping starts to creep up ever so slowly. You might not feel it yet, but it's there. One minute you think you've got all the time in the world, the next minute you're running around the mall Christmas Eve in a frenzy with 30 minutes 'til close.
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We don't want that for you. Not to worry, we've compiled a list of some great gift ideas to help make your job easier.
Here's to the most wonderful time of the year and seeing the faces of your loved ones light up on Christmas morning!
1. Custom Yankee Candle
Any true candle lover knows there is no such thing as too many candles. So how do you make the same old standard gift more exciting? Personalize it!
Yankee Candle can print just about any photo you want onto one of their candles for just $5 extra. You can also customize a short message to go with it. This simple, inexpensive detail will go a long way.
You can visit Yankee Candle in the Georgian Mall.
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2. DIY Calligraphy Sign
These trendy signs are a great idea if you're looking for something useful but also thoughtful. Creating it yourself helps make it a little extra special.
There are a number of local calligraphers who offer workshops or parties to help everyone make that perfect looking sign. What a fun way to spend a night with friends!
The Splendid Script, located in Barrie, is one of the talented calligraphers offering this service nearby.
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3. Tickets
Don't get trapped into buying gifts just for the sake of it. Sure, unwrapping something physical is fun, but is it worth if for something that might get wasted or eventually forgotten about?
Does the person you're shopping for love sports, music, theatre or comedy? Give the gift of theses experiences! The memories you'll end up making at one of these events are more valuable than any material item anyway. Plus, it gives you something to look forward to once Christmas is over.
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4. Subscription Box
It's the gift that keeps on giving. There a number of different subscription boxes available nowadays that cater to all kinds of people with a wide range of interests.
These boxes are usually mailed once a month or once every few months and you can choose the length of your subscription. They arrive full of goodies with a value way higher than how much the box costs you.
Keep the surprises coming all year long!
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5. Punny Gifts
Make smaller, inexpensive gifts more fun but adding some "punny" humour. Get creative with it, this gift is limitless. You'll be able to find heaps of ideas for inspiration online.
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6. Air Lounger
Yes, these things are just as awesome as they look. Air loungers are comfy, convenient and an absolute necessity for any adventure bug.
These lightweight, stylish "pillow chairs" are easy to bring anywhere, making them a great alternative to typical bulky fold up chairs. You can find them at most sports and outdoor stores like Walmart, Bass Pro, Sport Chek and MEC.
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7. Just Add Water Soups
This idea checks all the boxes: practical, thoughtful and inexpensive. In a busy world, anything that makes day to day tasks simpler can be appreciated.
You can look up recipes online to make your own mixes, or shop from the pros.
The Soup Girl prepares some delicious mixes. Check out where you can find her products here.
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8. Catch Phrase
There is never a dull moment with this game. It's great for bringing everyone together because any number of people can play. It's the secret ingredient to guarantee your next party is a hit.
Catch Phrase usually sells for between $15-$25 and can be found at most game or department stores.
9. Custom Sportswear
The Fan Cave makes shopping for that sports lover on your list simple. They have a wide selection of apparel and collectibles for teams in the NHL, NBA, NFL AND MLB.
The best part is you can customize almost all shirts to have any name or number put on the back.
You can find The Fan Cave in both the Bayfield and Georgian Mall.
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10. Games
In case you weren't already aware, the games nowadays just keep on getting better. Games are a classic gift, that can be enjoyed by all ages over and over again. Having fun games around for the holidays is one of the easiest ways to bring family and friends together.
Here's a list of some suggestions for that game-lover on your shopping list (in ascending order based on price):
Monopoly Deal, Dutch Blitz,Wizard, Bananagrams, Codenames, Exploding Kittens, Anomia, Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride.
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11. Scandinave Spa Gift Card
If you know someone who needs to unwind and rejuvenate, this is the perfect gift. Help them enjoy a full day of peace and relaxation by giving a gift card to Scandinave Spa, located in Blue Mountain. You can purchase gift cards online starting at $50.
Who wouldn't love a little day trip to this paradise?
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12. Scratch Map
This funky maps helps adventurers document all of their travels. You can scratch off the top layer of countries you've been too to reveal a colourful map underneath. It also doubles as a beautiful and personalized decorative piece.
You can find these maps at Chapters.
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13. Things Engraved
Things Engraved is an awesome way to personalize almost anything. You can buy something new and have it customized with a name, date, quote or expression or revamp an old piece with a special new detail.
You can visit Things Engraved in the Georgian Mall.
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14. Gift Card Bouquet
As long as you know where someone likes to eat or shop, you cannot go wrong with gift cards. However, they're not exactly the most exciting gifts. Add a creative twist by displaying a variety of gift cards in an adorable bouquet.
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15. Bottle Your Own Wine/Beer
This idea idea makes for a fun activity and a fabulous gift. There are multiple locations around Barrie where you can experience the process of making your own wine or beer.
You'll get more for your dollar here than you would at the LCBO or Beer Store and have a fun time doing it. May as well bring home a little treat for yourself while you're there too!
Check out Winescape, Brews Plus or Winer's Barrie.
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