Last Minute Shopping!

Why You Should WAIT!
So due to there only being ten days left until Christmas, I've been spending a lot of time out doing last minute shopping at malls.

The Pros: Big malls, small malls, and the one thing I've been seeing everywhere are those big red 'SALE' signs. With the procrastination gene becoming more and more prevalent, the real reason people go out this time of year is for the SALES! It sounds kind of weird, but you really can end up getting more for people if you wait until the last minute. Stores like Old Navy and H&M are offering crazy discounts right now, I bought a whole bunch of stuff from them for family and friends, and the best part was everything was at least 40% off!

The Cons: Battling through hundreds of shoppers trying to get gifts for every person they've ever met, and the endless checkout lines adding an extra hour to your shopping experience. There's also the issue of finding parking that's close enough so that you can make it inside without getting hypothermia (hence why going out earlier in the day is a good idea). As well as trying to navigate down a hallway while holding bags as big as you are, whilst small children and busy shopper run past you and knock you back and forth.

Anyway, though I'd do a last minute gift guide for anyone (like me) who was still trying to figure out what to get the special people in their life.

FOR HER

1. Sephora Favourite Fragrances Gift Set $50 + taxes

I LOVE these collections, they feature the top twelve best selling fragrances from Sephora, featuring brands like:
- Dior Hypnotic Poison
- Versace Bright Crystal
- Bvlgari BVL Eau de Parfum II
- Juicy Couture Couture Couture
- Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue
- Clinique Happy
- DKNY PureDKNY
- Marc Jacobs Lola
- Bliss Eau de Toilette
- Givenchy Ange ou Demon le Secret
- Pucci Miss Pucci
- Yves Saint Laurent Parisienne

As well, if you live in the States (which unfortunately I don't anymore) the set will also contain a voucher for a FREE full sized perfume of the recipient's choice. I really think it's a great value as a gift for one person, or if you open it up and give the different sample sizes to different people. This available in store or at Sephora.com for $50.

2. 'Jingle Jammies' From Old Navy for $8 + taxes

This one of the sales I was talking about, all of their flannel PJ pants are on sale for $8! Seriously, they have about a million colours and prints, so it's really easy to find the right pair for someone, especially if you're on a budget (secret santa gift?). The best part is they're comfortable and well made, not like other pairs I've had that rip on like the third wear. I don't really shop at old navy too often, but they have some serious deals going on right now, and I've always had love for these PJ pants.  Available at Old Navy right now, so hurry and get them while they're on sale!

3. 'This Book Will Change Your Life' for $27 plus taxes

Such a cool book! Really, I want to go out and get this for EVERYONE I know. It's basically a book with 365 pages all to be read on different days with activities and ideas of things to do that day. It's pretty much the cleverest thing I've seen in a while, and I really like the fact that you can get it for any age group (I feel like it would do better with girls though, hence why it's in the 'For Her' section). I like it because it's personal while still being a generic gift anyone will like, making it really easy to give. Ideally though if you have someone in your life who is looking to get out of a rut or make some changes I think this would be great as a way of helping to motivate them.

4. Something sparkly.. or not? Jewelry none the less!

Seriously, EVERY GIRL likes jewelry, and the best part is that doesn't necessarily mean gold and silver and expensive. Jewelry ranges from necklaces to bracelets, to rings and broaches, earrings and body jewelry (yes navel rings, barbells, nose rings, and plugs count!). Places like H&M, thrift stores, arts and crafts kiosks, and even tattoo shops are great places to go depending on your girl. Costume jewelry makes a wicked gift and is usually a LOT cheaper and makes a bigger statement, than going out to a high-end jewelry boutique and dropping a wad of cash for something small. So be on the lookout for plastic floral or statement rings, interesting pendants, leather braided headbands and bracelets, or that cute little navel ring with a bumble bee on it. I guarantee you that if you look around (especially with all the extra little vendors and kiosks that take up the walkways in malls around now) that you will find something great, and she'll be thrilled that you thought enough to pick out something so personal (even more so if you remove the tag/ packaging and put it in a cute box all wrapped up).

FOR HIM

1. 'Jingle' Jammies' and boxers from Old Navy for $8 + tax 

A lot of my guy friends, father, and brother-in-law etc. really never take the time out to buy themselves clothing, they basically wait until other people get it for them. So, with all the sales on why not stock up on a couple items? Old Navy again has PJ pants for guys on sale for $8 (plus taxes), as well as boxers and tons of basic shirts and hoodies. It's pretty hard to go wrong here, everyone needs some basics in their wardrobe, and PJ pants are always an appreciated gift. Available from Old Navy.

2. Novelty T's from Hot Topic, 2 for $32+tax

Another thing I really like to do is if the guy your shopping for is into any movies, games, bands, tv shows, etc. I like to go to t-shirt stores like 'Bang-on' or 'Zero-edge' or even 'Hot Topic' and look around for a shirt with that decal on it. Sounds pretty simple, but is very effective. It gives them something they want, and something practical all together in one gift. Plus you know they'll wear it with pride, scoring you some pretty wicked bonus points.

3. The Smell of Success- Lush for the Win!

It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when shopping for guys, but if you can figure this out, it will make an awesome gift. Guys like it when girls smell nice, so shouldn't it be obvious that this goes both ways? Guys need shower and fragrance products too ladies! Now I know that fragrance products are more personal, but as far as I've encountered, you can't go wrong with Hugo Boss and Polo, they tend to be the more common scents for guys. On a more general note though, Lush offers tons of products with non-flowery scents that you can feel confident your guy will use. Prince Triple Orange Blossom Shaving Cream is a wicked gift for guys, it smells amazing and is something they can use that's great for their skin. They also offer 'Goth Juice' and 'King of Mods' as styling gels that offer hold with no crunch. Finally they have an assortment of  'Tough and Manly' holiday themed soaps, scrubs, and other products specifically targeted at men with names like "Bucher de Noel", "Chillin' with my Gnomies", "Too Drunk", and "Glogg", all infused with manly sounding and looking ingredients like Brandy to help clean up the guys in your life (and maybe get them into Lush?). The prices range from $5 - $8 for single items, with the boxed gifts selling from $12-30.

4. Gadgets!

All the men I know love playing with little things that involve technology in some way. I found a collection of fun little things all in one place, again at Hot Topic. They had a HUGE selection of little niche products such as:

• Character ipod speakers (deadmau5, hello kitty, etc. $25 + taxes)
• Mp3 Player DJ Mixer (pricey, $120 + taxes)
• USB Flash Drives (Gun, Grenade, Pizza, etc $9.99 + taxes)
• Marvel Super Hero Ear Buds ($12.99 + taxes)
• Themed Speaker sets ($9.99 + taxes)
• USB Flash Drive character bracelets ($9.99 + taxes)

So there we have it, it may be a bit last minute, but hopefully these are some ideas you can use if not for Christmas, than perhaps for someones birthday or another special occasion? Good luck to those who are still trekking out to the malls and outlets, and don't forget to leave me a comment and follow my blog.
Merry (early) Christmas!