Christmas is hands-down my favourite holiday. I love the festive feeling that fills the streets of Toronto as we descend into winter and into the most wonderful time of the year! And when it comes to Christmas shopping destinations, the Manulife Centre at Bay and Bloor is one of my favourites in the city. Ideally situated for both indoor and outdoor fun, the Manulife Centre has everything a holiday shopper needs. Here’s how my ideal day plays out: I start at the Starbucks inside Indigo and get a peppermint hot chocolate to get me in the spirit. A day full of shopping followed by lunch at the Bloor Street Diner and a bit more shopping. This perfect day ends with a holiday movie at the Cineplex theatres.
Since this is one of my favourite shopping spots in Toronto, I’ve created a gift guide with my top picks for presents this Christmas. Here are my fave finds:
1 Frends with Benefits Layla – Rose White Headphones, Indigo, $150
Who doesn’t need a pair of headphones? Whether for listening to music at the gym, watching a movie on the plane or talking hands-free on your phone, headphones are one of those things everyone needs. But we’re not talking about just any kind of headphones. These ones by Frends with Benefits are so chic it hurts. In a gorgeous white and rose gold combo, they seriously turn up the volume on style!
2 Bailey’s Original Irish Cream, LCBO, $29.95
A bottle of wine might be a typical hostess gift but over the holidays, how about showing up on someone’s doorstep with something a little more special? Bailey’s Irish Cream is one of my personal favourites (because it’s perfect with morning coffee AND after dinner) but the LCBO has something for every palate.
3 Kate Spade New York Daisy Place Wit and Wisdom Vase, William Ashley, $75
This beautiful vase is inscribed with the words: I’d rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck, with freedom, books, flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy? Stylish and whimsical, this piece embraces the whimsy that Kate Spade is known for. Filled with flowers, this makes a wonderful gift this Christmas season.
4 Cineplex gift card, Cineplex, prices vary
Give the gift of the movies! A Cineplex gift card is an affordable gift option (just give what you can!) that is sure to be much appreciated.
5 2016 Planner, Indigo, $24
Help someone make 2016 the year they get (and stay!) organized. These planners are up to the task! Features a 56-week calendar, 23 monthly spreads, week per page spreads, and 37 pages for notes. These agenda books are so stylish you may want to pick one up for yourself as well.
6 Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker, Bay Bloor Radio, $319.95
Bose speakers are known for delivering exceptional high quality sound and now, with the SoundLink Bluetooth speaker, it’s easy to take that sound to go! Slim enough to slip into a bag, this speaker connects wirelessly to a smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth-enabled device. Plus, the optional speaker covers means that whoever finds this under the Christmas tree can add a splash of colour to personalize it.
This is a sponsored post but all opinions expressed within are my own.
