My holiday gift guide: $10 or less!

A sponsored Mike’s Bloggity Blog post.

Whether we are ready to admit it or, the holiday’s are just around the corner. Especially if you procrastinate on the gift giving. While I am not a fan of playing Christmas music so soon, I do think you can never start your holiday shopping too early. For the month of November, I’ll be contributing to The Core’s Holiday Gift Guide. This is my first entry, stayed tuned for helpful and economical tips on finding the perfect gifts for everyone in your life.

Not to brag, but when it comes to gift giving, I fancy myself one of the best give givers I know, but I also happen to be shockingly frugal. I like to find authentic gifts that have personal meaning, but don’t require me to take out a Line of Credit.For this week’s gift giving guide, I wanted to show you that you can actually get a lot of great gifts at The Core, without spending a lot of money. (Actually, hardly any money at all!) Here are my top five picks for gifts that cost $10 or less.[divider]#1 – Sugarpova from Jack and Elliot[/divider]While it’s pretty common to see celebrities launching their own fashion lines, you don’t see famous people release their own candy lines very often. Thank goodness for tennis superstar Maria Sharapova, who’s Sugarpova candy line is available at Jack & Elliot. Available in really fun shapes like teddy bears, lips, sunglasses and, of course, tennis balls, this high-end candy line happens to deliciously affordable. Some of my favourites are “Dive Right In”, “Some style for your smile,” Lips like Sugar” and “Cute But fierce.”$8/bag. Jack & Elliot

[divider]#2 – Gift Packs from Body Shop[/divider]

For many, battling dry skin is a year-long battle in Calgary, which is why these gift packs from the Body Shop will look great under any tree. Or on any tree actually, since they come in a decorative ornament that can be reused for those of you craftier than myself. For $10 bucks you get both Body Butter and Shea Lip Butter.

$10 Body Shop

[divider]#3 – Tea from Teavana[/divider]

With winter coming earlier than ever this year, people will practically be in a deep freeze by the time Christmas comes around, and there’s perhaps no better way to warm up quickly than with a nice hot cup of tea. Teavana recently opened in The Core and they offer and amazing variety of beautiful teas that make the perfect gift. With flavours like Ginger Coconut and Mango mate Pu-erh Punch, you’re actually giving both the gift of warmth and flavour.

Starts at $6 for 50ml, which is around 12 cups of tea.
Teavana

[divider] #4 – Rubber tire bracelets from Balie and Beyond[/divider]

Gifts with a conscience are always great, especially when you don’t have to break the bank. These fantastic bracelets from Bali are made of recycle rubber tires and only cost $10. I thought the designs and the source would turn this gift into a fantastic ice breaker.
“Hey, where’s the bracelet from, it’s so cool.”
“Thanks, it’s from Bali!”
“Oh, cool. What’s it made of?”
“Yeah, it’s totally cool, plus it’s made of tires!” Ice. Broken.

$10 Bali and Beyond

[divider]#5 – Mix Tape playing cards from Land & Sea [/divider]

Land & Sea is known for its great gifts, but my favourite only costs $6. I’m a big fan of cards, especially during the cold winter months when you can’t find enough people to play Cranium with you. These cards, cleverly designed cards look like what used to be the ultimate gift: The Mix Tape. It comes in two different colours and is almost guaranteed to send anyone you know down memory lane.

$6.95 Land & Sea

This blog is sponsored by The Core’s ‘Twas The Night. This holiday event is like no other and happens to be downtown Calgary’s biggest party and fundraiser. Taking place Wednesday, November 28th from 6:30 – 10:00 pm, the night will offer special deals at The Core’s retailers along with a ton of special guests.
Click here for more information on buying tickets for this fundraiser.