Zuny's

I really wish I had more little ones to buy for at Christmas (the day will come, I'm sure). I was out and about in the chilly weather today, skipping the malls and instead venturing inside charming shops for unique little items. Found an adorable stuffed toy for our one sweet baby this Christmas!

Then, as always, I finished off at big-box Chapters. I love browsing their design books, stationary and gift section (although I hear they have great novels?...sounds overrated to me...). Now, we can add baby section to that list. I felt like an expectant mother aw-ing at the toys, books, frames...Chapters has the best baby gift section!! I had to stop myself, I really did. My worst nightmare is to become one of those people who puts stuff away for their unborn babies before they're even married. So, I blog. I blog about the cutest children's room accessory around - Zuny's. These faux-leather animal bookends (mostly under $30) are just so darn cute.

Sophisticated Arts & Crafts

I remember what my paper mache used to look like, and it certainly was nothing like this. Yamarilet Pacheco of etco makes these stunning paper bowls and uses gold, silver and copper leaf to line the inside. I first discovered Yamarilet's work in this past Lonny magazine (sidebar: best one yet) and haven't stopped admiring it since!

Reasonably priced, made by a talented artisan and available on Etsy....this has Christmas gift written all over it.

Nothing Better than a Great Package

(Oh, how could I resist? I will try to keep all future titles professional...)

Photo from Martha Stewart Omnimedia.

Truly though, I find a beautifully wrapped present can be just as exciting to receive as what's inside! I often use Christmas bags to wrap gifts (the eco-friendly approach), but nothing beats a tightly wrapped present with a beautiful ribbon to adorn the top. This year, I think I'm going to take a more "polished" approach and try to put just as much thought into the packaging as the gift.

Photo by Polly Wreford.

On my weekly runs to the art supply store, I always admire the beautiful decorative papers they have on display. (After seeing several magazine shoots with old maps framed as art, I went on a bit of a hunt. Sure enough, I ended up finding a "vintage" map of Paris at Deserres that I love!) Around this time of year, they often have traditional Christmas paper and gorgeous wintry prints suitable for any celebration.

Another great supply store is Write Impressions. They carry a large variety of Cavallini & Co. paper products that make gifts look like a piece of art. Here are some of my favourite products for the season:

Decorative paper combined with fabric ribbon looks elegant and is simple to do, but if you're not keen on sourcing out the supplies yourself, people like Sande Chase will happily do it for you! Formerly an interior designer, Sande opened a A Gift Wrapped Life to offer her professional wrapping services. She has pre-made collections on her website, in addition to small gifts that match the theme. Here are some of her great collections:

Martha Stewart is a great resource for creative gift wrapping inspiration - check out her 74 ideas here. She even has fancy ways to make a gift card looking exciting.

Photos from Martha Stewart Omnimedia.

I love these beaded monogram decorations! What a beautiful keepsake ornament!

Photo from Martha Stewart Omnimedia.

When in doubt, there will always be Kraft paper and long strands of raffia to make gifts something special.

The Beautiful Shelter's Favourite Gift

I've started to see gift guides everywhere lately - magazines, websites, blogs, you name it. Rather than try to reinvent the wheel myself, I just want to share my #1 gift suggestion for the year. It is........(drum roll)........

a personalized photo book!

I first saw this idea in the summer, and it is such a professional (and sentimental!) alternative to a photo album. As a gift to her parents, the newlywed couple created a beautiful photo book of all their gorgeous wedding photos. I can't think of a better coffee table book!


I've been wracking my brain for who to make one for this Christmas, but I just keep thinking of reasons for everyone else! The options are truly endless, but maybe you'll find one here that works for you:

• Someone special will be far away, or unable to spend the holidays with you. Send them your favourite photo memories together (with funny stories written in between, of course...)!
• If you went on an incredible trip this year, put a book together for those who came along.
• You're an artist or photographer who wants to share your work.
  
• What grandparent wouldn't want a photo book of their grandchildren...
• Heck, what parent wouldn't want a book of their children.....
• It's perfect for the person who has everything (or returns everything).

I think the best reason of all (and the reason this gift idea beats out even the best smelling candles and softest cashmere sweaters on gift guides this year, if I do say so!) is its something personal that they will have forever.

So how do you make one? I have found two great photo bookmakers, Blurb and Lulu. Visit their website to download the software, add any photos, art, stories, notes or poems, and let them do the rest! They ship to Canada, and prices vary depending on page length, book size, etc. If I find any other great photo book creators, I'll let you know!

Images courtesy StyleatHome.com, blurb.com, smugmug.com, themombuzz.com, and sugarpond.blogspot.com.