10 gift ideas from Design Specialist Jo Alcorn

As you try to wrap up your holiday shopping, I have a few suggestions that might help you to get that special someone something truly unique and special. 

I always try to top my last years’ gifts when surprising my loved ones. See some of my suggestions to help you do just that!
 

While I typically go all white with my holiday décor, the trend this year black and gold, and I love that. A great idea is to give someone a tree decoration with a special note attached or filling a stocking with some of their favourite goodies and hanging their gift right on their mantel with this great marble stocking holder from Lowe’s. These items are part of the Lowe’s Opuluxe holiday trend. They also have some fantastic black and gold ornaments and lanterns this year. 

In keeping with the trend of gold this year I found the most gorgeous teacup and saucer and gold hued coasters from Homesense. These would pair nicely with a selection of your recipient’s favourite tea.

The Canadian Red Cross has great options, such as giving the gift of two blankets to keep refugees and migrants warm. A warm blanket can help carry them through the cold snap of winter, give their children something to sit and play on and help them get a proper night’s rest. This gift is certainly warms my heart and at $15 if’s affordable yet so significant. See all of their gift options at www.redcross.ca/perfectgifts

I love bubbly water (ok bubbly anything for that matter!). Last year I tried to go a little bit more green and bought a SodaStream FIZZI sparkling water maker. This bubbling machine is like magic. It doesn’t require a plugin and all you do it pop your bottle of tap water in the SodaStream and turns ordinary tap water into sparkling water with the touch of a button within minutes. It’s the perfect gift for all those FIZZI lovers out there like me (and it also keeps cans and bottle out of landfills!). The special holiday pricing is $99.99 and available in red for a limited time only. 

Having two fur friends myself, I could NEVER forget about pups on Christmas morning. This year I am happy to launch our donut dog bed which both my pooches have already fallen in love with! This year they will each be getting their very own, super comfy new bed from my Jo Alcorn collection.

Sometimes something cozy is in order for the holiday season. Bouclair has great accessories, candles and throws to choose from for that last minute gift idea.

Mighty Power. Mini Footprint. The KitchenAid Artisan Mini Stand Mixer makes up to 5 dozen cookies in a single batch. This bold countertop staple is smaller than the brand’s classic stand mixer but fits all standard attachments, like the Pasta Press or Spiralizer, making this the perfect gift for the foodie on your list.

Set the mood for winter cuddle ups with the cutest plug-in electric fire place imaginable, from Dimplex. It’s not only charming, it can also heat a room up to 400 square feet. This little gem provides cozy ambiance and charm. It’s also small enough that you can take it with you outside in the summer on cool nights.

Who doesn’t love the look and feel of fresh new bedding? Gift your loved one a crisp new duvet and sleeping pillow from my new line this year. My new bedding is Hypoallergenic, Dust Mite Control, Fully Washable, Animal Cruelty Free and feels just like down.

Finally, who can resist the gift of these adorable and comfy socks for the holidays? I know I’d personally love to receive a pair (hint, hint). I can’t even imagine anyone on my list who wouldn’t love these paired with a nice bottle of wine or a gourmet bag of coffee. I found these little sweeties at an online shop called RJDAX.

Whatever gifts you choose, wherever you’re spending the holidays, I wish you and your family a happy and healthy holiday and all wonderful things in the New Year!