Since I’m usually the last person on earth to be done Christmas shopping, it’s only fitting that my gift guide comes in just in time for all of you late shoppers.

1.Something I’d love that won’t break the bank – AKA under $50.00:

KIVA!  As some of you may know, for my wedding instead of gifts I asked for Kiva donations.  In just over a year I have received all of my initial investments back, twice over!  Kiva is an amazing micro-loaning site that hooks up entrepreneurs who are looking for tiny loans to help fund and further their operations.  With as little as $25.00 you can help someone grow their business and create more opportunities for their communities.  Plus, it’s a loan, so you get the money back (with the option to reinvest in someone new) How cool?!

Here’s a little video that explains the process way better than I just did.

How Kiva Works from Kiva on Vimeo.

2. My Beauty Must Have:

Ruby Woo

You would think I work for Mac or was the actual creator of Ruby Woo, I talk about it so much!  I’m obsessed, and am yet to see it look horrid on anyone.

3. In My Dreams, This Would Be Under The Tree:

While I was at NYU in the summer I stayed in an area packed with galleries.  I loved popping in and out of them and learning about the artists.  It really brought me back to my painting days and had me lusting over something new and something old.  A piece by Ana Teresa Fernandez and  Jean Michel Basquiat’s  Academic Study of the Male Figure.

Now those are some big dreams…

4. My Go-Go Gadget Wish:

La Sardinia Camera in Quadrat  

I think it would be cool to get all retro and see what it’s like to get excited about developing pictures again.  With digital cameras, little is left as a surprise – you can see your image right away – so I think this camera from Lomography would be so fun.  Plus the case is insanely cool!  Meant to look like a suped up sardine can.

5. The Perfect Gift To Give:

A Teenie by Jane Hollinger

I’ve been an arm party reveller for awhile now, but something about the excess has gotten to me lately.  That, and the fact that my left arm needs a break!   I stumbled upon this stunningly simple bracelet (while I was supposed to be shopping for others) at Gaspard and couldn’t leave without it.  If I hadn’t already bought gifts for my besties, this would be it.  Simple, sweet and the perfect way to remind your friends how much you love them!

xo,

coco

We’re getting to the final leg before the main event.  Christmas is less than a week away,  it’s time to start wrapping!

For the sake of the environment, I always like the idea of wrapping gifts in newspaper or magazines.  If you add ribbon, or fancy tape, your gifts can come out looking even better than real wrapping paper.

Whole Living suggests using inexpensive kraft paper and adding your own homemade ribbons made from old magazines.  Check out the tutorial HERE

I love The Glitter Guide’s idea to simply add glittery ribbon.  Simple and stunning!

A Creative Mint suggests using grocery bags, graph paper and some fun add ons.

I always forget about gift tags and scramble at the last minute.  Luckily, Sass & Peril and Jones Design Company have these super cute gift tags that you can download and print from your own computer!

No last minute runs to Shoppers Drug Mart for me!  Download the PDF  for Sass & Peril HERE and for Jones Design Company HERE

Hope you’re all enjoying your week so far!

xo,

coco

We introduced you to Natasha a little while back (here) and since she’s so fantastic we just HAD to know what a stylin’ gal like her would be wishing to see under the tree.

1. Something I’d Love That Won’t Break The Bank – AKA, Under $50:

Personalized Gallon of Tabasco

2. In My Dreams, This Would Be Under The Tree:

Lucifer Vir Honestus Morsetto Ring with Morganite

3.  My Beauty Must Have:

Scrubalicious Gift Box from Love Fresh

4. My Go-Go-Gadget Wish:

Polaroid 300 Instant Camera

5. The Perfect Gift To Give:

Kouichi Okamoto Glass Tank.

Check out more from Natasha here: The Coveterie

1. Something I’d Love That Won’t Break The Bank – AKA, Under $50:

Subscription to Grazia

My magazine obsession is completely real and this year I decided to ask for another mag subscription because it is such a pleasure to receive them in the mail and I truly look forward to ‘em every month.  Magazines to me are like research and this one from the UK is great for staying on top of trends and seeing what’s hot and new in Britain (since North Americans are a bit behind) .. thanks to Vanessa Taylor  for introducing me to Gracia UK, can’t wait for the next issue!

2. My Beauty Must Have:

Clarisonic Pro with Deep Pore Cleansing Head.

So the Clarisonic is pretty well known within the beauty industry but for those who aren’t familiar… it’s basically an electronic toothbrush for your face!  With two speeds and a different brush head for all of your skin concerns (sensitivity, acne and body exfoliation) it is truly the gift for everyone.  Working in the beauty industry had really opened my eyes to SKIN and how important it is to always start with a fresh canvas and that skincare is truly the best make-up.  The Clarisonic is truly a must-have for any and everyone!

3. My Go-Go Gadget Wish:

Adobe CS5 Design Standard

So this is something that is pretty much a must-have or need in the media/blogging world and I think if I owned these programs myself it would really kick me in the butt to start practicing and become much more efficient and independent.  I absolutely, positively must become better at photoshop, illustrator and indesign and owning these programs would be right on the money!  OH, and a new computer (preferably a Macbook Pro to go with it!

4. In My Dreams, This Would Be Under The Tree:

All Expense Paid Vacation For Me And My Family to the Maldives at The Shangri-La Hotel

A girl CAN dream, right?!  I think trip has got it completely covered, I’m super family oriented and you never really know when your entire family can have one huge hurrah together as a unit.  My family is incredibly large and only getting larger and somewhere as beautiful as this with the best people int the world…. Dream. Come. True.

5. The Perfect Gift To Give:

Moleskine

THere is nothing like a journal.  A journal that already has so much rich history before you even open it and create your own.  You can see yourself come alove through your own words and where you’ve been and where you’re headed.  These journals inspire me to create, document and invent all that I can and a huge part of me is sad that I’ve reached the last page and I’ll have to start writing in a new one soon… but I guess that’s the pleasure in them… they always motivate your to keep on goin’.  I’d LOVE to give a Moleskine or any journal to everyone this holiday season because your words and thoughts are powerful, so write ‘em down and let ‘em exhilarate your each and everyday.

1. Something I’d Love That Won’t Break The Bank – AKA, Under $50:

Kate Spade All Occasions Boxed Set - I know we all depend on emails, text messages and bbms nowadays, but I’m kinda ol’ skool and still love sending or giving a card for a special occasion, or even for no occasion!

2. In My Dreams, This Would Be Under The Tree:

Chanel Large Flap Bag in Black - Always a classic, don’t think I need to explain further…. it’s Chanel!

3. My Beauty Must Have:

Laura Mercier Eau De Toilette in Vanille Gourmande - My signature scent!  I luv this perfume and if you love sweet scents, you’ll love it too!

4. My Go-Go-Gadget Wish:

Canon EOS Rebel T3i – Coco & Lowe have one similar to this and it takes amazing pictures!  I need to start capturing memories and they say it’s super user friendly, even for a beginner, so one for me please!

5. The Perfect Gift To Give:

Cake Pops Gift Basket/Arrangement – A really good friend of mine sent me cake pop basket for a special occasion and it was such a perfect gift that I would love to give!  They were so yummy, I was able to share them with my friends, they were soooo cute and did I already mention that they were yummy???  lol!  They came in chocolate, vanilla and red velvet (my fave!)

image from Bakerella