Need some last-minute gift ideas? Here’s a sneak peek at the beauty loot I’m buying for the special people on MY list!

Are you in full-on Christmas mode yet? I’ve been making eggnog (or should I say soynog) lattes every morning, our tree is perfuming the apartment and our stockings are hung. I’m also rotating seasonal music on the record player 24/7. As for the shopping—well, I have a great list made up… Eek, I know! I’ve gotta get moving.

Trying to navigate through a sea of people in a shopping mall on a Saturday afternoon is not my idea of a good time, no matter what the season (hello claustrophobia!). So I’ve decided to stick to smaller boutique stores and online shopping to accomplish my Christmas shopping this year. Do you need some inspiration? Stocking stuffer ideas? Well look no further, ’cause I’ve got you covered. Here’s what I’m getting the special people in my life (family members, please stop reading now!)…

For my mom

Moms love to be pampered (and why shouldn’t they be?), and mine goes particularly nuts over L’Occitane. If you wanna splurge, check out the line’s best-selling Immortelle Divine Cream. The organic essential oils help regenerate the skin, and will leave her glowing—and singing your praises. Available at L’Occitane stores.

For my dad

Oh, dads. Mine is probably the farthest thing in the world from a metrosexual (read: Ryan Seacrest). He’s happy using a bar of soap from the dollar store on his face AND as his shampoo. I’m not kidding. So, in an effort to knock some sense into him, I’ll be throwing the cracked bar of soap into the garbage and stocking his bathroom with Rocky Mountain Soap Company’s Citron Body Wash. A reader turned me on to this company (I know, where have I been?!) and I’m loving their 100 percent natural and nurturing Canadian prodz. Available at RockyMountainSoap.com and select retail locations (see here).

For my brother

My little bro is suffering from major eczema, so in an effort in save his skin, I’ll be gifting him one of my faves (that I “share” with my boyfriend… ahem): Pangea Organics’ Himalayan Geranium and Pomegranate Balancing Oil. Packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins, I know from experience that it’s ultra-comforting to dry and irritated skin. I’ll also be dropping a few of Upper Canada Soap’s 100% natural Body Butter Balms into his stocking. The amazingly hydrating stick is super portable and can be used on everything from cracked heels to dry lips. Available at PangeaOrganicsCanada.com (see here for retailers) and UpperCanadaSoap.com (see here for retailers).

For my sister

Oops! I don’t have a sister… but if I did, I would 100 percent be buying her Farmhouse Fresh’s Whoopie Cream. I can’t even tell you how in love I am with this body cream (I’m buying it for my boyfriend’s sister, all of my friends and my grandma. Everyone should own a jar!). My supply sits beautifully on my bedside table, where I carefully ration it out every evening. It smells like frosting and cake and is packed with vitamin E and shea butter to hydrate and soften skin to the max. I can’t help but feel super-girly and glam when I use it, and it puts a total smile on my face. Seriously, buy a jar for yourself while you’re at it! Available at BeautyMark in Vancouver and beautymark.ca.

For my BFFs

My best friends, like me, love painting their nails. So in addition to the Whoopie Cream above (oh yeah, my BFF’s are getting a jar, too), I’m gifting them a few bottles of Soulstice Spa Vegan Nail Polish. Yep, it’s vegan and cruelty and toxin-free, which I love, and they’ve got a range of pretty colours to choose from (I love Berlin and Provence). Plus, it’s long-lasting and can be ordered online. Score! Available at NailPolishCanada.com.

For my cousin

My cous lives in L.A., is super-glamorous and has all the best beauty products—but I’m banking on the fact that she hasn’t tried this new line from celeb-fave Privé. They recently launched in Canada, and their new Concept Vert line is out of this world. I’ve been trying to grow my hair out for ages, and for some reason, I found that no shampoo and conditioner was leaving it moisturized or smelling nice. (You know you want your hair to smell good. That’s half the point of washing it! AMIRITE?) Well, these guys succeed in making my hair smell yummy after it’s dry—and even until the next wash. Shampoo and conditioner may seem like a weird gift, but trust me, these prodz are the best, and super luxe. Available at select Canadian salons (see here for locations).

For my boyfriend

It’s no secret that I would love to move back to Southern California (hello, sunshine), so when I discovered this line by Baxter of California, I thought I’d use the prodz to drop another hint while making my guy look great. My boyfriend has had a beard for over two years now, and to keep it looking the way it should, I’m going to print out these tips and stick ‘em with the Shave 1.2.3 kit under the tree. The Super Close Shave Formula, After Shave Balm and Badger Shave Brush facilitate the closest shave possible and will leave him perfectly groomed. Available at select Canadian retailers (see here for locations).

Elizabeth Oborne is a Vancouver-based writer and holistic nutritionist. Follow her on Twitter: @Elizabeth_O_

Back to you:

Have you completed your Christmas shopping yet?
Will any of these prodz be making their way onto your list?
What’re you buying the special people in your life? Do tell!