Today’s gift ideas have a simple unifying theme: I drew inspiration from the so-called “Far East”, which in today’s global culture is actually well within our grasp thanks to imported products and ingenious domestically-made lines that channel the spirit of various Eastern Hemisphere countries. I’ve handpicked one product across five different regions – enjoy!
To Celebrate Arabian Nights: Disney’s Reigning Beauty Collection: Jasmine – $23 – $66 @ SephoraI am WOEFULLY behind the times in reporting on this line for you, but I can tell you that when I first got word that Jasmine would be the next Disney Princess to get the ‘Reigning Beauty’ treatment in partnership with Sephora, I definitely squealed. For one, I was in a production of Aladdin as a kid (my sis was Jasmine) and I’ve got a soft spot for this oft-overlooked princess. For another, I was psyched to see what Jasmine-specific goodies Sephora would come out with, and they did not disappoint. The 3 Wishes Eyeliner set ($50) is a particular standout as it gives you three options to charcoal on your own dramatic liner – in gel, chunky pencil, or smooth-gliding liquid liner form. Also special is the A Whole New World Perfumed Body Shimmer ($54), which gives your skin a sparkling glow to rival the desert sands at sunset, along with an exotic citrus & flower scent.
To Turn Japanese: Kimono-Style Robes – $65 – $142 @ Pretty Plum Sugar
Technically speaking the minds behind these pretty Japanese-inspired robes have branded them as “Bridesmaid” robes for that morning-of prep (and many mornings to come), but realistically any gal would love to wrap herself in one of these Cotton Voile or Habutai Silk dressing gowns. Available in array of classic vintage-inspired prints, these robes would make an angelic choice for Mother’s Day, birthdays, or yes, wedding parties. Want to turn up the snuggle factor? Be sure to check out the matching lounge pants, tanks, nightgowns, and accessories.
To Avoid Being a Bull in a China Shop: Five-Sense Yun Aroma Diffuser – $293 @ The Harmonious MindThe clean lines of the aromatherapy diffuser pictured above certainly echo what we’d expect from Eastern design, this all-in-one relaxation station is designed to help you achieve some inner zen as well. Not only does this nifty device gently diffuse the essential oil aroma of your choice, it also helps purify the air around it. Unwind to the built-in spa music or hook it up to your MP3 player or SmartPhone, plus mediate to a light show for a total body experience. It may be a splurge, but it makes a perfect choice for a Master Bathroom after a long, hard day.
To Kick Up The Kremlin Factor: World-Wind Tour Skirt – $57.99 @ ModClothPeople always forget Russia is indeed part of Asia. Add a pop of colour and a touch of whimsy to your wardrobe with this Kremlin-inspired skirt. Featuring an array of onion dome buildings, this cheery skirt is perfect for springtime paired with a crisp white tee or a sheer lemon-coloured blouse. The knee-length is flattering on just about everyone, and the subtle pocket is handy for those sunny day walks when you want to feel almost completely unencumbered, but still have some essentials on-hand. Makes a lovely birthday gift for your sister or wife.
To Channel Beauty By Way of Bollywood: Ganesha’s Garden Solid Perfumes – $13.99 eachFirst things first. These are solid perfumes housed in pretty soapstone boxes. Now let’s dig deeper. Those solid perfumes? They’re actually made from (mostly organic) essential oils, and earn the Canadian Gift Guide’s stamp of approval for being an all-natural green beauty alternative to typical alcohol-based perfumes. Secondly, those stone containers are actually hand-carved by Ganesha’s Garden fair trade partner Pushpanjali, in Agra, India – making each one a one-of-a-kind piece of micro art that supports the welfare and education of women in India. Finally, each little scent minimizes its ecological footprint: when you’re done with a perfume, hang onto the box and use it as a little trinket keeper. I love these as party favours for stagettes or small weddings, or even just something to keep on hand for hostess gifts.
I’m very excited to be introducing you to Ganesha’s Garden, and hope you’ll consider ‘em for future gift-giving. Want to try their scents for yourself? We’re giving away TWO perfumes each to TWELVE people, which means the odds are very much in your favour, IF you read below:
1) Leave a comment by May 21st with the TWO scents you’d most like to try from Ganesha’s Garden AND your favourite not-so-far-east gift pick featured in this post.
2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around May 22nd to select the winners, who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.
3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible to participate in this promotion.
4) Bonus Entry: Pin any of the five items in this post and leave a link back to your pins to earn up to FIVE bonus entries (1 per pin).
