The holidays are an exciting time of year, but like many of you, I am left wondering what gifts are “the right gifts” for those I shop for. Thankfully, along with the DoTheDaniel.com team around the world, we have worked with some amazing and inspiring brands throughout 2016. With brand marketing and the resultant engagement at an all-time high, it was not long before these brands would have wanted more exposure for themselves. Understandably, finding innovative ways to get in touch with the public and tackling the social media algorithm becomes important for businesses, especially the ones who are just starting off. While some resort to improving their social visibility by using wholly managed growth services like Social Runner, others follow the tried and tested method of giveaways!
I have read through every post of these brands and have compiled a list of my personal holiday must-haves that are sure to help make the holidays happier this year. And since there is something to be said for #DoTheDaniel tradition, I am giving one lucky Canadian the chance to win the entire #DTDxmas gift guide worth over $3,750.00!
So without further ado, let’s jump right into the gifts I recommend for Canadians from coast-to-coast this year.
Golf Town $200 GC
I am true believer that we should always be learning new things in order to better ourselves. I can say that I have never played a game of golf because it never occurred to me that I could, let alone should. I wait to the driving range with my Dad a few times as a teenager but don’t think I retained much. Thanks to Golf Town and their ability to help us play our very best, I would like to try golf in 2017 and see if maybe I can add another skill to my roster. “Golf Town has grown to become Canada’s golf superstore. With stores all across Canada, Golf Town stores are sanctuaries where golf devotees come to try, buy, learn about and improve their game.”
Twitter: @GolfTown #AnythingForGolf
Facebook: @GolfTown
Philips OneBlade -$44.99
You’ll remember that earlier this year I shared my love for the Philips OneBlade as my razor of choice – click here ICYMI. I have a lot of beauty & grooming products sent to me and when it comes to razors, this absolutely tops my list. Whether it’s for you or the men in your life, you’ll quickly come to realize that you’ll never need another razor after trying this one.
Instagram: @Philips #OneBlade
Twitter: @PhilipsNA #OneBlade
Facebook: @Philips
When it comes to looking good, I am lucky enough to have married a stylist who helps me look my best. When he saw these sunglasses from Hugo Boss, he agreed that they were a must have for Canadian men. Yes, sunglasses are still appropriate in the winter and I can look my best while wearing my pair.
Instagram: @HUGOBOSS #YourTimeToShine
Twitter: @HUGOBOSS #YourTimeToShine
Facebook: @HugoBoss
When it comes to skincare, I’ll be honest that I have a very few select brands that I trust. As I have gotten older, I know that my skin needs more care than it used to. Vichy Canada helps to offer the hydration I comfort I need during the harsh winter months. Vichy Homme is a must in my home and once you try it for yourself, I am sure you will agree.
Instagram: @VichyCanada #VichyWorksForMe #PourMoiCestVichy
Twitter: @VichyCanada #VichyWorksForMe #PourMoiCestVichy
Facebook: @VichyCanada
Fujifilm SP-2 Printer and the Holiday Film Bundle $270
I have realized as I get older that I am becoming more nostalgic, if that’s possible. Fujifilm has had a couple of amazing events this year and we even got a SP-2 Printer of our very own that you can use to print your social media photos. I have recreated a photo wall in my home, and it is because of Fujifilm! With this amazing Printer & Holiday Film Bundle, you too can immerse yourself in memories from 2016 and the holiday season. Such an amazing gift for teens and moms btw!
Twitter: @FujiGuys
Facebook: @FujifilmCameras
Have you ever experienced walking into The Body Shop for one item and leaving with twenty? Me too. It’s one of those places where you realize how much you deserve to pamper yourself. Especially for the holidays, we always make sure to pick up some essentials for ourselves at home and for gifts. My personal must haves this year include The Best of The Body Shop Iconic Collection, Hemp Expert Manicure Gift Set & The Indian Night Jasmine Eau De Toilette Fragrance Gift Set. Friends and family can expect these sets from us this holiday season as the perfect way to show them the power of self-care.
Instagram: @TheBodyShop
Twitter: @TheBodyShopCA
Facebook: @TheBodyShopCanada
Kerastase Canada Holiday Must Haves $500
My hair is something of a challenge on a day-to-day basis. For those of you who follow us on social media, you’ll see how big it can actually get when I let it loose. I have learnt over the years that it takes an incredible brand to tame my curls and with Julio’s guidance, we stay stocked up with Kérastase Canada products of all kinds. From the Chroma Riche Holiday Set to Baume Double Je, I find myself using a steady regime of hair products from the best in the business. These make a perfect host gift that is unique but still incredibly thoughtful!
Instagram: @Kerastase_official
Twitter: @KerastaseCanada
Facebook: @KerastaseCanada
Sanuk Canada His & Hers / His & His / Hers & Hers shoes $200
There are certain brands that we love not only because they are a lot of fun to work with, but because they’re just really fun. Sanuk is fun and offers a playful approach to shoe style while never loosing vision of who they were when they launched the company. I hope that I can say the same thing when we reach our next level of business venture in 2017. Sanuk shoes are comfortable, affordable but also help to express my unique personality. A must for Canadians in my opinion!
Instagram: @Sanuk #Sanuk
Twitter: @SanukFootwear #Sanuk
Facebook: @SanukFootwear
Ballarini Canada Kitchen Must Haves $280
You all know how much I adore both Hudson’s Bay & ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS Canada. When I found out about the newly launched Ballarini Canada brand from Italy as the newest member of the ZWILLING Canada family, available at Hudson’s Bay, I got to shopping almost immediately. To start off your collection I would recommend the Positano 9.5 & Positano 11 inch frying pans. These pans have changed my life and I know that they will do the same for you. Why not finally give yourself the best tools you can in the kitchen along with me?
Instagram: @Ballarini_CA #Ballarini
Facebook: @BallariniCanada
Canadian Women’s Foundation #joinGEN1 Prize Pack $200
You’ll remember that we shared the inspiring story and #joinGEN1 products earlier this year as holiday must haves. I was so moved by the whole idea that I wanted to include them as a must have for your holiday get togethers and needs. “Shop for GEN1 is a fundraising campaign supporting the Canadian Women’s Foundation’s violence prevention programs.” So many individual items to purchase for yourself and those you love. It’s the inspiration for my gift giving this season and hoping that the charity work we continue to do will help to really make a difference this year.
Twitter: @cdnwomenfdn #joinGEN1
Facebook: @CanadianWomensFoundation
Smith Farms Natural Skincare Package $200
This is a brand that is close to my heart as a French Canadian – I did always have a soft spot for French brands! “What started as a simple kitchen experiment using farm-fresh ingredients and a blender, sisters Julia and Becky Sinclair-Smith founded Smith Farms Natural Skincare in 2009. The entire line is made and shipped straight from their family farm in St. Polycarpe, Quebec. All products are gentle and contain no synthetic chemicals, sulfates, parabens, detergents, artificial fragrance, synthetic preservatives or petroleum-based ingredients and are cruelty- and gluten-free.” (Could this be any more Catherine?!) Our holiday recommendations include the Marshmallow Face Cream, Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser, Orange Blossom Facial Toner, Vitamin Rich Hand Cream, Nourishing Hand and Body Oil, Daily Moisture Body Lotion, Shea Butter Lip Balm & Red Berry Lip Tint. So many amazing items to shop and share this holiday season!
Instagram: @SmithFarmsProducts
Twitter: @SmithFarmsProds
Facebook: @SmithFarmsProducts
Krispy Kreme Canada – $100 GC
Now 15 years in Canada, Krispy Kreme is probably one of my favourite indulgences to enjoy. Not only that, but their Original Glazed doughnuts don’t last very long in our home around Julio since they are his favourite too. A Krispy Kreme Canada gift card is a great gift for an office party, or for that person in your life who loves sweet treats as much as we do!
Instagram: @KrispyKremeCan
Twitter: @KrispyKremeCan
Facebook: @KrispyKremeCanada
One Year Subscription to Food Trip To $275
With so many box subscriptions available to Canadians now, it can sometimes be confusing to decide which one is best. I fell in love with Food Trip TO this year over their Food Trip to Japan box and have since bought subscriptions for friends across the country. “Each box contains: 6 products and 4 recipes to make an authentic meal for 6. Cultural facts about the destination presented in an entertaining way. A playlist of typical music to enrich the experience. A small surprise that we brought back from our trip! All you have to do is pick up a few fresh ingredients.” GENIUS. With several options available for purchase, buying a subscription is a great way to give the foodie in your life an adventure every month!
Instagram: @FoodTripTo
Twitter: @FoodTripTo
Facebook: @FoodTripTo
Indigo Chapters #ReadTheNorth Prize Pack $200
We shared some holidays musts earlier this year, but now it’s time to share some gifts for the ferocious readers in your life. As an avid book lover, all of these gifts get me excited for those cozy nights in cuddled on the couch with a good book. After all, one must #ReadTheNorth to truly appreciate it! Holiday must haves for the book lover in your life include Read the North sweater, Read the North tote, The Coveteur: Private Spaces, Personal Style by Stephanie Mark, 99: Stories of the Game by Wayne Gretzky, Milk & Honey by Rupi Kaur & Drinks: A User’s Guide by Adam Mcdowell. Books and book accessories show that you love their hearts and their minds and encourage one of the healthiest habits I think all Canadians should embrace.
Instagram: @ChaptersIndigo #ReadTheNorth #MakeItMerry
Twitter: @ChaptersIndigo #ReadTheNorth #MakeItMerry
Facebook: @ChaptersIndigo
Starbucks Canada $200 GC
When it comes to coffee and #coffeelove, there is no one who does it better than Starbucks Canada. I still remember working for the company many moons ago and loving the sense of family I felt as a part of that team. This feeling continues at my local Starbucks where they know my name, my order and a lot about me. Not to mention all the amazing holiday treats that recently launched that I am picking up as gifts! “Starbucks is the place where holiday happens with cherished traditions that celebrate a passion for coffee, food and the human spirit.” A Starbucks Canada gift card is a great gift for a teacher, coworker, or for yourself. Why wouldn’t you want to treat yourself to a Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte, Starbucks Peppermint Mocha + Skinny Peppermint Mocha, Starbucks Caramel Brûlé Latte, Starbucks Gingerbread Latte & Starbucks ® Eggnog Latte?
Instagram: @StarbucksCanada #CoffeeLove #RedCup
Twitter: @StarbucksCanada #CoffeeLove #RedCup
Facebook: @StarbucksCanada
Hawthorne $200 GC
Enjoying a delicious meal can be an amazing way to cheers to the holidays. “Hawthorne Food & Drink was established for the sole cause of giving back to the community. On the one hand, the restaurant serves delicious food made from local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. On the other, it provides free training and career development for people in need of skills and employment.” A delicious meal in support of a great cause sounds like a perfect gift for those of you in or visiting Toronto and a gift certificate is a personal way to gift just that.
Instagram: @Hawthorne_TO
Twitter: @HawthorneTO
Facebook: @HawthorneTOfoodanddrink
Workplace One One Month Membership $225
The new trend in Toronto is a common workspace or flex space. Workplace One is “perfect for innovators that travel lightly and are tired of working alone in a coffee shop, our Flex Space is open Monday through Friday 9am-5pm at all of our Toronto and Kitchener locations on a first come, first served basis.” As a small business owner who normally works from home, having access to Workplace One Flex Spaces is a great way to have a change of scenery and inspire me to push myself further!
All Flex Space members get access to:
• Professional Mailing Address at any of our 3 Toronto locations or our Kitchener location
• Access to the Centre during Business Hours
• Daily Mail/Package Service
• Attended Lobby to greet your Clients & Guests
• Dedicated Commercial Grade Internet Connectivity
• Access to Member Rates at all Workplace One Centre Meeting Rooms & Day Offices
• Flexible Terms: Daily, Weekly, Monthly Rates available
• Access to On-Site Member Benefits:
• Fully Monitored Network Infrastructure
• Access to Multi-Functional Printer/Copier/Scanner
• Breakout/Meeting Rooms -Seats up to 4 people
• Regular Office Cleaning included
• Kitchenettes and Coffee Bar, Free Espresso, Filtered Water & Craft Beer on Tap
• 24/7 Building Security
• Access to Workplace One Lounge
• TTC Accessible
Instagram: @WorkplaceOne
Twitter: @WorkplaceOne
Facebook: @WorkplaceOne
So… Who wants to WIN the entire #DTDxmas Holiday Gift Guide worth over $3,750.00 CAD as my gift to you for the holidays?!
Enter to win over $3,750.00 worth of prizes by signing up for the DoTheDaniel.com Newsletter launching in 2017
Want extra chances to win? They’ll take a few minutes of your time but can exponentially increase your chances!
Extra chance #1 — Twitter
Follow the following Twitter Accounts:
- @DoTheDaniel
- @GolfTown
- @PhilipsNA
- @HUGOBOSS
- @VichyCanada
- @FujiGuys
- @TheBodyShopCA
- @KerastaseCanada
- @SanukFootwear
- @ZWILLING_CA
- @cdnwomenfdn
- @SmithFarmsProds
- @KrispyKremeCan
- @FoodTripTo
- @ChaptersIndigo
- @StarbucksCanada
- @HawthorneTO
- @WorkplaceOne
Once you have followed them all, tweet the following from your account:
Extra chance #2 — Instagram
Follow the following Instagram Accounts:
- @DoTheDaniel
- @Philips
- @HUGOBOSS
- @VichyCanada
- @TheBodyShop
- @Kerastase_official
- @Ballarini_CA
- @SmithFarmsProducts
- @KrispyKremeCan
- @FoodTripTo
- @ChaptersIndigo
- @StarbucksCanada
- @Hawthorne_TO
- @WorkplaceOne
Once you have followed ALL accounts, ‘Like’ this photo and tag three friends in the comment section below!
Extra chance #3 — Facebook
‘Like’ The DoTheDaniel.com Facebook Page & tag three friends in the comment section below this post.
*** Please note that you MUST sign up for the newsletter as the main entry in order to be deemed valid entry. ***
NO tweet or Instagram comment restrictions apply – each tweet and / or comment will count as ONE extra entry. Winners must be following all social media accounts as listed for Twitter and / or Instagram extra chance to be deemed valid. Official entry is associated with signing up for the DoTheDaniel.com Newsletter as listed above. Contest odds depend on how many valid entries are received. Contest will run until Wednesday, December 21st 2016 at 9:00am EST. ONE winner will be chosen at random and announced via @DoTheDaniel’s Twitter / Instagram / Facebook Page.
Prizes cannot be redeemed for cash value. Prizes will be shipped separately from all participating brands and winner’s should expect several deliveries to arrive before the holidays if possible, however due to shipping restrictions prizes may arrive early 2017. Contest open to Canadian residents only. **
For more behind the scenes of this and other amazing brands we are working with around the world, make sure to follow along with the #DoTheDaniel Instagram account. We would love to have you join on our adventures! AND yes. we’re on Snapchat too! – click here to follow us! !
Photos: All brands listed above, Amanda Hayden Photography & Daniel Reyes
Cheers!
*Please note that this is a sponsored post – our disclosure can be found at all times by clicking here.