4 Places to Get Your Last-Minute Christmas Gifts
4 Places to Get Your Last-Minute Christmas Gifts by Rachel Naud This year, if you’re asking Santa for more time to get your shopping done, we’re here to help! We know between finishing up work, school concerts, holiday parties and decorating, finding time to shop can be impossible. But if the days have slipped away from you and you just realized you have more shopping items to pick up than days left before Christmas, we've got you covered with some last-minute gift ideas for everyone on your list! Children BelieveAs parents of teens, we always want to instill the value of giving back every holiday season. Sometimes this means dropping random gift cards in strangers’ mailboxes and sometimes this means researching different charities to give back to and deciding on one together. If you have a teen coming home from university, we're sure you're excited to get in the kitchen and cook for them and share a delicious and nutritious meal together. And while we may take this for granted, there are many children who go hungry. In fact, every 10 seconds a child loses their life to malnutrition — that’s over 3 million a year! That’s why, this year, it's a good idea to support Children Believe and its initiative to support children in communities that need it most by purchasing school meals. We also love this as a gift idea for that person who values helping others in need, as you can make a donation in their name! Canadians are very giving people and even despite the current economic climate, a survey conducted by Children Believe found that 3 in 4 Canadians would choose to actively purchase a gift to help others and make a difference. Check it out here.HomeSense This is the time of year when we’re often getting together for cocktail parties, dinners and parties. If you’ve ever hosted a holiday soiree, you know how much work it is, which is why it's nice to bring a gift to the hostess and host of the party to show my gratitude and appreciation. It's always fun to find gifts that are unique and that the hostess will love — and use! — long after everyone goes home for the night. The first place to go to find some amazing gifts is HomeSense because you can pick up some quality décor and entertaining essentials at amazing prices. And the best part? You don’t have to sacrifice
Huggies Sound of a Hug Nurtures Mom and Baby
Huggies has come up with an innovative idea that will save many parents from sleepless nights — Huggies Sound of a Hug.
Trick-or-Treat in Style with Squishmallows Treat Pails!
Trick-or-Treat in Style with Squishmallows Treat Pails from Jazwares! by INBETWEEN Magazine Want to make Halloween a little more special this year? Up your kid’s trick-or-treating game with the Squishmallows Treat Pails. Leave it to Emily the Black Cat, Callum the Green Monster or Wakisha the Pink Devil to give your Halloween tradition a much-needed **upgrade** Just in time for the fright season, Sqishmallows is joining in the fun with its very own Halloween Squad. Made from high-quality, ultrasoft materials, Original Squishmallows Treat Pails are perfect for costume parties, trick-or-treating, or decorations. They feature a velvety exterior, a sturdy handle, and ample space for all your kid’s treats. Choose from Emily the Black Bat, Callum the Green Monster, or Wakisha the Pink Devil! Grab them at select Costco Canada locations now!
17 IKEA Dorm Essentials for Your Teen
17 IKEA Dorm Essentials for Your Teen by Arianne Granada Sending your teen off to university? It’s definitely a bittersweet milestone. It’s **the** time for excitement, new beginnings, and a little bit of stress—especially when it comes to creating a comfortable and personalized dorm room. You want their new space to feel like a home away from home, but let’s be honest, it can be a bit of a challenge. This is where IKEA steps in. With their recent $80 million investment in lowering prices, you can find everything your teen needs to create a cozy, stylish, and functional dorm room that won’t break the bank. Here are some of our best IKEA finds to help your teen get their dorm ready for the school year. For a Restful Night’s Sleep A good night’s sleep is crucial for any student’s success. Here’s a range of sleep essentials that ensure your teen gets to recharge after a long day. DVALA This soft 100% cotton sheet in light gray offers breathable comfort that only gets better with each wash. It's a must-have for staying comfortable during late-night study sessions and/or early-morning classes.STJÄRNBRÄCKA If your teen tends to get warm at night, this light-warm duvet is their new best friend. It features a lyocell and cotton blend that keeps away moisture, ensuring a dry and cozy night’s sleep.ROSENSKÄRM & RUMSMALVA Whether they’re side or back sleepers, these pillows offer tailored support with memory foam technology to relieve pressure and enhance comfort. For Keeping the Chaos Under Control A tidy room is key to a clear mind. IKEA’s smart storage solutions make it easy to keep everything in place. RÅSKOG This versatile utility cart can fit into the smallest of spaces. It’s perfect for storing anything from textbooks to toiletries and can be easily moved wherever it’s needed.SKUBB Time for your teen to maximize their closet space. This hanging organizer with six compartments helps them keep clothes and accessories neatly tucked away.BAGGMUCK Protect dorm floors from mud, dirt, and moisture. This easy-to-clean shoe tray is absolutely perfect for those rainy days.GÖRSNYGG Perfect for under-bed storage, this storage case helps keep seasonal clothes or spare linens clean and dust-free. For Building a Home Away From Home More than just a place to sleep, your teen’s dorm room should feel like a personal sanctuary. IKEA has plenty of options to help them add personality to any space. FLOTTILJ This sleek dark blue lamp is perfect for both late-night study sessions and creating a cozy ambiance.TVERSTED Here’s a helpful
9 Must-Have Back-to-School Essentials for Every Family
9 Must-Have Back-to-School Essentials for Every Family by Rachel Naud If there’s one thing everyone in the family wants this September, it’s to look and feel cool going into the new school year. Those starting fresh in a new school will want to make a great first impression, while others will want to impress their friends now that they’re reunited after a summer away! These suggestions are sure to make the grade for everyone in the family—from tots to teens! Keep Daycare Days ComfyWhile our littlest family members may not be hitting the halls this September, many babies and tots will be heading to daycare as the rest of the family goes back to work and school. You'll want to make sure they are also packed with all the supplies and essentials they’ll need while away from home. Huggies Skin Essential diapers are ideal for transitioning to daycare. They are Huggies’ newest product designed to protect against the top two causes of diaper rash—moisture and runny mess. They are crafted for baby’s sensitive skin, dermatologist-approved, and fragrance-free! You can find them at Loblaw banner stores like Shoppers Drug Mart and Real Canadian Superstore! Find Your Personal Style Trends may come and go, but one thing remains constant across generations—every tween and teen wants to express themselves by decorating their belongings to reflect their personal style. Fresh school supplies offer a perfect blank canvas for students to make their mark. Students will love StickerYou’s vinyl stickers for decorating everything from binders and lockers to water bottles and more!StickerYou offers trendy, unique designs that are durable, waterproof, and dishwasher-safe. Most importantly, they are sure to make a statement! Shop them in-store at Walmart Canada! Create a Fall Style Capsule One of the best parts about going back to school? Getting that new fall wardrobe! Today, it’s even more fun with SHEIN, which is launching an exciting pop-up activation at the CNE on August 29, August 31, September 1, and September 2. The CNE is often the last hurrah before school starts, making this a fun way for teens to prep for school and get excited for the year ahead! Adorned with a graffiti-inspired design in the signature "brat green" hue, the truck’s exterior will showcase SHEIN’s colourful, street-style aesthetic, complemented by splashes of hot pink.Whether your teen wants to get some new ‘fits or shop for cool items for their dorm, SHEIN has what they need to get back to cool this school
Back-to-School with Apple: The Ultimate Student Tech
Back-to-School with Apple: The Ultimate Student Tech by Arianne Granada As the back-to-school season approaches, students are once again faced with the challenge of finding the right tools to help them succeed. In today’s fast-paced world, students need technology that can keep up with their busy lives. Having a reliable, powerful, and portable device is now a necessity. Apple’s MacBook Air and iPad Air offer students the perfect blend of performance and portability. The MacBook Air: Your Everyday Companion Let’s face it, the demands of student life can be pretty intense. Between juggling classes, projects, and **maybe** even a part-time job, your teen needs a laptop that won’t just keep up—it needs to help them stay ahead. Apple has raised the bar once again, integrating the M3 chip into its newest MacBook Air. It’s faster than ever and can handle whatever your teen throws at it—late-night cramming, morning lectures, math homework, you name it. This laptop is all about balance—combining incredible performance with a design that’s so thin and light that your teen might forget it’s in their bag! But don’t worry, the Macbook Air is a lean, mean, fighting machine. With up to 18 hours of battery life, students can go from morning classes to late-night study sessions without worrying about hunting for an outlet in a nearby cafe. More than power, the MacBook Air easily fits right into your teen’s life. Need to quickly hop on Zoom? Its world-class camera and microphones have your teen covered. Working on a big group project? They can connect up to two external displays, so multitasking is a cinch. Plus, with four stunning colours to choose from, it’s not just a productivity tool—it’s a fashion statement! iPad Air: Flexibility at Its Finest For students who crave versatility and creativity in their tech, the iPad Air might just be their new best friend. It’s basically a digital notebook, sketchbook, and laptop all rolled into one. Whether they’re taking notes, sketching ideas, or chilling with a good book, the iPad Air adapts to whatever they need it to be. This new iPad definitely means business. With the Apple Pencil Pro, students can jot down notes, sketch out ideas, or mark up documents with ease. Add in the Magic Keyboard, and it transforms into a solid laptop alternative, complete with a trackpad and backlit keys. With its all-day battery life and super-fast 5G, students are ready to work, learn, and create, wherever they go. Apple’s Back-to-School
Two Kid-Friendly Eco-Activities that Will Help to Combat Summer Learning Loss
Two Kid-Friendly Eco-Activities that Will Help to Combat Summer Learning Loss by Dr. Sarah Habibi The long hot summer is starting to wind up. Our kids have been at home away from their traditional learning environments for many weeks. While this break is necessary for children, it’s also helpful to keep them stimulated during the summer months. You can do this with hands-on, fun activities that help to combat ‘learning loss’ — the loss of knowledge and skills due to the long breaks away from the classroom. Sounds valuable, right? It seems I'm not the only parent who could use a few tips and tricks for getting started! More than half (56 per cent) of parents are tired of this yearly struggle, almost all (94 per cent) want their kids to learn more about science, and more than three-quarters (81 per cent) are looking for activities that will keep their kids’ minds stimulated. To support parents on the quest for engaging in summer activities rooted in science, I have applied my scientific skills in partnership with Maple Leaf Foods and the kids’ conservation organization, Earth Rangers. Together, we’ve developed the Future Farmer Mission which is available free of charge via the Earth Rangers app. Why not log on and discover the many exciting and interactive eco-activities that can turn your kids into Future Farmers? Discover the Future Farmer Mission The Future Farmer Mission, which includes the two eco-activities outlined below, will introduce kids to regenerative agriculture and sustainable farming practices. Regenerative agriculture, also called ‘climate-smart agriculture’ is a farming practice that aims to improve the land by keeping the soil healthy. A big aspect of regenerative agriculture includes composting, increasing biodiversity, and rotating crops throughout each season to ensure the soil gets a mixture of vital nutrients. Regenerative agriculture practices aren’t just for farmers, they can be applied right at home and it’s a worthwhile eco-activity for kids! This practice teaches them that changes to how we grow our food can help sustain Canada’s food supply for years to come. Read on for two Future Farmer activities that can help you get outdoors, learn, and connect with your kids: Activity 1: Make a DIY CompostComposting is an aspect of regenerative farming that helps the health of our soil. Composting uses decomposed organic matter, often found in old plants and food scraps, to give the soil back vital nutrients it needs to grow. It also helps to reduce your
Gift Ideas for Moms Who Embrace Self-Care and Self-Love
Gift Ideas for Moms Who Embrace Self-Care and Self-Love by Frances Go Celebrate Mother's Day by spoiling the special women in your life with the gift of pampering. Explore our curated selection of luxurious skincare, hair care essentials, cozy sleeping kits, and rejuvenating spa getaways. Show her just how much she's cherished and appreciated with these thoughtful tokens of affection. Care BasketCraft a skin care and hair care treasure trove just for her, filled with goodies that reflect her unique style and cater to her skin's needs. Handpick her favourites or choose products highly recommended for her specific skin type. RecommendationsSkin Care: Hydrating Facial Mask by Dr. Jart, Advance Anti Aging Program by Vivier Hair Care: Lush Super Milk, Gisou Mini Honey Infused Hair Oil, The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density Ultimate Sleeping KitAn embodiment of care and comfort tailored to her. Picture her sinking into dreamland with the help of a delicate lavender bed spray, the gentle embrace of a weighted blanket, fresh, crisp sheets, a soft eye mask, and other sleep-enhancing delights. RecommendationsLavender Vanilla Bed Spray from Bath and Body Works, Dream Away Weighted Blanket, Aroma Diffuser with essential oils, Beji Bed Sheet Set, Sunrise Alarm Clock A Spa Getaway Crafted to sweep her into a realm of tranquillity and personal exploration, whether through an intimate overnight getaway or a tranquil day retreat. Provide her with the opportunity to envelop herself in the comforting embrace of nature, allowing her to seek solace and rediscover inner harmony. RecommendationsElmwood Spa Package, Scandinave Blue Mountain, Thermëa Spa Village
Valentine’s Day 2024: 10 Last-Minute Gifts to Make the Day Special
Valentine's Day 2024: 10 Last-Minute Gifts to Make the Day Special by Arianne Granada With Valentine's Day only a week away, it's time to start thinking about how to make the occasion truly special. Whether you're planning a romantic evening with your significant other or gathering with friends to celebrate Galentine's Day, finding the perfect gift can set the tone for a memorable experience. Dive into our selection of luxurious treats designed to indulge and delight, ensuring that this Valentine's Day is one to remember. At-Home Spa ExperienceAre you on the hunt for the perfect Valentine's Day gift? Look no further than SOJA&CO's Valentine’s Day Gift Set: Touch of Romance. Inside this beautifully curated set, you'll discover everything needed to create a blissful atmosphere and pamper yourself or your loved one. Featuring a luxurious Candle White Musk + Praline 8 oz, invigorating Bubble bath Eucalyptus Mint & Rosemary, and stylish Matches "I burn for you", this set promises to elevate any romantic evening. Treat yourself or someone special to the ultimate Valentine's Day indulgence with SOJA&CO's Touch of Romance Gift Set. Order here. Love at First SipAdd a dash of love to your kitchen this Valentine's Day with Hamilton Beach. Surround yourself with the warmth of metallic red kitchen appliances from Amazon Canada, including the Hamilton Beach® Wave-Action® Blender. With its robust 700-watt motor and patented Wave-Action® System, this blender becomes your trusty sidekick in creating silky smooth concoctions, from dreamy frozen cocktails to velvety shakes. Create the perfect Valentine's drink (like this Strawberry Banana Smoothie!) effortlessly, with just the press of a button. Order here. A Touch of LuxuryThis Valentine's Day, indulge in the enchanting scent of L’Evidence by Yves Rocher. This lets you add a touch of luxury to any romantic celebration. With its captivating blend of upcycled peach and ethically sourced Patchouli, L’Evidence is more than just a perfume—it's a symbol of love and sustainability. Whether you're gifting it to a loved one or indulging in a little self-care, L’Evidence is the perfect way to show you care this Valentine's Day. Make this February 14th memorable — order here. Salon-Quality Waxing At HomeEmbrace the joy of salon-style pampering from the comfort of home with the Sliick™ by Salon Perfect® Microwave Melting Cup. This innovative tool makes waxing a breeze, heating beads in minutes for professional results without the spa price tag. Complete with durable silicone applicators and Acai Berry scented Hard Wax Beads, it promises
8 Santa-Approved Last-Minute Christmas Gifts
8 Santa-Approved Last-Minute Christmas Gifts By Sarjae Irving Christmas is around the corner and you thought you had everything under control. However, you somehow lost a few weeks to school functions, work parties, neighbourhood get-togethers, cookie swaps, and other holiday events, and now you're in full-on panic mode. You need gifts. And fast. If you think you need a good old-fashioned Christmas miracle to pull it all off, don’t worry we are here to help. LG StanbyME Rollable Smart Touch Screen Dads are some of the hardest people to shop for, but most dads love a tech gift. The LG StanbyME Rollable Smart Touch Screen is not only great for Dad but for the entire family. It’s rollable, allowing you to move it from one room to another due to its wireless design — you can use it to watch movies, do a workout, follow a recipe and more! The screen is fully adjustable, you can tilt and rotate it to your preference and the LG StanbyME also plays well with your other devices and can connect via NFC, AirPlay or through USB or HDMI ports. It has an easy-to-use touch screen which is great for opening apps, pausing videos and more! When the screen is out of reach, a handy remote lets you stay in control from the comfort of your seat. Additionally, it will last up to three hours on a single charge. You can pick this up at lg.ca Cineplex Holiday Gift Bundle The Cineplex Holiday Gift Bundle is an excellent gift to give. If you spend $50 CAD or more on a Cineplex Gift Card, you get a holiday gift bundle for free, which has up to $60 CAD in movie extras including free admission, free popcorn, and movie ticket upgrades! Pick it up at any Cineplex location or at cineplex.com Green & Black’s premium organic chocolate For stuffing stockings, chocolate is a must! Green & Black's premium organic chocolate has a new smooth line, just in time for the holiday season. The line bridges the gap between dark and milk chocolate and includes Plain and Mint 50% Cocoa flavours, boasting a five on the intensity scale, which is a perfect stepping stone for chocolate lovers interested in transitioning to higher percentages of cocoa, while still experiencing mid-range intensity and sweetness. The entire Green & Black line has so many delicious flavours you’ll be snacking throughout this festive season. These can also make great hosting