There's a nip in the air, I'm bundled in a cozy sweater, and Christmas feels like it's around the corner. Call me eager, but I'm ready to decorate my (condo-sized) tree and guzzle some egg nog.
I'm gonna date myself here, but when I was growing up the surest sign Christmas was coming was the Sears Wish Book. Anybody else remember getting home from school and finding it on your front step? I'd grab it and race to the couch, folding all the pages and circling my most-wished-for presents.
Like these:
The Wish Book was iconic. Year after year, it featured a Christmasy scene on the front and a holiday Barbie on the back. It was packed with the best toys, cozy pyjamas, stocking stuffers, jewellery, you name it.
At one point it was over 500 pages thick; basically an encyclopedia of Christmas gifts.
Man, if these kids could see themselves now... their outfits are cool AF and one of them's totally serving up some side eye. They're basically the cast of Stranger Things visiting Santa at the mall.
But times have changed, and as I write this, Sears Canada is liquidating all assets and preparing to go out of business. Their shuttering comes as no surprise to most of us, but my heart aches for the hardworking sales associates about to lose their jobs, especially during the holidays. I truly hope they land on their feet.
As this former giant of retail fades away, one of my favourite Ottawa shops is breathing new life into the Wish Book tradition with a gift guide of their very own.
Hot off the presses, here's the Maker House Wish Book!
Absolutely everything at Maker House is made in Canada, so whether you're browsing online or in-store, you can be sure every single item is ethically handcrafted right here in Canada. And their staff can tell you the story behind every single product and maker, too.
My pals Gareth and Sarah are the founders of this awesome Canadian biz, and they've worked hard to fill the Maker House Wish Book with Canadian-made gifts you'll be proud to give.
Because isn't it so much more meaningful when you know the story of your stuff? And when you can share those stories with those you love?
As if that wasn't enough, you can now create your very own Maker House wish list to lend Santa a hand. I've rounded up my favourites to get you started, and stick with me cuz I've got a BIG giveaway!
stocking stuffers
Fill their stockings with Canadian-made goodies! Even little gifts can be meaningful, eh?
$20 and under
Secret Santa? Family gift exchange? Skip the mall and win the unofficial championship for best gift giver.
$50 and under
$100 and under
for the kiddos
christmas cards
Christmas cards that don't suck. For real. Browse all their christmas cards right here!
christmas ornaments
Guuuuuuyyyys I want all of Maker House's Christmas ornaments! Here are two of my faves:
win A $150 maker house SHOPPING SPREE
Want to kickstart your Christmas shopping? One of you lucky peeps is gonna win a $150 shopping spree at Maker House! You can redeem your prize in-store or online, which means this giveaway is open ACROSS CANADA. Yup!
THE FINE PRINT
Open to Canadian residents only.
Contest closes November 23 at 11:59pm EST.
Winner will be announced right here on November 24, so check back to see if you've won.
TO ENTER
1. Click on the Rafflecopter widget below to check out the Maker House Wish Book.
2. Once you've done that, you'll unlock extra chances to win!
Best of luck and merry Christmas ya filthy animals! ;)