2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers that Are Fun, Festive, and Functional

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Fill Your Stockings at London Drugs

Christmas isn’t just about what’s under the tree. One of the most fun parts of Christmas is digging into your stocking on Christmas morning before anybody else gets up. Stockings are perfect for small gifts that are fun, festive, and functional. They’re opportunities to get your friends and family things that are totally silly but cute, or super practical small items that everyone appreciates. Here are a few of our favourite stocking stuffers this holiday season.

Fun and Functional Gadgets

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Furo Neon USB Light Cactus 2018 Holiday Gift Guide: ReTrak Portable PowerPack

This Furo Neon USB Cactus Light is fully on the “fun” end of the stocking stuffer spectrum. Powered either by USB or wirelessly by batteries, it brings a bit of sunshine and vacation spirit to any desk. If the cactus isn’t their style, we’ve also got a palm tree, pineapple, or unicorn.

Everyone with a cell phone can benefit from a portable battery, like this one from ReTrak. It can charge a phone, tablet, or any other portable device. It can provide two full charges to most smartphones and can easily fit into a purse or a pocket.

Skincare Essentials

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Burt's Bees Hand Salve2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Weleda Skin Food

Cold winters mean there’s more need for moisture, and Burt’s Bee Hand Salve or Weleda’s Skin Food Original Ultra Rich Cream will keep those hands from cracking.

A Timely Green Gift

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Joie Stainless Steal Straws

Stainless steel straws are all the rage, and make for great stocking stuffers that allow everyone on your list to sip their smoothie or soda with a clear conscience.

Lovely Lip Embellishers

Holiday Gift Guide 2018: Shiseido ModernMatte Powder Lipstick2018 Holiday Gift Guide: NYX Whipped Wonderland Powder Puff Lippie2018 Holiday Gift Guide: NYX Lip Oil

An ultra-glam stocking option is the Shiseido ModernMatte Powder Lipstick Expressive Deluxe Mini Set, featuring five shades in a beautiful keepsake box. The lipstick features 8 hours of wear in a lightweight powder matte finish.

A more affordable option, still with a powdery-soft finish, is the limited-edition Whipped Wonderland Powder Puff Lippie from NYX. Got a gloss lover on your list? Give them the NYX Paradise Fluff Lip Oil. It’s got a soft, silky texture due to a blend of several beneficial oils and provides just a hint of colour.

Bling and Bobbles

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Eliot Danori Legacy Pave Necklace2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Charisma Stainless Steel Fan Earrings

Jewellery is small enough to fit in a stocking — you could even put several matching pieces in there! There are tons of great options for earrings, necklaces, and bracelets from Eliot Danori and Charisma.

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Invisibobble

Anyone with long hair will be interested in the Invisibobble. Its unique spiral shape is gentle on hair and won’t leave a kink. We’ve got a variety of colours to choose from!

Socks for Every Stocking

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Secret Crew Socks2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Florsheim Men's Crew Socks

Socks are secretly what everyone wants to receive at Christmas. Secret makes beautiful textured crew socks for women. Florsheim has men’s crew socks in several different colours and patterns. You can never go wrong with socks!

We’ve got all kinds of gifts for all kinds of gifters. Need more holiday gift help? Check out londondrugs.com for more great gift ideas.

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Easy and Convenient Gifts for Those Who Don’t Like Shopping

2018 Holiday Gift Guide

The Christmas season can be an exhausting time of year, and gift shopping can add to that pressure. Figuring out the best gift for each person on your list and running around to purchase them can make even the happiest time of year a stressful one. That’s why we’re here to simplify your holiday season with a holiday gift guide and a one-stop shopping experience that enables you to get something for everyone on your list in one place — and you can buy it all online if that’s even easier.

Strategy: Buy Gifts Everyone Will Love

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: KitchenAid Food Processor2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Philips Espresso Machine

When it comes to reducing your shopping time, it’s all about strategy. Think about gifts that everyone could use and buy multiples for the various people on your list. These could be practical gifts like a KitchenAid Food Processor (everyone needs to eat!) or the Philips 3100 Series Espresso Machine. Who doesn’t like coffee?

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Sodastream2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Salton Goose Neck Kettle

The SodaStream Fizzi is great for all ages. It makes drinking water more fun for kids and is perfect for adding sparkling water to cocktails for the older crowd.

A cup of tea is super cozy at this time of year, and a new stylish kettle is a wonderful gift. Slippers are another great gift for cold winter nights, like these comfy ones from Perry Ellis.  

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Perry Ellis Lined Clogs Slippers

Strategy: Buy Gifts They Won’t Buy Themselves

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Sunbeam Heated Back Wrap2018 Holiday Gift Guide: ProActive Heat Therapy

Another good strategy is to go for luxurious gifts that people just don’t buy for themselves. The Sunbeam Heated Back Wrap has Shiatsu massage functionality; it’s like getting a massage whenever you want.

The ProActive TheraHeat Electro Stimulation and Heat Therapy also offers heat and pulse action at a variety of intensity levels.

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Chefman Electric Griddle and Crepe Maker

The Chefman Electric Griddle and Crepe Maker adds a level of glam to breakfast. Crepes are delicious and delightful, but hard to make at home without the right tools. This griddle and crepe maker brings brunch home!

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Calvin Klein Eternity for Men2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Burberry Brit for Men

Fragrances are another luxury option that everyone enjoys. For men, the Calvin Klein Eternity for Men set with both a fragrance and a matching body wash or the Burberry Brit for Him set of two scents would make great gifts.

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Marc Jacobs Daisy Set2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Calvin Klein Euphoria Set

Women will enjoy the Marc Jacobs Daisy Set or the three-piece Calvin Klein Euphoria set, which includes a purse spray for a mid-day fragrance refresh.

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: JBL Soundgear Neck Speaker

Lastly, you can always try getting something weird and unique that your friend or family member hasn’t even heard of, like this JBL Soundgear Neck Speaker. It’s exactly that, a speaker that hangs around your neck, creating an immersive sound landscape. You can interact with it by voice control and even use it to take calls. It’s super cool new tech and will definitely be a surprise to any recipient.

We’ve got all kinds of gifts for all kinds of gifters. Need more holiday gift help? Check out londondrugs.com for more great gift ideas.

Pet Safety Tips: How to Take Care of Your Furbabies During the Holiday Season

Pet safety tips for the holidays

We love our pets. They’re a part of our families, which means they’ll be celebrating the holidays right beside us. But as much as we want to share all the joys and festivities with them, they are, of course, not actual humans with any real sense of some of the dangers lurking in the holidays. We may dress our pets up in holiday sweaters and give them a voice on their own Instagram accounts, but let’s remember that they are dependent on their humans knowing the key pet safety tips to keep them not only loved, but also safe. 

The holidays are filled with foods, décor, and activities that aren’t part of our pets’ normal routines. So we should take a moment to think about how this might affect our furbabies. Most animals are inquisitive creatures – it’s adorable when they root out hidden treasures or chew the tags off our newly purchased clothes. But when you factor in all the new scenarios that come with the holidays, combined with a curious pet, the holidays can quickly become a series of dangerous opportunities.

Keep your furry friends safe while being merry and bright this holiday season by following these simple pet safety tips.

  1. Watch the food. Some of our favourite holiday treats can actually be life threatening to our pets. Chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs; a small amount will mess with their GI system (think: vomiting and diarrhea) while a pound or more of chocolate can be deadly. While your dog might be used to rich, marrow-filled beef bones, the more flexible bones of turkeys and chickens are prone to splintering, potentially causing abrasions  in the digestive system.Pet safety tips for the holiday season
  2. Prepare for the unknown.  You can never predict when an accident will happen, but they always seem to come when we’re at our busiest and spendiest. A good pet insurance policy will not only take care of expenses related to accidents, dental work, and behavioural therapy, but will even board or kennel your pet should you ever be in the hospital yourself and unable to look after your pet.
  3. Avoid dangerous décor. Some of the season’s most festive and famous greenery can be toxic to pets if ingested. Poinsettias, pine, holly, and mistletoe are all considered to be mildly to severely toxic, so either keep these plants elevated and out of their reach or eliminate them all together. And a decorated (faux) tree? That’s a giant cat toy waiting to be conquered, so avoid shiny, synthetic decorations like tinsel and ensure twinkly lights are protected with chew-proof plastic tubing.
  4. Stock up on pet prescriptions. Always know where the nearest pharmacy is if you need to fill a pet prescription. Our pharmacists can take care of everything from antibiotics and pain killers to insulin medication, and are as committed to looking after your pet as they our human clients.  
  5. De-stress with treats. Routines tend to go out the window around the holidays and this can be stressful to pets. Keep them calm by whatever means you know will reduce their anxiety, whether it’s giving them a quiet corner with their favourite blanket, some one-on-one cuddles, or their favourite treats.
  6. Never gift a pet. Even if you know someone extremely well, never give an animal as a gift. A pet is a long-term commitment with financial implications, and becoming a pet parent is a serious decision. If you’ve decided you want a pet for you or for your family, there are many rescue organizations that can help match you with your ideal animal. 

Shop our selection of pet care products for other resources to help you care for your pets over the holidays.

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Affordable Gift Ideas for the Budget Conscious

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Affordable Gifts for the Budget Conscious

Christmas can be tough on the wallet. That’s why we offer plenty of great gift options to suit any budget. We’ve rounded up some of the best, most affordable gifts (all under $100), so you can spread holiday cheer while keeping your bank balance in check.

For Grooming

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Conair Infinity Pro Curl Secret2010 Holiday Gift Guide: CHI Air Ceramic Iron

Give the gift of gorgeous hair with the Conair Infiniti Pro Curl Secret. This device automatically draws hair into the curl chamber where it holds and heats the hair, producing a perfect curl every time.

The CHI AIR 3-in-1 Ceramic Iron curls, straightens, and styles. Multiple heat settings can heat just the inner or outer tourmaline ceramic plates, or both, to create curls, waves, and perfectly straight hair. You can create a variety of hairstyles with just one tool!

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Braun Multi Groomer

For the men, Braun’s MultiGroomer similarly offers multiple functions. Shave, trim, and style with four length options including a 1.2mm comb for the perfect three-day beard. It’s waterproof for in-shower convenience and only requires five minutes of charging for one shave.

For Beautifying

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: London Premiere Complexion Brush Set2018 Holiday Gift Guide: NYX Whipped Wonderland Shadow Set

The London Premiere Complexion Brush Set contains five makeup brushes for applying foundation, powder, brush, eye shadow, and lipstick. It’s a great starter set at a reasonable price!

Combine that with the NYX Whipped Wonderland Shadow Set or the e.l.f. Eye and Face Palette.

For Cooking

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: London Drugs Pressure Cooker2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Blue Diamond Frying Pan

Instant Pots are still super popular gifts, but the London Drugs 6 Litre Pressure Cooker is a similar option at a lower price point. If you don’t think your recipient will use all seven features of the Instant Pot and really just wants to come home after a long day at work and have dinner ready in 30 minutes, then the pressure cooker is perfect on its own. For versatility, though, the Instant Pot is your best bet with pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, and sautéing features all in one device.

A classic frying pan is always welcome and the Blue Diamond Frypan offers incredible heat conduction in its diamond-infused ceramic coating. It’s about four times more thermal conductive than copper while still being non-stick and dishwasher safe.

For De-stressing

2018 Gift Guide: iHome Aroma Speaker with Lighting2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Relaxus Himalayan Salt Lamp

We recommended aromatherapy diffusers in our Trend Seekers Gift Guide, and the iHome Aroma Speaker with Lighting combines a diffuser with a lamp and a speaker. Three gifts for the price of one! The built-in fan spreads the scent of essential oils across the room, while the speaker wirelessly streams music via Bluetooth. The lamp functionality offers seven light therapy modes, including an option to mimic candlelight.

Crystal salt lamps are also a great option for the wellness lover on your list. The handcrafted lamps, with salt mined from the Himalayas, produce negative ions that may improve health and boost energy. Everyone loves their soothing orangey-pink glow.

For Fun!

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Super Mario Brothers Party

Lastly, if you want to give a gift that’s all about fun, try Super Mario Party for the Nintendo Switch. It’s a great party game that’s enjoyable for everyone to play. And if they don’t have a Switch, we have an extensive collection of board games for more analog fun.

We’ve got all kinds of gifts for all kinds of gifters. Need more holiday gift help? Check out londondrugs.com for more great gift ideas.

Dyson AM09 Tower Fan and Heater Contest

Together with Dyson, we’re excited to be giving away one Dyson AM09 Tower Fan and Heater! See below for full Terms & Conditions and how to enter.

 

Dyson Facebook Contest Terms & Conditions

To enter: Comment with the answer to “what the is the temperature range of the AM09? (Hint: visit the product page to find this information)”

Contest is open to all residents of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba who, as of the date the prize draw is made: (i) have not won a London Drugs contest since December 13th, 2017; (ii) have reached the age of majority in the province in which they reside as of December 7th, 2018; (iii) are not employees of London Drugs, their respective advertising and promotional agencies, the independent judging organization (if any), or any family member living with any such employee.

No purchase necessary. Limit one (1) entry per person per social network per contest. Entries must be received no later than 11:59 PM Pacific Time December 13th, 2018. London Drugs is not responsible for entries that become lost or misdirected. All entries become the property of London Drugs Limited and will not be returned.

One (1) winner will be randomly chosen on the day the contest ends (see dates below) in Vancouver, British Columbia, from all eligible entries received per contest. To win, selected entrants must correctly answer a skill-testing mathematical question and must sign London Drugs’ declaration and release confirming compliance with the contest rules and acceptance of the prize(s) as awarded, releasing London Drugs from liability in association with the contest and prize and consenting to the use of their name, photograph, voice and statements for promotional and publicity purposes.

There will be one prizes of

  • ONE (1) Dyson AM09 Tower Fan and Heater (L5071055, valued at $499.99)

See details and contest date below. Prizes must be accepted as awarded, are non-transferable and no substitutions are permitted. Prizes will be awarded at the closest London Drugs location to contest winners.

Contest date – Friday, December 7th, 2018 – Thursday December 13th, 2018, 11:59 PM Pacific Time

Draw date – Friday December 14th, 2018

Only one prize may be won by any one person and household. In the event that any selected entrant incorrectly answers the skill-testing question or is otherwise unwilling or unable to comply in full with these rules, a new entry will be drawn.

Selected winners will be contacted by email or on the social network they were drawn from. No correspondence will be entered into except with selected entrants. If the winners do not respond then they will be notified for the second time, 3 (three) days after the first notification. If the winners still do not respond within 3 days of the second notification, a new winner will be chosen in the same manner until a winner is successfully contacted.

The chances of winning a prize will depend on the number of eligible entries received. Decisions of the judges in respect of all aspects of this contest including, but not limited to, eligibility of entries and correctness of answers given to the skill-testing question, are final.

London Drugs and their respective advertising and promotional agencies, the independent judging organization, and their respective agents are not liable to an entrant in any manner relating to the contest or the awarding and use of the prize(s).

This contest is subject to all federal, provincial, and municipal laws and regulations. By entering the entrant consents to the collection of all personal information included on their entry and agrees to the use and disclosure of such information by and between London Drugs, an independent judging organization, and their agents. The winner(s) also agrees to the collection, use, and disclosure of their name, entry, photographs, voice, and statements for London Drugs’ publicity purposes without further compensation. All personal information collected from entrants will be used only for the purposes of administering the contest and for marketing and promotional purposes as contemplated by these rules; under no circumstances will any personal information be sold or rented to third parties. All personal information collected by London Drugs will be kept in accordance with the privacy policy of London Drugs, which can be viewed at www.londondrugs.com, and in accordance with all applicable privacy laws.

The right is reserved by London Drugs to terminate this contest, in whole or in part, and/or modify, amend or suspend the contest, and/or these rules in any way, should any cause beyond the reasonable control of London Drugs or its agents affect the proper administration thereof.

 

 

Easy Ways Keep Your Home Safe While You’re On Vacation

Vacation is meant to be a time when you and your loved ones can get away from everyday worries, have lots of fun and relax. The last thing you want to do on vacation is stress about your home security. And while a comprehensive homeowners insurance policy from The Insurance Services Department of London Drugs can definitely give you peace of mind when you’re away, it’s important to complete a few simple safety tasks as well. Check out a few of our favourite home safety tips below:

Before you head out on your holiday in the sun, you should make an easy-to-follow safety checklist that will allow you to make sure your home is protected from theft, vandalism and natural disasters. You wouldn’t pack for vacation without ticking off a checklist, so why not do the same and create a simple home security and maintenance checklist too?

Protect the Inside of Your Home

  • Use timers on your interior lights. Keep burglars away at night by making it appear as if someone is home with lights that are set to go on and off at normal evening hours.
  • It’s impossible to know when a power surge will hit your home, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared for the worst. Disconnect any major appliances that won’t be in use like your TVs and computers, plugging everything else into a surge protector.
  • Don’t forget to set your alarm before you leave the house. Contact your alarm company to let them know you will be away from home for an extended period of time.
  • Don’t give burglars an excuse to invite themselves in. Secure your valuables that you keep in the house and, if possible, store jewellery and other valuables in a safe deposit box.
  • While this may seem obvious, double check that you’ve locked all windows and doors before jetting off.

 Outdoor Safety

  • Will you be away from home for more than a week? If so, it’s a good idea to arrange for lawn care. You can ask a neighbor to tackle your lawn or simply hire a local service but trimmed trees and a well-manicured lawn are great for deterring burglars.
  • Set up timers for exterior lights as well, making sure they follow your regular night time schedule.
  • Prevent mail and newspaper deliveries from piling up by putting a temporary hold on your accounts. You can also have them picked up regularly by a trusted friend or neighbour, just to make sure you’re not an easy target for burglars.
  • If you have any hidden keys on your property, remove them from their hiding spots and put them in a safe place.
  • Lock your garage. Even if it doesn’t provide access into the house, any valuables kept inside are at risk of being stolen.

Protect Your Home with Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

Want to learn more about the benefits of investing in a comprehensive home insurance policy from The Insurance Services Department of London Drugs? Contact our friendly team online today to get a quote!

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Quality Christmas Presents that Stand the Test of Time

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Quality Gifts that Will Last

If you want to give quality Christmas presents that will last, or if your loved ones tend to eschew trendy gifts for classic styles that withstand the test of time, this gift guide will help you choose the kinds of gifts that you’ll really love giving, and that will truly be appreciated.

For the Music Lovers

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Vinyl Restoration System2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Marshall Noice-Canceling Headphones

Music lovers who are dedicated to quality sound will love our selection of vinyl records ─ they sound better and they’ll last forever. We carry all kinds, everything from classics like the Beatles to newer artists like Drake.

If they already have an extensive collection, then the Kirmuss Audio Ultrasonic Vinyl Restoration System will clean and restore those records to pristine condition while the Marshall Mid Noise-Cancelling Headphones ensure amazing sound quality.

For the Cinephiles

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: London Drugs Microsuede recliner2018 Holiday Gift Guide - Sony 65-in OLED 4K UHD HDR Android TV

If your recipient loves movies or television, then set up their living room with the London Drugs Rocker Recliner Chair and a new Sony 65-in 4K television. This super slim TV has acoustic sound technology, meaning the whole screen provides sound.

For the Comfort Seekers

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Sunbeam Heated Blanket2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Sunbeam Heated Mattress Pad

Folks who value comfort and coziness will love Sunbeam’s heated blanket and heated mattress pad. With five heat settings on the blanket and 10 on the mattress pad (and both featuring a 10-hour auto-off function), they’re great ways to add some hygge to the home. And they’re both machine washable and dryer safe!

For the Travellers

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Targus Laptop Backpack2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Treefrog Ultraslim Notebook Bag

For travelling techies, a new VIP Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Backpack will ensure their holiday travel is a breeze. It unzips to lay fully flat, making it easy to display your laptop for security to screen, but its structured piping enables it to stand upright. The water-resistant base protects valuables from spills and weather.

Tree Frog’s Ultra Slim Notebook bags are super stylish alternatives. Their ultra-slim design features a padded interior to protect your computer, a detachable shoulder strap, a zippered pocket on the front, and an accessory pouch on the back.

For the Photographers

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Fujifilm Mirrorless Camera2018 Holiday Gift Guide: HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer

Nothing is more precious than memories, and the Fujifilm X-T3 mirrorless camera or the Sony Alpha A7 II DSLR will help preserve those forever. Photo buffs will love the HP Sprocket Photo Printer. It makes printing photos at home super simple, so those memories don’t just languish on a memory card.

For the Beauty Lovers

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Calvin Klein Fragrance Set2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Elizabeth Arden Fragrance Set

Make it a scent-sational Christmas with a luxurious gift set. Fragrance sets make a perfect gift for the beauties in your life. Calvin Klein and Elizabeth Arden both have fragrance sets available, with their signature scents and matching body lotion for the ultimate in glam.

We’ve got all kinds of gifts for all kinds of gifters. Need more holiday gift help? Check out londondrugs.com for more great gift ideas.

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