Gift Guide – Gift Ideas for the Photo Lover

Looking for the perfect gift for the photographer in your life? We’ve curated some ideas in our gift guide for the photo lover. From unique accessories to the best cameras, we have something for whoever you are shopping for this holiday season.

GoPro HERO 9

Everyone loves a GoPro. Versatile, compact, and powerful, with a wide assortment of mounts, a GoPro can keep up even in the most extreme environments. From snorkeling, to sky diving, this camera will keep up with just about anything. Great gift for the adrenaline lover in your family.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

Great for all ages, this Instax camera revives the pre digital revolution instant photo experience. Creating one of a kind prints instantly, it’s great for little ones and older ones alike. Don’t forget to pick up some film to go with it, or a stylish case!

Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera

The Sony ZV-1 is the all in one power house for the budding content creator. Designed specifically for vlogging, featuring built in WiFi for quick and easy uploads. It’s 3″ swivel LCD screen and advanced autofocus makes sure your images stay sharp, and you can keep an eye on your shot, even when it’s of you! It’s an all in one power house that everyone will love.

Photo Accessories

Acessories are always a great gift. Anything from a new bag, travel tripod, microphone or a sling camera strap, there is sure to be an accessory that is a perfect holiday match!
With so many options for the camera lover, these are but a few suggestions to start. Be sure to browse our full camera section here to find the perfect gift.

Canon R6

If you are looking to get serious with your photo related gift, consider the all new Canon R6. With a 20MP full frame sensor, and DIGIC X processor, this powerhouse camera can capture 4K video at 60 frames per second and 1080 HD at 120 FPS. With Canon Log and HDR HQ output options, seasoned filmmakers can get the precise edits they need.

Betsey Johnson Camera Drop Earrings

These cute earrings are the perfect accessory for the photo enthusiast in your life. Show them you know what they love with these unique earrings that show off their passion even without a camera in their hand.

Photolab gifts

Remember our Photolab also has a wide assortment of gift ideas. From mugs, to express photobooks, even puzzles, there is sure to be a gift that strikes your interest. Many items are available to order and pick up before Christmas, right until the 23rd of December. Click here to view our order deadlines to have your item before Christmas.

6 apps and tips to virtually connect with your family – including for Christmas dinner

The holidays will definitely feel different this year by not being able to gather with friends and family. But that doesn’t mean that Christmas is cancelled! With the power of technology, you’ll still be able to hear your uncle’s dad jokes, or your cousin’s elaborate stories – it will feel as if they were seated right at the dinner table with you! We’ve compiled a list of video call apps and equipment to use, as well as some set up tips and tricks to help make this year’s virtual Christmas a memorable one.

Best Apps to use for Video Calling

With all the apps and services out there to choose from, it might be overwhelming to know which one to use. Below, we have broken down some great video calling apps, and what sets them apart to help you choose the right one for you.

Zoom
Zoom is an excellent choice if you have larger families, as you can call with up to 100 people using their free plan, although only for 40 minutes of video calling. It works on Windows and macOS (desktop), and Android and iOS (mobile). Click here for a Zoom how-to set up guide.

Facetime
Facetime is great for those Apple product lovers, as it works on all Apple devices such as iPads, iPhones and Mac computers and laptops. You can host a video call for up to 32 people. Click here for how to set up FaceTime.

WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a great choice for video calls when you have friends and family living across the globe. You can have up to 4 users, and the calls are on the phone’s data plan or via WiFi, so voice calls do not use up any of your phone minutes. It works on Windows and macOS (desktop), and Android and iOS (mobile). Click here on how to set up a WhatsApp group video call.

Skype
Skype is another great app to use, especially if you have family living in other countries. What makes it a little better than Whatsapp is that it lets you make free international calls online for up to 100 people for audio or video conferencing on any device (Hello, big virtual family gathering!) Works on Windows and macOS (desktop), and Android and iOS (mobile). Click here for how to set up a group chat in Skype.

Houseparty
If you love being the life of the party (or your friends and family do), you’ll love Houseparty. It’s a social networking app that allows up to 8 people to video chat at once in a “room,” plus you can also play games on it, such as Heads Up!, Trivia, Quick Draw and more! Works on Windows and macOS (desktop), and Android and iOS (mobile). Click here to learn more about Houseparty and how to set it up.

Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger lets you easily chat and video call with your friends and family. It’s great because most of your friends and family will probably already have it if they have a Facebook account, making it an excellent choice for those who aren’t as tech-savvy. Plus, video calls have a limit of 50 users. Works on Windows and macOS (desktop), and Android and iOS (mobile). Click here for how to set up Facebook Messenger group video chat.

Set Up Tips

Lighting
Of course, you’ll want to look your best when video calling with your friends and family, since someone might request a group screenshot to capture the moment. If you are using a laptop, set up a light source behind and above your screen. This way, your face will be nicely lit up and visible. Also, use lighting from multiple sources and angles, so that it is dispersed nice and evenly. This can help you avoid harsh shadows casting on your face or in the background.

Sound Check
Nothing is worse than not being able to hear your video caller, or them struggling to hear you. If you have a microphone plugged in, make sure your computer isn’t sticking to its default audio input device. Check by making sure your microphone settings on your computer are correct. You can check on a Mac computer by clicking the volume control in the menu bar and selecting “sound options.” In the “Input” tab, make sure that your external microphone is selected from the list. Once it is selected, ensure that the “Input level” bar is moving to show that the computer is picking up any sound. Lastly, check that the volume slider isn’t all the way down.

If you’re using a PC, right click the volume icon in the taskbar and select sounds. Choose the “Recording” tab and choose your external microphone from the list. If you are using you computer for the first time or it is fairly new, you can select “Set up microphone” to go through the Microphone Setup Wizard.

Go Hands-Free
If you don’t have a laptop and will be using your phone, instead of awkwardly propping it up on your table, use a mini or table top tripod. This way, you can eat or do other things while you chat with friends and family. As well, many tripods have convenient, bendable legs that you can securely place on any type of surface or wrap around anything, like a floor lamp post.

Tidy Up!
Lastly, if you’re planning a big family video call, make sure the space in the background is somewhat tidy. The last thing you want is a big pile of dirty laundry sitting in plain sight, or the dishes you forgot to put in the dishwasher the night before on the counter behind you. It’s not the end of the world, but it might save you some embarrassment!

Take it to the Big Screen

If you have your set up ready to go, take it one step further and run your video calls through your TV screen! It is a lot better than hunching over a laptop or trying to see everyone on a tiny mobile screen. If you have any Apple or iOS devices, use a Lightning-to-HDMI adapter. Just plug the adapter into an HDMI cable, hook the cable up to the TV, and switch to the appropriate input.

If your laptop has an HDMI port, you can also simply plug an HDMI cable from the laptop straight into your TV. For newer Macs and Windows PCs with USB-C ports, you can use a USB-C to HDMI cable. Once you have plugged it in, press Windows-P on a Windows laptop to switch between display modes. Choosing “Second-screen only” will disable your laptop’s screen while it’s connected to the TV.

BONUS TIP: If you own a camera, you can also check out our blog on Using Your Camera as a Webcam | How-To Guide for Better Video Calling at Home.

We hope you found this blog helpful on how to virtually connect with friends and family over the Christmas holidays. From choosing the right video call app or service, to setting up, and even using your TV for enhanced visual and sound, it will feel like your loved ones are right there with you!

8 Places to See Beautiful Christmas Lights in Canada

There’s something truly magical about Christmas lights during the holidays. Thousands of twinkling lights can make any place feel like you’re walking in a winter wonderland. We’ve rounded up eight of our favourite spots in Canada to take in Christmas light shows, tunnels, and even a train.

1. Grouse Mountain

Christmas lights Grouse Mountain Beautiful Canada - London Drugs

Photo by @vancitywild

After taking the gondola up Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, BC, walk through a tunnel of lights before skating and grabbing hot cocoa. Tip: it’s a great holiday date spot!

2. VanDusen Botanical Garden

Christmas Lights VanDusen Botanical Garden London Drugs

Photo by @tovogueorbust

Walk among the maze of Christmas lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver, BC. For many it’s a yearly tradition to see the Festival of Lights!

3. CP Holiday Train

The CP Holiday Train is travelling from province to province collecting donations for North America’s food banks. Find out when the train is coming to a town near you – and see a live holiday show!

4. Leduc County Christmas Lights

Leduc County Christmas Lights - London Drugs Blog

Photo by @capitalpowercleaninc

Walking in a Christmas wonderland at Leduc County Christmas Lights in Alberta! Remember to bring a donation for the food bank and snap a great picture with these twinkling lights.

5. Vancouver Christmas Market

Vancouver Christmas Market - London Drugs Blog

Photo by @fraaappuccino

Stand inside a giant Christmas tree at the Vancouver Christmas Market! Reflective of a traditional German market, shop for classic treats, visit local vendors with handmade goodies, and ride the merry-go-round.

6. Bankers Hall

Bankers Hall Calgary - London Drugs Blog

Photo by @aliyahkm

With a huge Christmas tree surrounded by lights, put Bankers Hall in Calgary on your to-visit list for a picture-worthy moment!

7. Prince’s Island Park

Prince's Island Park Calgary - London Drugs Blog

Photo by @anaib

Walk over to Prince’s Island Park near downtown Calgary, AB, for a bridge full of lights and festive Christmas cheer.

8. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Capilano Suspension Bridge - London Drugs Blog

Photo by @vancitywild

All lit up for Christmas, the Canyon Lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park are beautiful over the holidays. It gets busy though, so go early or on weeknights if you can!

Did we miss somewhere? Tell us in the comments! Merry Christmas from all of us at London Drugs!

Beautiful Canada: Let’s Get Cozy

Warm fireplaces. Fuzzy socks. Layers and layers of thick blankets and fluffy pillows. At this time of year, we’re all for snuggling up and getting cozy.

Whether you’re on the rainy West Coast or the frozen everywhere-else-in-Canada, we’ve collected nine of our favourite Canadian cozy photos to inspire you to curl up when it’s cold outside. Modern, rustic, or classic – we have a cozy style for everyone.

What’s your cozy style? Follow us on Instagram and share your cozy using the hashtag #LondonDrugs!

Let’s get cozy!

1. @kylefinndempsey

2. @_ericashaw

3. @meaganrosesanta

4. @Cozy_Wood_Cabin

5. @StayAtHomeDecor

6. @ClydeAndRose

7. @MeaganFaye

8. @CanadaCozy

9. @SunnyNova79

How are you getting cozy this Winter?

Share your Beautiful Canada + cozy inspiration and tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or YouTube !

7 All-time Best Holiday Movies Families Love

For parents, the list of holiday preparations is brutally long—from shopping and baking to tree-trimming and hall-decking. Phew! By the time we’re done, many of us are longing to don the PJs and curl up with the kids in the TV’s warm glow—to laugh, or even shed a sentimental tear. Here are seven of the best holiday movies, old and new, that never fail to bring the jolly. Sit back and pass the popcorn!

* * *

Elf (2003)

A modern classic, Elf is pure goofy fun. It features six-foot-three comic weapon Will Ferrell donning yellow tights and a pointy chapeau to play Buddy the elf. Buddy, as a wee babe, escapes from his orphanage crib, crawling into Santa’s sack—only to find himself at the North Pole, where he grows up believing himself (despite his size) to be an elf.

Farrell’s brilliant physical comedy is squared off against straight man James Caan, who plays his long-lost dad. Elf is warm-hearted, laugh-out-loud funny for kids and adults alike. By film’s end, we bet you’ll catch yourself humming along to a carol or two.

* * *

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

What list could be complete without the Grinch? We will forever recommend the original version, and not only for the song by Thurl Ravenscroft. The animated version—based on the 1956 book by Dr. Seuss and narrated by the legendary Boris Karloff—takes just 26 minutes to tell the story of a very grumpy green man who learns to love instead of hate. The 2000 remake, starring Jim Carrey in the title role, is good, but not quite as kid-friendly as the original.

* * *

A Christmas Carol (1951)

Some will disagree, but for us, only the Alistair Sim version of this classic will do. Sim plays miserly businessman Ebenezer Scrooge, whose heart—like the Grinch’s—is several sizes too small.

Proof: He overworks and underpays his clerk, Bob Cratchett, paying no mind to the spiralling health of Cratchett’s son, Tiny Tim. The film’s moral lesson arrives with some supernatural help. Scrooge is visited, on Christmas Eve, by a series of ghosts who scare him silly and give him one last chance to change his life—and he takes it. God bless us, every one.

* * *

The Original Christmas Classics

This is a fantastic collection for grounding kids in traditional Christmas lore while allowing grownups a nostalgic backward glance. It includes Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town, Frosty the Snowman, and Frosty Returns. The story of Frosty, of course, is the one that brings a friendly snowman to life with that old silk hat. It’s a delight, too, to hear Jimmy Durante’s distinctive 1969 narration.

Rudolph, with Burl Ives as the narrator/snowman, is a holiday staple, showing that with a bit of luck and the help of friends—like Hermey the aspiring dentist, rip-roaring Yukon Cornelius, and of course, Bumble—outsiders can find their way.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town is a kind of Christmas 101 for kids, explaining where Santa got his name, why he lives at the North Pole, and the finer points of gift-giving and reindeer flight—all while reminding us that Santa will never give up on us, no matter what. We need these reminders occasionally.

* * *

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

This Tim Burton-directed film may not (yet) make the list of Christmas classics, but it’s a worthy picture with charm to spare. Burton’s peculiar style is likely to delight kids who appreciate the unusual—those, say, who prefer Halloween spookiness to Christmas sweetness.

Join Pumpkin King Jack Skellington as he tries to ‘share the joy of Christmas’—infused with perhaps a dollop too much oddity. The Nightmare Before Christmas may look scary, but it’s not. It’s suspenseful, imaginative, visually sumptuous, and warm-hearted.

* * *

A Christmas Story (1983)

While too sophisticated for toddlers, A Christmas Story will appeal to younger and older kids—with plenty of amusing moments for Mom and Dad. It’s Christmas in the 1940s, and nine-year-old Ralphie is pining for an official Daisy Red Ryder 200-shot Carbine Action BB Gun for Christmas. (That’s right, the one with the compass in the stock.)

But Ralphie’s mother dashes his dreams: the rifle is a no-go. “You’ll shoot your eye out” becomes a family refrain, leaving Ralphie despondent and struggling to make sense of Christmas, his more than slightly askew family, and life in general.

Ralphie, played by Peter Billingsley (who appears briefly in Elf), carries the film with cheer, persistence and vivid imagination, giving us a window onto what Roger Ebert called the “small but perfect moments” of a child’s life.

* * *

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

This classic is forever listed as a holiday favourite, owing chiefly to the likable and heartfelt performance of Jimmy Stewart. He plays George Bailey, an ambitious young man who defers his dream of leaving Bedford Falls in favour of doing the right thing—again and again.

When Bailey doubts himself, he receives encouragement from an angel in training, a good turn he later reciprocates. It’s a Wonderful Life is sweet, never saccharine, and argues strongly that, ultimately, kindness and goodness matter most.

Did we miss any? What’s your favourite Christmas movie? Tell us in the comments!

Want a Greener Christmas? Try these Tips for Reducing and Recycling Holiday Waste

The holidays are a magical time, but they can also be a time of great waste; piles of wrapping paper, product packaging, old products, and electronics all end up in landfills around this time of year. We talked to two of our London Drugs experts on holiday waste reduction and recycling to share some strategies on how to keep the season green.

What can people keep in mind while they’re shopping to avoid unnecessary holiday waste?

Chris Odgaard, London Drugs Store Manager at Sunnycrest Mall, Gibsons, BC: “Consider the whole life-cycle of the product you’re buying. How long will it last? What will happen to it once it’s no longer needed, wanted, or useful? Can it be reused, repurposed, repaired, or recycled? Also think about gifting services or experiences instead of things.”

Lorne Craig, What’s the Green Deal Manager: “Organize your shopping so that you don’t have to make as many trips, and shop at stores where you can pick up everything you need, all in the one place. Shopping locally is also a green solution. Buying online might seem super-convenient, but depending on your location (and whether you are home to receive the delivery) it can create more emissions and packaging waste than shopping in store. Plus, if you walk, bike, carpool, or take transit to the store, you can help make an even bigger reduction. Oh, and remember to bring your reusable shopping bags, of course!”

How can shopping at London Drugs for the holidays help keep waste out of landfills?

Chris Odgaard: “London Drugs is always working to be a green leader in sustainable business practices. We offer a ‘buy online, pick up in store service’, which means that many hundreds of items are shipped to a store on a single truck, reducing transportation waste. And if you’re shopping for service gifts, London Drugs offers a variety of services such as computer servicing and repair, audio-video home services and setup, and digital photo scanning, which can all be purchased with a London Drugs gift card.

“Many of the products you purchase at London Drugs can be recycled there, including electronics, small appliances, and batteries. With our ‘Bring Back the Pack‘ program, you can return all the unwanted packaging to the store to be responsibly recycled. If you’ve received new electronics or small appliances to replace the old ones, you can bring them back along with the new packaging and get rid of everything at once in a responsible way!”

Do you have any other green tips for holiday shoppers?

Lorne Craig: “If you’re really stuck for a gift idea, think about giving a gift card that will allow the person to choose something that they actually want or need. Also, remember to buy from companies that are doing business better. London Drugs’ ‘What’s the Green Deal?’ blog has product information that highlights companies that are reducing waste, reducing emissions, using organic ingredients, and practicing fair trade.”

Thanks to our experts for the great advice! If you’re looking for more tips on how to reduce your waste around the holidays, or any other time of year, explore our Green Deal page. Happy gifting!

How Do You Simplify the Holiday Season?

We love Christmas, but we’re the first to admit the holiday season can get complicated. It’s a busy time, with extra social obligations that add hours onto our daily to-do lists.

That’s why this year, we set out to help you #SimplifyTheSeason.

Our #SimplifyTheSeason giveaway aimed to bring a bit of ease to your holiday season by taking care of at least some of your purchases with 12 x $100 gift cards, which we awarded to our Instagram followers who entered our 12-day giveaway.

As part of the entry process, we asked you to share how you #SimplifyTheSeason. And the response was overwhelming. We got some great answers, and a ton of good ideas we can all use to relax and truly enjoy the magic of the holidays.

Here’s a look at a few of the responses we got to how you #SimplifyTheSeason. Thanks to everyone who participated in our giveaway!

Stay tuned to our Instagram channel for more ways we can help you #SimplifytheSeason. And Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Photolab gifts

Best Apps to use for Video Calling

Set Up Tips

Did we miss somewhere? Tell us in the comments! Merry Christmas from all of us at London Drugs!

1. @kylefinndempsey

2. @_ericashaw

3. @meaganrosesanta

4. @Cozy_Wood_Cabin

5. @StayAtHomeDecor

6. @ClydeAndRose

7. @MeaganFaye

8. @CanadaCozy

9. @SunnyNova79

How are you getting cozy this Winter?

Share your Beautiful Canada + cozy inspiration and tag us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or YouTube !

Elf (2003)

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

A Christmas Carol (1951)

The Original Christmas Classics

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

A Christmas Story (1983)

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Did we miss any? What’s your favourite Christmas movie? Tell us in the comments!

What can people keep in mind while they’re shopping to avoid unnecessary holiday waste?

How can shopping at London Drugs for the holidays help keep waste out of landfills?

Do you have any other green tips for holiday shoppers?

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