Stocking Stuffers for the Kid in Everyone

By Jackie Burns MSN Shopping

Children aren't the only ones who hang their stockings with pride, in hopes that cool presents will appear inside. There's a child in every one of us and it often comes out on Christmas morning as we dive into our socks to see what surprises are waiting. If you're playing Santa this year, here are some suggestions that will have the stockings on your mantle overflowing with thoughtful treats!

For kids: Books, Sudoku puzzles, action figures, miniature cars, High School Musical DVDs, Dora movies, playing cards, crafts, painting accessories, fan gear for toddlers.

For women: Mini perfumes, bath soaks, shower gels, candles, lipstick, facial masks, manicure accessories, makeup brushes, tweezers, eyelash curler, socks, underwear.

For men: Action-adventure movies, comedy DVDs, gourmet coffee, shaving accessories, massage oil, styling mousse, keychain, fishing lures and bait, boxer shorts, socks. 

Related links:

• What do your gifts say?
• Cool gift ideas for under $50
• Buy the right gift for your man
• Holiday Shopping Guide 2009

 

 

Hottest Holiday Handbags

By Jackie Burns MSN Shopping Contributor

Not treating yourself to a new purse for the festive season is like expecting a child to open up their old toys on Christmas morning - just plain cruel. Half the fun of the holidays is getting to play dress-up and thankfully this season more than ever it's all about glitz and glam, especially when it comes to handbags. "Purses in gold lamé or any other type of metallic fabric are very much in this holiday season," says Angie Miller, principal proprietor of The Little Black Dress. She says that if you want something a little more subdued, but still current, opt for a purse that shows a more feminine side. "A purse with any ruffle detailing will get a lot of attention this season," she says. "To avoid looking too girly, pair it with an outfit that’s sophisticated in its simplicity." Of course, there is always the option of making a statement with one outstanding piece that makes the whole outfit come alive. "The best way to do this is by complementing a classic all-black outfit with a colourful retro '80s-inspired purse," she says.

Related links:

• Office party makeup rules
• 5 hot handbag styles for fall

Office Party Makeup Rules

By Jackie Burns MSN Shopping Contributor

With Halloween safety behind us, we can now turn our attention towards the next dress-up party! While it's all about making clowns of ourselves on Oct. 31, that's precisely what we want to avoid for the office holiday party. As well as drunken close-talking with the company CEO, we should also resist the urge to lather on too much makeup. Angie Miller, principal proprietor of The Little Black Dress, Toronto-based personal shoppers and image consultants, says that while it may be tempting to go all out with our cosmetics, they should be applied in moderation when partying with co-workers. Miller says that while deep, berry-coloured lips and purple-toned smokey eyes are the hottest makeup trends for Holiday '09, she warns against applying all of them at once. “You want to make sure that if you are doing a very strong coloured lip that you’re taking it down a notch with everything else,” she says. “You aren’t wearing the heavy blush or the heavy eye with the very strong coloured lips.” Despite wanting to look more natural for the office party environment, at the same time you want to appear as if you've put a bit of effort in, she adds. “Doing it in moderation that will keep it tasteful is key.”

Related links:

• Browse for your favourite makeup products
• Eyelashes that will get you noticed
• Prepare your skin for the colder weather