It’s officially December and it’s only just dawning on me that Christmas is right around the corner. Can you believe it? I’m sure for those of you over in North America, you’re starting to feel the Christmas spirit bounding out of every store, restaurant and crack in the sidewalk. But for me it doesn’t feel like Christmas at all—yet. I thought perhaps what would get me in the spirit is compiling a little list of all the things I want for Christmas this year—oops, I mean things you’ll want to buy for others this year. I’m actually going Christmas shopping tomorrow with my sister, but let’s be real, I’ll definitely end up buying something for myself too.

Dear Melina,
Merry Christmas!
Love, Melina xxxx

Last year I bought myself a gorgeous pair of Club Monaco jeans and the year before that a trendy pair of Windsor Smith platform sandals. Always save the best presents for… yourself. Only joking (sort of). Anyways, if you’re stuck on what to get for someone here’s a list of what I would be buying.

Leopard Gift Guide: There’s a Little Something for Everyone on Your List

For the fashionista

SASHION – An online boutique run by my friend Sasha Xiao bringing heaps of independent (and international) designers right to your laptop. They’re great for staple wardrobe pieces including grey and navy wool coats, 2 piece sets and crisp whites. If you love a minimalist-chic look, then this e-shop is for you. www.sashion.ca.

CONVEY – Since I’m in Sydney right now being inspired by all these fabulous Aussie designers, I thought Convey would be a perfect addition to this list. They’re a new-ish boutique on Queen St W importing Australian brands to Toronto. Check out The Mode Collective for some seriously holiday-party-worthy heels. www.shopconvey.com.

For the beauty expert

MOODMATCHER – I’ve been a fan of Moodmatcher lippies since before I knew how to properly put on lipstick. They come in a bunch of wacky colours but that’s not how they end up. The colours change to a variety of pinks, purples and burgundys once they hit your lips – according to your PH balance. Cool, huh? www.moodmatcher.com.

LIPS BY DANILEA  – Speaking of ‘wacky’ colours, Lips by Danilea come in a variety of greens, blues, whites and greys but also are available in some more neutral hues like nude, peach, pinks and purples. I’m definitely eyeing up the green though… What about a green and a red? Very festive. www.bydanilea.com.

For the tekkie

ZINIO  – I was so against digital books and magazines before I tried Zinio. Now I get Vogue Australia, W Mag and Cosmo delivered to my tablet every month and can take them with me everywhere. It’s great. Plus, in true holiday spirit, they’re offering free magazines when you sign up and subscribe! Get it while the gettin’s good. www.zinio.com.

For the food lover

TORONTO POPCORN CO.  – I think one of the best gifts to get anyone (especially those super hard to shop for people) is food. That, or alcohol, but in this case: popcorn. Toronto Popcorn Company has even launched a new holiday flavour just to ’tis the season with a little extra joy. How sweet (literally). www.torontopopcorncompany.com.

THE BAKE SHOPPE  – Baked goods are such a staple part of the holiday season but what if you weren’t as blessed in the kitchen as Betty Crocker? That’s where The Bake Shoppe comes in. Oh my god, my mouth is watering just thinking about what they have in store for Christmas. You seriously can’t go wrong with the poptarts. They’re divine. www.bakeshoppeto.com.

For the glamazon

UP & ARMED JEWELRY – This is probably my favourite new & vintage jewelry shop in Toronto selling pretty much the coolest rings, BFF necklaces (“best fucking bitches”) and earrings ever. I first discovered Up & Armed at this years Vintage Crawl and wanted to buy everything. And guess what?! They just added spiky nail jewelry (think The Countess in American Horror Story: Hotel) to their list of incredible pieces. Can’t. Wait. To. Buy. www.upandarmed.com.

For the person who has everything

PRESENT DAY –  For people who have everything, a good way to go is with food, wine and products they might normally buy for themselves. Present Day makes beautiful baskets and boxes, already done or custom ordered, filled with locally made products that are ready to be enjoyed immediately – or kept to be treasured. www.present-day.ca.

HOUSE OF KNOT – If you think the person you’re buying for has everything, ask yourself if they have a knitted jumpsuit. Yeah, that’s what I thought. SS&co also makes knitted shorts, capes, cowls, cardigans and toques – and if you’re buying for someone who lives in Canada, chances are any of these pieces would come in handy. SS&co just added knitted pom-pom accessories to their collection too! I’m obsessed with them. www.houseofknot.com.

All photos from respective instagram accounts.