ShopCatch: Best Holiday Shopping Tips

As I alluded in my A Shopaholic’s Best Friend: ShopCatch post, last week I had the most awesome task of hosting a holiday dinner with ShopCatch at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, featuring the city’s social media elite.

(Should I say it? Okay I’ll say it. #dreamgig)

Media moms in attendance included CBC Kids Host Patti Sullivan, Savvy Mom Media’s Sarah Morgenstern, Bunch Family Inc’s Rebecca Brown, author Theresa Albert, MSN blogger Emma Waverman, TOBeauty Reviews blogger Elaine Atkins and other awesome influencers lending their two cents via Twitter. The theme of the night was holiday shopping, and we tweeted our best tips while dining on a traditional holiday meal (including a modern twist on pumpkin pie for dessert).

Since sharing is caring, here are some of the best tips of the night, along with pictures of the festive evening and the gorgeous attendees (photos credited to Connie Tsang). Enjoy!

Tips for Buy Stocking Stuffers in Toronto

“Avon, Dollar Store, travel sized products from Shoppers Drug Mart or Walmart!
– Elaine Atkins, @TOBeautyReviews

“Lush, Purdy’s & Homesense”
– Hollie Pollard, @commoncentsmom

“Shoppers Drug Mart, Dollarama, Miko/Samko toy sale”
-Deborah Coombs, @Mom2Michael

“Zellers, Walmart, Superstore have some great stocking stuffers.”
– Maria Lianos-Carbone, @MariaLianos

“For great stocking stuffers: Shoppers Drug Mart, Dollarama, Canadian Tire”
– Theresa Albert, @theresaalbert

“Tons of tweeps are recommending Dollarama for stocking stuffers!”
– Lena Almeida, @Listen2Lena

“Chapters, Dollar stores and even grocers!”
– Julia Gabriel, @nugglemama

“Stocking stuffer/Chanukah loot bag tips: De Serres or Aboveground for art supplies”
– Rebecca Brown, @BunchFamily

“Online online online!”
-Caroline Fernandez, @ParentClub

Best Place to get a Killer Holiday Outfit

“Jacob! – they offer 40% right now!”
-Deborah Coombs, @Mom2Michael

“Where would you go to get that killer holiday outfit? My answer Winners or Marshalls”
– Farah Balolia, @FacesByFarah

“I have found some great pieces at Andrews.”
– Diana Mancuso, @TeacherMomOfTwo

“WINNERS! – can find dress, shoes and accessories”
– Patty Sullivan, @pattysullivan

“I love Banana Republic.”
– Heather Held, @fortyliciousCa

“Go for a once worn or new bridesmaid gown from @smartbride and save 50% off retail prices”
– Andrea Lown, @andrealown

“Where to get a killer holiday outfit? Trove. BCBG. Nue. Winners”
– Rebecca Brown, @BunchFamily

“Killer outfit on a budget? Zara, Winners, And Club Monaco on sale”
– Candice Faktor, @thecfaktor

“I would go to BCBG for my HAWT outfit”
– Heather Held, @fortyliciousCa

Best Gifts for Special Helpers in your Life, Eg. Caregivers, Teachers etc.

“A gift card for hard working, well deserved teachers”
– Sara Chi, @InfoSara

“Tim Hortons gift card”
– Elaine Atkins, @TOBeautyReviews

“Gifts for teachers, nannies,helpers: Group gifts for teachers including charitable donation”
– Rebecca Brown, @BunchFamily

“Fruits & Passion is great. Canadian company too!”
– Wendy Morelli, @AppHipMom

“Le bubble bath!”
– Rebecca Brown, @BunchFamily

“Chapters is great – personal & classroom”
-Deborah Coombs, @Mom2Michael

Tips for Making Boxing Day Work for You

“Boxing day is for playing hockey on the outdoor rink, no?”
– Andrea Lown, @andrealown

“Boxing day – know what you want & plan your trip”
-Deborah Coombs, @Mom2Michael

“Boxing day sale tips? Plan ahead! Have all the deal info with you all time! Use @ShopCatch!”
– Candice Faktor, @thecfaktor

“Browse for deals ahead of time, know what you want, shop online!”
– Wendy Morelli, @AppHipMom

What are the Best Gifts for a Hostess?

“ Bath & Body Works 3 wick candles”
– Heather Held, @fortyliciousCa

“My answer – wine or chocolates!”
– Farah Balolia, @FacesByFarah

“Fancy wine bottle stoppers”
– Patty Sullivan, @pattysullivan

“Lindor balls in festive colours in a glass vase – makes a good centrepiece too!”
– Elaine Atkins, @TOBeautyReviews

“Stock up when you see a great item on sale”
-Deborah Coombs, @Mom2Michael

“Flowers already in a vase”
– Lindsay Stephenson, @PennyPaperCo

“Winners is a great spot to pick up pretty candy dishes or fancy soaps & hand creams for little $”
– Deborah Coombs, @Mom2Michael

“We always stick to a bottle of wine and dessert or baked goods”
– Diana Mancuso, @TeacherMomOfTwo

“Always a bottle of wine. Home accessory style is too personal. Everyone loves wine :) “
– Lauren Jacobs, @laurenrjacobs

Don’t forget about the @ShopCatch Twitter Party on Wednesday, December 21st at 8pm EST! See you there!