When it comes to saving money the struggle is real. Budgeting for normal things in life is hard, budgeting for Holiday expenses is even harder. But Dollarama is here to save the day and your bank accounts; a Christmas miracle if we’ve ever seen one. Great deals can be found on a number of seasonal items, not to mention everything in-store is under $4. And while you may not find every item on this list at your local Dollarama, you’re bound to find at least several of these awesome products..

1. Batteries are hella cheap

Isn’t it funny that most battery-powered products and electronics never actually seem to come with batteries? While Dollarama has got you covered – you won’t find batteries cheaper anywhere else.

2. There are endless seasonal Holiday items

Decorations and Holiday themed items like socks, mittens and scarves might not seem like they cost much, but over time they sure do add up. At Dollarama everything seasonal is $1-$2. Be as tacky as your heart desires this Christmas.

3. The Christmas cards aren’t outrageously priced

Is anyone else ever in shock over the price of a greeting card? For $8 it better sing to me and light up like a Christmas tree… just saying. Don’t waste your money on overpriced Hallmark products. Dollarama has plenty of cards for $1.

4. Brand name candy makes good stocking stuffers

Two words: stocking stuffers! Dollarama is basically famous for their assortment of brand name chocolate bars and chips. Over the Holiday season, they’ll also have a ton of other treats like candy canes and Christmas themed chocolates too.

5. There are seasonal craft supplies galore

Dollarama has your basic gifting needs covered with cheap wrapping paper, gift bags and bows, as well as a ton of other craft supplies like glitter, glue and streamers for homemade decorations. Not to mention they usually carry some seasonal crafts.

6. Licensed Disney items are a thing

Well, not all Dollarama’s will have the best selection most carry Walt Disney items which make perfect gifts for young siblings, cousins or relatives.

7. Dollarama does gift cards

Dollarama does gift cards for several different amounts! Give someone the gift of shopping at Dollarama this Holiday season and they’ll love you forever.

8. Baking supplies are all less than $4

One of the best parts of the Holiday season is all the delicious baking. Let your Christmas cheer loose and go wild with cookies and sweets this year. Dollarama has mixing bowls, utensils, cookie cutters and more. You may even be able to find some seasonal cookie cutters.

What do you think about Christmas shopping at Dollarama? Let us know in the comments.

Featured image: Instagram/ @floatinglilly

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Ordering at Starbucks can be overwhelming. I’ll never understand why a small is actually a tall or get tired of ordering a “tall blonde” (which is a hilarious way of ordering a small light roast coffee.)

Yet no matter how confusing, I always go back, because Starbucks is delicious and the only place that encourages my picky habits (seriously where else can you order a light foam tall half sweet low-fat vanilla latte without being kicked out.) If there’s one time worth embracing the confusion, it’s the holidays, because no one does Holiday drinks better than Starbucks. To prepare you for the season and help you feel confident with your order (and ordering skills), we’ve put together a list of all the Starbucks Holidays drinks from best to worst. Drink up and be Merry!

1. Peppermint Mocha

Starbucks is always adding new drinks to their holiday menu, but when it comes down to it, there’s nothing that can top the classic Peppermint Mocha. Best part, you can switch out the milk chocolate for white chocolate by ordering like this “Toasted White Chocolate Mocha.”

2. Salted Caramel Latte

This latte is the best of both worlds. A little bit of sweet meets a little bit of salty for a smooth delicious drink. And for those who want to watch their figures during the holidays, it’s just as good without the whipped cream, just make sure to get the other toppings.

3. Crème Brûlée Latte

Smooth and sweet with chunks of brûlée and drizzles of caramel on top. Need I explain more?

4. Eggnog Latte

Nothing tastes more like holidays than eggnog, and luckily, it always tastes incredible steamed with a sprinkle of eggnog and a shot of espresso.

5. Holiday Spice Flat White

The Holiday Spice Flat White is the rare unicorn on the Starbucks holiday drink menu that isn’t extremely sweet. It’s like a regular decadent latte except it has hints of holiday spices, like nutmeg and cinnamon.

6. Chestnut Praline Latte

This new holiday addition is delicious, with subtle nutty flavours that will bring you back to when you dreamed of roasting chestnuts by the open fire.

7. Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Your typical hot chocolate with a nice candy cane peppermint flavour. It’s classic and delicious. Tip, if you’re into white chocolate just order it as a “Peppermint White Chocolate.”

8. Toffee Nut Latte

This is basically the underwhelming version of the Chestnut Praline Latte.

9. Gingerbread Latte

Unfortunately, gingerbread is better decorated than it is put in a drink.

All images:  Starbucks

What is your favourite Starbucks holiday drink? Share with us in the comments!

Featured image:@janikrobichaud

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There’s nothing worse than not knowing what to gift someone. Whether they’re the person who has everything or just have extremely picky taste, most of us know a fake smile when we see one. Save yourself the embarrassment and give them an experience they won’t forget this Holiday – not a pair of snowflake socks they’ll regift next year. Take a look at our top experience gifts below:

“I hate being pampered,” said no one ever! If you’re looking to give a bougie gift, the Miraj Hammam Spa has got you covered. Whomever is on the receiving end will totally feel revitalized with a clay body masque, deep tissue massage, facial, or body wrap. #bless

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ3sy6AncPS/?taken-by=mirajcaudalieto

The gift of wine never fails… better yet make it into a wine-filled experience with iYellow’s Niagara Ice Wine Tour on January 20th. Right now, they have a promotional price: $249 for two tickets and bring another friend for $1. Holla at your best girls and gift yourselves with a Holiday outing this year!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbpjdG3nosy/?taken-by=iyellowwineclub

Is bae a foodie? Gift her with a cooking class from Dish Cooking Studio starting at $125! Not only will you be spending some quality time cooking together, but everyone knows food is the way to a woman’s heart. We call that a win-win. Check out the schedule and different cooking classes here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcIIS-VATa6/?taken-by=dishcookingstudio

Know a Beatles fan and theatre buff? Kill two birds with one stone and gift them with tickets (starting at $32) to Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles at the Princess of Wales Theatre. The multimedia spectacular looks totally psychedelic and will leave any groupie speechless.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaP2p9ajkmI/?taken-by=mirvishproductions

Get in the good books of any fashionista with a pair of tickets to the Christian Dior exhibit at the ROM. In celebration of the House of Christian Dior’s 70th anniversary, a selection of breathtaking and iconic designs will be on display from now until early Spring. Swoon!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb4cSuvB3Kn/?taken-by=romtoronto

Get in the good graces of your beau and treat him with tickets to the Urban Whiskey Trail Tour through downtown Toronto. For $149, the tour focuses on Canadian Whiskeys and food pairings and takes you through an iconic wooden whiskey tunnel from 1841. Tickets include gratuities.

The novelty of the CN Tower Edgewalk may have worn off, but trust us, once you’re up there it’s anything but boring. This is a great gift to do with a group friends or your S/O if they’re the adventurous type. Drake titled his album Views for a reason; you have to see the city from the top at least once in your lifetime.

If you’re stuck on what to gift someone, you can’t go wrong with a pair of tickets to a comedy show at Second City. Everybody loves to laugh and the Second City comedians won’t let you down. Check out what’s on now; tickets start at $25 depending on the show.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaH-aD6lWF_/?taken-by=thesecondcity

Do you know any great experience gift ideas? Share with us in the comments!

Featured image: Instagram/ @alfa1charlie

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The complimentary holiday party, sponsored by Ricarda’s restaurant, will feature Toronto’s very first inverted Christmas tree. It’s all happening tomorrow in downtown Toronto! Over 500 Torontonians are expected to come participate in the Atrium Lights ceremony, a free and festive event made for the community. Ricarda’s has invited everyone to unplug for an evening and bask in all the Christmas vibes. The entire space is a whole 15,000 square feet and will be decorated for the occasion. The event will take place at 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Wednesday, November 29th, in the atrium at 134 Peter Street.

Ricarda’s is a Mediterranian inspired restaurant and bakery located in the downtown core of Toronto. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and also features famous Sunday Live Jazz Brunch, takeout, office catering and events. 

(Image: Instagram/@Ricardas134)

The event will be providing mulled wine (a holiday favorite), hot chocolate, gingerbread, handbell ringers, gingerbread goodies and to top it off, Santa will be joining the party. There will also be a 50-person choir bringing holiday cheer. 

“At Ricarda’s, we love tradition, but we also love having a little fun,” said Chris Glaessel, Chief Operating Officer at Ricarda’s. “This year, as we planned for the highly anticipated Atrium Lights, we wanted to incorporate the top Christmas trends for 2017 and we fell in love with the idea of a strong icon for Christmas being utilized in a unique, fun and entertaining way.”

The Atrium Lights event has one goal: to bring together the community to celebrate the holiday season in a way that many of us have forgotten.

The ‘upside-down’ Christmas tree is also trending across the United States and the United Kingdom. “Through the hustle, distractions, and chaos that often defines the typical downtown core, our goal for Atrium Lights is to be your escape and to be the passageway to re-connecting with Christmas,” said Glaessel.

Image: Instagram/@Ricardas134

Ricarda’s will also be giving away a $150 Ricarda’s gift card to the influencer with the best social media post of the night. To qualify, the post must be to your Instagram feed (either photo or video) and it must also include the event hashtag #AtriumLights2017, and tag Ricarda’s @ricardas134.

Find out more information here.

Do you think you’ll check out the first inverted Christmas tree in Toronto?

Featured Image: The Kansas City Star

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Looking to explore a new city for the holidays? VIA Rail has you covered. This is the perfect opportunity to get away at an affordable price (sigh, finally). Montreal is always one of those cities you can’t go wrong with.

This holiday season, the cost of a one-way fare is only $44 for select dates from both Montreal-to-Toronto and Toronto-to-Montreal. BUT, make sure you check the dates first!

Nearer to Christmas week, the prices do increase to $58, $76, and $94; but it’s still possible to find a few of the cheaper tickets left for that week.


(Image: Via Rail Canada)

Also, don’t forget about all the amazing BONUS amenities you get by going on the train. You can be stalking all your favorites on Instagram or catching up on your favorite blogs for the duration of the trip. All this while sitting in a comfy chair with *lots* of leg room. You definitely can’t beat that flying or driving!

(Image: Via Rail Canada)

Fine, if that doesn’t convince you then this might:


(Image: Via Rail Canada)

Look at all the time you’ll save! Arrive there sooner and you can begin your journey exploring the vibrant and foodie filled city of Montreal. This deal is too good to pass up – you should probably get packing!

Source: Via Rail Canada
Featured Image: The Daily Hive/Montreal

Are you getting away this holiday season?

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