I don't know how you shop for the Holidays, but I pull it off like a band-aid, with a steady hand. I sit at home religiously researching the best gifts for my besties, I make lists throughout the year, and then I quarantine myself in a mall until the shopping is complete. One day or bust. My super hardcore marathon shopping might sound painful, but it makes it so much less stressful. I can take the rest of the time to wrap, bake, decorate, and clean the house ready for company. 

Naturally, if you plan on only visiting one mall, it has to be the best one.  Although Bayview Village may have previously been the underdog, following a recent renovation and the arrival of many top shops, it's now competing for top spot. For downtown yuppies like me, it's a bit far uptown (think DVP to 401 west, to Bayview). But there's plenty of parking, beautiful holiday decor, and every shop you could possibly need. 

David's Tea was getting in the spirit, putting hot pink lips right in with the leaves! If you don't dig the candy element, try my year 'round fav, Genmaicha. It's a brown rice green tea that feels like breakfast and bedtime.

Believe it or not, this is the resident dry cleaners: 

A wicked scarf was spotted at M0851:

Papyrus was already marking down packs of Christmas cards and pre-wrapped gifts!  I'm going to take full advantage and try my best to bring back Christmas letters, in lieu of the terribly sad Christmas email. 

After The Eaton Centre announced they will no longer be having a Santa, and are instead offering opportunities for kids to SKYPE with him instead, the city collectively groaned. But Bayview is still bringing their A-Game. Lineups were sparse on Sunday, but are bound to extend down the halls by next weekend.

Pusateri's egged me on with homemade gingerbread houses and fresh-cut sushi, while Mendocino wins for best holiday party dress by Parker, $495. (I want, but 'tis the season for giving after all).

Teatro Verde was brimming with color, ice cream on your tree, anyone? 

While resident decor-genius at TV tried to show me how to best wrap a present (I retained nothing). 

But my two favourite stores here are without a doubt Restoration Hardware, and Dana Jordan. 

I would show you a picture, but I'm not going to out all of my gifts. Just get you and yours there... :)

Best stocking stuffer idea goes to Dana Jordan's hand sanitizer, it reads: "because you probably touched your genitals today". 

HA! 

See, that doesn't sound that painful, right? 

Good luck everyone!

xo Holland