Still dreaming of a white Christmas?

Looks like a long shot, so here’s your consolation prize: a snow globe for adults. Inside the special edition Malibu Snowflake is the tropical-tinged rum you come to expect plus little flecks of coconut to make it more festive.

To those of us who aren’t spending the holiday on a hot beach and still have last minute shopping to do, drink up!

$23.99 at BC Liquor Stores. 

Even if you could find space for a live tree in your chockablock apartment, your fire safety Scrooge of a landlord won’t let you.

Save the Christmas tears for watching It’s A Wonderful Life: there’s a solution. Cascades has created mod evergreens made of recycled cardboard. Opt for the white Classico ($33) and let the kids go Picasso on it, or choose the Moderno ($40) to match your Bauhausian aesthetic.

With no needles to sweep up, you’re the real winner.

www.boutique.cascades.com

Nix the Nutcracker Suite after dinner and play DJ with this festive holiday playlist.

Barenaked Ladies:
"Do They Know It’s Christmas"
This ‘80s hit was recorded to bring attention to the famine crisis in Ethiopia, and Canada’s quirkiest group does a great job filling the musical boots of Bono, Sting, George Michael and Phil Collins.

Michael Bublé:
"Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!"
What else to expect from the smooth crooner than a positively bubbly Christmas ditty? (And we hear a few gals have bunked down in front of the fire with this Burnaby lothario.)

Sarah McLachlan:
"Happy Xmas (The War is Over)"
Mclaughlan lends her signature melodic and moody style to this John Lennon song, perfect for a wistful holiday moment.

Diana Krall:
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
Jazz-up your next cocktail party with a soulful and romantic version of this longing tune.

Ron Sexsmith:
"Maybe This Christmas"
It’s not all about presents: This song about hope and forgiveness during the holidays is an indie gem.

And the guilty pleasure:

Maybe it’s the cheesy video or maybe it’s because it’s heavily featured in Love Actually (the best Christmas movie ever!), but no gal in the Vitamin Daily office can resist Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas is You. Just please don’t tell anyone.

All songs available on iTunes.

Say Hello Sailor! with this gorgeous Louis Vuitton America's Cup coffee table book. $85 at The Cross.

A beautifully designed Nespresso Le Cube cappuccino maker with Aeroccino milk frother will guarantee you coffee in bed! $429 for both at Provide Home.

ABC of Men's Fashion by Sir Hardy Amies is a reissue of the 1964 guide to classic dressing for the sartorial expert and fashion amateur alike. $17.48 at Amazon.ca.

A sterling silver paper clip money clip is an irreverent accessory for the working stiff. $50 at Bestow Boutique.

The business traveler will love you for these noise canceling headphones to help him survive the, "Sorry sir we are unable to upgrade you today." Just don't let him use them on you! $400 at Bose, Pacific Centre.

The manly (and airport-security approved) Malin + Goetz travel kit will keep his best face forward. $41 at Masc.

For the music lover snap up the Tivoli radio. The sound on this baby is amazing: Whether he's tuning into the CBC or rockin' out to the Beasties he'll be singing your praises. $219 at Vancouver Special and Design House.

For the eccentric and fashion-forward man, give him a stack of Paul Smith socks. From $30 at Holt Renfrew.

For the art hipster, snap up a Jeff Wall coffee table book from the Vancouver Art Gallery store (plus tickets to the current exhibit). $30 to $150 at Vancouver Art Gallery.

For the man who has everything (and LOVES playing games!) give a set of Hermès dominoes. USD$405 at Hermès.

For the budding Jamie Oliver give some culinary inspiration with Off Duty featuring recipes from top international chefs including Gordon Ramsay and Thomas Keller. $45 at Barbara-Jo's Books to Cooks.

Keep his ear to the street with an Oracular Spectacular CD from Brooklyn breakout band MGMT. $9.99 at Amazon.ca.

Calling all would-be Marthas. This simple Vitamin Daily-tested shortbread recipe works every time.

Carine’s Shortbread
Ingredients:
½ lb. butter
5 Tablespoons icing sugar
1 Tablespoon refined sugar for decoration
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
2 Cups white flour, sifted

Method:
Cream butter
Work in sugar and cornstarch
Work in flour
Kneed a bit, then press into 9X9 pan
Press with fork in a pretty pattern
Bake at 300F for 1 hour
Cut immediately into wedges and dust with lots of refined sugar.

Devour with friends.

While it’s tempting to dress your kid as baby Santa all season, child’s gotta have a little dignity, too.

We love the offerings from Australia’s Oobi, like red polka dot Smitten Mittens ($27), a pom pom striped sweater dress in marshmallow and canary ($54) and snowbunny pants with little red hearts ($44) that reflect the holiday spirit without being too literal.

Cause you wouldn’t wear a sequined Rudolph sweater, now would you?

Shop for Oobi online at Victoria, B.C.’s www.purlmama.com