As a city girl living in the downtown Toronto area, I’m not exactly close to all-purpose (i.e. non-electronics or home-focused) big box stores.  In fact, I believe the closest one to me is at least a 20-minute subway ride away!  So if I’m looking for something quick, I often head to Shoppers Drug Mart.  This is especially the case when it comes to gift giving for the upcoming holiday season. For Holiday 2013, Shoppers is featuring a series of Beauty Books and Gift Guides over this month and December, highlighting items such as toys, snacks and more, with in store promotions throughout the month of November and December. The first Beauty Book, called “Give Beauty” is now available and featuring items such as:   Eye Studio Mascara Sampler (Shoppers Exclusive): This is a mascara lover’s dream! An exclusive to Shoppers, this package features SIX deluxe mascaras (including Benefit’s BADgal Lash Mascara, a DelectablyChic! favourite), deluxe eye make-up remover as well as a gift certificate to purchase a full sized item! This is great for someone who always loses mascara or likes to touch up on the go (one for every bag!).   Quo Master Brush Set (Shoppers Exclusive): Some people like to use their fingers, others want to go more “pro” and use brushes. With 10 brushes, this would be a great addition to anyone’s dressing table or bathroom. Includes a gorgeous cosmetics bag as well!   OH MY GOSH Nail Lacquer Set:

Perfect for the DIY manicure lover. With five colours, ranging from more traditional pinks to blues and shimmery silver, this is great for anyone who just can’t decide what colour to wear. Other items in this guide and upcoming guides include fragrances, a Play-Doh set in a candy cane container as well as snacks, such as chocolates and nuts. There’s also a gift with every purchase for select beauty items in store, while quantities last. To get more gift ideas, please visit Shoppers Drug Mart’s holiday page. Be sure to follow the conversation on Twitter with #GiftsMadeEasy. Living within a 10-15 minute walk to four different Shoppers stores and less than half an hour walk to another two is so convenient! I have my pick of which store to go to, and if one store is out of something, at least one of the others will likely have it and I can get to it in record time. Of course, there’s that mindless exercise of walking! And yes, I realize this is a privilege. For those not in the city, there’s almost always a store close by, whether by foot or by car. And if you’re a car person, suburban stores, especially those in outdoor malls, have plenty of parking too. Other advantages of Shoppers? Late or 24 hour opening times, exclusive products, easy-to-navigate aisles and of course, Optimum Points! And speaking of gifts, Shoppers will be launching a Facebook contest on December 2nd that will include an Advent calendar, which will reveal gifts on a daily basis as well as giveaways over the course of 12 days! To stayed updated on the contest details like them on Facebook HERE. Don’t you just love the holiday season?

NOTE: The above article was a sponsored post for Shoppers Drug Mart’s holiday gift guide. The ideas and gift suggestions, though from a list from Shoppers Drug Mart, are purely the author’s and were in no way influenced by the company.