Your Ultimate Gift Guide This Christmas

With Christmas coming up, it's no secret Queens students are A) freaking out over exams and B) freaking out over what to buy their loved ones for Christmas. Don't stress, QFIN has got you (well, maybe not on the exam part), but we certainly know all things fashion, and what better Christmas gift than something to elevate your style! 

When Christmas shopping, it's critical to understand what type of person you are shopping for, as that will decide the outcome of what you buy. For example, your sporty chic friend who loves a hot girl walk with an iced matcha latte or coffee will probably not appreciate an NHL toque (unless that's specifically what they asked for) as much as a new Lulu set or some Aritzia sweats for recovery days. Below, I’ve created lists for all your major archetypes I’ve seen around campus. So let's get shopping, shall we?

The Clean Girl 

It wouldn't be a gift guide without this one. The clean girl aesthetic has taken the world by storm, so let's review: the main aspects of the clean girl style includes lots of neutrals, more monochrome looks, as well as the iconic slickback I see on campus daily. For this style, I emphasize that neutrals will be your best friend, as well as matching sets, so Aritzia sweatsets in black, mocha brown, heather grey or even jazz blue are a good choice this year. You can never go wrong with Lululemon leggings or a headband, and a good PJ set goes a long way. White Nike socks will pair with any shoe, and Parke sweaters are huge right now, too. I wish I could gatekeep Studio Seven, but their trousers are just the perfect holiday gift; it would be a crime not to list them. 



Artizia Sweat Set 

https://www.aritzia.com/en/product/cozy-sweatfleece-boyfriend-wide-sweatpant/116293.html?color=22420

https://www.aritzia.com/en/product/cozy-sweatfleece-perfect-hoodie/116209.html?color=22420 

Headbands 

https://www.garageclothing.com/ca/p/set-of-3-stretchy-headbands/0930277.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20277129584&gbraid=0AAAAADumASVucgoDQQCF-ulXror-Z63KP&gclid=CjwKCAiA3L_JBhAlEiwAlcWO59HHg1kY8Er6j965nGnwsm-vavh44rnKO8nZHRaOCDckIG0_EytNCBoCbo8QAvD_BwE 

https://hardpressed.ca/products/sk-ear-warmer-grey-tones-adult?variant=45715959677081&pins_campaign_id=626757099049&pp=0&epik=dj0yJnU9Vi1nNTNWNjFOSlA4NjZvRDY2aTl2bDJkenQxVVVwSWcmcD0xJm49XzJTemZ1SDdrQTRwZ3FwUW51UERFUSZ0PUFBQUFBR2t3bmxN 

Socks 

https://www.nike.com/ca/t/sportswear-everyday-essential-crew-socks-2JSJdQ/DX5025-904 

Parke Sweater

https://parkeofficial.com/products/cities-varsity-mockneck-classic-grey-chicago-navy 

PJ Sets

https://www.hollisterco.com/shop/ca/p/cozy-wide-leg-pants-61373820?seq=01&source=googleshopping&cmp=PLA:EVG:20:HCo:D:USCA:X:GGL:X:SHOP:X:X:X:X:x:HCO_Google_Shopping_DEF_PMAX_CA_All_X__&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21005586400&gbraid=0AAAAADw3OcKLA8RPYvtUK326wcKho8ikq&gclid=CjwKCAiA3L_JBhAlEiwAlcWO5zi_imC5PQLuEj0yeY9IccvBlRO-MdLlUUlfYWG1NEDWsuVar3365xoCyYgQAvD_BwE 

https://www2.hm.com/en_ca/productpage.1243797001.html 

Aritzia Tank 

https://www.aritzia.com/en/product/butter-essential-camisole/118010.html?dwvar_118010_color=1275&color=34340 

Studio Seven Bottoms

https://studiosevendesigns.com/collections/bottoms 

Coach Watch 

https://ca.coachoutlet.com/en/products/liz-watch-24-mm/C3622.html?rrec=true 

Wrap Cardigan

https://www.ae.com/ca/en/p/women/sweaters-cardigans/view-all-sweaters-cardigans/ae-whoa-so-soft-ballet-wrap-sweater-top/0341_1544_286?epik=dj0yJnU9WThjZzc1ZW9wRzBSSmtsdGd5SVZwcmhmWFV4NlhiM0wmcD0wJm49clNrdUhoM2JkVGxuNHZtVWswMmswdyZ0PUFBQUFBR2t3b0pB 

The Gym Addict 

This one is for anyone you know who sees the gym more than their family. I’m a big believer in looking good equals feeling good, so make sure you show them some love with their gym clothes! A new pump cover or shorts can make a world of difference (if you're shopping for tight shorts, just make sure they're squat-proof!) Gymshark is the obvious choice here, and they have student discounts if you sign up for a StudentBeans account! (Side note- if you’re shopping for your boyfriend, get him a compression shirt, just trust me). Brands like AYBL DFYNE, and Keep That Pump have got the scrunch short technology down. If you’re looking for something outside of the usual patterns, Gymshark's new Piping Bandeau with Shelf Set would be an amazing choice. It comes in 3 colourways and gives an 80s vibe while still being modern chic.

Compression Shirt

https://ca.gymshark.com/products/gymshark-element-baselayer-long-sleeve-t-shirt-white-ss25

Shorts (Mens)

https://ca.gymshark.com/products/gymshark-arrival-5-shorts-core-olive-ss22

The Commerce Bro 

When they’re not walking around Smith in a suit, they're going to need something to lounge in. You obviously can go with the classic Patagonia vest if they don't already have it, or some nice quarter-zips and trousers to match (Tommy Hilfiger is underrated and having a sale right now!)  Lululemon is another great line that's practical but comfy, and polo shirts are always a good addition if you’re looking to splurge. Button-ups are another item that's so versatile and great to layer under sweaters. However, these are just the basics, so if you really want to step it up, a leather belt is the best accessory to tie an outfit together, and there are so many designs, colours and brands to choose from that can fit anyone's needs. Coach belts are usually on sale at their outlet stores and are great quality for the price. To close it off for the season, a scarf will not only up the look but keep them warm on their walk to class! 




Patagonia Vest

​​https://www.patagonia.ca/product/mens-better-sweater-fleece-vest/25882.html?dwvar_25882_color=BLK

Quarterzips

https://www.hollisterco.com/shop/ca/p/boxy-quarter-zip-sweater-61077323?seq=02&source=googleshopping 

Honourable Mention

Another recommendation that didn't really fit into the other categories is Holister's new 2000s drop - specifically the men's drop - it’s amazing if you have someone who loves that Y2K skater/surfer boy look, think Chad Michael Murray from One Tree Hill, they’re reasonably priced and are the perfect addition to a wardrobe. 

The Christmas season, being right in the middle of exams, is exhausting, but hopefully this gift guide can clear one thing off your to-do list and give you some ideas on what to get your loved ones! From all of us at QFIN, we wish you readers, a merry Christmas, happy holidays, and good luck on those exams!

Alexandra Murray