Plants with Personalities

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Local pandemic start-up brings plants with personality to Calgary shoppers

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An exciting new retail concept is set to open its doors at Southcentre Mall this fall. On November 1st, Calgary-based Plantsie will bring plants with personality to shoppers at its first brick-and-mortar storefront on the second level near Motive Art Academy. This unique botanical concept makes adding houseplants to the family easy and accessible across all levels of plant-ownership experience and invites customers to embrace the individual personas of their plants.

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A pandemic startup, Plantsie is the brainchild of local entrepreneurs Jeff Bradshaw and Jaime Starchuk. The duo was motivated to explore a new avenue of business when the world went into lockdown and they found themselves with extra time on their hands. Plantsie launched in early 2021 with the vision of changing the way that people think about plants. More than just décor, houseplants are living things that can enhance everyday life in countless ways, including bolstering mental well-being, improving performance and focus while working, boosting creativity, and absorbing airborne toxins, to name a few.

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“When we first had the idea for Plantsie, we were looking for a way to bring a little joy into daily life, and we thought, what better way to do that than with a cheerful little plant with a big personality,” says Jeff Bradshaw, co-founder, Plantsie. “Each of our plants has its own name and persona, and customers can even create their own custom plant personality by choosing a plant, a pot and a name for their new green friend. We’ve heard it said that pets are the new kids, but we like to think that plants are the new pets. Something that will bring a smile to your face, but is also easy to care for.”

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Plantsie caters both to plant owners looking to add to their own collections and to those interested in a unique approach to gift giving. Instead of celebrating moments and milestones in life by giving non-consumable knick knacks likely to be forgotten or tossed away, or flowers with a limited shelf life, Bradshaw and Starchuk hope to encourage people to consider the more sustainable option of gifting plants. While Plantsie started out selling plants primarily through an e-commerce platform, its next step into a physical retail space also happens to coincide with the rapidly approaching holiday shopping season and has spurred new ideas for seasonal Plantsie personalities, such as ‘Frosty’, ‘Cindy Lou’ ‘The Grinch’ and ‘Buddy the Elf’, perfect for Christmas gifts.

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With a wide variety of low-maintenance ‘starter’ plants, like the ‘Good Vibes’ Ponytail Palm, the ‘Feel Better’ Peace Lily, and the ‘McDreamy’ Dracaena Janet Craig, Plantsie aims to make taking home a new plant simple and stress-free. Each potted Plantsie also comes with its own laser-cut name stick, personality card, and care instructions.

For more information about Plantsie, visit www.plantsie.com.

Back-to-School Essentials to Shop Now

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Back-to-school season is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start prepping for the year ahead. On this semester’s shopping list: stylish backpacks, cute dorm decor, playful tech accessories/ gadgets and more items that will help you stay organized and motivated from the beginning of the year through finals.

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Best Backpacks

The backpack is the ultimate back-to-school staple. It’s the item that you’ll be carrying everywhere, every day, so it’s important to find one that’s not only functional, but also expresses your personal style. Luckily there are plenty of options out there—from colourful knapsacks to chic carryalls and totes, choose a bag that you’ll be excited to carry year-round.

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Dorm Decor

Moving away from home can be scary, but it’s also a great opportunity for you to cultivate a space that’s uniquely your own. Aside from the essentials (bedding, bath towels, space-saving appliances and more), be sure to add decor items such as desk organizers, photo walls, lights and cute catchalls, to make your space really feel like home.

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Tech Accessories

Stay plugged in this year with tech accessories and gadgets that will keep your productivity (and motivation) in check. Think cute laptop sleeves, pastel keyboards, fun Air Pod cases and more!

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Multitasking Beauty

Build a back-to-school beauty kit that will help you look (and feel) your best during the year. The essentials? Multitasking beauty products (perfect for throwing into your bag for touchups throughout the day), a good base routine that will leave you glowing post- cram-session and a luxe mask to help you decompress on those extra stressful days.

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Make Back-to-School Shopping Easy

Lunar New Year Hosting with @AllStyleLife

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Create lasting memories with festive touches that celebrate tradition and embrace new beginnings.

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Tableware

Set the table for Lunar New Year with vibrant dinnerware featuring elegant prints, gold accents, and striking decor as you gather with loved ones to celebrate the Spring Festival.

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Gather your loved ones and set the stage for a memorable Lunar New Year celebration with the perfect combination of tradition and style. Find everything you need at Southcentre to host an unforgettable Spring Festival!

The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

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Love is in the air! With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to channel your inner Cupid and find the perfect gift for the special people in your life. Whether you’re celebrating with a significant other, family, or friends, Southcentre has everything you need to make this Valentine’s Day memorable.

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Something Sparkly

Adorn your loved one with a piece of jewelry that will stand the test of time. A delicate necklace, a sparkling bracelet or a pair of elegant earrings can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit and serve as a constant reminder of your affection.

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Something Sweet

They say the way to the heart is through the stomach, so why not treat your Valentine to a delectable assortment of gourmet goodies? A box of delicious chocolates from Cococo Chocolatiers or Purdys can add a dash of sweetness to your celebration.

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Something Stylish

Surprise your beloved with a timeless staple they can style for years to come. Consider a fun accessory like a colourful scarf, a pair of statement sunglasses, a classic handbag, or a sleek watch that complements their personal style.

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Something Fragrant

Spritz some love in the air with a fragrance that they can enjoy year-round. Whether it’s a gift set in their signature scent, a sample set of minis, or even some home fragrance goodies like candles and room sprays, these gifts will have your loved one feeling scent-sational.

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Something Tasty

Make this Valentine’s Day extra special with a meal that will make their tastebuds swoon. Whether you’re dining in or taking out, Southcentre has plenty of delicious dining options, including Earls, Milestones and Craft.

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Match the Occasion

Valentine's gift card bonus

This Valentine’s Day, let them find a gift they love with a Southcentre gift card. Our physical gift cards are great for the traditionalist, while our e-gift card allows you to write or record a special message to tell them how much you love them.

Plus, don’t forget to take advantage of our gift card promotion. Until February 14th, purchase $200+ in gift cards, receive a Southcentre + Milestones bonus gift card*.

  • Spend $200-$499 and get a $10 bonus gift card + a $10 Milestones Gift Card.
  • Spend $500-$999 and get a $25 bonus gift card + a $15 Milestones Gift Card.
  • Spend $1000 and over get a $50 bonus gift card + a $20 Milestones Gift Card.

*While quantities last. Retailer bonus gift card valid for in mall gift card purchases only.

GIFT NOW

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Whether you’re celebrating with a significant other, family or a friend, we hope this Valentine’s Day is one you will never forget!

Celebrate Thanksgiving In Style

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We have everything you need to celebrate Thanksgiving your way and create a memorable experience for your family and guests.

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Inspiring Tablescapes

Transform your dining table by elevating your everyday items to show off your entertaining style. A table runner or tablecloth will help set the tone, while elegant tableware will add a sophisticated touch. Create a focal point for your tablescape with a unique vase or tapered candles as a statement centerpiece.

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Embracing Autumn Décor

From the entrance to your dining room, create a warm and cozy atmosphere with fall décor accents. Choose a colour palette to carry throughout your home as a theme or go the minimalist route with shades of white to keep it crisp and clean. Lean into fall foliage with bold wreaths, and rich jewel toned accent items.

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Delicious Eats Await

If you’re skipping the turkey in favour of a non-traditional Thanksgiving meal, check out our various food and dessert offerings instead. The options are endless for a delectable Thanksgiving feast here.

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Eco-Friendly Thanksgiving

The trick to a more eco-friendly and sustainable Thanksgiving is to plan your menu mindfully and repurpose where possible. Reduce single-use disposable items by opting for cloth napkins and quality food storage containers. Bring reusable totes to your local market which now come in various styles and prints.

The Best Sustainable Brands to Shop This Earth Month and Beyond

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At Southcentre, we’re proud to showcase a variety of brands that are leading the way in sustainable fashion and beauty.

Read on to learn more about sustainable brands at Southcentre.

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Sustainable Fashion Brands

When it comes to eco-friendly clothing, consider shopping for brands that use sustainable materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester and natural fibres like linen and bamboo. These materials are better for the environment and often have a lower carbon footprint than sustainable materials (plus, they feel like a cloud on your skin!). Additionally, look for brands that use as few natural resources as possible throughout their products’ life cycle, as well as companies that support ethical labour practices.

Canadian brand Matt and Nat (available at Hudson’s Bay) produces high-quality, timeless products made from different recycled materials such as nylons, cardboard, rubber, cork and windshield resins. Additionally, their linings are made solely of 100% recycled plastic bottles. Sustainable activewear brand Girlfriend Collective (available at Hudson’s Bay) is another pick you can feel good about, thanks to its ethically-made activewear with recycled materials in sizes XXS-6XL. Finally, American Eagle’s Real Good collection not only uses sustainably produced and sourced materials, but also has reduced the amount of water used per pair of jeans by 14%.

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Clean Beauty

If you’re wanting to incorporate sustainability practices into your beauty routine, there are a few things to look out for. You’ll want to find brands that use sustainable beauty ingredients (that is, those formulated without harmful ingredients) and sustainable packaging that has as little waste as possible (think: reusable glass jars and compostable cardboard). And just like we mentioned, look for companies that take steps to lower their impact throughout their entire supply chain and that create products with the well-being of animals, people and the planet in mind.

A great place to start is by checking out Sephora’s “Clean at Sephora” program which features products that are free from over 50 harmful ingredients, including sulfates, parabens and phthalates. Our top picks include Biossance, Tata Harper and Rose Inc.

Other sustainable beauty brands we love include L’Occitane en Provence (available at Hudson’s Bay) and The Body Shop.

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Recycle and Repurpose

Another way to incorporate more sustainability practices into your everyday life is to recycle and repurpose items you already own.

Sephora, The Body Shop and MAC Cosmetics have beauty recycling programs which allow you to recycle beauty items such as compacts, lipsticks and concealer, foundation and mascara tubes. From there, the items are sorted, separated and used to create new products. Additionally, H&M has a Garment Collecting program that collects any brand’s unwanted clothes or textiles in any condition (bonus: you receive a thank-you voucher to use towards your next purchase).

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Our Commitment to Sustainability

Southcentre is proudly committed to sustainability. We’re equipped with 3 compactors where all cardboard, paper, bottles, cans and plastics are recycled, have bicycle parking stations and have adopted two beehives from Honey Meadow Farms, which live on our rooftop to support and help grow the bee population.

To learn more about sustainability at Southcentre, click here.

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By supporting these brands and others like them, we can make a positive impact on the planet while still enjoying the latest fashion and beauty trends. This Earth Month and beyond, let’s make a conscious effort to shop sustainably and support brands that are working towards a greener future. For our top sustainable style picks.

How to Celebrate Mother’s Day at Southcentre

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This Mother’s Day, celebrate the extraordinary women in your life with an eventful experience at Southcentre. In honour of this special day, we’ve curated a guide to celebrate the moms and mother figures in your life. From delicious dining to shopping and more, the options are endless to treat mom this Mother’s Day.

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Self-Care Essentials

Treat mom to some pampering so she can unwind, rejuvenate and look and feel her absolute best. Whether it’s a mani-pedi at OMG Nails & Spa, a brow shaping at Kurves Brow Bar, or a blowout at Chatters, there are plenty of opportunities for you and mom to indulge in some TLC.

Want to recreate the spa experience at home? Grab some beauty and wellness essentials from local retailers Oak + Tonic, Rocky Mountain Soap, Drops of Gratitude and The Bomb Bar so mom can continue her self-care in her own space.

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Sweet Treats and Savoury Delights

While spending Mother’s Day at Hillcrest, don’t forget to refuel with some food and drink! From a morning coffee and pastry at Analog Coffee to an afternoon pick-me-up at Chachi’s, and dinner at Craft Beer Market, Earls or Milestones, Southcentre has plenty of options to suit every palette.

More dining options

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Heirloom-Worthy Jewels

Jewelry is a timeless symbol of mom’s love and appreciation. Opt for an heirloom-worthy keepsake, a personalized piece or simply a fun accessory that matches mom’s personal style. We recommend checking out Dana Dow Jewellers, Pandora, Drops of Gratitude and Think Stunning.

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Home

They say home is where the heart is, so why not gift mom all the things she needs to create a space that truly feels like hers? Find homewares, dishwares, decor and more at Crate & Barrel and Winners.

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A Little Something Special

Give mom a little something special by gifting her a stunning arrangement from Marlow Floralworks. This one-stop shop for carefully curated floral arrangements has a variety of beautiful, lush flowers that mom is sure to love.

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Match the Occasion

If your mom marches to the beat of her own drum, give her the gift of choice with a Southcentre gift card. Our physical gift cards are great for the traditionalist, while our e-gift cards allow you to attach a personalized message or video that mom is sure to love.

GIFT NOW

Thoughtful Holiday Gifting Ahead

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Forget holiday stress: We’ve rounded up perfect present ideas for everyone on your list!

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Sweet Stocking Stuffers

Little presents, big impact. Our ideal stocking stuffers strike this beautiful balance: something cozy, something practical and something that smells delicious.

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Gorgeous Gift Sets

With curated gift sets, you get so much present in one covetable package. For the wellness enthusiast, consider a lineup of essential oil roll-ons, while the beauty lover will feel the joy unwrapping a viral lipstick duo.

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Everything Under $50

Turn a smaller budget into a wow-worthy present with these picks that really pay off. Some stellar ideas: a winter-ready accessory they’ll wear all season long, a trending belt bag that’ll accompany them every day or holiday morning pajamas for an Insta-perfect snap.

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Kid-Approved Picks

From the cozy sets for the littles in the family to full-blown Lego sets and future-favourite stuffies, these gifts get the youngster stamp of approval every single time—no gift receipt required.

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Something Sparkly

A piece of jewelry—specially chosen just for them— shows just how much you know your loved one. Pick out a pair of everyday earrings, an architecturally shaped ring or a stacking bracelet to elevate their collection.

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Stocked with plenty of thoughtful gifts for all budgets, holiday shopping at Southcentre has never been more simple. Looking for even more festive goodness? Sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on upcoming holiday events and hours.

Black-Owned Brands Making Waves in 2025

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Where creativity, culture, and innovation unite.

This Black History Month, we celebrate the incredible creativity, talent, and resilience of Black-owned brands across beauty and beyond. From skincare innovations to makeup lines that prioritize inclusivity, these businesses are redefining industry standards and empowering communities.

Discover the Black-owned brands at Yorkdale that are making an impact in their respective fields, listed below.

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Briogeo

Briogeo, the Black-owned haircare brand that made its debut on Sephora shelves in 2014, quickly became a standout in the beauty industry with its clean, effective products like the Don’t Despair, Repair! Conditioner and Deep Conditioning Mask, earning Allure Best of Beauty and Readers’ Choice Awards. Its rapid growth caught the attention of Wella Company, leading to a strategic partnership in 2022. Although acquired, Briogeo founder Nancy Twine remains as CEO while also joining Wella’s executive leadership team, helping drive future growth and innovation. The partnership promises to elevate Briogeo’s global expansion and success, aligning with both companies’ shared values and vision.

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Fenty Beauty

Launched by Rihanna in 2017, Fenty Beauty revolutionized the beauty industry with its groundbreaking inclusive shade range, setting a new standard for diversity in cosmetics. Fenty Beauty continues to push boundaries with innovative, high-performance products that cater to all skin tones and types. The brand’s success led to a powerful expansion into complexion, lips, and more—solidifying its place as a global beauty powerhouse.

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Pat McGrath Labs

Founded by legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath in 2015, Pat McGrath Labs quickly became a luxury beauty powerhouse known for its high-impact pigments, innovative formulas, and runway-inspired artistry. The brand’s signature products, including the iconic Mothership Eyeshadow Palettes and MatteTrance Lipsticks, have earned global acclaim and multiple beauty awards. McGrath’s influence extends beyond beauty, as she continues to shape trends and redefine glamour. With its unmatched creativity and opulent formulations, Pat McGrath Labs remains a leader in the industry.

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Epara

Epara is a luxury skincare brand founded by Ozohu Adoh, designed to cater specifically to the unique needs of melanin-rich skin. Rooted in African botanicals, Epara’s high-performance formulations use natural and organic ingredients to address concerns like hyperpigmentation, dryness, and uneven skin tone. With a commitment to both efficacy and indulgence, the brand has gained recognition for its rich textures and nourishing benefits. Epara continues to set the standard for luxury skincare with a focus on heritage, science, and sustainability.

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Maneuver

Maneuver is a modern grooming brand built for men who prioritize performance, style, and self-care. Founded on the belief that high-quality haircare should be simple yet effective, Maneuver offers a range of expertly crafted styling products designed to enhance hair health while delivering versatile, long-lasting hold. With a focus on clean ingredients, lightweight formulas, and effortless application, Maneuver ensures that every product—whether a styling cream, pomade, or texture spray—fits seamlessly into a well-groomed lifestyle.

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The Remix Project

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For the entire month of February, visit the Atrium at Yorkdale to witness a captivating photography exhibit, celebrating the creativity of Black-alumni from The Remix Project’s photography program. Learn more about our year-long partnership with The Remix Project through the link below.

Three Easy Ways to Make a Gift Card Feel More Personal

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Gift cards are one of the most popular gifts for a reason. They’re thoughtful, flexible, and guaranteed to be appreciated. In fact, they’re one of the most intentional gifts you can give. Instead of guessing someone’s size, style, or favourite brand, you’re giving them the freedom to choose exactly what they want.

That means the perfect fit every time.

At Yorkdale, a gift card opens the door to hundreds of brands, great dining, and exciting new finds. Whether someone wants to refresh their wardrobe, pick up the latest beauty must-haves, or treat themselves to a great meal, the possibilities are endless.

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One Gift Card. Every brand they love.

Even better, today’s eGift Cards make it easy to add a personal touch that turns a simple gift into something much more meaningful. Here are three easy ways to make your gift card feel even more special.

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1. Add a Video or Photo Message

A gift becomes more memorable when it includes a message from you.

When sending a Yorkdale eGift Card, you can upload a short video or photo along with your gift. It’s a simple way to share a birthday wish, send a quick thank-you, or record a congratulatory message for a special moment.

A quick video saying “Happy Birthday!” or a photo from a shared memory instantly makes the gift feel more personal. It turns the moment of opening the gift card into something that feels thoughtful and intentional.

Sometimes the message is the part people remember most.

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2. Choose an eGreeting Card for the Occasion

Another easy way to personalize your gift is by selecting an eGreeting card that fits the occasion.

Yorkdale offers a variety of digital greeting cards, so you can match the look and feel of your gift to the moment you’re celebrating. From birthdays and holidays to graduations and thank-you gifts, choosing the right card adds personality before the gift is even opened.

It’s a small detail that makes the experience feel more thoughtful and customized.

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3. Make It Bigger by Giving Together

One of the easiest ways to make a gift card feel more personal is to turn it into a group gift. Whether you’re celebrating a teacher, coach, colleague, a mom-to-be, or a milestone birthday, family, friends, and coworkers can contribute to one memorable present that feels truly special.

A larger gift card gives the recipient the opportunity to choose something they’ve been dreaming about, whether that’s a designer handbag, a new winter parka, premium luggage for an upcoming adventure, or the latest laptop. It transforms a thoughtful gesture into a meaningful experience while giving them the freedom to pick exactly what they want.

To make the moment even more memorable, consider presenting the gift card with a group photo, a short video message, or handwritten notes from everyone who contributed. It’s a simple touch that adds personality and creates a keepsake long after the gift has been received.

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The Gift That Always Fits

No matter the occasion, birthdays, holidays, graduations, or just because a Yorkdale gift card makes gifting easy.

You’re giving someone the freedom to shop their favourite brands, discover something new, or treat themselves to something special. And with personalized features like video messages, photos, and eGreeting cards, you can make the experience feel even more meaningful.

Because the best gifts don’t just surprise someone,  they give them the joy of choosing something they truly love.

One Gift Card. Every brand they love.