A Valentine’s Day Gift Guide, The Love Language Edition

It’s cupid season again and we’ve put together a V Day shopping cheat sheet, just for you! 

For anyone who has ever reflected on the inner workings of why your relationship works (or maybe has the odd hiccup, from time to time) you’ve probably heard of the science behind “The 5 Love Languages”, a simple way of recognizing what matters most to your partner and delivering affection in a corresponding, meaningful way.  

In the name of love, we’ve broken down our gift guide to perfectly match your sweetheart’s preferred expression of affection.  

Let’s dive in!  

Words of Affirmation
In this Love Language, verbal or written connection is the prize. Even small notes or simple thank you’s can go a long way to acknowledge your mate’s value – and to make their heart race a little faster.  

In light of that, we were excited to spot this “Things I Love About You Fill-In Journal”. A self-declared weapon of love, available at Coles, this unique, personalized gift speaks straight to the heart. Take the time to fill it in and this gift will be a beloved keepsake for your affirmation seeking companion.  

For bonus love points, charm your Valentine with this Why I Love You Note Jar

       

Acts of Service
Some of us feel most loved when others lend a helping hand. Who wouldn’t love their own personal butler this Valentine’s Day? In this Love Language, taking the initiative to problem solve is key. Easing your partner’s workload and eliminating tasks on their behalf is sure to be appreciated.  

If this sounds like your significant other, why not surprise them by dropping off their dry cleaning to Willowbrook Drycleaning & Alterations, taking their footwear in for a shoeshine at Willowbrook Shoe Repair or even picking up a new screen protector for their phone?  

Grab dinner from White Spot on your way home to tie it all up with a bow and your sweetie’s emotional tank will definitely be full. 

Gifts
As a Shopping Centre, we might be biased, but this one can’t help but feel like a no-brainer in our books. Nothing says I love you more than pretty packages from your favourite stores and brands. But, keep in mind, if your SO’s Love Language is gifts, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are materialistic. Instead, what pumps their tires is knowing that thought went into the process.  

Help your lover feel extra special this year by paying attention to what they are coveting and pounce on it. Not sure… we’ve never met a Willowbrook Gift Card we didn’t love! (And, pro-tip, our Concierge offers gift wrap to seal the deal and wow your heartthrob.) 

Quality Time
For Quality Time chasers, having another person’s undivided, dedicated attention is gold. Speaking of gold AND time, consider honouring their Love Language with a stunning watch. We’ve done the homework for you, visit Golden Tree Jewellers for the BEST selection from Gucci to Brightling.  

Physical Touch
Calling all cuddlers! In this Love Language, Physical Touch is needed to let others know they are cherished. Send a clear, loving message to your sweetie pie with a collection of treasures that scream ‘I wanna hold your hand’.  

We spotted the Necessaire Body massage oil at Sephora that is sure to set the tone for romance. Is Netflix and chill a favourite date night? Crank up the heat with this modern take on a classic blanket from The Hudson’s Bay and get super cozy this V Day, you’ll literally be speaking their language.  

Still not sure what to do to make heart’s flutter? Off the record, there is one universal, unofficial, unequivocal Love Language that is fool proof…CHOCOLATE. No matter how your Valentine’s plays out this year, we recommend a stop at one of our chocolatiers. Our current crush? The Don’t Break My Heart hand-decorated milk chocolate heart filled with, you guessed it, more chocolate, from Rocky Mountain. It doesn’t take a scientist to figure out that homerun!  

That’s a wrap, sweethearts, however you like to give or receive this Valentine’s, we hope your day is bursting with all the right stuff!

New Year, New (Sleep!) Routine

We’re all in on fresh starts and taking stock of what’s working, what’s not, and how to make space for personal improvements. With 2023 underway it’s a great time to focus on YOU. Whether you tend to map out new year resolutions, chose a meaningful “word of the year” or prefer to leave it to fate, being intentional can go a long way to create lasting, positive habits.  

One area of routine that we are focusing on this year is sleep health. It’s hard to imagine tackling any of our to-do’s (let alone our resolutions) without the proper energy that a good night’s sleep provides, yet 1 in 2 Canadians report having trouble going to or staying asleep.  

Routine plays a big role. Try keeping to the same schedule each night to help re-set your natural sleeping rhythm. Comforts like lavender spray and fresh sheets can transform your room to a calm space. Why not invest in quality bedding to help you into a relaxed state a bedtime? 

We love these cozy and therapeutic weighted blankets from QE Home, and the Sleep Calming Pillow Mist from The Body Shop, the ultimate sleep hack. 

 

 

Blue light can strain the system, especially at bedtime – could 2023 mark the return of the alarm clock? Check out the Sunrise Alarm Clock, available at Hudson’s Bay, that can be programmed to wake you with gradually increasing brightness and colour levels like a sunrise. Commit to charging your phone in another room each night and try trading your phone for a novel. We can’t wait to work through the 2023 must reads from Coles.  

 

If sleep is presenting a more serious problem, taking a holistic approach is possible. We chatted with Rave at Nutrition House to get the lay of the land for catching all the right zzz’s. She suggests stopping by to go over your sleep goals… but if that’s not in the cards, a few products you may want to consider…  

Sleep N Beauty is an all-natural supplement that caught our eye. Formulated with magnesium, GABA, and melatonin it promotes a restful sleep, relaxation and can reduce the signs of stress. These sleep support nutrients are combined with antioxidants and collagen boosting nutrients. (BONUS! A formula that helps us sleep AND look our best, yes please!)  

Sleep Solution is a safe, liquid sleep aid designed to quickly ease the transition to sleep, helping you to sleep soundly and wake up feeling refreshed. We love the fresh, natural lemon flavour too. 

Still waking up unrested? Cold-water treatments are all the rage, and we must admit the trend has us intrigued. Ending your regular shower with even 15 seconds of ice-cold water can wake your body up, inducing a higher state of alertness, helping you to concentrate and stay focused throughout the day. 

Here’s to 2023, more sleep, less stress, and cultivating happiness. Dream on, you’ve got this!

Get Up & Goh… Dance!

Win Tickets to Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker 
December 15-18 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre

The Nutcracker returns to the stage at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Dec. 15-18 and to celebrate, we’ve got a pair of tickets to giveaway.

Join Clara and her beloved Nutcracker as their dream is brought to life with every step. Be enthralled by dancing snowflakes and the kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Featuring stars from New York City Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet and with live music by the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, The Nutcracker is the perfect holiday celebration for all ages. 

To enter, head over to Instagram @shopwillowbrook for more details. 

If you don’t want to leave it up to chance, tickets can be purchased at GohNutcracker.com

Santa 2022

Santa Claus is coming to town! Starting November 21, you can visit the big man in red and make magical memories with your family and little ones.

VISITS & PHOTOS WITH SANTA

Join us for in-person visits and photos with Santa at Willowbrook! You can now reserve a time slot to meet ‘ol St. Nick.

Visits & Photos Hours with Santa

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday: 

10am – 1:30pm, 2:30pm – 6pm

*please note, Santa visits will begin at 11am on Saturday, November 26.

Thursday and Friday:

10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm, 5:30pm – 8pm

Sunday:

10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm

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What to Expect While Visiting Santa at Willowbrook

  • Visits & photos with Santa are located in the southeast centre court by The Body Shop.
  • Please arrive 5 minutes before your reservation to allow for check-in.
  • Please note that missed appointments will not be refunded.
  • Should you be unable to book a reservation, we are happy to accommodate walk-ins.
  • If you are late for your reserved time, the team at North Pole Picture Co. would be happy to help you reschedule based on availability.
  • You will be the only group in the photo studio during the time of your appointment.
  • Your reservation guarantees you a private visit and photo experience with Santa.
  • You can instantly see and select your favourite photo while Santa engages with your little ones.
  • If you do not receive your reservation link after 24 hours, please email [email protected] with your name, phone number, email, and date and time of selected reservation.



MAGICAL SLEIGH RIDES

Sip some hot chocolate and enjoy the sounds of the season as one of Santa’s elves takes you on a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride around Willowbrook! For $5 per person, you can enjoy a sleigh ride while helping raise funds for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Langley.

BOOK YOUR RIDE HERE

THE FINE PRINT

Please be advised that we will be photographing attendees at this event to share on our social media channels and in other communications. By attending this event, you grant permission to both QuadReal and Willowbrook Shopping Centre to take photos and videos of you that may be used for promotional purposes. If you do not wish your image to be shared publicly, please speak to a QuadReal representative at the event.

Please read the Participant Terms & Conditions HERE.

2022 Charity Shopping Night

Kick off your holiday shopping with our 7th Annual (and practically FAMOUS)
Charity Shopping Night – Holiday Glamorama. 

NOVEMBER 19    |    7pm – 10pm

This year’s event includes:

  • Wine tasting from 20+ wineries with $0.25 tastings
  • Exclusive promotions from your favourite retailers
  • $20K + in dazzling, curated prizes including a trip for 2 from WestJet, thousands of dollars in gift cards and more!
  • Delish appetizers and hors d’oeuvres 
  • Highlighted holiday fashion
  • A visit from the big man in red
  • & so much more!


Please note, event attendees MUST be 19+ years old

Congratulations to our prize draw winners!

Adele McConnell3 Wishes Fountain
Ambrose Oba-Underwood$100 Northern Reflections GC
Amy Irvine$25 Freshslice GC
Andie FroeseLululemon Fit Session $450 Value
Andrea McQuarrieNature’s Fare Market GC
Angela Akerman$50 La Vie en Rose GC
Angela Akerman$25 Freshslice GC
Anita Clemas$50 La Vie en Rose GC
Anne SandersonSmeg Coffee Maker
Anne-Marie GuminskiBootlegger Jeans GC
Barbi Speed$50 Steve’s Poke Bar GC
Barbi Speed$25 Freshslice GC
Barbi Speed$25 Freshslice GC
Bonnie Henry$50 La Vie en Rose GC
Caroline McMillanWB Art Gallery Framing Package
Chelsea ArcherNutrition House Prize Package
Christine Blatny$100 Below the Belt GC
Cindy MacKay$25 Freshslice GC
Corrin Scialdau$50 La Vie en Rose GC
Davina Crawford$25 Freshslice GC
Dawn Shippit$1,000 WBK GC
Diana MotaBailey Nelson Glasses Package
Elaine CoxBody Mods Gift Package
Grace LoftusBootlegger Jeans GC
Isabella Spagnolo$500 WBK GC
Jamie Ghebli3 Wishes Necklace
Janet Roberts$25 Freshslice GC
Janet Smith$25 Freshslice GC
Jennifer JonesWB Art Gallery Framing Package
Joanna TateA&W Prize Package (Riverman Tickets)
Joyce Hayne$25 Freshslice GC
Julia TurickLululemon Fit Session $450 Value
Julie MellorSmeg Toaster
Kal Hoonjan$25 Freshslice GC
Karen PaugaSony Headphones
Karen SabourinZennkai Hair Package
Kat Blanchard$500 WBK GC
Kellie Dale$25 Freshslice GC
Kellie DaleBootlegger Jeans GC
Kellie DaleBootlegger Jeans GC
Kim CooperWB Art Gallery Framing Package
Kim CooperMerle Norman Micro Blading Package
Kristine GunnPurdys Gift Basket
Kristy KayoWestjet Trip for Two
Lakhwir BoparanToys R Us GC
Larisa WoodVancouver Bandits Basketball Prize Package
Linda LeederWB Art Gallery Framing Package
Lisa Denny$75 Whitespot GC
Lisa FarquharsonElectronic Toothbrush
Lisa Lim$25 Freshslice GC
Lisette Peterson$500 WBK GC
Louise Dickman$300 Ronsons GC
Martine Tasse$25 Freshslice GC
Lori Latka / Mary Latka$25 Freshslice GC
Mikayla SmithTommy Guns Gift Package
Mindy Antemir$1,000 WBK GC
Nicole Lewis$25 Freshslice GC
Paula StoneGiants Tickets
Rachelle Santiaguel$500 WBK GC
Rajbir Rai$75 Whitespot GC
Renee PattersonDiamond Earrings
Rocel Tiu$500 WBK GC
Rock Hutsul$25 Freshslice GC
Sandra Fletcher$25 Freshslice GC
Sandy Gill$25 Freshslice GC
Sandy Henry$25 Freshslice GC
Sarah King$25 Freshslice GC
Sarah KingWB Art Gallery Framing Package
Shanille Samra$25 Freshslice GC
Shanille SamraAldila Sweater 
Shawna Takahashi$500 WBK GC
Simren Litt$25 Freshslice GC
Sukh Hoonjan$500 WBK GC
Susan Fraser $25 Freshslice GC
Suzanne Bazso$50 Steve’s Poke Bar GC
Tom Mangat$25 Freshslice GC
Tania Bain$25 Freshslice GC
Teresa BarkerArctic Fame Earrings & Necklace Gift Package
Tricia ChurkoPerk Face and Lip Treatment/Hydra Facial
Tristan Fesik$100 Steve’s Poke GC
Veronica HeinenBootlegger Jeans GC

Scene Stealing Fall Fashion

The temperature dips, kids head back to school, pumpkin spice returns—it must be fall. And with the return of the fall season comes the fall wardrobe and our Fall Lookbook. Whatever your style, budget, and wardrobe needs, we’ve got it and we know you’ll love it.

Style meets lifestyle

What’s better than comfortable, stylish wardrobe staples you can wear anywhere? Nothing. Not only are lifestyle pieces cool and casual but they’re a practical, multi-purpose piece you can wear to your little one’s soccer game, brunch with friends, or while you run errands and pop in to visit us at Willowbrook. Pair your favourite hoodie with sleek and stretchy high-waisted leggings, look for colourful socks to stand out in crisp white sneakers, and top off your look with an elegant and hands-free crossbody bag that keeps your essentials close no matter where you’re headed. Visit LululemonAmerican EagleH&M, Mountain Warehouse and Boathouse for a selection of lifestyle must-haves you must get.

Natural attractions

Let’s face it: Fall’s colour palette is naturally stunning. With crisp oranges, soft greens, and shades of beige, taupe, and brown, it’s hard not to create looks inspired by the great outdoors this time of year. Treat yourself to cute and comfy boots from Call it Spring or loafers from Winners that look great with denim or dresses, find a fun and feminine floral print to dress up or dress down, and let’s not forget a cool weather essential from Bootlegger—the flannel shacket.

Entrenched in style

Despite our best intentions, Fall also means rain. Lucky for us, rain also means cute trench coats and cozy layering pieces to stay warm and dry. Warm up and cut out extra bulk with a sweater vest, trade trousers for a long skirt for a flirty fun look you can rock even in the rain, and don’t forget to accessories with classy hoop earrings from Michael Hill, bangle bracelets, or a bold statement ring from Ann-Louis Jewellers that demands attention for all the right reasons. 

 

pssstt… if you’re looking to purchase new Fall items but want to avoid a trip to the mall, order directly through Willowbrook’s website with a single-cart checkout process and free same-day delivery.

Visit Storeyline Shops of Willowbrook Shopping Centre Online

 

Halloween 2022

Hello Haunt-O’ween!

We are excited to welcome you and your little-ones for Trick-Or-Treating this Halloween at Willowbrook.

Visit the centre from 4pm – 6pm on October 31st to enjoy a spooky and safe Halloween experience.

What you need to know:

  • Start your route by visiting Concierge, the first 1,000 children in costume will receive a complimentary loot bag to take along as they visit store fronts collecting their treats*
  • Participating retailers will be identifiable by Halloween themed balloons at the store’s entrance
  • Be sure to stop by our Halloween inspired photo-op mural, located in WILLOW WAY to take a photo of your ghosts and goblins. All photos shared on Instagram with the hashtag #halloweenatwillowbrook from October 25 to Nov 1 will be entered to win 1 of 3 grand prizes!

We can’t wait to see you here, if you dare!

*treats available while supplies last

PRIZING COURTESY OF:


It’s In The Bag

Purses, totes, wallets—oh my! Picking the perfect bag that meets your needs can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to balance style and practicality. And while our mantra is always, “What’s one more bag?” we’ve put together a few top recommendations for you to check out the next time you visit us at Willowbrook.

Crossbody Bags

Hands free? Heck yes. Crossbody bags are a must for anyone who ever gets sick of carrying a bag. Not only does they typically have tons of pockets to keep you organized, but the shoulder straps are adjustable for the perfect fit.

A few options to consider include Bentley’s Mini Essentials or the H&M Crossbody Bag.


Tote Bags

A bag that’s equal parts business in the office and brunch with the girls? Yes, please. Structured totes are a great alternative to briefcases and make the perfect work accessory. They hold plenty—from personal items and necessities to pencil cases and laptops, depending on the size. Not only do they come in a variety of colours to go with anything in your wardrobe, but they include a shoulder strap giving you more options to wear and style. 

A couple of our favourites include the Aldo Nilo Tote or the Monk & Lou from Plenty


Wristlets

Need a wallet that’s just a little more? This is it. Lululemon’s Curved Wristlet is cute, curved wristlet lets you keep the essentials with you and even has a hidden phone slot. The strap makes it easy to carry while you’re hitting a music festival, walking the dog, or out shopping, plus you can attach your keys or funky keychains to personalize it. Did we mention it’s also water resistant? What more can you ask for in this climate?

Happy Shopping!

pssstt… if you’re looking to purchase a new bag this season but avoid a trip to the mall, order directly through Willowbrook’s website with a single-cart checkout process and free same-day delivery.

Visit Storeyline Shops of Willowbrook Shopping Centre Online