Photo: Dana Patrick 

With the countdown to Christmas officially upon us, we spoke to our Winter 2016/17 cover girl Wendy Crewson about her favourite gift giving suggestions. The seasoned Canadian actress currently plays Dr. Dana Kinney on Saving Hope, has over 100 screen credits under her belt and is also slated to star in Kodachrome next year. Real Style chatted with our brilliant and beautiful cover girl about her favourite gift giving ideas for all occasions. From the rapidly approaching holidays to winter birthdays, here are her must-have gifts for the season ahead.

Read the full interview with Wendy Crewson in Real Style Magazine’s new Winter 2016/17 issue now 

Raey Lace-Sleeve Cashmere Sweater, $955

Real Style: What are your favourite gifts to receive?

Wendy: Anything in black cashmere. Scarves, gloves, hats, sweaters—love them all. Of course, I never refuse a lovely handbag. 

Kate Spade New York Mini Maise Bag, $280

Charter Club Plaid Bouclé Square Blanket Scarf, $61 

Real Style: Do you have any top holiday gift ideas?

Wendy: Plaid blanket scarves and cozy socks, amaryllis and paper whites, gloves and Nick and Nora PJs.

Nick & Nora Women‘s Navy Sock Monkey Pajama Set, $42

Real Style: What do you get for the person who has everything?

Wendy: Not that my mom has everything, but one year I helped her rearrange her living room. She has been in her house 20 years and even though she has some beautiful furniture and art, the room seemed dated. I completely redid the floor plan and regrouped and rehung pictures. She said it felt like a brand new room and it gave her a fresh perspective on all her lovely pieces. 

The Kennebunkport Bracelet

Real Style: Do you have any suggestions for birthday presents?

Wendy: A fun piece of jewellery works well and a gorgeous bracelet from The Ropes, Maine is a great idea for all the girls on my list.

Real Style: If you had to choose just one, what is the most thoughtful gift you’ve ever received?

Wendy: I’ve been fortunate enough to receive many thoughtful gifts over the years but what really stands out for me is a gift from my divinely talented friend Sally Cahill. She’s a remarkable actress and artist I’ve known forever. A few years ago she gave me a set of hand drawn Christmas cards, with a watercolour of my beloved home, decked out for the season.

It’s a great gift idea and I’ve given several sets to friends as she can do the cards from photos. Brilliant, personal and one of a kind. She can be found on Etsy at thepaintedfaire.