Woman in Real Life

I don't think many people typically like the mall at Christmas time. Stalking people walking through the parking lot in order to get a parking space, wearing (or carrying) an uncomfortably warm winter coat, fielding the kids' constant requests for snacks (or just pleasing your own demanding tummy). Not to mention finding the perfect gift for each person on your list.

I can solve some of these problems for you. Well, I'm not actually going to solve them, but I will tell you about a luxurious service that can. Once again this year my family and I will take a break from holiday shopping in Toronto's busy Yorkdale Shopping Centre by hanging out in the RBC Avion Holiday Boutique. How does this solve our shopping woes? I'm gonna tell you.




RBC Avion cardholders (whether personal or business Avioners) get free valet parking at Yorkdale. No struggling to find a parking space. Check.

Avion cardholders have access to the peaceful, sparkly, relaxing Avion Holiday Boutique, where they will find an exclusive coat check for those heavy winter coats and packages. Problem number two solved. Check.




There is food in the boutique - an actual café, in fact, with cookies and candy canes for the kiddos (and mom too, of course), plus beverages such as coffee and tea. Snack problem solved, free of charge. Check.



Okay, RBC Avion Holiday Boutique staffers can't buy the gifts on your shopping list, but they can help you out with the gift wrapping. Once you find a perfect gift, bring it on back to the boutique to be wrapped while you continue to shop. That deserves a check I think.


There is also a holiday book library to keep the kids entertained, as well as holiday magazines for adults. See the concierge to check out a charger for your devices. And take advantage of a comfortable chair and free Wifi.


I was lucky enough to attend the official opening of the Yorkdale Avion Holiday Boutique, and was treated to beverages, hors d'oeuvres, Christmas carolers and a visit from rapper Kardinal Offishall, who judged a gift-wrapping contest. (Participants wrapped some of the many toys that RBC is donating to SickKids this year.)

Me at the Yorkdale RBC Avion Holiday Boutique opening with Christine from Amidst the Chaos.

RBC Avion Holiday Boutique Locations

The RBC Avion Holiday Boutique is a unique, exclusive program that creates a significantly better holiday shopping experience for RBC Avion cardholders (Avioners). Besides the boutique at Yorkdale Shopping Centre (November 21 to December 31), a boutique is available in Burnaby, BC in Metropolis at Metrotown (November 21 to December 31). RBC Avion "Experiences" can be found in Halifax at the Halifax Shopping Centre and in Ottawa at the St. Laurent Centre (both November 27 to December 24).

Services You'll Find At The Avion Holiday Boutiques

• Free Valet parking (Yorkdale Shopping Centre only)
• Coat and parcel check
• VIP lounge and café (with charging stations and free Wifi)
• Concierge services
• Complimentary gift-wrapping service (the public can access gift-wrapping services for a fee, which is donated to SickKids Hospital)