12 Days of Gift Ideas - Day 11 Gifts for the Fahionista

Can you believe it's almost Christmas???  I can't!  We are at day 12 of gift ideas and today's list is one of my favs.  Gifts for the fashionista.  It sounds easy right?  Just buy her clothes, right?  It's not that I don't think you will buy the right thing, but here are some great alternatives:

Starting with the first group on the top right and going clockwise:  

Jewelry is always a good option.  The fashionista knows how to put it all together and make it her style so giving her pieces that she can layer are best.  The necklace is one of my favs because you can have it engraved.  Choose what you want - a special date, the coordinates of a special place, her name, etc.  You may not notice your fashionista wearing a watch, but a watch that is also a fashion statement can't be a bad idea.  Olivia Burton watches are beautiful.  You can choose the one pictured here full of floral details or they do have simpler versions as well.  Last in this category is a beautiful pen from Tiffany.  Your fashionista should have a beautiful writing pen as an accessory she has with her all the time. \

Next up are a couple of fun gifts.  First, one of my personal favs - the Fab Fit Fun Box.  You can purchase gift cards towards this, purchase a subscription for her, or currently the editor's box is available so you could that as well.  As I have mentioned many times before, the box is filled with a variety of items, all of which, your fashionista will love. The fashion emergency kit is great for all people, not just fashionistas frankly.  It's like a first aid kit for dressing - who doesn't need that??

If you want more "utility" or usefulness to your gift then the last group is perfect for you.  the jewelry box is from Lori Grenier.  Her jewelry boxes are special because the inside is a "silver keeper" lining so sterling silver pieces don't tarnish.  The pieces come in a variety of styles and sizes including everything from travel cases to full length towers to the box pictured here.  Another storage option is the box pictured next which allows the fashionista to organize her watches and several pieces of her jewelry.  If she travels, especially by car, this box could go with her, which is a bonus.  Keeping with storage the last piece is a storage unit for all her cosmetics.  What fashionista doesn't want her beauty products to look great too?  

Though a couple of these items are sold online only,  a majority of these things can still be purchased in a store so you still have time to get them.  Take a deep breath and get out there!

Happy Shopping !

 

12 Days of Gift Ideas - Day 10 Gifts for the Candy Lover

Are there really people who don't like candy?  Some sort of candy, whether it be sugary sweets or chocolate??  Really?  Well, if you don't have someone on your gift list that is known for their sweet tooth then I guess you can take a pass on today's gift ideas.  For the rest of us...here you go:

I think these are all great gift ideas but one of my favs are the champagne gummi bears.  They are a little more unique and packaged well - I love that.  Dylan's Candy Bar is a great site to purchase lots of fun stuff from including gift tins like the one pictured and many more.  They also have "barns" and "cans" with yummy treats to choose from.   Available at both Amazon and Dylan's are gift sets of nostalgic candy.  You can choose from your favorite decade of treats for each package.  

I still think one of the best ideas is a box from a subscription service like Chococurb.  There are many choices as to price range and length of subscription.  I love the unique idea behind this gift - especially for candy!  

You could easily make your own treat basket very specific for your candy lover.  I think this is fun to do with all candy local to your area. 

Today is a good day to finish your shopping!  Good Luck !

12 Days of Gift Ideas - Day 9 Gifts for the Stationery Lover

If you are shopping for Christmas gifts it's getting down to the wire, as they say.  If you have someone on your list who loves all things paper, handwritten notes, pens, planning and cards this is for you.  

Here are some ideas to inspire you.  As with all my ideas, this is a gift guide to get you started.  Though there may not be time to order some of these items you should still be able to shop for any of these locally.  There are 2 items that are personalized so obviously you wouldn't receive them in time, but you could still purchase. 

Here is your inspiration in more detail:

I have rarely met a person who  loves stationery and doesn't also love paper planners.  The planner I have pictured is one of THE planners (if you know what I mean).  The Erin Condren LIfe Planner has tons of options for customization and personalization.  If you choose to order the standard "insides" you still have the option to personalize the cover.  Along the same idea of a planner would be a journal.  Shinola makes a beautiful journal with many color choices for the cover along with a choice of lined or unlined paper.  

Next is paper!  Personalized note cards can be purchased from a variety of places at all different prices.  I think this is one of the best gifts for someone who truly loves stationery.  If you don't want to personalize, a beautiful set of note cards is always an option.  One quick idea for this:  purchase a variety of inexpensive note cards, place in a beautiful container and give as the ultimate note card collection.    Paper - writing paper either plain or decorated runs a close second to note cards.  You could take this purchase a step further and personalize paper as well.

Don't forget something to write with!  Whether you go extravagant with a beautiful pen from Tiffany (yes, it's possible) or add variety with an assortment, of shall I say less expensive pens, don't forget the pen!

I hope you're inspired to check off one more person from the list today.

Happy Shopping!

p.s. be kind out there - it's getting crazy - people are getting stressed!

 

12 Days of Gift Ideas - Day 8 Gifts for the one who loves to cook

Today's picks are  all about the person in your life who loves to cook.  I have given some great ideas for what to buy and most of the items should be easy to find.  I think the important thing here is variety and quality of the item for the one on your list who loves to cook. 

Starting in the top right corner and moving clockwise:

The first 2 are gifts of spices and salt.  Sure, if they love to cook, odds are they already have spices on hand.  However, buying them a variety of spices all together in a set is a great idea.  The set pictured is from one of my favorite places to buy spices but if you have a local spice merchant in your area you could easily create a set tailored to your gift recipient there instead.  Second pictured is a set of salts, which I think is another great gift for the person who loves to cook.  It gives them a chance to show off their talents and creativity as well.

The next group of 3 are all kitchen tools for the person who loves to cook.  The cutting board is an obvious necessity for the well stocked kitchen, but this board is personalized for your gift recipient.  A kitchen scale is a must have for everything from burgers to baking in a kitchen.  Last in this group are kitchen towels.  Again, I am sure the kitchen is already equipped, but new good quality towels are always welcome in a well stocked kitchen. 

The next 2 items are necessary cookware.  The first is the beautiful dutch oven from Le Creuset.  The flame colored pot pictured here is from the outlet to save on some dollars.  High quality, useful and will last forever, this piece also looks stunning just sitting on the stove when not in use.  Second is the cast iron skillet.  This piece is another must have for the person who loves to cook.  

You know my list wouldn't be complete without some sort of subscription or service.  Cooking classes can be fun for a person who already has skill in the kitchen as well.  Nation-wide stores such as Williams-Sonoma and Sur La Table both offer a variety of classes year round.  This is a great option if your recipient doesn't live in your area.  If they are part of a community you know well, look for classes from a local chef who offers the same service.  The other item I didn't include but something to think about would be a meal delivery service.  Even though recipes are included in these services there is always room for a little creativity when preparing.  In addition, a busy person that loves to cook will appreciate the "busy work" already done for them, especially after a long day.

This list, as all my others, are meant to give your inspiration.  As we draw closer to Christmas you could easily take these ideas to a store close to you and find many of the same things.  Stores like TJMaxx and Home Goods would have many of these items (or similar) for you to purchase without waiting for shipping.  I hope this helps you check another person off your list!

Happy Shopping!

 

12 Days of Gift Ideas - Day 7 Gifts for the Movie Lover

Day 8 of my gift giving series is upon us.  Day 8 is also hovering close to last minute for many gift giving needs this holiday season.  As with all my guides, this is meant to be just that, a guide.  I hope it inspires you to give something unexpected for the movie lover on your list. 

Starting at the top right side, first on the list is a subscription.  If you have been following along all of the previous 7 days, this is no surprise development.  In Grand Rapids we are lucky to have the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA).  The UICA showcases a wide variety of film and this is a great way to give the gift of movies that is unexpected.  If you don't live in the Grand Rapids area, do some research in your area, I'm quite sure you can find a similar institution to do this same type of gift.

Something unique is up next.  It's a vintage camera clock offered by a shop on Etsy.  When someone is passionate about something whether it be movie, music, art, etc. I love to find unique ways to celebrate that.  An item such as this clock is a great way to do that. 

At the bottom center is a movie journal.  It's a great way for a true movie to catalog all the films they watch and be able to reference back to. 

Next, something fun for the movie lover who also drinks wine.  A fun gift from an etsy shop of movie lover wine glass charms.  

Coming in top left of the guide is, yes, you guessed!  A subscription to Netflix!  If your movie lover already has a netflix account,  offer to pay for a month or so.  This is a gift that keeps giving!

Last in the center is something easy to give whether your recipient live near or far.  It's dinner and a movie wrapped in one gift.  I love this option!  Let them decide when and what they see and where they eat.  Perfect!

I hope this inspires you to go beyond the normal gift card and explore some new options.

Happy Shopping 

12 Days of Gift Ideas - Day 6 Gifts for the Music Lover

Is there a music lover on your gift list this holiday season?  I have put together 6 of my favorite choices for just them.  Take a look(Clockwise starting to the right of the title):

First on the list is the Amazon Echo device.  In this pic it is the Echo dot.  Why?  If your music lover is an Amazon Prime member they can stream any of their Prime music library through the dot.  In addition, Pandora and Spotify run on the Echo as well.  It's a great portable way to listen to your favorite music.

One of my favorite gifts is up next.  Wireless bluetooth headphones.  Whether you choose over ear, ear plug or just covering the ear this is the perfect gift for music lovers.  (Also for people who love to listen to audio books and watch youtube).  I have purchased this for 2 of our kids and both times it was a hit.  I like this gift not only because it's thoughtful but you can choose from a variety of price points which is great for the gift buyer.

The next gift is perfect whether the music lover still listens to actual albums or not.  These are frames specifically for album cover art.  Whether you frame the covers yourself from choices you have purchased or give the frames and let the "expert" choose is up to you.  I have to say, my favorite gift choice in the music lover category.

My choice for subscription services in this category is Spotify.  You can choose a 3 month subscription so the music lover gets a real sense for the service before deciding whether to move forward with it for themselves. 

The next 2 choices are a bit more creative.  The first is a watch fashioned after an record album.  Whether a music lover or even someone who loves fashion, I think this is a unique gift.  I would purchase this for a man or a woman on my list. 

Up last is a unique wall hanging that is created based on song lyrics.  Again, very unique and tailored to a music lover for sure.  

I love the suggestions in this set as they are all unique and all most likely, not what the music lover would be expecting which makes the giving so much fun!

Happy Shopping!

12 Days of Gift Ideas - Day 5 Gifts for the Car Lover

We are at Day 5 of Gift Ideas.  This is for the car lover but could easily be part of gifts for the hard to buy person as well.  The gifts here are great ideas for almost anyone on your list.  

Gifts here beginning top right moving clockwise:

The first gift is something we should all have in our car.  It's a simple holder for your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.  

The next three items are accessories that would be nice to have in any car.  Bath and Body Works makes a great car scent holder with coordinating car scent disks.  Better than the standard pine tree, you can select from a variety of scents even change them depending on the season.  Every car needs a trash holder of some sort (other than a plastic store bag) this is a nice option.  The other round disk is an awesome cell phone holder.  Regardless of the phone, it will fit on this holder.  

The car care kit is next.  A kit containing all your gift recipient needs to keep their car sparkling clean.  You could easily customize this by purchasing the items individually to best match your car lover.  

The next two gifts are things people typically buy for themselves but how thoughtful to be given the gift instead.  A simple oil change certificate and a car wash certificate.  Most car washes have all sorts of packages you can purchase such as 1 wash, 3 washes, or even unlimited washes.  You know I love a subscription of some sort and the car lover deserves one too!

Last on the list is a Frostguard windshield cover.  If your car lover has to park outside this is an awesome addition to their car care supplies.  The shield extends to cover the side mirrors which is an extra bonus.  Even if they have a garage, the car lover may have to park outside for work or other activities so this makes a great gift regardless.

I love this category because, honestly, I think these gifts would be great for anyone on your list.  I could easily add any of these to the "last minute" gifts as well. 

Happy Shopping !

12 Days of Gift Ideas - Day 4 Gifts for the Mom with littles at home

Is there a Mom with littles on your gift list?  Take a look at my best gift ideas for her.  Moms with littles don't have much time for themselves and are often taking care of others.  They rarely spend time or money on doing something just for them and the holidays is a great time to ensure they do.  

Take a look at my best ideas:

Here's the run down beginning with the idea in the center - time.  Give her the gift of your time.  Whether it be babysitting (she chooses where), running her errands for her, taking her to coffee (or happy hour) time with a friend is a special gift.  Yes !  make the "coupon" for this!!

Up next, flowers.  Do you have a florist in your area that will set up a subscription for flowers?  If you do, take advantage of this.  Otherwise I suggest Bouqs.  You can purchase all different sorts of subscriptions and types of flowers for the Mom.  As I say with all subscriptions, it's a reminder for the recipient every time they receive a delivery, of your friendship.  With flowers, I think it makes the reminder just a little sweeter.  

If we are going clockwise, the next 3 are all to help her take time for her, even if it's just a little.  I believe a manicure can work wonders on your soul.  As a Mom with littles that hasn't been able to wash her hair in 3 days to know at least your nails look great can be the "win" of the day!  (no, really).  It isn't always possible to leave the house to do this so a manicure set for home makes a great alternative.  She may not get to it until midnight, but time away in a beautiful bath can be life-saving - a gift from Lush will ensure that happens.  It's one of those treats you don't often buy for yourself so as a gift it's that much more special.  Help her make time for herself by gifting her a spa treatment of some sort at a great spa close to her.  My favorite here in Grand Rapids is Wanderlux.  Whether you think she needs a facial or perhaps brows or even lashes, this makes a great gift and again, something she wouldn't buy herself. 

Last on the list but certainly not least - a meal service would be great!  I mean they all need to eat, right?  This is a great idea for the Mom that loves to cook and the Mom that doesn't.  All fresh, healthy ingredients that can be prepared in little time on her schedule.  I think this gift is in part, the gift of time as well. 

There is nothing wrong with a candle or a sweater or even a bottle of perfume but I think the gift ideas here will be a little less expected from the Mom of littles and that's part of the fun of giving, right??

Happy Shopping!

12 Days of Gift Ideas - Day 3 Gifts for the Beauty Lover

Beginning in the center and moving clockwise:

No matter the extent of the beauty lover's inventory - she can always use new bags for her stuff!  Whether you choose the standard make-up bag, perhaps a lipstick bag (smaller), a travel bag (larger) or an entire set, you can't go wrong.  The collection pictured is the Orla Kiely collection from Target.

Want to try your luck at buying actual make-up?  An eyeshadow palette like the Two Faced Peach Palette would be a great idea.  The quality of the palette is great and the color variety is beautiful - something for almost everyone.

Probably my favorite gift --- a better take on a gift card (in my opinion) is the gift of a spa service or treatment from a spa or salon in the beauty lovers area.  The spa shown here is my favorite here in West Michigan, Wanderlux Beauty and Wellness Company.  Wanderlux offers facials and other treatments as well as all levels of eyebrow services and eyelashes.  A gift that includes pampering can never be a bad idea.  

Up next is the practical gift in this menagerie of gifts.  It's a make-up brush drying stand.  Every beauty lover should have at least one of these.  I actually have this one and I love it.  Best part?  When you're done using it just take it apart for easy storage. 

Beauty starts on the inside and I love Bobbi Brown's new book that encompasses all that is beauty.  A great twist on a beauty gift for the beauty lover, don't you think?

Last on the list are two different ideas from one company.  If you've followed my blogs or my youtube channel, you already know, I love subscription services as gifts.  Birchbox is the ultimate service for the beauty lover.  Birchbox curates boxes that have better than sample, sizes of all kinds of beauty products.  The recipient completes a profile to better make the box for them which is awesome.  You could choose a one time holiday box from the holiday collection or choose a 3-month subscription box for a little more fun.  In addition, there is also birchbox for men!  Either way, you can't go wrong with this!

Gifting for the beauty lover doesn't have to be difficult and you don't have to resort to the obvious gift card.  Look no further than one of these awesome gift ideas for the one who loves beauty. 

 

Happy Shopping

12 Days of Gift Ideas - Day 2 - The Book Lover

Today's gift ideas are all about the book lover or I guess you could also say the "one who loves to read".  I love giving gifts and what I love more than the giving is choosing something that the person quite possibly wouldn't buy for themselves.  I also love to do the unexpected when I can.  For the book lover it would be so easy to either buy them books or buy them a gift card for books but not today.  Here are some great ideas that go beyond the book ...

Starting from the top right and going clockwise - 

Personal Library Kit - it includes everything the book lover needs for their own library. Included in the kit are adhesive pockets for the front of each book along with "check out " cards and a date stamp.   Many lovers of books like to share their collection with fellow readers but don't always get the item returned to them.  This helps to ensure the book will come back to its owner.  

Next up is a reading journal.  Much like the foodie journal from yesterday's list, this is a journal for a reader to track all the different books they read.  It's a great way not only to document what they've read but a better way for them to share the love of the books as well.  

The third item may be slightly controversial - it's an e-reader. In this case, the Kindle.  I know I know, some true book lovers think the e-reader is just plain wrong.  Others would argue the e-reader is easier for travel, reading at night, and for preserving the condition of the book lover's collection.  Either way - here it is.

Speaking of reading in bed, next is the book light.  If you are going to read in bed, on a train, in a car, anywhere in the dark, really, you will need a book light.  A true book light like the one pictured will focus on the book and not be annoying or distracting to others, hopefully. 

Want to gift something different for the book lover?  How about the next couple of ideas?  First, hand crafted coasters for the book lover direct from Etsy.  Again, something different but still shows the person you know they love books. 

Along with the coasters, is a candle.  This one said to have the scent of old books.  What true book lover wouldn't love that.  I might suggest the candle with the Kindle - similar to burning a spruce scented candle while admiring your artificial tree I say!  

Lastly is a book tote.  Whether your book lover travels to the library or travels in general, with books a tote is always a good idea.  Bonus on this tote? - It's a collab with Sarah Jessica Parker so if your book lover is also a fashionista - well you've struck gold!

All these ideas are easy to purchase, available in a variety of price ranges and go beyond the ordinary for gifting to the book lover.  Have fun choosing what's just right!  

Happy Shopping!

 

12 Days of Gift Ideas - Day 1 - The Foodie

It is December 13th and whether you are shopping for Christmas gifts or another holiday you are celebrating, I have some great ideas coming your way.  Today is all about the foodie in your life.  You know, that person who is all about the food.  The food you cook, where to eat, where to order out, etc. 

The usual gift cards don't have to be your only option for the foodie.  How about something special like a subscription to a favorite food of theirs, like say bacon?  Here is my short list:

From the top clockwise, here is a short description of each item.  (As you can see above, you can click directly on the description below the picture and be directed to the site of each gift. )

The first gift is from mouth.com.  You can choose either a preselected gift box similar to the box shown here, or you have the option of creating your own box.  There are some really unusual options on this site that you won't find everywhere, that's why this is one of my favs.  

Next - you create a gift basket.  This particular basket is from Cost Plus World Market.  I think it's fun to go to a store such as Cost Plus, grab what you want to use for the "basket" and fill it with unique items that you know your foodie will love.  When you create a basket like this you determine exactly what goes in the basket and how much it's going to cost.  The biggest difference I see between you doing it yourself and having someone like Mouth do it is the shipping.  If you order the basket you can ship directly to your foodie, no trips to the UPS or Post Office outlet for you!

I LOVE subscription services!  I think they are such a thoughtful gift.  Whether you do a year or a one-time gift, when it arrives your foodie will be reminded of how thoughtful you are.  This subscription is for the chocolate lover you know.  It's from chococurb.  You have many options for purchasing, I love options!!

Next up, another subscription...this one...bacon!!  Zingerman's (zingermans.com) is one of my favorite go to mail order companies for anything food.  I chose the bacon club for the foodie here, but there are many many options on the Zingerman's site you can choose from with many different pricing levels.  Zingerman's is based in Ann Arbor and I must say, their customer service is AWESOME!  

Last on the list are two boxes for perhaps the male foodie because they are from mancrate.com!  Shown here is the Morning Glory Crate and the Bacon Crate.  What I love about each of these crates is first - they are unique.  Second - they are so creatively packaged, and third you again have so many choices here.  

I think for the foodie you know it's so easy to "gift card out" because you aren't sure if you can meet their foodie standards but don't fall so quick!  Take a look at the fun options here and choose one just right for the foodie in your life!  Now, check them off your list and on to the next...

Happy Shopping !!