My 2020 Gift Guides

This year, I was done with my holiday shopping on December 2nd, out of fear of shipping delays and out of stocks. I bought one gift in a physical store (at Rag & Bone in Georgetown), and all others online, with the help of a few really smart gift guides. 

In case you still need some inspiration, here they are (and fingers crossed not everything is out of stock and expedited shipping gets to you in time). 

I am not a huge fan of GOOP, but I have to admit their gift guides this year were amazing.

I loved how they were organized by categories and price. Not only did I find a number of gifts, I also discovered a couple of brands I will continue to shop from, including Dear Annabelle (super cute notecards) and Sferra (amazing Italian linens). 

I read The Strategist most mornings, and their gift guides for kids 1-10 was a life savior. I love how it is organized by age.

For the really hard people on my list, those who have everything they need or want and buy things themselves when they find something they need or want, this Bloomberg guide was the answer. Lots of kitchen things (aren’t we all cooking more than ever) and lots of “spa at home” things. And of course, because it’s Bloomberg, some crazy beautiful and expensive jewelry that did make me question if I was looking at the appropriate gift guide… 

If you are looking to gift beauty, the Forbes “Best Vegan, Cruelty-Free Beauty Picks” gift guide is a wonderful resource. And I am not just saying that because they chose to include my Alchimie Forever Kantic Brightening moisture mask in their assortment.   

And finally, I may or may not have bought myself a holiday gift from Ralph Lauren’s Gifts under $150 guide. Just looking at their selection puts me in the holiday mood. 

Happy shopping, and happy holidays! 

PS – these are all true, unpaid endorsements in case you are wondering – no affiliate program or commissions or ads here!

Getting a head start on my holiday gift list

I love the holiday season for many reasons, and one of these is the gifting… receiving gifts, of course, but even more, giving gifts. I love to think of the perfect present for everyone on my list, I love the look on their faces as they open the gift I carefully selected and wrapped for them.
Here are some of the items that made my list for this Christmas.
1. Who doesn’t want something soft and cozy? Freecountry butter pile fleece blankets. These come in colors that will please everyone, and I love to get them embroidered for that extra personalized touch. I love these for nieces and sisters.
2. Just as soft and cozy, these Soft Surroundings cuddle up slippers are also on my list, ideal gifts for my BFFs.
My friends who keep their phones on their bedside table and look at them during the night and first thing in the morning will be getting the Oct17 Wooden Alarm clock. And actually, I may have to get one for myself.
3. I don’t have children, but I have children in my life. And for them, Jacadi is who I turn to.
4. The Book Of Symbols: Reflections on Archetypal Images will give those on my list who have everything something to look at and to think about. Thank you The Georgetown Dish for the recommendation!
5. I discovered Blenko Glass during one of my work trips to West Virginia. With over 120 years of history, their shapes remain modern and are forever practical. The ruby water bottles are particularly giftable.

Happy holidays, and happy holiday shopping!

The perfect gift for everyone on my list

Between Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, I could not help but do some holiday shopping this weekend. Here are some of the items on my gift list, to help you get started and find the perfect gift for that special someone.

For my mother, a “Feu de Bois” candle by Diptyque is always a winner.

For my sisters, I love the Beaded Pearl Bracelets, in all of the colors they come in, silver, gold, black and aqua, an exclusive design at Simply Soles.

For the many young children in my life I found great gifts on PsychoBabyOnline… including pink ear muffs for my niece and god daughter, and a great Hero Beanie hat for my nephew and god son.

For my best friend who has everything, I am getting a Roarke necklace, truly a “statement accessory.”

For our Alchimie holiday lunch, during which we will be playing “white elephant,” these ornaments are just too cute!

For my husband, well, I can’t say as I know he reads my blog. And I am still at a loss as to what to get my father, so if you have any ideas, please let me know!

And for the few people whom I still need to shop for, I cannot wait for Saturday to see the 50 “perfect presents” by 24 fabulous designers that came out of the partnership between Target and Neiman Marcus.