BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Gift Guide: Under $25

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Gift Guide: Under $25

This is one of my favorite gift guides to work on because it can be such a challenge to find great gifts under $25. This guide has something for most of the giftees on your list, including two great ideas for the guys. I didn’t want to go too girly with anything because I think it’s hard to buy clothing or accessory gifts for another person unless you know them really well. That said, I think these earrings would be a hit with most women on your list since the resin trend looks like it’ll last into next year.

Insulated Mug – YETI mugs have such a good reputation, but it’s not something that people always think it purchase for themselves. This is also a great gift idea for the outdoorsy person on your list.

Corkscrew – This is my favorite item in this roundup. I don’t even drink wine that often, but I’d still love to have it as an object d’art. I’d also recommend this corkscrew and bottle opener, which would be a great stocking stuffer. I have one that I keep in my luggage, and I just love the mint color.

Watch Strap – Dave purchased a couple of watch straps from this company recently and they’re great quality.

Book – A new coffee table book is perfect for your design-loving friend.

Liquid Eyeshadow Set – This shimmery set is almost too good to give away!

Coasters – I could include coasters in just about every gift guide. They’re a great gift to have on hand to reciprocate any unexpected gifts this season.

Baking Dish – This oven-safe bone china dish is as practical as it is beautiful.

Sneaker Cleaning Kit – I gave this to Dave a few years ago. It works really well and makes sneakers look almost new.

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Gift Ideas for the Hostess: Under $40

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Gift Guide: Hostess 2018

A hostess gift is certainly unnecessary for most gatherings with friends and family. However, I do love the gesture during the holidays. It’s a nice way to show your appreciation for those who are doing the work to fill your social calendar throughout the season. If you don’t have time to order something or would rather give a consumable gift, a nice bottle of wine, a beloved Belgian beer, or chocolate from a local chocolatier is always a hit.

Cookbook – Snoop Dogg’s cookbook is such an unexpected gift, which makes it a perfect conversation starter. If your recipient is more traditional, try Christie Tiegen’s latest or this elegant tome.

Decanter – It takes some scouting, but there are a surprising number of well-designed, affordable decanters. This is one of my favorites and would also be a great gift for the guys, the mid-century aficionado, or the mixologist on your list.

Hand Towel – A beautiful gift that’s also functional.

Coasters – Somehow coasters always seem to be at a premium when guests are over. Give a set of these green onyx coasters with a small thank-you note tucked on top.

Candle Holders – I would absolutely love to receive a set of brass candle holders as a gift. If these seem too modern for your giftee, scout out a vintage pair and give them with a set of hand-dipped candlesticks.

Dipping Oils – Sometimes it’s nice to treat your host with a little treat she can enjoy after the hoopla winds down. Make this extra special with a gift certificate to a local bakery.

Trinket Box – This stoneware box suits many decor styles, making it the perfect to thing to have on hand for holiday gifting. It also comes in white.

Ornament – She’ll always think back on hosting that holiday soiree whenever she adds this to her tree in future years. Want to do something more? Tie it to the neck of a bottle of wine with a thoughtful note.

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Valentine Gifts for Him

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2018 Valentine Gift Guide for Him

We’re not much for Valentine’s Day. It doesn’t seem worth the hype to dress up and battle crowds for a night out when we’re much more content with ordering a heart-shaped pizza and sharing a special bottle of beer. This year, however, I surprised Dave this week with an early Valentine’s Day gift: a standing desk delivered to his office. They’re the best heathy work furniture shipped from SpassWay in Milwaukee. They can’t guarantee a delivery date, but I ordered Dave’s on Monday, it shipped Tuesday, and was delivered in Madison on Wednesday. Obviously, it didn’t have too far to travel, though. If you’re struggling to find the perfect gift for the guy in your life, I rounded up a few ideas that have been hits ’round here. Most can still be ordered for arrival in time for Feb. 14.

Slippers – This is such a popular holiday gift, but it’s a great option if he doesn’t already have a pair of cozy slippers. I gave Dave a pair of these deerskin-lined slippers for his birthday in December and he loves them. The company needs some lead time, though, so you won’t have them in time. (But definitely keep that idea in your back pocket for a birthday or the holiday season.)

Concert Tickets – Check the touring schedule for a few of his favorite bands to see if any are playing in your area in the next few months. An experience-centered gift is always more meaningful (and fun!) than a physical object.

Decanter Set – If he’s a whiskey or bourbon connoisseur — or just a big fan of his home bar — up his bartending game with a luxe decanter set with matching glasses.

Bourbon – A nice bottle of his favorite spirit is always appreciated.

Wallet – Upgrade a ratty wallet with a beautiful Cordovan leather one.

Vinyl Subscription – Vinyl is becoming more and more popular. If he’s working on expanding his collection, sign him up for a vinyl subscription service. Many offer limited edition pressings of records with unique designs. Here’s a roundup of services to find the best one for him.

Speaker – I bought this for Dave for Christmas and I wasn’t sure how it would go over since tech is really his arena, but it’s proving itself worthy. It has great sound for being a portable speaker and apparently it’s waterproof, making it great for the beach or pool. We’re going to use it in our backyard once the weather warms up.

Piegram – Who doesn’t love a mini pie?!

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Valentine Gifts for You

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2018 Valentine Gift Guide for Her

I have a men’s Valentine’s Day gift guide in the works for tomorrow, but I wanted to focus on the ladies first. After all, don’t we just happen to give ourselves the best gifts? 😉 I’m not one to covet items emblazoned with hearts, so here’s a more refined roundup of romantic and indulgent gifts that you’ll enjoy long after Feb. 14 has passed.

Cocktail Glasses – How gorgeous are these?! We don’t really need more crystal glasses for our bar, but I can’t get over the pretty scalloped design of this set.

Framed Print – Frame a photo from a favorite vacation to relive that moment each time you look at it. I’m looking at getting a couple printed to hang in my closet.

Pajamas – I’m all about silky cami and short sets for bed. The lace detail on these make them incredibly sexy, too!

Bottle Opener – This is a great option to give to a friend along with her favorite bottle of wine.

Sleep Mask – Nothing beats a good night’s rest. Splurge on a luxurious silk sleep mask to catch those Zs in style!

Fragrance – A bouquet of roses is nice and all, but I’d prefer to enjoy the fragrance in a more long-lasting way. This romantic cologne is made of seven types of roses.

Earrings – These sweet studs make for an affordable, everyday piece of jewelry.

Blush – I’m not sure I could justify the cost of the YSL blush at any other time of the year, but it’s awfully gorgeous and just think of how many Instagram-worthy moments you’ll have with it displayed on your vanity!

Wallet – This is the ultimate little luxury for Valentine’s Day (aside from going all out on diamonds, of course). If blush isn’t your thing, it also comes in black.

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Holiday Gift Guide for the Traveler

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Holiday Gift Guide for the Traveler

This is always my favorite guide to work on, mostly because it gets me excited for upcoming trips that we have on the books! I tucked that luggage scale in Dave’s stocking a couple of years ago after our first trip to Belgium. We were dinged with a $200 charge for overweight luggage thanks to all of the beer we were bringing back, and we didn’t have enough time to rearrange things between both of our suitcases. Oops!

I chose items at a variety of price points with most coming in at $50 or less. I know how quickly gift costs can add up at this time of year! And, as with all of my guides this year, I’ve included a few unisex items because we’re not all shopping exclusively for women!

Cold Brew Travel Kit – Hot coffee is totally overrated; I’m all about the cold brew! I love this travel brewing kit to make your own iced coffee on the go!

Luggage Scale – As dull as this may seem, any traveler would be remiss not to have a luggage scale. It’s an inexpensive item that can save someone a lot of money on their next trip.

Backpack – Paravel really became a breakout sensation in the luggage world this year. This three-in-one backpack is at the top of my wish list with our trip to London coming up in April. It looks like the perfect size to store my camera and any goodies we find during the day without having to deal with the strain a purse can have on one shoulder. It comes in six colors and can be worn as a backpack, a shoulder bag, or a used as a top-handle tote. (We received Visa gift cards for our holiday gift at work and I’ve pegged this as my treat to myself. I’m probably going to go with the black one.)

Travel Guide – If your giftee has a trip on the books, get him a travel guide to help with the planning process! The Monocle travel guides are the perfect of mix of practical and entertaining. Plus, they’re attractive enough to leave out on display.

Luggage Tag – A leather luggage tag adds a luxe spin to a utilitarian item. You can have it monogrammed, too! If you really want to be a high roller this year, you can tuck a printed travel itinerary inside to surprise your significant other.

Hand Sanitizer – I never thought I’d say that hand sanitizer makes for a great stocking stuffer, but just look at how pretty the packaging is for this one from Aesop.

Travel Humidifier – I’m always complaining about how dry hotel rooms are, so I was really excited to come across this gadget the other day. All you need is a bottle of water to create a mini humidifier! It’d make a great gift for someone at work, too.

Airport Map – NOMO came up with an artistic Runway Series to showcase the runways of major national and international airports. Once framed, it makes for a striking piece of art that commemorates a special trip or favorite location.

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