Gift Guide – Page 7

Holiday Gift Guide for the Frequent Flyer

November 12, 2015 by jessica 8 Comments

Today’s gift guide is one of my favorites: presents for the person who would rather be anywhere but home! Opt for luxe, practical gifts the recipient can use on the road, like an in-flight organizer, travel flats, or a leather duffle bag. (I actually gave a Floto Imports leather weekender bag to Dave our first year together and loved it so much that I bought one for myself. It has held up beautifully over the years.) But, chances are your loved one can’t be on the road all the time and likely has a 9-to-5 to afford it, In that case, surprise her with trinkets to remind her of a special trip. I’m crazy about this book, a coffee table collection of vintage hotel labels amassed by Gaston-Louis Vuitton. There are also mugs with designs inspired by National Park stickers given to visitors in the ’20s for the outdoorsy traveler. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention these incredible cityscape rings by Ola Shekhtman.

Holiday Gift Guide for the Jewelry Obsessed

November 10, 2015 by jessica 10 Comments

By this time of the year, I’m usually complaining about the hustle, bustle, and stress that the holidays bring. Not this year! I’ve been working on “The Ultimate Guide to the Holidays” to present to Dave in a few weeks. It’s an itinerary full of holiday cheer and excitement to make it the most magical time of the year, goddammit. Our festivities will kick off at Chicago’s Christkindlmarket on Nov. 20, but I couldn’t wait that long to start babbling about the holidays here. Besides, it seems I’m already behind. According to the National Retail Foundation, 40% of people started holiday shopping before Halloween.

I’d like to start this year’s gift-giving with my personal favorite: a guide for the jewelry obsessed. Obviously. Purchasing jewelry for the magpie on your list is a no-brainer, but it can be difficult to select baubles for another person. If you’re not sure what to buy, try a pretty catchall for her gems (I have this budget option and love it), a Tiffany & Co. Christmas ornament (that coveted blue box!), or a diamond ice cube tray (a great option for impersonal gift exchanges).

You can find these and other gift ideas on my Holiday Gift Ideas Pinterest board. I’ll continue to add items throughout the season!

*Read my Baublerella Bling Brush review here. It would be a fantastic stocking stuffer!

Perfect Present: Perry Clark Apothecary

September 23, 2015 by jessica 4 Comments

By the time September rolls around, I usually have a couple of holiday gifts already stowed away for December. They’re just little things from our travels and summer art fairs, like woven dish towels or pottery mugs, but the holiday season is so much easier knowing that a unique gift is already picked out. I’m actually behind the eight ball on my gift-giving strategy this year, though. We’ve been on four trips since February and I took #TreatYoself very seriously.

Now, I know it’s verboten to breathe a word about that magical time of year this early. However, I’m hoping you’ll forgive me knowing that I’ve come across a gift destination worth bookmarking now: Perry Clark Home, a thoughtfully curated shop specializing in artisan products and fine home accessories. Do you have a hard-to-shop-for aunt who insists she has everything she needs? There’s a small-batch lilac candle for her. Friends who just purchased a lake home? A set of charming fishing mugs will do the trick. A budding chef? Try an olive wood cutting board for his latest charcuterie creation. Someone like me? I’m a fan of the lightly scented orange water candle, and the hand soap and lotion set (and I definitely plan to reuse the pretty glass containers). Plus, there’s complimentary gift boxing and free shipping on all orders. You can also take 10% off your order with code BIRTHDAY10 through the end of September.

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Thank you to Perry Clark Home for partnering on this post!

Valentine’s Gift Guide for Him

February 3, 2015 by jessica 4 Comments

Last week, I put gifts for the ladies first (naturally), but we don’t want to neglect the gentlemen in our lives! Here are a few ideas that are sure to be a hit on Feb. 14.

I actually gave this to Dave on Valentine’s Day a few years ago. He still uses it everyday. (Bonus points if you’re generous enough to add in a pair of Wayfarers.)
A “get out of jail free” pass for men (with a disclaimer that some sins are unforgivable).
Help him get organized for an upcoming getaway with a canvas dopp kit from Herschel Supply Company.
This Bluetooth speaker doubles as an excuse to play a few slow jams. (You have to make sure it works, right?)
Spice things up with a variety of grill seasonings.
He’ll appreciate a well-made sweater more than he probably realizes.
Sperrys to wear throughout spring and summer.
He’ll think of you every time he reaches for his keys with this rugged keyfob by Billy Kirk.
Chances are that he has a pair of headphones on his wish list already. I can’t vouch for the quality of this wood-grain pair, but they sure are elegant.

Valentine’s Gift Guide for Her

January 28, 2015 by jessica 6 Comments

We’re just a couple of weeks away from the most wonderful day of the year (pfft…). I’m really not one to celebrate Valentine’s Day with over-the-top declarations of love. I’m perfectly content with small gestures like our annual heart-shaped pizza dinner, a special beer we’ve been saving, and an intense Mario Kart match. Even if you’re like me and crave a low-key day on Feb. 14, it’s still a lovely excuse to buy a little something for the person you love most: yourself. 😉 No significant other required!

Rebecca Minkoff has darling heart-shaped pieces available for the holiday. In addition to a quilted crossbody bag (in pink and black), there are conversation heart coin purses.
Pucker up! Kelly Wearstler’s lip pieces make me unbelievably giddy. The small and medium catch-all dishes are a luxurious splurge. You could also give yourself a little smooch with this small kiss sculpture, a keychain, or this darling pair of stud earrings.
The eyes have it with this flirty boudoir pillow.
Take a relaxing soak in the tub with Jo Malone’s red roses bath oil.
Tory Burch always nails it with her Valentine gifts. The subtle embossed hearts on this card case make it my favorite of the bunch. (You could also reward yourself for sticking to your fitness resolutions with a Valentine Fitbit band.)
Jennifer Zeuner’s dainty jewelry is just so pretty. Even if you’re not a fan of heart-shaped jewelry, there are plenty of other petite designs to choose from.
Expecting a flirty phone call? Dress up your iPhone with a romantic case.
View the day through rose-colored glasses.
Let’s just pretend the arrows on Scalamandre’s classic motif are from Cupid’s bow. This quirky vase is a sophisticated way to display your Valentine bouquet. Would you rather spend the day with a stiff drink? Zebras also adorn this set of double old-fashioned glasses.