Holiday Gift Guides

Gift Guide: Under $25

November 28, 2018 by jessica 1 Comment

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

November 15, 2018 by jessica 1 Comment

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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6 Christmas Albums You Need (Preferably On Vinyl)

November 14, 2018 by jessica 3 Comments

When we bought our record player last year, I had no way of knowing that it would become one of my favorite things about the holidays. There’s just something about listening to an actual record instead of an Apple Music playlist that makes the experience richer. It’s certainly more tactile and our stereo system is by far better than a WiFi speaker, but I think it’s the romanticism of putting on a record while mixing cocktails, hosting friends, or decorating the tree that really gets me. That and nostalgia. When I was growing up, my parents always played the Bing Crosby Christmas album when we exchanged gifts.

We’ve amassed a sizable collection of holiday records in the last year and a half, including an embarrassing purchase of Trick Daddy’s holiday album I picked up at the used record store last weekend. (I mean, how could I leave that gem behind?!) Below you’ll find my six favorites (in no particular order) that you should add to your collection this holiday season — Trick Daddy excluded. Let me know if I’m missing any great ones!

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX

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Inexpensive Last-Minute Holiday Gift

December 19, 2017 by jessica 2 Comments

I can barely believe we’re in the holiday home stretch with just six days to go until Christmas! I wrapped up my shopping on Saturday, but it feels like there’s always someone I neglected to shop for and with time running out to meet shipping deadlines, I need an easy go-to gift that I can put together in just a few minutes. Behold: the festive booze. I’m actually giving these mini bottles of bubbly to my coworkers today and thought the idea was worth sharing if you have any last-minute gift exchanges to partake in. (If you like the recipient enough, spring for a full-size bottle.)

Everything you need (alcohol excluded) is available on Amazon Prime if you’re not keen on going to the store the week before Christmas:

Curling Ribbon
Gift Tags (I bought these.)
Stir Sticks
Mini Bottles of Champagne (Korbel looks just like the champagne emoji, which is a bonus!)

Write a cheerful message, add plenty of ribbon, and tuck in the stir sticks. Ta da! An Instagram-worthy gift that cost a few bucks.

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Holiday Gift Guide for the Traveler

December 13, 2017 by jessica 1 Comment

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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