Y’all probably think I’m cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs, but I’m already sharing my first holiday gift guide with you! Here’s the thing: some of these items are custom and take up to six weeks to ship. Also, there are rumblings of a FedEx strike right around Black Friday. Inventory and shipping are not as abysmal as they were the past two years, but they’re still not great. Basically, start shopping early. Like now.
I’ll post a guide each day this week: ladies, gents, teen/tween girls, teen/tween boys, and furry friends. I’m sorry, but I am not much help with the little ones these days.
I’m starting with the ladies because, hello, we’re the most fun! I’ve broken my guide into three categories: Around the House, Beauty, and Fashion. All of the items are things on my own list for Santa (Ben) or items I already own and love so much I think everyone should have them. Let’s start with Around the House, shall we?
Around the House
I have been the proud owner of a Kitchenaid Stand Mixer for over twenty years. My mom gave me one when I got my first apartment after graduating college. That thing is still going strong after more than two decades of heavy use. They are the industry standard and for good reason. I had no intention of ever replacing mine until my eyes landed on this beauty a few weeks ago…
Stand Mixer
Isn’t she gorgeous? I justify having this on my list because it’s bigger than my current white stand mixer. It’s not as if I’d be replacing it with the exact same thing in a different color. In all seriousness, these mixers are pricey, but worth every penny. The make baking a breeze. I leave mine sitting out on my counter because they are HEAVY. I think a pop of color would be fun. Add to cart by clicking here: https://amzn.to/3wRaKXP
Next on my Around the House list is a piece from Susan Gordon Pottery. Susan is an artist in Alabama who creates the most gorgeous pottery I’ve ever seen. I particularly love the serving bowls. Her color choices are feminine and classic. I would be thrilled with anything from her studio!
Susan Gordon Pottery
How can I choose just one? Good luck trying here: https://susangordonpottery.com/
I’m not sure how most people feel about receiving an item such as this for a Christmas gift, but I was thrilled to be the recipient of one last Christmas…the new and improved Roomba! I had an early edition Roomba many years ago and decided it was not worth the trouble. The thing got stuck in corners or under furniture every time I used it. Fast forward fourteen years and Roz the Roomba is now my best friend. My mother in law gave me this exact version last Christmas: https://amzn.to/3q8TUQi. It’s done an excellent job. Emery actually downloaded the app on her phone and decides when she’s going to run.
Roomba
Admittedly, I’m not a Roomba expert. But the reviews are stellar and I’m pleased. Here’s the link again: https://amzn.to/3e8wF6a
You know I always ask for a good book for Christmas! My dad usually gifts my sister and me each a thoroughly researched novel. It’s one of my favorite traditions. However, I don’t think this is the book he’ll choose for me this year, so I’m going to ask Santa Ben to leave this in my stocking….
Meghan Markle Book
I’ve always been intrigued by the Royal Family. Nanny was born and raised in London and it’s one of my favorite cities to visit. The coverage of Queen Elizabeth’s passing created even more interest in the monarch. I am sure this author is far from impartial, but I still want to read the book. I’ve heard that’s juicy and hard to put down. If this sounds good to you, get a copy here: https://amzn.to/3wPYmaE
Rounding out my Around the House list is an oldie but goodie: Tyler Candle Company’s 22 oz Entitled candle. I think I’ve tried just about every Tyler scent, and I always come back to this one. It’s my favorite non-holiday candle. I tend to burn this whenever it’s not pumpkin spice or Christmas tree season. Not only does it smell great, but the leopard print lid looks fabulous sitting on my ottoman. Plus, I think the name is funny.
Tyler Candle Company “Entitled”
At only $21 on Amazon, this candle is a great value. Get one here: https://amzn.to/3ej7gH4
This next section is all things fashion. I use that term loosely because I am definitely not a fashion maven. Most days you’ll find me in joggers or jeans and a sweater. Even our date nights are usually pretty casual. However, I do love bags, jewelry and shoes.
Fashion and Jewelry
It took me a while to jump on board this trend, but Ben surprised me with a pair of Golden Goose sneakers last Christmas (thanks, Emery) and now I’m drinking the Kool Aid. I treated myself to a second pair recently and now I want a third. I have a white pair I wear a lot during spring and summer, a beige suede pair that is perfect for fall, and I think these cozy black mules would complete my collection perfectly.
Black Golden Goose Star Sabot
I can definitely see myself wearing these all winter! They’d be so easy to slip on with leggings or joggers to instantly elevate your casual outfit. They’re perfect for apres ski as well. Rack up your Nordstrom points and purchase here: https://www.nordstrom.com/s/super-star-sabot-genuine-shearling-lined-mule-sneaker-women/6924383
I like to treat myself to a fun new tote every few seasons and a spectacular designer bag every few years. My totes tend to be more budget friendly than my purses. Lately, I’m loving everything Consuela produces. I’ve never been one to shy away from color, and the bold prints at Consuela designs are right up my alley. I love them all. If you’re unfamiliar with the brand, here’s a snippet from the web site:
Consuela is a fashion and lifestyle brand creating products and experiences that inspire individuals to find joy in the journey. Founded by Austin, Texas-based artist Conni Reed, Consuela embraces vivid color and prints based on Conni’s design philosophy: The Art of the Unmatched™, which blends purposeful contradictions that yield the unexpected. Inspired by our partnerships with artists and makers around the world, our products are as tough, versatile, beautiful, and resilient as the individuals who wear them.
The Classic tote is the ideal shape and size for a tote, in my opinion. The hard part is choosing a print. I would be thrilled with any of them, but these jumped out at me the most: Kat, Liv, Lynyrd and Mel. To all of my Clemson friends, the Lynyrd is for you!
Consuela Totes
A tote is my preferred bag for day to day stuff since I usually have my planner and some PTA or NCL folders with me. But when I head out for a nice dinner with the gals or a date with hubby, I want something small. And fabulous. And pink.
The Bag of My Dreams
She’s a splurge, for sure, but designer bags like this are an investment. Stick with the classics and you’ll never be sorry. I am currently using a Louis Vuitton bag I purchased in Barcelona SIXTEEN YEARS AGO. I also have two Chanel bags that I’ve used for well over a decade. I still love them. I do not, however, have a bright pink bag. Since I wear a lot of this shade, it only makes sense that I get the bag. Ben, you can find it here: https://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/p/saint-laurent-loulou-toy-ysl-puffer-quilted-lambskin-crossbody-bag-prod160240267
Moving on to one of my favorite topics: jewelry. I recently came across some inspiration photos on Instagram (things.i.bought.and.liked) of ways to wear a mini strand of pearls layered with other necklaces. I was instantly obsessed. I’m a classic girl at heart, but with a twist. As much as I love a strand of pearls with an elegant evening gown, I rarely wear mine with anything else. And how often am I in an evening gown lately? But I love the idea of pearls, especially pearls that look great with every day ensembles. You can see the look I’m going for below.
Mini Pearl Necklace Inspo
Fabulous, right? I found a great option at EP Jewlery. EPJ actually has lots of amazing items…more on that in a minute. Here is the link to the mini pearls: https://epfinejewelry.com/products/pearl-necklace?_pos=1&_sid=8b29342d4&_ss=r&variant=39593351118942. I went with the 2 mm. And yes, I’ve already ordered these for myself. I decided I didn’t want to wait for Santa.
While searching for the pearl necklace, I discovered that EPJ makes the most amazing personalized jewelry. I want it all, but especially these personalized bangles. I’ve never seen anything like them and I love that you can mix metals for something that will go with anything. You can add charms as you go, or order them in one fell swoop. Below are some of my favorite inspiration pictures from the EP Instagram page. PLEASE NOTE THESE TAKE UP TO SIX WEEKS TO SHIP!!!! Hence, the early gift guide posts.
EP Personalized Bangles
Here’s what I designed for myself while playing around on the EP web site:
I wear a lot of hats, both literally and figuratively. Unless I’m dressed to go out on the town, you’ll usually find me in a hat. I try to keep the sun off my face as much as possible now that I’m in my forties and follow a regular skincare regimen of vitamin c and Retinol. A cute hat makes this easy and stylish! I bought this same hat in pink two years ago and it’s been one of my favorites. I could use a refresh and I’m digging this neon yellow shade.
Bagging Rights Initial Hat
Bagging Rights always has the best hats and bags. The trucker hat on my wish list is linked here, but have fun exploring the entire web site: https://www.baggingrights.com/products/initial-hat-tie-dye-grey-neon-yellow
That concludes the fashion portion of the gift guide. Next on the docket: beauty.
In all seriousness, I am far from a beauty expert. However, I have discovered a few tried and true products over the years thanks to some of my favorite Instagram accounts. All of these items are repeat purchases. Christmas is an excellent time to replenish your staples! These make great stocking stuffers because they’re small and inexpensive.
Beauty
This is a recent discovery thanks to Things I Bought And Liked. I can’t believe how long this nail concealer lasts and how easy it is to apply. I haven’t had dip in months and my nails have never looked better. Plus, I saved a lot of time and money slapping a coat of this on my nails once a week. The cherry on top is the fact that it’s a cleaner option than most nail products. And cruelty free. I can’t say enough good things. I’ve gotten my sister and a few friends hooked as well.
Nail Concealer
The formula dries quickly and looks great with just one coat. Two coats are ideal, but one works in a pinch! Get it here: https://amzn.to/3Lav7VH *This would make a great “favorite things” gift!*
This microdermabrasion scrub is the perfect anecdote to winter skin. It is smooth enough to polish without irritating your skin, but coarse enough to get the job done. I use every few days and it’s always a treat.
Microdermabrasion Polish
I have purchased this on Amazon three times in the past year. Try it for yourself! Or gift it to a girlfriend, sister, mom, etc. This is another item that is a must for a favorite things party. https://amzn.to/3eIxxPk
This next item is indulgent, but it brings me so much joy! My wonderful mother in law surprised me with this perfume two Christmases ago and the bottle lasted an entire year. So, yes, it’s expensive but justifiable with a year’s worth of daily wear. I receive compliments every time I wear this perfume. Interestingly, it’s considered unisex. The details on Neiman’s web site claim the following:
The Giorgio Armani Cuir Noir fragrance showcases the raw material saffron, a spice with leather accents. The roundness and sensuality of its notes bring suppleness and warmth, reflecting the enveloping sensuality of skin-on-skin contact.
I don’t know that I would have come up with that exact description, but I do detect amber in the scent.
Armani Prive Cuir Noir
I also have the Rose D’Arabie scent. I love it as well and I find myself reaching for it during the warmer months while the Cuir Noir is my fall/winter scent. However, the argument can be made that both are perfect year round. If I HAD to choose a favorite, it would be the Cuir Noir. But both are excellent.
My MIL purchased both of these at Neiman’s. Order online here: https://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/armani-beauty-3-4-oz-prive-cuir-noir-intense-prod161430154
Here’s another gift that is great for a favorite things party: Isle of Palms tanning drops. I add a few drops to my moisturizer or sunscreen a few times per week to combat pale winter skin. They’re pretty forgiving as far as self tanners go in that I’ve yet to end up with streaks or uneven patches. A little goes a long way and this bottle lasts a long time. Two to three drops is all I need. I purchase the dark formula and I’m fair. Another bonus: these drops are vegan and cruelty free. Gotta love that.
Self Tanning Drops
You can find the drops on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3eLLJqF Emery frequently “borrows” my tanning drops. I think I’ll add a bottle to her stocking.
Yet another excellent stocking stuff or favorite things gift is the GOAT of dry shampoo: Moroccan Oil. If I’m being totally honest, most of my dry shampoo is purchased at Publix and is made my Dove or Tresemme. They work fine for me. Not amazing, but cheap and easy to grab while I’m grocery shopping. However, I love to treat myself to the occasional can of Moroccan Oil dry shampoo. The price is worth the amazing smell. Also, for my brunette friends, this comes in dark tones. I know that is a struggle with many dry shampoos. Darker haired ladies end up with a gray tint, which is NOT what the desired goal.
The Best Dry Shampoo
Treat yourself, a friend or your daughter this holiday season with a can of the good stuff this holiday season. Get it here: https://amzn.to/3eW3gwJ
I’ve purchased this next item more times than I can count. I love it for myself and I’ve also gotten Emery wearing it. I am all about the SPF factor for both of us as I attempt to undo years of sun damage and prevent her from making my same mistakes. I’ve included Elta tinted sunscreen in many gift guides over the years and I’ll likely continue to do so. It’s the holy grail for me: goes on well even on top of my Vitamin C serum, includes sun protection, doesn’t break me out, and provides medium coverage. Unless I’m being photographed (which is during family photos once per year), I don’t like the look of full coverage foundation on me. Slapping this on my face and neck each morning takes just a minute and makes a huge difference in my appearance and skincare.
Elta MD Tinted Sunscreen
Amazon for the fastest shipping: https://amzn.to/3xF9QxU
I think that about wraps it up for the ladies edition of my 2022 Holiday Gift Guide. My goal is to provide ideas at various price points for the women in your life. I hope this helps. Happy shopping!
