It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Holiday Gift Guide Time!!
I usually break my Gift Guide up into several smaller ones, but this time I’m releasing one massive Guide. I’m covering beauty, foot-ware, hobbies, plants, cooking (duh), tech AND kids, all right here! Let’s dive in!
Oh, and last but not least, I understand the gravity of shopping small this year. I’ve tried to mix in big stores and websites with small ones from my hometowns too.
BEAUTY
Let’s start with Beauty! I’m sticking with skincare this year because masks are covering so much of our faces which also leads to worlds of blemishes. So skincare on my wish lists and my gift lists.
1.Drunk Elephant Glowy Kit – This kit is only $9 more than the full sized serum you get in it!
2. Biossance Uplifted & Bright Set – The squalane in the Biossance line actually buffers any of the harsher natural ingredients so you just feel soothed.
3. Dyson Supersonic Limited Edition Gift Set – I only blow-dry my hair maybe twice a year so this one definitely isn’t for me, BUT this Dyson dryer is still one of the most popular gifts in beauty! Have a lady with perfect hair in your life? She’d love this.
4. Laneige Dream & Wonder gift set (trio) I swear by this lip stuff and love it so much. This gift set also comes with a couple cute minis to toss into your purse!
5. Drunk Elephant time to wake up minis duo – (only $23) For a stocking stuffer, these DE duos are truly perfect. Plus, they fall into the more budget-friendly category.
6. Remember going to get a manicure? I barely do. Color Street nails have really saved me at home, plus I get to support one of my best friends every time I order.
7. GIMME bands – I started using Gimme bands this year after a friend recommended them to me because they don’t have any visible glue or bracket holding them together. They’re thick and HOLD your hair so well!
SLIPPERS
Slippers are always a must in the winter. These are my 3 favorites, in no particular order.
8. UGG Ansley
9. UGG Dakota
10. LL Bean wicked good slippers
11. ArkanSocks – Speaking of warm feet, I LOVE these from Arkansocks. If you have a southerner in your life, they’ll love these. If not you can snag them a pair of the mountain scene ones.
12. Bombas – I’ve also heard amazing things about the Bombas socks and their company. Win win.
TECH
13. AirPods (pro) I swore I’d never wear an in-ear headphone again and really haven’t in the last 7 years! But this year I bought a pair of AirPods Pro to try them out and I really love them, especially when I’m wearing a hat or beanie which can make over-ear headphones awkward. The regular AirPods are a great gift (in fact I got them for my husband), I just happen to need the Pro ones because I have unusually small ear-holes (!) and the smaller size on these fit me. TMI?
14. Wireless charging puck or pad – because everything is going wireless!
15. AirPod case – Does your lady friend already have a set? Maybe she needs a fun new case for them! Stocking stuffer! Hint: sometimes the Target dollar spot has a bin full for $3 each!
OUTDOORSY
I’ve recently really gotten into more outdoor hobbies. If you have an outdoors lover in your life, here are a few things I put on my list or that I recently snagged for myself.
16. Hiking Day Backpack – Osprey has some amazing bags. I love that they’re sized based on how much YOU would carry or how long you would hike, so you’re not carrying around extra bulk. If you’re unsure, go to your REI for a fitting and find the perfect one! They also have a sizing quiz on their website.
17. Water Reservoir – Water Reservoirs are awesome gifts for someone just getting into longer outdoor adventures! They fit into most backpacks and eliminate a need for a water bottle.
18. Trail Shoes – I picked up a pair of Salomon’s for trail running and walking because they’re so grippy and lightweight! Trail shoes and boots are such a fun gift.
19. Priority Bicycle – If I lived someplace more bike friendly and less hilly, first thing on my list is a bike from Priority.
20. Gift card to REI – Of course, a gift card is always golden when it comes to sport-specific things.
21. Runner’s water bottle – I love water bottles as gifts! Soft water bottles make awesome stocking stuffers for travelers and hand-held bottles are awesome for runners.
22. BareBones website – More of an outdoor gardener or camper? Check out BareBones for AWESOME things you’d never think you needed till now.
23. Printed Map – favorite vacay, trail, hometown, etc – We had maps of our hometowns printed for our bedroom and LOVE the personal touch they add. I think they’d make great gifts for sure!
24. Goodr sunglasses – I love having a few pairs of sunglasses that are fun, sport-friendly and worry-free around (ie I won’t cry if I lose them). I own a bunch from Goodr and swear by these.
KITCHEN
I’m sure everyone you know has attempted some form of cooking or baking during quarantine! Here are my pics for gifts in the Kitchen category!
25. Instant Pot
26. Air Fryer https://amzn.to/32UxHu8
27. Cookbooks – Kim Joy (her first and second cookbooks are SO fun) , pre-order Jessica Merchant’s (may 4 release date) bc you’ll want it anyways, and then Ina Garten modern comfort bc Ina saves us all with endless quarantine entertainment.
28. Piping kit – bags , food safe markers
29. Baker’s scale
30. Decorative Bundt Pan – https://rstyle.me/+NZihslRJ0Kj41XG2Ue5GVA <- I love this duo set. But if you’re shopping around, be careful bc some look like ladies parts… Gingerbread House bundt pan is also a safe, fun bet.
31. Pink House Alchemy syrups for coffee or cocktails because everyone is a mixologist and barista now.
KIDS
32. I’m not giving out toy suggestions this year because so many people do (and you already know I say no batteries, no tablets, no noise makers) so besides activities, my list is BOOKS to raise the next generation of loving, inclusive humans. Period. So here’s an Amazon book list. It’s not limited to these, so this is just a start to help you out.
CALENDARS
Flip through 2021 with a Calendar made by an artist I love. I recommend:
33. May We Fly – watercolored by such a talented Northwest Arkansas artist, Leana!
34. Signet Sealed – Sarah puts out a Good News Calendar every year and it is SO fun! Plus it doubles as a coloring book!
BUDDING ARTIST
Maybe your friend spent quarantine dabbling in art? Some of my favorite basics are these –
35. Paint set
36. Branch brushes handmade by Sugarhouse Ceramics
37. Fineliner Pens
38. Bullet Journal
PLANTS
39. Go run through your local nursery for a fun plant gift. If you don’t have that luxury, check out some of my favorite plant stores: Oglewood Ave, Satori Rd, Planterina, Millstone Nursery, or even Etsy!
40. I can be a terrible self-promoter, but if you haven’t found a gift by now, let me make one for you! I weave beautiful textured wall tapestries and make joyful rainbows! Also, I’m making ornaments!
