2013 Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide

As promised, I have completed a long list of gift ideas for all of the last minute holiday shoppers out there (myself included!).

From the fashionista or the homemaker, to that special man or family in your life, here is a list of great gifts perfect for anyone on your shopping list.

It’s a long one, so I’m just going to get straight to it!

For the Fashionista

• statement necklace

I boarded the chunky statement necklace train a while ago. I love how something as simple as a little black dress, tights, and heels can look completely different with the addition of a fun accessory.

Some of my picks this season are here (pictured above), here, and here.

• cowl/scarves

Always something easy to gift and accessorize with. This year, I received this crochet cowl from Hearts and it has taken me out of my traditional scarf comfort zone!

Also pictured is this Calvin Klein Metallic animal print infinity scarf I found at Nordstrom Rack a few months back. I wear it several times a week!

Even those in the south can play with the layering look. If you’re shopping for someone who lives in a warm climate, go for lighter materials.

• leggings/tights

I have recently become obsessed with printed leggings and tights, mostly because they are so incredibly comfortable.

Throw on a solid sweater and pair of ankle boot and a pair of festive leggings (<- found on Etsy… I want.) and you’ve instantly got style. Effortlessly. If you aren’t much of an online shopper, you can usually find printed leggings or tights at most clothing retailers. My favorite finds are usually at Urban Outfitters (pictured), Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Kohl’s just to name a handful. Even keep a lookout at discount stores like Marshall’s and TJ Maxx!

• customized phone case

I feel like I am always looking for a new phone cover. I am usually drawn to chevron patterns and when I found the Simply Monogram Shop on Etsy I fell in love. (Note, this specific shop only makes cases for the iPhone 4/4S, 5 and Sprint Galaxy S3). There are so many different colors, patterns and varieties, and you can find the majority of them around $15, which isn’t too bad for a personalized item.

• accent clutch

Something I will always get excited to unwrap is a new clutch. Every day purses are great, but for a fun night on the town or date night I like to accessorize with a smaller bag. My favorites are fun prints and accents! (Pictured, pictured).

You can find a large variety of them in stores I named above in the leggings category as well as may others.

For the Beauty Queen

• body spray

Body sprays come in handy to carry around in a purse, gym bag, or even keep in your car! I bought this set of four from Victoria’s Secret to split up and add to a few presents this year. I also might have kept one. You can’t really go wrong with anything from the PINK beauty line though.

• cleansing oils + beauty kit

I received this Aragan Oil Beauty Kit a few weeks ago from Shea Terra Organics. You all know that I do not condone products or brands that I don’t like, and I have to admit that I have really been enjoying the oils. My skin feels really soft after I use the serums, and all the products feel very natural on my skin. I have yet to use the soapless cleansing masque, but have a feeling it is a good one. Soapless cleanser is intriguing, nonetheless.

• curling wand

Ever since I purchased this one a few months back, I haven’t even turned on a curling iron. I love it and plan to purchase another with a bigger barrel too. In case you missed it, here’s my How I Curl My Hair video tutorial to show you how to use it!

• MAC Stroke of Midnight Lip Bag

I love, love, love MAC makeup… especially for lips and eyes. I was in the market for a nude lip a few months ago and got talked into buying this entire bag set from the store. It even comes with a black, white and gold makeup bag that could almost double as a clutch.

I don’t regret it one bit. Still rocking all of it!

• EOS shaving cream + lip balm

I discovered eos (Evolution of Smooth) lip balm a few years ago and rarely stray from it. I love the egg shaped container (isn’t it annoying to lose the tops to regular chap sticks?), and the texture of the balm.

Recently, my mom introduced me to the shaving cream and it’s amazingggg. Just sayin’.

For the Foodie/Homemaker

• fancy dish towels

I always keep a set of dish towels on my oven rack “for looks” and have a stack of clean, folded ones to keep in the drawers. My favorite ones are from Crate & Barrel and Willams Sonoma.

• kitchen/guest soap and lotion set

I recently purchased this essential oils soap and lotion set to put in our guest bathroom. I became such a fan that I went back and bought another for the downstairs and master bathrooms as well. The sticker price for soap may seem a little pricey, but well worth it in my opinion.

• aprons + potholders

The cutest apron selection I’ve seen by far is from Anthropologie. I got my first one as a bridal shower gift and have fallen for the entire line ever since. Some of them could even be mistaken for dresses, which is the perfect one to throw on while getting last minute dishes ready for a get together.

Plus, cute pot holders and oven mits always inspire me to bake something!

• steak knives

The brand Scott and I swear by and have started to collect (thanks to holiday gifts!) is Wusthof, most commonly found at Macy’s and Williams Sonoma. As a set, they are priced extremely high, so start small with one or two pieces.

Two years ago we started with the Classic Hollow-Ground Santoku Knife. Since then we have received the Grand Prix II Hollow-Ground Carving Knife, 6-Piece Steak Knife Block Set and the 14-Slot Knife Organizer (<- love!)

I also love the look of the colored Tomodachi knives.

• Yankee candles

This seems like a no-brainer. If you happen to ready my Friday Favorites posts, then you already know I am absolutely obsessed with these scented candles.

The big ones aren’t cheap, so it’s always an easy go-to to wrap up for someone!

For the Fitness Lover

Last week I shared this year’s Fitness Goodies Gift Guide with you. I did, however, forget to include one huge item I use on a regular basis!

• foam roller

Gah! One thing I can’t imagine being without now that I have one is a foam roller. Best $30 I’ve ever spent, hands down. There are four main types of foam rollers meant for different kind of fitness levels and preferences.

You can purchase them online or at most sporting goods stores like Dick’s and Sports Authority.

For Him

• barber shop gift card

Scott treated himself as well as all of his groomsmen to a “real barber shop shave” on our wedding day. Since then, he has gone back a few times and raves about it. I guess it would be equivalent to a day at the spa for women!

To my Connecticut and Florida readers, check out Kennedy’s All-American Barber Club. That’s been Scott’s favorite so far, and we are still trying to find an equivalent up here.

• warm “manly” slippers

Pictured are these Sperry Top-Sider R&R Moc Slippers. Don’t they just scream comfort?

Other pairs I have my eye on to purchase are these Eddie Bauer loafers or these L.L. Bean slippers. All of these styles would be perfectly acceptable to wear out in public to go grab the mail. Or maybe even to the grocery store!

• dress socks

Pictured are Merona dress socks from Target that are similar to what Scott actually picked up for himself this week. Dress socks may sound lame, but if you get fun and colorful ones, they might just make him smile. Try looking at discount department stores for the best finds!

• quality cologne

As cliche as it sounds, most men really do like getting cologne as a present, if they have tried it out before. Scott’s favorites this year include Terre d’Hermes, , and Diesel Fuel For Life.

• headphones/ear buds

You can never go wrong with a quality pair of head phones or ear buds. Even if they don’t frequent the gym, a good pair of noise cancelling headphones or earbuds like these Beats by Dre are perfect for any traveler. Last year I surprised Scott with these and he absolutely loves them!

For a Family

• board games

Two years ago we gave my niece and nephew a big box of board games filled with all the classics: Life, Monopoly, Connect Four, UNO cards, etc. I wanted to encourage them to play other things than video games and give the family an excuse to have a fun game night!

• framed last name

I just love these framed last name pictures. I have seen them being sold at art shows, but you can always order them online at Etsy. One of these days Scott and I will break down and get one. We’ve also seen some cool city ones like “Detroit” spelled out with items in the downtown area shaped like each letter. You can also get creative and spell out sports teams. Pretty neat!

• family movies

I still love watching movies I grew up on, especially around the holidays. If you want to get creative, you can even make a home movie basket filled with kid-friendly flicks, popcorn, candy, and popcorn containers.

• sidewalk chalk

No matter how old I get, I will always enjoy coloring… especially outside. Gifting sidewalk chalk gives the family you’re shopping for another excuse to get away from the television and enjoy the outdoors together.

• canvas print gift card

We printed a handful of our engagement photos on canvas and really love the look of those photos hanging up in our home. We got a nice gift card to Canvas On Demand as a wedding present and loved it. I think any family would like one!

Keep a lookout for canvas prints to pop up on Groupon and other deals from printing companies like Snapfish or Shutterfly.

Splurges

• CHI Holiday blow dryer + straightener set

I have been using CHI products since the first model of the straightener came out over ten years ago. I swear by them.

Since both my straightener and blow dryer broke this year, I finally broke down and purchased this new holiday set from Ulta. I got both for a steal ($75 each!) online on Black Friday and have a feeling the sales will keep coming around for the next week or so.

Currently, they are offering a 20% off coupon online using the promo code 106838.

• KitchenAid stand mixer

Finally, we have one of our own, thanks to Black Friday deals at the William Sonoma outlet! We busted it out for Thanksgiving and haven’t stopped using it since. A definite kitchen staple!

• Michael Kors Gold Watch

This classic accessory that has been on my list for yearsss. It’s a fashionable time piece you wear alone or glam up with bracelets for an arm party. I’m digging the rose gold versions too!

And with that I think I am going to wrap this ridiculously long post up! I could keep going…. but I’m going to refrain. I hope you at least got a few ideas on how to shop for those special someones on your holiday list this year!

Happy Shopping! 😀