Hi, you friends!!! Well, I never thought we’d still be here in this what’s-happening, not-exactly-a-wonderland just 10 days before Christmas, but you know what? This is right where we are! Kinda locked down, kinda not, depending on where you are, but either way—most likely snuggling up more than usual. So pour yourself some eggnog, Nespresso, La Croix, or whatever makes you feel warm and fuzzy, and get ready to *maybe* add some fun to your online shopping cart!
This is a list for women like me, and I’m guessing, maybe, like you! If you are struggling to tell your loved ones what-in-the-world you want, or can’t decide what to get your mom, sister, mother-in-law, bestie, cousin, or co-worker—I can vouch confidently for every one of these things! Ninety-eight percent of them are things I already own and adore, while the others are things on my own list this year, based on research and recs from trustworthy sources, or brands that never let me down.
None of these are affiliate links! Simply a few of my favorite things which I am so happy to share with you! Purely for joy and fun. I also never thought I’d be procrastinating my own book edits with a sparkly post about holiday presents, but you know what? This is right where we are, and I’m certainly not complaining!
I love you all dearly and hope you enjoy this peek at some wonderful things that have added some extra delight to my life in the last couple years—especially this wild historical one!
Real big hugs! ENJOY!
1. Books—You knew I would start with books, didn’t you?! Books are the best small-big gift on the planet, if you ask me. A whole world right in your hands?! Plus, they are easy to wrap, and even easier for someone to stash in your pretty stocking. My “Best Books of 2020” post will come in a couple weeks, but for now, here are three titles I would buy for just about any woman I know: Open Book by Jessica Simpson, Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain, and Half-Baked Harvest Super Simple by Tieghan Gerard. Two on my personal wish list are Make Life Beautiful by Syd and Shea McGee and Skinnytaste Meal Prep by Gina Homolka.
2. Gorgana Jewelry—Gorgana is super popular right now, and for excellent reason, y’all! I seriously can’t get enough! Don’t you hate it when you buy an adorable new gold necklace for $50 and the next month, it’s ruined and tarnished? Gorjana pieces don’t do this! I layer their gold necklaces almost every day, and recently became obsessed with their earrings. Plus, the price point is clutch! You can get a gorgeous piece of jewelry for $45 to the low $100s. Trust me! Visit their website and go to heaven! My three most-worn favorites are: The Parker Layering Set, Wilder Shimmer Chain Huggies, and Mosaic Coin Necklace.
3. Ray-Ban Sunglasses—Sunglasses trends may come and go, but you know what will not? Ray-Bans! Between their ideal prices and classic-chic styles, these goodies will forever endure as a fashion favorite. I’ve had this hexagonal pair for a couple years, and I just snagged these timeless aviators on Black Friday. My mom has this striking pair and every time she wears them, I swoon! You can’t go wrong with any of their enviable frames!
4. Uggs & Faux Ugg Slippers—I wear my Ugg boots nonstop and most of my girlfriends cherish theirs, too! If you’re stumped on a lady in your life and she doesn’t have a pair—or even if she does and might need a new or different pair—look no further than Ugg.com. These are my current favorites, but I’ve had tall pairs and slippers and everything in between! Also, I have a super-hot tip for you! If you don’t want to spring for the full-price, real-deal slippers, these dupes are positively to-die-for. They’ve carried me right through quarantine and are still going strong!
5. Chanel Chance Perfume—Perfume is both perfect and a risky to give as a gift. But this scent will not steer you wrong! I’ve been wearing Chanel Chance on-and-off since high school, and lately it’s my #1 go-to again! It’s just so fresh and so pretty without being overwhelming. Plus, anything Chanel is always a dream come true!
6. PJ Salvage Pajamas—PJs just jive with the whole mood of these presents times! Indulge yourself in a pair of PJ Salvages and you won’t be disappointed. I’ve had many different styles from them over the years, and always been head-over-heels! Most recently I scooped up these totally extra, flannel leopard-and-coffee cuties and basically, I want to live in them! Browse their website for all of the cozy cuteness!
7. YETI Tumbler or Mug—Doug got a personalized version of this YETI tumbler as a groomsman gift from my brother-in-law, and I can’t seem to stop stealing it! It’s just so perfect for my coffee on-the-go and keeps it so piping hot. So I finally put one on my own wish list. I also love this smaller mug version for around the house. Why does my coffee get cold so quickly?! This would fix that problem right up. And also: That pink shade!
8. HydroFlask 20L Insulated Cooler Tote—Whether for the park, beach, or other all-day field trips with my girls, I find myself packing our big stack of and still would love it someday, I found this beautiful, insulated HydroFlask cooler tote for a fraction of the price in the absolute cutest color! The tote shape is so comfy to wear, and you can really pack this thing full!
9. Spanx Faux Leather Leggings—Whether online or IRL, chances are you’ve seen these life-changing leggings around! Spanx meets street style in this magical gift to all womankind. These pants are everything! I wear them all the time, with long sweaters, cardigans, t-shirts + a flannel wrapped around my waist—endless possibilities! Comfy and form-fitting. Such a super generous present in every way!
10. Audible Membership—You knew I would circle back to books, didn’t you?! As the leading producer and provider of audiobooks, Audible has revolutionized my reading life in recent years. The ability to “read” while doing the chores, driving and taking long walks has dramatically boosted my book intake. An audible membership for the busy bookworm in your life is truly one of the best gifts I think you could give her (or him)! Even better, they offer various options based on your budget: $150 for 12 months, $90 for 6 months, and $45 for 3 months. Click here for more details on the membership!
11. Lululemon Treats—You can’t go wrong with some Lulu on your list. I am lusting big-time after these Align Pant II leggings and this dreamy Hooded Define Jacket Nulu. Yes, the price tags are high. But it’s Christmas, after all! And my Lulu pieces last actual years on years. The quality is no joke, and neither is the way they FLATTER you!
12. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial—Oh, skincare!!! Why does it almost feel like a joke after 2020? Ha! All of us home, washing our faces… Every influencer sharing her detailed routine (I’m personally a sucker for watching those videos)… So here is my fave, fave, fave treat. I added this to the mix about a year ago, and let me tell you, the difference in my skin is UNREAL! The glow and the smoothness and clarity. I do it once a week, always when I don’t plan to wear makeup for a few hours after. It is truly a facial at home, wiping away those dead cells and leaving you with actual baby skin. Life-changing. Worth the splurge!!!
13. Eyeshadow Palette—Eyeshadow palettes make such spectacular gifts because they can feel a little extravagant to purchase yourself, and each one includes enough color variety to suit just about any gal! These three neutral beauties are my absolute tops right now. I reach for them again and again. Perfect for day but effortless to dramatize for the night: Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette, Naked Reloaded Palette, and the (scented—yum!) Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette(which I have been using for years)!
14. Extra Large Charcuterie Board—I bought this for myself at World Market this fall because I host gatherings all the time, and I was tired of serving my appetizer, cheese, and dessert boards on multiple small ones. It’s not only made my life easier, but it’s a true showstopper at every party! Everyone fawns over this thing and wants to know where I got it! It is a stunner, you guys! Any similar XL board would be a dream for your favorite hostess!
15. Erin Condren LifePlanner—Every year, no matter what, I order an Erin Condren LifePlanner. All these years, all this tech, and I still need a written calendar to keep me sane and on time. And you know what?! I first learned about Erin Condren ages ago when my sister went out on a limb and designed a custom one for me as a Christmas gift! She also gave me all the cutest pens, stickers, and accessories, which frankly just make life better. This planner’s a dream. I prefer the vertical layout!
All right, friends—those are my top 15, but I’m also going to leave you with these final five rapid-fire recommendations. They are GOLD. They have improved my life in big and small ways. They are not necessarily cheap, but they are outstanding, worth-every-penny purchases that I wouldn’t trade in a second!
AirPods. Duh. This little devil of a daily necessity.
Nespresso Machine. Will I ever stop talking about this? No!
Tory Burch Miller Sandals. Classy, sassy, gorgeous. My. Favorite. Sandals. A summer/spring staple, an effortless statement piece. I’ve collected four pairs over the years, and they are still all going strong! I got this pair on Black Friday and needless to say, they give me butterflies.
Fanny Pack. Er… Belt Bag. That’s right. I said it! You need a fanny pack in your life! I have this beautiful Tory Burch one, and Santa just bought this chic sporty one for one of my favorite females. And if you wanna be really fancy, ohhh (Louis Vuitton) heyyyy (Gucci)! They really are all the rage, and you can also wear them crossed over your chest or back!
The Best Beach Wagon on Planet Earth. THIS! This is it. It has single-handedly streamlined our family beach days. The big wheels, the size, the cupholder, DONE. I can no longer imagine beach treks without it, especially without Doug!
That’s all, folks!
MERRY EARLY EVERYTHING FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS!
It’s almost 2021!!!
