Celebrating the holidays often means traveling long distances to stay with faraway friends and family. It’s great to catch up with loved ones over wine and coffee and reminisce about past holidays all while making new memories. Even if you’re not exchanging gifts with your fab holiday hostess (or host), I’m a strong believer in giving them a special hostess gift to say thank you for their holiday hospitality.
We all have the friends who’s dogs are the center of their lives. They’re obsessed with talking about, spending time with and spoiling their furry friends. And who wouldn’t be? They’re adorable and have been super good this year. Therefore, dogs deserve just as many Christmas gifts as their owners.
With all of the adorable puppy-inspired finds out there, there’s never been a better time to spoil dogs and pet parents. Did you know that they make Dog Wrapping Paper and Ugly Christmas Sweaters for dogs? Henri Bendel and Bloomingdale’s also have some great accessories for your pampered pooch. Here are a few of the puppy-inspired gifts that I’m barking about this season.
If you haven’t already started, it’s time to get your holiday shopping on! The sooner you check off everyone on your list the sooner you can enjoy a warm cup of hot cocoa while watching your favorite Christmas special.
My Christmas mornings have always begun with finding tiny treasures in my stocking. It was the only thing we were allowed to open before my parents woke up. So I figured I’d begin the first of my many holiday gift guides this season with my favorite stocking stuffers.
I may always know what’s next in fashion or how to get the perfect smokey eye, but aside from picking out stylish menswear, I’m stumped when it comes to getting gifts for the guys. So I asked my sports-obsessed boyfriend to put together the ultimate gift guide for guys while I wrapped gifts and decorated our tree. Here’s what Ian suggests:
For the Foodie:
Pleasing someone passionate about cooking is tough. Don’t buy them a new knife set, they still love the one they have been using for 10 years and besides, sharpening knives is fun. Here are some out of the box ideas for the foodie:
The Stocking Stuffer:
Amarula Cream is a South African Cream that is perfect not only for cocktails, but for cooking as well. Amarula is a great addition to puddings, butters, and sauces. It’s unique because it uses the ancient marula fruit indigenous of Africa. It’s also great with coffee. So concluded, this stocking stuffer with some coffee beans from Rwanda, which can be found in the Foreign Ground Coffee Collection make a perfect combination.
Under the Tree:
The Proteak Cutting Board may seem boring, but it’s a game changer for someone who loves to cook! Teak is a wood that is resistant to moisture and bacteria and is easy to clean. The teak comes from a ranch in South America and each board is hand crafted. This will surely please your Top Chef!
For the Sports Guy:
You can’t get him what he really wants…for his team to win it all, but you can get him the next best thing, sports stuff!
The Stocking Stuffer:
Sports tickets to watch his favorite team in action – the best deals can be found on StubHub!
Under the Tree:
Unless your significant other is a 15-year-old, don’t get him a sports jersey. They’re tacky and can only be worn twice a year, they are also super expensive. Instead, get him some clothes from 47 Brand. 47 Brand is upscale, vintage style sports apparel that allows him to support his team while looking fashionable. They have apparel for all major professional sports teams and most colleges.
For the Gadget Guy:
It’s no secret that guys love their gadgets. Here are two fun gadgets that he may not already have.
The Stocking Stuffer:
A Leap Motion Controller is an $80 USB adaptor that allows you to control your PC or MAC by motion sensors. Not only is it a more seamless way to get work done on you computer, its also pretty damn cool! This is a smart gift that can make anyone feel like they are in a Sci-Fi movie!
Under the Tree:
A Crosley Patriarch 4-in-1 Turntable is a great entertainment center that is nice piece to add to any room. It plays CDs, vinyls, MP3s and AM/FM radio.
How cute are we? Here’s Ian and I watching the ball drop in Times Square last New Year’s Eve! Thanks Ian for putting together this gift guide and helping girls everywhere find the perfect gift for that special guy. You’re a holiday hero!
‘Tis the season to give and receive! I will soon be coming out with a few gift guides of my own. But, I think I just discovered the most unique gift guide ever with Young Republic’s 2012 Holiday Collection. Young Republic is an online fashion marketplace for up-in-coming independent fashion designers to show and sell their collections. Their Holiday Gift Collection features hundreds of unique and exciting gift ideas for the most fashionable people in your life that are different from anything you’d find at the mall. The collection showcases the best from over 100 of their hottest independent designers, with gift ideas that are sure to wow the crowd this holiday!
Click here to view the full Holiday Look Book! Did I mention it’s shoppable?
