My Holiday Top 10 Gift Guide - tried and true, to share with you!
Kicking off the holiday season with six unique holiday gift guides filled with my Top 10 recommendations! It’s important to me to only share gift recommendations that I whole-heartedly love, would purchase or already own. Each of these guides are curated and full of tried and true gifts and I’m so excited to share them with you! Happy shopping!
Self-care:
1. Olive & June Treat Yourself Box | If you shop during Cyber Week, you’ll receive 25% off site wide from Sunday, 11/24 through Monday, 12/2 at 11:59pm PST. This Treat Yourself Box (normally $100) can be snagged for $75!
2. SLIP pillowcase | I use my SLIIP pillowcase every single day! It helps prevent damage, bed head and frizz (highly recommend if you have fine/thin hair or extensions!) The pillowcases in a variety of colors and patterns.
3. SHHHOWERCAP | I swear by this shower cap, I invested in one after I got hair extensions and realized washing my hair every single day just didn’t need to be a thing. But this isn’t just an ordinary shower cap, this is a stylish one you’ll want to have on full display in your bathroom. So many fun patterns to choose from, too!
4. Emu Slippers | If you or your loved one is also a member of #TEAMCOZY then these are a must! I actually look forward to putting these sheepskin slippers on after a long day at work or wearing them around the house every weekend. Extremely comfortable, affordable and in a variety of colorways. Pro-tip: size up one size!
5. AQUIS rapid dry hair turban | And yet another hair product to recommend, but hey, this is the year of hair! My hair stylist has recommended a rapid dry towel to me for a year and I recently caved and couldn’t be happier! This hair turban reduces drying time by 50% and helps prevent the damage that comes with wet hair (split-ends, frizz, etc.) Hair is left feeling and looking smooth and ready to style.
6. Foreo Luna (Mini) | My go-to travel companion and member of my weekly skincare routine. I’m constantly recommending the Luna to all of my friends and family. I use it to apply my cleanser, wash my face or even use in the morning with luke warm water to ‘wake my skin up’. I love the mini because it’s the perfect size for travel.
7. Glossier rosewater face spray | It took me years to understand the hype behind facial mists, but I’m happy to report, I caved. This rosewater facial spray from Glossier is my fav. The scent is refreshing but not too strong and I use it as a ‘wake up’ spray and setting spray as I put on makeup. Not to mention, who doesn’t want to have a lovely pink bottle on display on their bathroom counter?
8. Juliette has a gun perfume | My go-to musky scent (light and good musky, not overly intense) for fall and winter, I could go through a travel size in a week if I don’t regulate myself.
9. Kari Gran Lip Whip | One in each color, please. All of their colors are flattering and go on a little more on the sheer side so they won’t dry out your lips like lipstick can. The perfect stocking stuffer or gift for winter when lips are chapped and cracked from the cold. Not to mention, the packaging is adorable!
10. Quip electric toothbrush | Some of you might be asking, “Allison, a toothbrush on a gift guide, really?” Yes, really! Especially when a toothbrush is this aesthetically pleasing and works wonders. A great investment for a reasonable price. You’ll thank me later.
Travel:
1. Summer Friday Jet Lag Mask | I swear by this mask when I travel, it’s the first toiletry to go in my carry-on bag. This rehydrating mask is perfect after a long (or short) flight where your skin feels dry and more prone to breaking out. I apply all over my face during landing, for a minimum of 10 minutes, let it dry and then wipe off the excess with a face wipe (no need to rinse!)
2. Alaska Airlines Memory Foam Travel Pillow | I’ve spent half my life looking for the ultimate travel pillow and I’m happy to report, I’ve found my all-time favorite travel pillow, extremely comfortable and gives you the support you need.
3. Artifact uprising photo album | The perfect gift for the traveler that likes to document their travels! AU photo books are always high quality and come with a variety of cover options to choose from. I’m personally a fan of the color series albums and am currently designing one from our New England fall foliage trip.
4. Kindle Waterproof Paperwhite E-Reader | The perfect gift for the book worm who is used to packing five books on a flight. I bring my Kindle everywhere — on planes, to the beach, to hotels, everywhere. Pro tip: Keep the Kindle on Airplane Mode to save battery life. I received my Kindle for my birthday last February and have only charged it twice.
5. Apple Airpods | Perfect for travel, decent battery life and perfect for those that are notorious for tangled headphone cords.
6. Belkin Pocket Portable Charger | One of my prized possessions of the year! After flying on enough planes with charging docks that don’t work (or none at all) and constantly wearing my phone’s battery life down to 0% on every trip, investing in a portable charger was a must. Perfect the for traveler or anyone who is constantly on the go (or on their phone!)
7. Dagne Dover backpack + fanny pack | I recently purchased a backpack and two fanny packs, yes, I’m Dagne Dover obsessed! The neoprene is the perfect fabric for a backpack because it’s waterproof, durable and moldable. Their backpacks are perfect for travel because they have several compartments, a laptop holder and a front zip for easy access. There are also so many color options to choose from!
8. Away Luggage set | I invested in the “bigger” suitcase and the carry-on and best decision I’ve ever made for travel! Away’s hard case luggage is no joke and the built in charger is a plus. Plenty of colors and sizes to choose from for the traveler in your life.
9. Swell water bottle | I’ve had my Swell water bottle for years and it’s my tried and true to bring when I travel, am at the gym, work or on the go. So many stylish patterns and colors and if water bottles isn’t your thing, they have tumblers, roamers, travelers, commuters, too!
10. Calpak soft packing cubes | I resisted the packing cubes hype for as long as I could and then I caved and am asking myself, why did it take me this long? The key to success with packing cubes: multiple sizes and they need to be soft shell, so it makes compact packing doable!
Interiors:
1. Otherland candle pack | If you follow me on Instagram, you’re probably well aware that I’m obsessed with Otherland candles. From the packaging, seasonal and nostalgic scents and the fact this brand is female-founded, I can’t recommend these giftable 3-pack candles enough! Especially this holiday’s Gilded Holiday Collection — so many incredible holiday scents!
2. Vitruvi | When I’m not burning candles in our home, I have our two, yes, two Vitruvi’s running fresh fragrances throughout the place. They come in a variety of colors and there are plenty of essential oils to choose from.
3. Opalhouse velvet quilt | I just purchased this quilt (in bronze) for our home as an added winter layer and well, it’s velvet and extremely stylish and elevated, what’s not to love!? The perfect gift (or gift to keep for yourself). Various sizes and colors to choose from too.
4. Rivet dome lamp | For that stylish friend that wants to up their interior game, without breaking your bank. I have the blue and the pink lamp and love the modern look and feel for an affordable price.
5. Deebot robot vacuum | You know you’re adulting when you add a vacuum to your holiday wishlist, but hey, when you’re a renter or homeowner, it makes for the best gift! We recently invested in the Deebot robot (it’s more affordable than other robot vacuums) and it has drastically improved the cleanliness of our space.
6. Letterfolk felt board | For your very, punny friend. Plenty of color options out there, but I personally love the classic look and feel of the black board with the white letters and wood frame. Pro-tip: Write a cute message on the board before gifting for a personal touch!
7. Raawii Strom Jug | This is our go-to watering can for plants in our home. Aesthetics aside, it prevents the drips and spills that other pitchers cause. But also, let’s talk aesthetics: the design is beautiful and sculptural, it also comes in a variety of color ways. This is a showpiece, not meant to be tucked away in your cupboard.
8. West Elm Planter | For your plant-loving friend, you can’t go wrong with a beautiful (and sturdy) planter that will turn heads. We love the size of this planter when placed on the stand (this is optional) and the gold detailing against the white ceramic. For extra brownie points, drill a drainage hole and pot a plant baby.
9. Marble wine holder + wine | The first thing I pull out of my fridge when it’s Bach night, we’re hosting friends or it’s summer and I want to keep my wine chilled, is this marble wine holder. First off, it’s stylish — you won’t be embarrassed to keep it in your fridge, on the counter or on a table. And secondly, it works! Our wine stays chilled for hours. Pro tip: don’t forget to throw a bottle of wine in the holder when you are gifting this beauty, you’ll be thanked later.
10. Minted gift card | Wall art tends to be a personal choice and is often quite the expense. If you’re seeking out a go-to gift card option, look no further than Minted. This is the perfect gift for someone who is looking to revamp their space, wanting to invest in high-quality art pieces or customize their own!
Fashion:
1. Baggu | I swear by these reusable bags! I use them for grocery shopping, the gym, party-going and as a grab and go tote. Compact packaging, lots of colors/patterns to choose from and easy to stow away in a suitcase for gifting during the holidays.
2. Statement headbands | Who else has been loving the headband trend? I’ve found Anthro to have the best selection for an affordable price - whether you’re going for a more basic, everyday accessory or something that makes a statement, this is the perfect gift for your trendsetter BFF.
3. Mejuri fine jewelry | Mejuri has become one of my favorite fine jewelry brands — their pieces are handmade, make a statement but aren’t marked up like other jewelry brands. Whether you’re gifting a dainty, layered necklace or statement studs, you can’t go wrong when gifting Mejuri.
4. Clare V. | A bit pricey, but definitely worth the splurge. All of her accessories are totally top notch in quality and appearance. I’ve had my wallet for over a year and it still looks brand freakin’ new! And always is a conversation starter when I take it out.
5. The Daily Edited monogram bag | Not your ordinary bag, these durable, stylish handbags (and other accessories too) take personalization to a whole new level. I love the monogram detailing (in various foil colors and typefaces).
6. Gorjana jewelry | I’ve been on a Gorjana kick lately — earrings, necklaces, rings, I am a sucker for their yellow gold line and rotating styles. Stackable rings, statement earrings or stackable necklace sets are always a favorite.
7. Fresh Tangerine rings | Have you noticed I’m on a bit of a jewelry kick? I love supporting this local brand because their quality is unbelievable! I’ve owned my three gold rings I wear daily for over three years and they have yet to tarnish or turn any fingers green. I’m tellin’ you, the real deal.
8. Scrunchies | Ignore everything Sex & the City ever told you. These make excellent stocking stuffers, perfect White Elephant gift or gift exchange with girlfriends. So many patterns, colors and sizes to choose from, a guaranteed hit.
9. Two piece sleep set | My go-to sleep set in every season. I’ve stocked up on two of the colorways and have since added more to my very own Christmas list. For your cozy, homebody loving friend, she’ll thank you later.
10. ban.do tees | For that quirky, fun-loving friend who just wants a laugh. You can’t go wrong with ban.do’s abundance of relatable, funny and all too true (ie: I Cry at Work) tees. So many to choose from, and for a great price! Most run TTS, but size up if you like them slightly oversized.
Creative:
1. Dream Baby Dream book | The ultimate coffee table book, but one you’ll want to flip through! For any and all Jimmy Marble fans out there, this one’s for you. And has become hands down, one of my favorite books I own.
2. Aura Aura Gift Certificate | I was particularly excited when they opened a Seattle location (they also have other locations)! Such a fun experience and one you can do solo, as a couple, with a friend or a pet.
3. Create & Cultivate LA Conference Ticket | One of the best conferences and blogger events I’ve been to. You get SO much out of this workshop including friendships, networking, advice, food, drinks, swag and tons of content. A ticket is the best gift for a friend that is an aspiring business owner, creative or blogger.
4. ban.do planner | An absolute must for my Christmas list and the only way I know how to function when a new year rolls around. So many cute styles to choose from this year and multiple sizes depending on what fits your lifestyle best.
5. Adobe Suite via Creative Cloud | The creative suite is the ultimate gift for your freelancing friend. Out of all the programs I can’t recommend Lightroom, Photoshop, InDesign enough!
6. Magic Mouse 2 | Every time I wonder why I have carpal tunnel I remember it was the years I spent using my trackpad instead of a mouse. Investing in a bluetooth Apple mouse was the best purchase I’ve made (personally, creatively and professionally).
7. Blue-light glasses | This year I started getting migraines and it’s been rough. Trying to figure out ways to alleviate the pain and discomfort has been a struggle but one product that’s helped me take preventative measures when I know I’m going to be in front of a screen all day (and every day) is blue light glasses. And no, you don’t have to break the bank. Amazon has so many amazing styles to shop, but these are my favs.
8. Ahead wireless over the ear headphones | If Airpods aren’t for the person on your list, try getting them on the over the ear headphone train but make them stylish. So many colors, great quality, long-lasting battery life and the sound isn’t fully noise canceling, but still does a great job.
9. The Secret Lives of Color book | Highly recommend as an office White Elephant gift. I picked up this book not too long ago at the bookstore and have loved paging through it to nerd out and learn about how certain color evolved and what its associations are. A great coffee table book nonetheless.
10. The Wing membership | I’m on the waitlist for when the Seattle location opens in 2020 but for all those with locations nearby, consider a membership for the freelancing businesswoman in your life. Memberships to these community working spaces are pricey, but worth the price if your pal needs a place to hang, get inspired, connect, work and be productive. Their spaces are to die for!
Hostess with the mostest:
1. Kyptown Olive Oil | I was recently introduced to Kyptown extra virgin olive oil and haven’t turned my back on it. This olive oil is straight from Greece, no additives and let’s just take a minute to admire the packaging. Sleek appearance, delicious, smooth, easy to cook with, drizzle onto anything and enjoy!
2. Simply Real Health cookbook | Sarah’s an inspiration local and afar in the food and wellness world. I had the pleasure of meeting her recently and can honestly say, she’s the real deal. She has two cookbooks, but her latest just came out last month and has been such a hit! Recipes are clean, (mostly) green and extremely simple and enjoyable to make.
3. Aran Goyoga cookbook | I recently received this book from an event where we got to learn more about Aran’s story, her cooking and the development of this new cookbook of hers with inspiration from her Spanish upbringing. The book is thoughtful, easy to follow and incredibly beautiful — the photography and food styling is absolutely stunning.
4. Winc subscription | The perfect gift for the wine lover in your life. Winc subscriptions include monthly wine deliveries (4+ wines varying in red, white, bubbly or natural) that is curated based on palate. A fun, personalized and enjoyable gift.
5. Alison Roman Nothing Fancy cookbook | As if I didn’t love Alison Roman enough from her Bon Apetit days, I think I fell even more in love with her cooking after purchasing her cookbook, Nothing Fancy. Just as the title reads, her recipes are simple, aesthetically-pleasing and all about how basics can be key to delicious dishes.
6. Marble coasters | I love to make a statement on the coffee table with our marble coasters, we also put them to use daily! A practical, stylish and affordable gift option.
7. The Pantry cooking class | I recently was able to attend a cooking class here (after a year of waitlists) with Tristan and it was the ultimate date night! We had so much fun taking a steakhouse classics cooking class — meeting other peeps, connecting with the chef, learning new techniques/tips in the kitchen and boosting our confidence in cooking new dishes. A great gift for any skill level in the kitchen!
8. White/gold flatware set | My favorite flatware set for styling in photoshoots — soon, I’ll own the full set. But until then, I’m encouraging you to gift them! Tons of colorways, affordable price, great quality.
9. jcoco chocolate set | For the sweet tooth in your life, you can’t go wrong with a chocolate set — especially form their new holiday collection, Dark. The packaging is killer and the flavors are unforgettable. My go-to chocolate brand.
10. W&P ceramic storage bowls | I’ve replaced all of our tupperware with these ceramic storage bowls and we LOVE them! Safe for the microwave, dishwasher and makes leftovers and school/work lunches easy and sustainable (another huge plus!)