Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers For Her

December 5, 2016

Verdure Stocking from Anthropologie

I love finding unique stocking stuffers for Christmas gifts and today I’m sharing a few of my favorite stocking stuffer picks for women. If you’re wondering what all of these items have in common well I’ll tell you…

Stocking Stuffer Check List

1) Something indulgent

2) Something practical

3) Something that pampers

4) $40 or less

5) Something I’d love to have myself

This Peppermint Foot Soak is the perfect way to unwind during after a long day of shopping or when you want to simply pamper yourself. Pair this with a cute pair of slipper socks to UpStyle the gift.

As a tea drinker, this Art Of Tea Tasting set would be pure indulgence on a cold morning or in the evening while winding down.

These Diamond Dust Earrings hare the perfect gift for the fashionista in your life. And at $9.99 you might want to pick up a pair for yourself.

Anthropologie’s signature candle scent, Capri Blue smells so good you know the Capri Blue Hand Cream has to be wonderful.

Beanies are the ‘it’ fashion statement right now and I adore the orange and pink color combo in this Midtown Beanie.

Every woman will love the Artist Atelier Eau De Parfum roll on fragrance and there are 4 artistic color combos to choose from.

This Lucky Token Keychain is a great gift and a good reminder to live life to the fullest. Perfect for a special girlfriend.

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I’ll be back later in the week to share stocking stuffers for the men in your life because we all know that shopping for men can be a real challenge.

If you have a favorite stocking stuffer, leave me a comment and share it with me.

Holiday Hostess Gift–DIY Gift Tag Jar

November 20, 2016

Is your holiday party calendar is already booked up? If so, I know you’re on the hunt for creative hostess gift ideas. I’ll be sharing my Holiday Gift Guides starting Monday but today I have a fun and easy DIY hostess gift idea to share.

No matter what type of holiday party we attend, my criteria for a hostess gift is that it needs to be creative, fun AND useful. This year I came up with the idea of creating a Holiday Gift Tag Jar filled with an assortment of gift tags and ribbon. What I love about this gift is that it only take a few minutes to pull together and you can find all of the supplies you need for less than $12! Everything you see here came from TJMaxx.

I used a glass jar for this hostess gift but you could use jsut about any decorative container that you want. The jar is purchased has a pretty embossed snowflake pattern on the outside but you could add a sticker to a plain jar to get the same effect. And I purchased boxed sets of ribbon and gift tags which included enough of each that I am able tome two jars.

Lay out all your ribbon and tags and mix and match so that you jar includes a variety. Fill the jar so that you can see everything inside and then tie a bow around the lid as a finishing touch. It’s that easy!

In addition to being a great hostess gift, a Holiday Gift Tag jar would make a fun gift for a girlfriend, co-worker or someone in your posse like your hair stylist or manicurist.

p.s. A Holiday Gift Tag Jar isn’t just for Christmas. You can make a year round version filled with all occasion tags and ribbon.

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To make your own handcrafted gift tags, check out this post. And you and get tips on building your own gift tag collection here.

Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers to WOW!

December 13, 2015

One of my favorite parts of holiday gift giving is finding unique and fun stocking stuffers to fill Christmas stocking for my family. With only 12 days left before Christmas, I’ve been surfing the web and shopping the aisles to find items that I know will bring a smile on Christmas morning.

Just for you, here’s my round-up of practical, personal, fun and useful stocking stuffers ranging from $4.99 to $49.00!

FOR HER

Honey Jar $7.95 ♦ Travel Jewelry Case $19.95 ♦ Monogram Stickers 20/$5.25

Imprinted Pencils 6/$10.50 ♦ Watercolor Garden Agenda Notebook $23.00 ♦ Scented Candle $12.99

Faux Suede Gloves $12.90 ♦ Handbag Organizer $19.99

FOR HIM

Leather Panel Gloves $14.90 ♦ Roll Up Travel Charger $29.00 ♦ Thermos Insulated Water Bottle (the best ever) $24.99

Buffalo Check Dopp Kit $14.99 ♦ Brass Money Clip $20.00 ♦ Men’s Valet Tray $9.99

iPhone Zoom Lens & TriPod $22.00 ♦ Men’s Grooming Kit $12.99

FOR ANYONE

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix $14.99 ♦ Sonic Toothbrush (a great travel piece) $11.99

Power Bank Charger $23.99 ♦ Mini Tape Gun $4.99

Self Inking Address Stamp $39.00 ♦ Leather iPhone Case $49.00

Happy Shopping!

My Favorite Things 2015!

November 20, 2015

Last year I started a holiday series entitled 30 Days of Holidays. I had such a blast sharing all kinds of holiday decorating, wrapping, gifting and entertaining ideas that I’ve decided to run the series again this year.

The 30 Days of Holidays series will kick off on Nov. 24th with the first of my holiday gift guides. I’ve been shopping my favorite stores and online shops to bring you the best gifts to give (or put on your list) this Christmas. As part of the series I’ll also be sharing holiday DIY projects, gift wrap ideas and my holiday decor.

Since I’ve got holiday gifts on my mind, I thought it would be fun to share my personal gift list with you. These are all items that I’d buy for myself (and in some cases already have) or would love to find under the tree on Christmas morning.

Enjoy and let me know which item is your favorite!

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Read the Post

Gifting 101: A few gifts you should be buying NOW for Christmas

January 19, 2015

I’ve always tried to stay one step ahead when it comes to holiday gift giving. I usually take advantage of the after-Christmas sales and pick up a few gift items for the coming year. January is a great month to begin creating a gift list and checking out stores for sales. Several of my favorite stores have amazing clearance events going on right now and there are some fabulous items to be had. I’ve rounded up a few of my faves in case you want to get a jump on your 2015 holiday shopping.

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Mark and Graham is one of my favorite online shops and when it comes to monogrammed accessories, they have some amazing items to choose from. All of their monogrammed items make great gifts for Christmas or any other gift giving occasion for that matter.

Gift shopping for men is always a challenge. This Leather Credit Card Case–($19.99) is a great buy and makes the perfect gift men {and women}. And if you have someone graduating this year, it’s a great grad gift too.

A classic like this Monogrammed Weekender–($119.99) is a gift that will last a lifetime.

Who wouldn’t love this Leather iPad Envelope–($59.00). Available in 9 colors.

I’m all about zippered pouches that I can fill with essentials and throw in a larger handbag–so many uses for an item like this. Striped Zip Pouches-($34.99-$35.00)

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If I’m out shopping the day after Christmas, Pottery Barn is one of the stores I always go to. I love finding holiday ornaments, tabletop items and textiles on sale. Here are a few items that I think are worth adding to your gift closet.

How fun is this Globe Ice Bucket–($54.99). Because it has a chalkboard exterior it can be used for any occasion and when not in use as an ice bucket, I think it would make a pretty cute nut or candy bowl.

Luxury at a great price. Faux Oversized Mohair Throw ($39.99-$55.00)

These Alphabet Tags-($3.99) are just adorable and their classic design means you can use them now until Christmas. And don’t forget that tags like them can also be used a napkin rings, wine bottle tags or as holiday ornaments.

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Crate and Barrel is also a store worth shopping after the holidays. Here are a few decorative items that are definitely worth buying.

If you’re looking for a unique gift for someone who loves to decorate I highly recommend these Brass Letter Art pieces. They are a great buy at $9.97 each and are available in letters and numbers.

January is a great month to pick up seasonal candles and these Branch Taper Candles are definitely a stylish steal. $2.97

Stocking up on wrapping paper after the holidays can save you a lot of money when Christmas rolls around next year. I love the elegant style and color of this Lacy Snowflake Wrapping Paper and love the price even more–$3.58!

When it comes to setting a holiday table, you can never go wrong with classic white dinnerware. This Nordic Plate ($2.47) is really pretty and has a design that will work from fall through Christmas.

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There are lots of deals to be had right now when shopping the after Christmas sales so start making that list of checking it twice. Christmas is only 339 days away.

For more gifting ideas, read all about my essentials for a well stocked gift closet here.

Happy Shopping!

Last Minute Holiday Gift & Decor Ideas {with links}

December 22, 2014

Ok, it’s crunch time. If you’re still in need of a few Christmas gifts or need to add a few more decorative elements to your home, I’ve got a great round-up of quick and easy gift and decor ideas.

You are definitely going to be inspired so get ready to gift and decorate!

LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEAS

First up is this amazing DIY blanket scarf from Amy of the MomAdvice blog. Read this easy tutorial and then hop in the car and head to your local fabric store to grab supplies to make a scarf or two for someone on your list..including you!

tip: In a pinch you could also cut up a holiday tablecloth and get the same results!

This Grown Up Hot Chocolate is an easy gift to put together and is something both men and women will enjoy.

tip: you and find all of the ingredients for this at the grocery store

I showed you the Christmas Candy Tubes I made for my family a couple of weeks ago but wanted to share them again in case you need a quick gift for the mailman, grandkids or the hairdresser. Instead of filling your tube with candy like I did, fill it with money, lottery tickets or even a jewelry.

tip: if you can’t find mailing tubes at a store, cut up the cardboard inserts that are in your rolls of gift wrap

When all the big box stores are sold out of cold weather goods, head to your local thrift store on Christmas Eve and pick up a few sweaters so you can make some adorable DIY Mittens like these.

How cute are these DIY Wine Goblets. A trip to the Dollar Store and the Sharpies you already own and you’ve got a great gift. A

Add a bottle of wine or DIY Coasters to Up-Style your gift.

And don’t forget how easy it is to turn a plain mug into an awesome Ribbon Wrapped Mug Christmas gift.

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS DECOR IDEAS

When it comes to last minute holiday decorating, head to the yard and clip a few branches and sprigs of greenery. Coat a few of the branches with white spray paint and add the bundle to a decorative vase.

Yvonne over at StoneGable created these beautiful arrangements and has even more last minute decorating ideas to share with you over on her blog.

Take that left over ribbon you have lying around and wrap a few of your everyday pillows for a quick and easy Christmas Pillow update for your sofa like Cassie from HiSugarplum did!

If you’re holiday centerpiece still needs to be done, use a few of the wrapped gifts under the tree to create a Gift Box Centerpiece. So cut and so easy!

All it takes to create an ornament display for your mantel at the last minute is a few ornaments and a glass container.