Top Picks for Gifts for Her

 I am shopping, wrapping and baking like Christmas is less than 2 weeks away! Now that the kids gifts have been wrapped and hidden away, I am completely focused on finding the best gifts for women!

This year, you can skip the ugly Christmas sweaters and the standard boxes of chocolate that we all end up buying when we are stumped on what to get a special lady in our lives. I have gathered some of my favorite gift ideas to share with you. Buying an awesome gift has never been easier with this guide!

Product samples were received to inspire this gift guide.

1) Zerowater 23 Cup Pitcher
This is such a handy item with health benefits. I love the idea of gifting this water pitcher because it will help reduce the amount of plastic bottles used and thrown away in any household and it provides some amazingly crisp and clear water from the tap. This unit retails for under $40 and is so easy to use. All you need to do is fill it with tap water, give it a few moments to filter and push the easy to operate dispenser. The pitcher includes a testing unit to make sure you are drinking zero solids.

2) Balsam Fire Log by American Home  Yankee Candle
Relaxation is always a wonderful gift at the holidays. With this fire log by American Home for Yankee Candle, you can toss this in the fireplace and get cozy with your family. You can buy a 4 pack of 3 hour logs for under $25 for a fragrant and relaxing gifting option this holiday season. This makes a great gift because it is unique and everyone loves Yankee Candles!

3) Personal Trainer Food
As a mom who is eating healthier and devoted to living my best life at the holidays and long after they have passed, Personal Trainer Food is one of my favorite gift ideas. While it may be anything but traditional, you can rest assured the gift of delicious and easy to prepare food will be a hit with anyone this holiday season. Personal Trainer Food is not like any other diet I have tried. First, everything they offer is delicious. I love that you can order 2 weeks of food or a month, and pick what suits your palate.

I have tried other diet programs, and failed, but after one month of Personal Trainer Food I lost 9 pounds and had heaps of energy. I loved that I could eat real meat and cheese, plus snacks and lose weight by simply walking. I highly recommend this service to anyone that wants to live healthier, lose weight and eat REAL FOOD!

4) Thirty One Gifts
Thirty One has so many awesome options for the holidays. From handbags, totes and lunch thermals, to jewelry, pillows and more. I love to gift Thirty One because it supports women in small business and helps to make dreams come true. This year I am gifting the City Charcoal Chic Tote. It is gorgeous and works perfectly for a night on the town, or a great bag for work. The bag features a pebbled faux leather exterior and a colorful polka dot interior. It is spacious enough to tote all of your necessities around in without giving shoulder pains.

I am also loving the Endless Dreamer Necklace with charms. There are so many options to create a personal gift from the heart that she will love to wear and show off.

Thirty One also offers great gifts for the home, for the kids and for men too! My husband loves his Moosin Around Tote and uses it all of the time! No matter who you are shopping for, Thirty One has you covered!

5) Biore Products
Sometimes being an adult means putting yourself last. While we may not want to admit it, sometimes we let ourselves go. Biore offers a line of affordable and easy to use options that makes pampering a breeze. My favorites include the charcoal bar, the self heating one minute mask and of course, pore perfect strips! Priced at under $7 each, you can stuff a stocking with the gift of healthy skin, or you can pair these offerings with some small pampering items like sleeping masks, a great lotion like Curel Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer and some epsom salts to make a gift basket that will pamper and indulge the skin! I love that you can find all 3 of these items at mass retailers for a last minute gift option on a budget.

6) Healthy Fragrances
There is something super alluring about a new perfume. I am crazy for the line of Lavanila fragrances this year. Retailing at under $50 you can find these luscious full size perfumes at Sephora. I love that each fragrance is blended with organic sugar cane alcohol, natural botanical extracts, and pure essential oils that are delicate on sensitive skin. Unlike other fragrances on the market, the Healthy Fragrance is free of drying alcohol, petrochemicals and phthalates.

You can find this line in six invigorating scents: Vanilla Passion Fruit, Vanilla Grapefruit, Vanilla Coconut, Fresh Vanilla Lemon, Vanilla Summer, and Pure Vanilla.

7) Image Merry & Bright Skin Care
This is an affordable and awesome limited-edition collection containing IMAGE Skincare’s top rated VITAL C products to nourish, hydrate and revitalize dry, sensitive or redness-prone skin. Includes Vital C hydrating facial cleanser, Vital C hydrating anti-aging, Vital C hydrating enzyme masque, Vital C hydrating repair crème and Prevention+ daily hydrating moisturizer SPF 30. Retailing at under $20 this is going to make for a merry and bright complexion into the new year. Find it online or in spas and salons nationwide.

8) KORRES Greek Wonders Skin Kit
For under $40 you can give the gift of discovery. With the KORRES Greek Wonders Kit the inner  Greek Goddess on-the-go can shine with some of the most powerful, centuries-old skincare from Greece, all in travel size. Includes the Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser, Pomegranate Moisturising & Balancing Cream-Gel, Wild Rose Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial & Golden Krocus Ageless Saffron Elixir. This is available online, at sephora and from HSN. This is a great kit for  skin care on the go.

9) Holiday Glam Make Up
This year, why not gift her the hottest looks in make up? Sally Hansen and Rimmel have gorgeous and affordable options that make perfect stocking stuffers! I love the glam in grey offerings this year as they are elegant without being over the top. Look for Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Lip Colour, Rimmel London ScandalEyes Eyeshadow Stick, Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polishes and Insta Dri Nail Color in grey shades for under $10 each. These make a gorgeous glam stocking stuffer option!

10) Gourmet Gift Baskets
I am a big fan of gourmet gift baskets! They have the yummiest gift options! From sweet treats, to buckets of beer, and giant cookies! Plus everything yummy in between! This year I am favoring a few options such as the Pineapple Dried Fruit Platter. Retailing at under $50 this is a healthy and sweet gift option. Presented on an eye catching pineapple shaped cutting board, this is a great hostess gift, or a way to share something guilt free and decadent to your guests this holiday season. The dried fruit platter includes pineapple, cherries, plums, apricots, dates, plums, kiwi, pitted prunes and apple rings.  In the 1700s, the pineapple was the ultimate symbol of hospitality. This modern version of the pineapple gift is sure to evoke similar feelings of warmth, community and camaraderie.

I also love the Tour of Italy Gift Basket. This is packed with delicious goodies from Italy! This is the ultimate gift for a foodie. It contains rich pasta crafted in Puglia, tomato sauce originating from Rome, and gourmet pistachio biscotti for dessert, and so much more like marinated artichoke hearts, Tuscan minestrone soup and even luscious lemon wafer bites. Retailing at under $130, this gift offers a perfect escape from winter weather without ever leaving the house!

Sometimes, you need a sweet gift for a sweet lady. The Good Tidings Holiday Gift Basket by Gourmet Gift Baskets is the perfect option! Featuring so many favorite sweets like white chocolate cranberry cookies, Ghirardelli Chocolate Belgian Chocolate Truffles and an ah-mazing cashew brittle to name a few, this is a gift basket that will satisfy her cravings for sweets while indulging her in the gourmet side of gifting. Retailing for under $50, this is one sweet way to spread holiday cheer!

11)  AiroSpa Pillow
 Gifting luxury is as easy as gifting this unique, simple to use, affordable, multi-purpose stress reliever and aromatherapy pillow that can be used at home and travel anywhere. With its built-in and patented fan, air-flow vents and face-down angled construction, the AiroSpa™ Pillow can be used as a home/office/travel massage experience enhancer with a partner or all on its own for a calming and relaxing experience. I love that it can use your favorite essential oil to take a massage to the next level of bliss, or to give you a restful experience on the road.

If you have favorite gift ideas for a special lady this holiday season I would love to hear about them! Leave me a comment to inspire my last minute shopping!

Wine Fairy Gift Basket Ideas

Has the wine fairy trend taken over in your community? It is so much fun! I have been making baskets to share with strangers since covid started. I am obsessed! I have found some fantastic goodies to include, should you be moved to get in on the secret sister, wine fairy movement.

My friend Kristy invited me to join a facebook group in March called Secret Sisters Pay it Forward. At first, I kind of rolled my eyes at the idea. But, I found myself scrolling the posts after cocktail hour. Within an hour, I was ordering goodies and making a basket for a mom of two girls who happened to live on the next street. 

Things may have spiraled from there. I joined another group, started building baskets and sneaking them on porches of perfect strangers. I have even been blessed to be visited by the wine fairy!

 Here are some of my favorite items to include. Affiliate links may have been used in this post, or samples may have been sent.

With  dining options limited, why not gift a little gourmet with Lanconiko olive oils and balsamic vinegar. I have used many kinds of olive oil, but this is one of my favorite brands. Order it online for about $22 a bottle

Bicycle playing cards are a great goodie to include in a secret sister basket. They can be enjoyed solo or with a friend and during times of social distancing can surely offer a fun way to pass time. Buy them from retailers nationwide, or order a special deck from Bicycle.

Kabaki Kenyan Purple Tea is perfect for sharing with a secret sister. These are really good purple tea, that feels fancier than the standard bottled version. There are several great varieties available. Order them online for under $20 a 6 pack.

Adding some Sugarpova bars, truffles or gummies to a wine fairy gift basket is a recipe for delight. These are such good, high quality candies that everyone will love. Order online, or find a retailer near you on the Sugarpova site.

Wine Fairies can deliver comfort as well as good booze. Yogalastics is one of my favorite hair tie brands for good reason; they are so comfy! Order a few packs to share, and to treat your hair to no pulling, less slipping and no headaches from your hair ties for about $12 a pack.

If you want to add a one of a kind greeting to your secret sister, wine fairy basket, these quirky ones from A Couple Puns are perfect. Order these spunky and adorable cards from Amazon at 5 for $20.

While it might seem like a strange thing to gift a stranger, the Restroom Kit is a handy and thoughtful way to spread cheer. I mean, even strangers need to potty on the go, and this is a sanitary way to do it. Order these online to give wipes, paper and a seat cover as needed, anytime, anywhere. 3 packs are $11.

Give your secret sister a secret weapon with these hang over preventative gummies by Always Toast. These are a great and delicious way to make sure that when the wine fairy visits, the next day is as pleasant as can be. Find them online.

Surprise a secret sister with a delicious assortment of bubbly drinks in cute little bottles with these offerings from Mionetto. I could sip the rose all day. These are perfect for a treat, or making a tiny celebration feel uber elegant. Check out the collection online to purchase or find Mionetto in stores.

Groove Life rings are my latest obsession; I love them so much because I work with my hands a lot. It is not uncommon to find me sawing something, mixing cement, or even building with pallets. All of that action can be disastrous to my jewelry. Groove Life rings are perfect for hands on chicks like me. There are so many styles to choose from from men and women! Add one to a gift basket for a wow moment that is a big win for the wine fairy. Order them online for about $35 each.

Mimosas are perfect with brunch right? Who ever said Mimosas aren't perfect for anytime, any day? Ohza brings the bubbly favorite to wine fairy gift baskets with ease this summer. Available in 3 ah-mazing flavors, you can order these for about $36 a 12 pack. Buy online, or locate a store near you from the website. 

If you have been making wine fairy baskets? I would love to hear what you are including in yours!

Top Picks for Gifts for Guys

Shopping for the special men in your life can be a challenge! We are at less than 2 weeks until Christmas and I have been searching high and low for awesome gift ideas. I cannot bring myself to buy another pair of sleep pants or drug store shaving kit to wrap up and present to my husband or father.

This year I am sharing the most thoughtful, sophisticated, stylish and delicious gift options for the guys! Product samples were received to inspire this guide.

1) Silk Pocket Square; The City of New York

There is something really classy about a pocket square. This one is perfect for my history loving husband. The silk pocket square depicts the City of New York in the 1870's Retailing at under $60 this is a gift that adds so much flair to any outfit. The printing is eye catching and thought provoking, for a truly one of a kind gift.

2) Black Lapel Custom Velvet Dinner Jackets

This is a gift to splurge on, as it is truly a gorgeous dinner jacket. Perfect for a special event, or a unforgettable night on the town, any man with this ensemble in his closet is prepared for anything, no matter how swanky it may be. Retailing at $549 this jacket is a one of a kind. Conversation-starting, luxurious and reasonably priced, these custom-tailored velvet blazers are sure to make any man a standout for the holidays, whether he's just going out to a bar or dinner, or he's attending the most posh, highly celebratory events. These stunners come in navy blue, black and deep purple and are sure to make people ask the handsome man wearing them, "Where did you get that beautiful blazer?"

3)Eduplated.com

If your special guy wants to get in better shape or take steps to being healthier than ever, this app is perfect for gifting. Think match.com for dieters! It links him with a dietician to make healthy choices and start living his best life. There are 2 plans available starting at about $50 a month, or $100 a month. Since this is an app, you can truly shop at the last minute and still deliver a great gift!

4) GourmetGiftBaskets.com

I love the offerings from gourmetgiftbaskets.com and how they take the stress out of shopping by delivering a great gift, right to the door of whoever you are gifting! This year, I love the Fresh Fruit Gift Basket option for a sweet yet healthy holiday offering. Featuring red and green apples and oranges, this is a super fresh and inviting gift option. Retailing at under $100 this is an excellent way to send holiday cheer with a fantastic assortment of fruits, popcorn, cookies, crackers and so much more!

Because life is short and you should totally eat the cookies and brownies that Christmas has to offer, I love the Baked Goods Sampler Gift Basket . This basket is packed full of irresistible options like Peanut Butter Brownies, Lemon Sugar Cookies, Peanut Butter Cookies and Chocolate Chunk Brownies to name a few. Retailing at under $60 this is a sweet gift for a great guy!

5) Thirty One Moosin Around Large Utility Totes

Thirty One has so many fun options for the whole family, and the guys are not excluded! I love that this is a masculine print that he won't mind carrying to games, events and practices. It is spacious and comfortable to carry and can be used in so many ways! Thirty One can help him get organized and carry all of the essentials on any adventure he goes on. Retailing at $35 this is a great gift for any guy on your list. You can also find this print on Thermal Lunch Totes, mini bins and more to give him the gift of organization and function on a budget.

6) Ugly Christmas Sweaters

This is one of the most fun gift options of the season. I love love love that they have star wars options available for the guys on your list. My favorites include the At At Ugly Christmas Sweater which is so subtly wonderful that if you don't know Star Wars you might not get it. I am also crazy for the Boba Fett button up sweater which is colorful and super cozy! Priced at under $50 these are festive and fun options for the guys on your list. If they aren't into Star Wars, no sweat, you can find so many other awesome options onsite.

If you have ideas for thoughtful gifts for him this Christmas, please leave a comment to share the inspiration! From my family to yours, Happy Holidays!

Gifts for Women

 What are you going to get the ladies in your life this holiday season? I have found some fun options that any woman would love to unwrap this year. These gifts work for a variety of interests and budgets. I hope this list helps you find something fantastic for the holidays and simplifies your shopping too!

Samples have been provided for inclusion.

Twirl pillow cases give ladies an inspirational message to help them sleep empowered! These are a good quality pillowcase, and they are great for gifting someone you might not know what to give. Starting at $125, these are a one of a kind gift option.

A Year of Self Love Calendar makes for a great gift that keeps on giving. This option from Workman publishing is under $16 and offers a year of self affirmations to help any woman start her day off on the right note. 

If you need a gift for a lady you don't know very well, gift her cleaner surfaces with these Copper Clean items. You can add an antimicrobial patch to any commonly used surface, like a phone, a door handle and more, or give her some really good copper pens. Pens start at about $8.

The Craftbud Candle Making Kit is one of my favorite gift options this year. This kit has everything needed to make some impressive candles; from wick to wax and everything needed along the way. Order this kit for about $65 from amazon for some crafty gifting!

The My Little Mascara Club is the perfect gift for a makeup loving lady because this club ships a fresh little mascara as needed, so she will never have to deal with clumps and lumps again. Order a starter kit for about $21.

The Mixify Nail Polish Kit is awesome for gifting. These stylish tins have everything needed to create a custom color, or two of nail polish. This is fun for chicks of all ages! Order for about $35.

A detoxing soap makes for a unique and useful gift.This Charcoal and Clay bar soap option from Rustic Maka is great. It smells pleasant, refreshes the skin, and is affordable at under $8 a bar. 

Sapadilla makes some very useful and natural cleaning products for the home. While normally I would advise you to avoid cleaning products as a gift, but these are really good and good for the environment too. Cleaners start at about $10 and are worth every penny!

If you need some gorgeous yet sassy ornaments, check out the collection from Hazel Grove Customs. From corkscrews to pie servers, they offer so many great gift options. Get a few ornaments for friends with a sense of humor this holiday season.

Let your favorite gal make a wish and journal her way to making it come true with Wishwork. This is such a fun gift idea that includes a book and a bracelet that is the perfect place to store your wish!  Prices start at $30 and the bracelets are so pretty!

Minioso 3 wick candles are an awesome gift because they smell as good as a high dollar option and they look great, but you can buy them in a variety of scents for under $11. Talk about a steal! Get a few for those ladies you don't know well but want to gift anyhow.

I love subscription boxes as gifts because they offer an assortment and they are probably the most fun mail to open ever! Like a surprise filled with surprises awaits! These pretty boxes from Her Mine are about $35 a month and have an awesome assortment of goodies from candles, to skin care and more. 

Tweexy is a wearable way to paint your nails with ease while keeping your polish on hand, literally. These are awesome gifts for women of all ages. Get a tweexy for about $10 for a unique and useful gift.

Bel Essence makes a line of anti aging skin care products that are kind to animals and awesome for your skin. This affordable line is great for gifting as the line has something for everyone, to help them keep their youthful appearance. Prices start at about $31.

If you are looking for a great gift for a plant lover, Hasting House Designs has some simply lovely hanging plant holders that are great gifts! Pair it with a small potted plant and you have a gift of art and life. They have a variety of nice holders and wall art available on etsy, where prices start at about $30.

Envirosax bags are awesome for gifts, or to use as a gift bag that will be used all the time. Not only are these stylish, but also they are so durable. I have had the same 3 bags from this brand for about 6 years, and they are still going strong. Order for about $11, in a variety of prints. 

Mine is an on the go jewelry cleaning tool that any woman who loves jewelry will appreciate. This is a great gift because it is affordable and useful. Order from amazon for $16.

Safesleeve phone cases are awesome for gifting because these are so useful, they offer protection and they have a place for your debit and credit cards! Using a safesleeve has been life changing for me because I now have someone safer to hold my debit card than my pocket, plus, this protective case keeps my phone safe while blocking radiation! Order for about $35.

Tenikle universal phone mounts are awesome for gifts because they make using your phone for videos, music, talking, livestreaming and more a hands free, and secure event. This unique design is so much more fun than the average phone mount. Order for about $30.

This year make a statement with your gift while the gift makes its own statement with options from Fair Anita. Find cute and ethical jewelry, clothing and bags at affordable prices. Necklaces start at about $22.

Urban Hydration makes an awesome line of Aloe Vera based skin care products. Order them all and pop them into a pretty basket and you have one awesome, complete gift that is going to wow any woman! Order these skin care products starting at $10 each.

Gift a lady in your life some Stylistic Abstract Swan and Pink Flamingo LACBirds fine art blank fold over greeting cards are created with the artwork of Laura Ann Cohn (LAC)..  Each card has a colored border making it a ready to frame printed piece of art. Made with love in Texas, USA. Order a 6 pack of these fine art cards for about $22 on Etsy.

The Morning Side Kick Journal gives  the gift of an engaging, fully guided morning planner to help you wake up earlier and start the day with a perfect morning routine that works for you. You can order this handsome journal for about $29.

These gorgeous wine tumblers from Everything Decorated make an awesome gift! These are really good insulated tumblers and they are decorated perfectly. Be warned, the box the items from this store arrive in so pretty! It is a work of art on its own. Browse the selection of goods for sale and find something to make one of a kind with personalization.

I know polishing rags don't seem gift worthy, but these from Aunt Mary Ann's Authentic are too good  not to share! These can be used for so many things around the house. The sugar scrub pairs perfectly with it for a smooth and clean start to winter. Check out the line of products from Dragonwise and find a few new favorites to share this holiday season.

Flo Home Delight offers high-end textile accessories that makes amazing gifts for refined men and women. Crafted in France, and shipped via amazon, you can count on these delightful coin purses being a hit! Order for about $58 

Shashi socks are different because they work with all of the shoes in your closet. From open toe styles to no show and more, these are grippy and unique for a discerning sock drawer. Order for about $18 a pair.

 In honor of the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg,  Shanti Creations NYC created a Notorious RBG Candle, which will allow for 10% of the candle to go to a non profit for women’s equality . Order this really great smelling candle in respect or rebellion for $30

Roam Often offers these awesome and cozy scarves that can double as blankets! They are so soft and stylish that they make the perfect gift! These cost about $40 and are sure to get a ton of use this winter. 

Art Studio Live offers these fantastic painting kits that have everything needed to host a painting party at home! This kit has 6 colors, 3 brushes, a generously sized canvas and palettes to make painting a breeze with everything you need. Order for about $30 and it includes the painting tutorial of your choice!

Give the gift of an upgraded nail polish experience with Dr.'s Remedy Enriched Nail Care. This vegan nail polish is unlike any I have ever used before. It provides excellent coverage and is good for your nails too! Prices start around $17 a bottle. They have an impressive line of colors to choose from.

High on Love dry body oil makes for a great gift idea because it leaves skin super soft and nourished! Almost any lady would love this product. It is infused with CBD  and is non greasy for a healthy glow. Order for about $45.

L'Duex is the perfect gift because it brings pretty jewelry and hair ties together to create something that is functional and fashionable. Prices start at $26.

A fluffy towel set is always a great gift idea because they are super useful! This Hotel Collection

Ultimate Micro Cotton towel from Macy's is very plush and absorbent. Order for about $17 a towel for any woman on your shopping list this season!

23 Skin gives the gift of great skin care and a little pampering, in a pretty and portable package. Gift Natures Most Energetic Skin Care for about $35 a jar, or get this mini gift bundle for $35.

Nature by Canus makes for a wonderful gift this holiday. Grab some of this awesome goat milk soap, lotion and milk bath starting at about $5 a bar and add them to a pretty basket for a gift that is ready to go!

Any woman who loves to cook will appreciate this automatic, hands free Yes You Can can opener by Kitchen Mama. This little handheld can opener is easy to use and doesn't need loads of counter space. Order it for about $25 for anyone who likes to cook at home.

A super cute bubble tea coloring book is so fun to give or get this year! This book has 50 fun pages to color and will help any woman relax! Order The Boba Coloring Book for about $9 on amazon.

Every woman needs a great watch and the collection from undone makes for a great gift. These are stylish without being flashy, and they have options for both men and women. Make a statement to quality this year with an Undone watch.

I hope these gift ideas help you find a great gift for a lady on your shopping list this holiday season! While you are here check out these other holiday posts.