A HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Nov 30

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

Tis’ indeed that time of year. Every Christmas, I struggle with what to get for my loved ones and what to ask for myself. I remember going to YouTube in middle school and searching “gift ideas for friends” or “easy DIY Christmas presents”. I wanted to compile my own list and help someone out there just like Bethany Mota and Aspyn Ovard helped me in the days of my youth.

The products you’ll see today are either things I have been given (by others or even myself), have given to others, or things that are on my Christmas list this year!

Please remember, this list is simply for ideas! I tried to include every price range for inclusivity and I hope you’ll find your own way to personalize these items. After all, it’s about love and thoughtfulness!

$95 - $175

LARQ WATER BOTTLE

$95

The LARQ Water Bottle is a self-cleaning water bottle that uses a UV light to keep the water free of bio-contaminants. Growing up, I didn’t drink a lot of water. I’m not sure how I went so long without drinking at least four glasses a day! In the spring, I kept seeing ads for this water bottle and at the time, I didn’t have enough money to buy it for myself. My birthday came around and my parents bought it for me.

Aside from the bottle’s sleek design, it’s practicality not only makes this water bottle a staple in Your life, but also a generous gift to the one You love most.

TIFFANY 1837 RING

$175

I do not own this ring, but I have dreamed of it for years. Ever since I was given a monogrammed Tiffany necklace for my birthday long ago, Tiffany has been one of my favorite designer brands. I love the bold simplicity.

As Tiffany says, this ring is for the one in your life that “exudes sophisticated elegance”.

INSTAX MINI 90 NEO CLASSIC

$120

FujiFilm’s instax mini cameras have been around for so long. I got this one for Christmas a couple years ago and now have a box full of memories to physically hold onto forever.

Instant cameras are such a great way to truly capture the moment while living in it at the same time!

$50 - $100

CROSLEY RECORD PLAYER

$70-75

One of the best gifts I’ve gotten in the past five years has been my record player. It' is my prized possession. I love the crackling sound of the spinning vinyl and I love every ninety-nine-cent record I’ve found at Goodwill.

I will pass my records down to my children just as some records have been passed down to me! This is the perfect gift for an old-soul!

VOLUSPA BOURBON VANILLE CANDLE

$68

I found this lovely candle at Anthropologie and can say with confidence that it’s one of my new favorite scents ever. My apartment is filled with this candle!

It burns evenly and even comes in different sizes so fit every space.

MEJURI HONEY MINI SIGNET

$50

My oh my, do I love this adorable little ring. It slips perfectly and sits comfortably on my pinky finger and always receives compliments.

I named her Honey.

$20 - $50

SET ACTIVE SCULPTFLEX™ BOX CUT BRA

$45

I bought my first SET ACTIVE bra last year in the color Matcha. It exceeded every expectation I had and is without a doubt one of my favorite bras. It’s perfect for any type of movement or even lounging around the house.

I also am in love with the brand and their minimalistic and thoughtful approach to fashion. They care about their audience and the quality of their clothing.

Not to mention, they have the dreamiest colors and are size-inclusive! I have several bras in different styles, but the box cut is my favorite! I even bought my best-friend one for her birthday.

YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE SUPERFOOD CLEANSER

$36

When my skin was going through it a while back, I switched up all my old products for new ones. Some things worked and others didn’t, but this was a purchase I have held onto with the tightest grip. Yes… it’s that good!

Made from clean ingredients, this cleanser does the job at properly cleansing your beautiful face. It’s also mindfully thoughtfully produced using only recyclable packaging.

I know how hard it can be to find the right products for your truly unique skin. Take my words with a grain of salt, do your own research, and try it for yourself! I think this cleanser would not only be a great addition to a skincare routine, but a great product to use with your bestie on an at-home spa night!

AUGUSTA BLUE LIGHT GLASSES

$28

2020 has brought us some unexpected changes. One of the biggest being Zoo and any other online platform that may be used to virtually connect with the rest of the world.

As a person who is sensitive to light, especially from a computer, blue light glasses have been a game-changer for me! I find myself being able to look at a screen longer and have had a significant decrease in headaches.

And the best part is, they are so fashionable! I love the shape of these from Anthropologie, but you can buy them from so many different places and find a style that fits you best!

$10 - 20

GLOSSIER CLOUD PAINT

$18

I was never a blush person until someone recommended Cloud Paint to me. Now, blush is one of favorite products to add to my face.

Cloud paint is perfectly pigmented and ridiculously natural looking. It’s also unscented and lasts all day.

In my eyes, it’s the perfect gift or even stocking-stuffer for your makeup-guru friend, It’s comes in eight shades so you can switch up your look!

MOLESKINE DOTTED LARGE CASHIER JOURNAL

$14

I have been buying these Moleskine journals every year for almost three years now. They are my favorites! I love that I’ve built an aesthetically pleasing collection of journals and in different colors.

But aside from the looks, journaling has been a huge part of my life since high school. I believe it is a major key in getting to know and love yourself. If you give this gift to someone, think of it as just that — the key to self-discovery and the beginning or continuation of their self-love journey.

T2 FRENCH EARL GREY TEA BAGS

$12

Mmmmmm hot tea! I love a good cup of tea and this blend from my favorite tea shop hits the spot! It’s soothing while also having a hint of fruitiness!

I bought this for a friend for a secret santa gift exchange last year and they loved it. It’s also wonderful for sharing with guests as you cuddle up and watch a movie this holiday season.

$10 AND UNDER

SMITH’S MINTED ROSE LIP BALM

For under the mistletoe perhaps…

(Alexa, play Mistletoe by JB)

MANI AND PEDI

$10

You can never go wrong with nail polish! Buy your friend their favorite color and set up a time to get together! Either safely in-person or virtually.

SWEET TREAT

$10

Make your person something special from a recipe book or one of their favorite treats! Homemade cinnamon rolls are my favorite dish to make for my family and friends… and myself!

FOR FREE!

GIVE A LOVE LETTER

It doesn’t have to be romantic. Words may be the most genuine gift you can give to someone. Make it honest and heartfelt. Tell them how you really feel… let it all spill on a piece of paper.

MAKE A PLAYLIST

Frank Sinatra once said “music puts wings on the human spirit”. This holiday, give someone wings! You can make a playlist of songs that remind you of them or songs that mean a lot to the both of you.

GIVE OUT COUPONS

Here’s an oldie but goodie. I’ve been doing this for years. Make a few coupons that your loved one is able to cash in at a later time. Something like: a movie marathon, pizza night, “dinner on me”, a midnight drive and a sunset walk this summer

It gives them something to look forward to down the road! And hopefully when that time comes, you won’t have to do it virtually.

Ashley Nord

A HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

$95 - $175

$50 - $100

$20 - $50

$10 - 20

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