Every year I tell myself I’m going to keep it simple… and then I hear that first holiday song! Like the Grinch, my heart swells 3x the size, my generosity goes rogue and suddenly I’m in full-blown Santa with a side of Oprah mode: You get a gift! You get a gift!
So here it is….drum roll please…my Holiday Hit List! It’s a curated roundup of things I love, actually use, and will proudly recommend without shame. Consider this your shortcut to being the friend, partner, or parent who absolutely nails gift-giving this year.
1. The “You Deserve Luxury Daily” Pick
CSM Skin Care Ultimate Glow Collection – Everything in this line is clean, the ingredients are pure and the entire company culture is about people over profits. I use almost everything in the line and am obsessed. So while this collection is a game changer, grabbing anything from this brand is a win because nothing says “I love you” like helping someone’s face glow in 4K. They are having holiday deals, so snag ‘em!
2. The Cozy Comfort Gift
The Minky Blanket – I am a blanket-aholic and a total soft fabric snob and this blanket brand soars above the rest. I kid you not, I’ve bought them all! This is the blanket that makes me want to cancel plans. Sorry, not sorry when you do too. BTW, sale items are the way to go here!
3. The “I Saw This and Thought of You” Treasure
Indigo Ellie Jewelry – This Etsy small business brand is female owned and operated! Buy premade or custom designs that bring style and sentiment together in the most meaningful way. This is the gift that will make hearts melt and tears well. Oh, and…it’s also chic AF.
4. The “Take My Money, This Is Genius” Find
Hatch – Phone-free sleep content to unwind with instead of doomscrolling? Gentle sunrise wake ups over abrupt alarms? Ummm…yes please! Hatch has hit a juggernaut with this screenless device. Everyone can benefit from this brand. Remember, small shifts add up to big change over time, and sleep habits count for extra! Get this for the friend who loves a good life upgrade, bio hack or simply needs a new rest ritual.
5. The For-the-Home Glow-Up
VOYAGE ET CIE Candles – I am a TOTAL sucker for scents that send me and these candles are it. As if their french vibes weren’t enough of a full body yes, they say that “every scent is developed to create a memory, develop space and envelop you in inspiration”. These candles are handmade with vegetable wax and essential oils with packaging that feels like a gift in and of itself. These candles say…you glow with the best of them!
6. The “Treat Yourself, Babe” Splurge
ALL SAINTS Tote Bag – A touch of designer can go a long way, especially when it doesn’t completely break the bank. This tote nails it! TBH, a great tote can make all the difference when you’re on the go, especially when it makes you feel stylish. You get to spoil yourself with things like this because you’re grown, it’s the holidays, and well, let’s be honest…you don’t need an excuse!
7. The Under-$25 Magical Little Things
Personalized Stationary – It’s nostalgia meets personalization. With the holiday discount they are offering, you are scoring big time on such a thoughtful, timeless, classic gift. This gift is proof you don’t have to spend big to show somehow how well you know them or how much they mean.
8. The Long Distance Loved One Favorite
Skylight digital frame – It’s the best possible gift for those who live far but stay close to your heart. This incredible invention allows your friends and family to send digital photos to the frame from anywhere, anytime. Its the gift that keeps on giving and never disappoints.
9. The Greatest Traveller Gadget
Airfly – This tech packs a big punch. It’s a compact transmitter that enables wireless headphone use with any standard audio jack. Wireless listening just got a lot more personal and comfortable with this simple gadget. It may just be the dark horse holiday gift of the year!
10. Last Minute gifters…
AMAZON to the rescue! Love it or hate it, Amazon always comes through in a pinch. And, I’ve taken the searching, scratching your head, and suffering out of the equation by making a holiday hit list for you! (in fact, there are a few lists to peruse). Just click around and don’t sweat it.
*For the Kids (inside all of us) look for this on the amazon list – Boxbollen® – It’s what I am giving ALL the kids this year. It’s fun, interactive and gets you up using your brain and your body. People will be fighting over this one…trust me!
Final Word: Give From the Heart, Not the Obligation
Whether you’re gifting big or gifting small, gifting everyone or gifting no one…remember your presence is the ultimate present.
P.S. The point of gifts is just a physicalized version of showing your love. It’s the love that counts. Share this with someone who might need some gifting inspo … or a good hint!