HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - FOR THE LADIES

This might have been my favorite gift guide to put together. To make it on this guide, every single item had to pass the "would I want it if someone gave it to me?" test. And yes, I can say with certainty, that I would adore any item above. There's a little something for any special lady in your life, whether it's your mom, sister, best friend, or if you're one of my 8 loyal male readers looking for ideas for the women on your list (hi, dad!).

I've had so much fun pulling these together for you this year. Did you find the perfect present in any of them? I would love to hear!

1. PIECES Vinka Mittens $22 2. LA MER COLLECTIONS Wrap Watch $88 3. MADE HER THINK Rhinestone Ring $44 [ Talk about bang for buck, huh? ] 4.  MARC BY MARC JACOBS Too Hot To Handle Shopper $528 5. MOSSIMO Infinity Scarf $17 6. RUSSELL+HAZEL Leather Tassel Keychain $30 7. C.WONDER Fox Stud Earring $38 8. OLIVE DRAGON Christmas Tree Cards, Set of 5 $12 9. LAMY Fountain Pen $35 10. JULEP Nail Polish in Diane, Amber, and Keira, each $14 11. TOPSHOP Knitted Shawl Cardigan $110 12. VOLUSPA Branche Vermeil Candle $68 13. JENNIFER ZEUNER Loved Necklace with Diamond $220 14. RUSSELL+HAZEL Olive Leather Pencil Case $30 [ I use one of these to stash receipts + coupons in my handbag ] 15. MANE MESSAGE The Holiday Glitter Trio, 3 for $6 16. OLD NAVY Ankle Boots $25

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - FOR THE TRAVELER

I've got one more surprise gift guide for you! When Style Mined asked me to participate in their 12 Days of Gifts series, I jumped at the chance to share my picks for the traveler on your list. Whether it's weekly business travel or international vacations, check out what I would give. Confession: I would gift some of these to myself, if we're being honest. Head on over to the Style Mined blog to see my picks!

WHAT TO GET GUYS THIS YEAR

Men. They are HARD to shop for, am I right? I start hassling the men in my life for gift ideas starting in October since I know it will take them that long to come up with even one little idea. For my husband-to-be, I've just given up on asking him. Instead, I wait for those little casual hints, come up with something fun for us to do - the experience gift, or I just buy a nicer version of something than he might buy himself.

I think that's a good route to take - the nicer than they might pick for themselves. We gals think nothing of dropping $25 dollars on quality hair care products, but for men? No sir. But a funny thing happens when you either just place it in their medicine cabinet or gift it to them.

"I like this new stuff you got. I mean, it's a little better than the old stuff I guess."

(It's always "stuff.")

And then they're converted, much like we are.

Original Chippewa Plain Toe Boots  |  Saturdays Surf NYC Kurt Cardigan  |  Everlane Crew Tee in Antique & V Tee in Pine  |  Imogene + Willie Leather Football  |  Abingdon Waxed Canvas & Leather Laptop Bag  |  Warby Parker Beckett in Evergreen  |  Michael Kors Scout Chronograph Watch  |  Crosley Portable USB Turntable  |  The Art of Shaving Pre-Shave Oil  |  B. The Product Waxd Styling Paste

MORE IDEAS

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - FOR THE KIDS

Buying for nieces, nephews, or your friends' kids is always a challenge if you're not a parent yourself. What do you get them? The latest thing-a-ma-jig? Depending on the age of the child, I usually consult the parent. Nearly all of them have asked me to avoid light-blinking, battery-draining, noise-making toys - hah! Respect their wishes, my friend, because there is nothing worse than getting a child a toy their parents despise. 

To be on the safe side, I usually go with well crafted wooden toys, clothing that's appropriate for a multitude of occasions, or something that encourages creative play.

1. BLABLA Bamboo The Bear Large $52, Small $42 2. OLD NAVY Metallic T-Strap Flats for Baby $8 3. URBANEARS Raspberry Headphones $60 4. LITTLE SAPLING TOYS Bowling Game $32 5. PLAYSAM Saab Roadster $450 6. GAP KIDS Union Jack Mittens $13 7. CREWCUTS Mini Edie Glitter Bag $40 8. SIGG Jungle Fun Water Bottle $18 9. GAP KIDS Thermal Stripe Hoodie $20 10. OLD NAVY Sherpa Hat $10 11. MANE MESSAGE The Merry Package Hair Ties $7 for 4 12. MELISSA & DOUG Wooden Carrier & Car Set $20 13. GAP KIDS Heart Cardigan $35

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - FOR THE MEN

Men. I consider them the toughest to buy for. When I consulted a couple of my stylish male friends, one of them said "I don't have a wishlist, I buy myself what I want." And that there sums it up. So when it comes to giving gifts to the guys, I stick with classics. Items that are useful, well made, and get better with wear (since we know how well boys take care of things - cough).

1. J.CREW Ebbets Field Flannels Baseball Cap $45 2. CLUB MONACO Carson Cashmere Scarf $140 3. SKYWATCH Stainless & White $395 4. USB Cuff Links $100 5. INDIANA Leather Adventure Duffel $346 6. Speed, Style, And Beauty - Cars From The Ralph Lauren Collection $85 7. RAY-BAN M Mod Caravan Aviators $179 8. FORAGE Walnut Gingham Necktie $77 9. HALF MOON ORCHARD Gin $36 10. DOLLAR SHAVE CLUB Membership $1-$9 monthly 11. ASICS Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Grey/Black $60 12. HICKOREE'S Uniforms For The Dedicated Henley $104

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - FOR THE HOME

When faced with that hard-to-buy-for person on your list, why not turn to something beautiful or useful for their home? I love giving (and receiving!) gifts of cozy blankets, glimmering votives, or a splurge-y bar of soap. These make perfect hostess and newlywed gifts alike, so you can shop once and cross several people off your list.

1. FERM LIVING Remix Blanket $150 2. DESIGN DARLING Metallic Gold Lacquer Tray $20 3. BROOKFARM GENERAL STORE Savon de Marseille Soap $12 pairs nicely with 4. NATE BERKUS Harbor Soap Dish $10 5. HEATH CERAMICS "Spring" 3 Piece Basic Set $82 6. PLUME TEXTILES Navy Herringbone Napkins - Set of 2 $25 7. JAYSON HOME Gold Hex Votive - Small $10 8. JAYSON HOME Gold Hex Votive - Large $20 9. DWELLSTUDIO Gold Elephant $39 10. JAYSON HOME Natural Horn Magnifier $36 11. NATE BERKUS 4x6 Slate Frame $13 12. FURBISH Mint Bud Vase $20 13. BROOKFARM GENERAL STORE Hickory Cutting Board $36