I’ve been in the blogging game for about 5 years now and have never put out a holiday gift guide before because I disliked the idea of feeding into the consumer frenzy around the holidays. So I’ve boycotted gift guides in the past. But this year I felt that instead of being all Scroogey about it, I should embrace the fact that many of us like to give gifts during the holidays. And since I try a lot of products during the year and do a lot of reviews for this blog, it’s worth mentioning some of my favorite items that I think would make great gifts. Also since this is my first gift guide, I’m not sure the best way to organize this but I’ve decided to go from least expensive to most.
Marley’s Monsters Cotton Facial Rounds ($18): I first reviewed them here a year ago and love them are still going strong. They’ve held up really well (both the bamboo and cotton versions). I prefer the cotton rounds because they’re softer and absorb more toner even though they pill a bit more with multiple washings. This zero waste gift is perfect for that beauty addict in your life!
Safety Razor ($29): This is a life-changer guys and it’s great for the environment. The receiver of this gift might be a little intimidated by it, so just send them a link to my blog post about it here lol :)
Everlane ReNew Catch-All Case ($30): Ok so this is the only item on this list that I haven’t personally purchased or tried out myself…yet. I’m very tempted to get this all purpose small bag because I can’t get enough small bags. Also I love that Everlane is working hard to make this case from 100% recycled materials. {Update: Actually I just purchased this to give as gifts and will let you know what I think of it when I get it!}
Salt Farm Truffle Salt ($40): I’ve been buying this salt for three years now and I still use it almost every morning on my eggs. Outside of Italy, this is the best truffle salt I’ve ever found (even better than those at Williams Sonoma or other cooking shops/markets). And a bottle of this lasts me all year.
Top Fill Humidifier ($45): I love this large top filling humidifier from Amazon. It’s so easy to add water (I really hate those humidifiers where you have to screw a top and then flip over to load into the base). I purchased one for myself and one for my mom for her birthday. It’s especially needed during these uber dry winter months.
Le Labo Lotion ($69): I love love love my Le Labo lotion in Jasmine. It’s the little bit of luxury that has replaced my perfume and it’s also great for my skin. The Jasmine scent is perfectly subtle and dreamy.
Renpho Air Purifier ($120): For those who read my air purifier review here you know this is my favorite of the bunch. What’s a better gift than that of clean air?
Augustinus Bader Rich Cream ($170): If you really love someone, then I would highly recommend getting the AB Rich Cream. It’s a dream present and I believe it can change the texture of anyone’s skin for the better. You can read my review of it here. Oh I just noticed they also have a new $85 (15ml) version of it here.
Everlane Form Mini Bag ($190): I love my Everlane mini form bag (reviewed here). It fits all the essentials, and the leather is beautiful yet durable. For those who need to carry a laptop with them, the regular form bag ($235) is also super useful and gorgeous!
Something from The RealReal or Fashionphile (what budget?): Lol, these are my two favorite online consignment sites and I’ve talked about them a lot and purchased many items from both. For purses, especially high-end ones, I always go with Fashionphile because 1) they have a better authentication process IMO and 2) they allow returns. The RealReal is better for more reasonably prices designer clothes and accessories. I know buying used things is not really a thing yet for most people when gift giving but I say why not? The items are still useful and valuable!
And lastly, I just wanted to mention that some of the best gifts are not things (but of course you know this). Some of the gifts I’ve enjoyed the most in the past are experiences (a special dinner out or a special dinner made at home) or quality time with someone. As for my husband and I, we are in dire need of a new dishwasher so that will be the present we give each other (especially since neither of us like to wash dishes lol).
What are some of your favorite gifts to give to your friends and family?