Category Archives: gift ideas

shop to love: vanillawood

I love that feeling of stumbling across a new shop – one I fall head over heels for from the moment I step inside. I love it even more when that shop turns out to have beautiful objects at all sorts of price points (including the all-important under-$25 point), so I can browse and even occasionally indulge with abandon. Especially with the holidays creeping ever closer, I just knew I had to let you all in on this new favorite of mine: Vanillawood.

From top: Gold-plated Athena tray, perfect for anything from jewelry to cocktail nibbles, from $32; Lighted branches, $55/set of 3; Flower Root vase, sure to make flower arranging possible for anyone, from $25; Citrus ceramic vessels, from $35

I really, really want one of those tiny gold feather trays. Santa, take note.

One of the most amazing things at the shop is a selection of botanical art by Krislyn. Each piece is one of a kind, and made entirely by hand. They’re one part sculpture, one part floral arrangement, and I’m obsessed. Just…don’t look at the prices. This is an eye candy sort of thing.

I’m torn between wanting to try one of my Crafty Girl episodes to recreate these beauties and just succumbing to the artistic genius.

Check out all of the fantastic offerings at Vanillawood. They’re offering free shipping and gift wrap for the holidays, and are happy to take calls and emails to give you help with any gifting conundrums on your list. Just one more bonus for shopping small, friends. Send your love to all of those wonderful indie stores out there this season, won’t you?

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get gifting: stuff that stocking

It’s that time – our last gift guide of the season! Whether you’re stuffing a stocking or scrambling to gather enough gifts for eight crazy nights, this list of my favorite under-$15 finds is sure to make gifting on the cheap a cinch.

  1. Keel’s Simple Diary Vol. 2, $12
  2. MintFusion lip balm with SPF 30, Supergoop, $9
  3. Ottoman Iznik tile notecards, Metropolitan Museum of Art, $15
  4. Felt keyfob, Graf + Lantz, $8
  5. Christmas scratchers and Hanukkah scratchers, Chronicle Books, $10 each
  6. Liam’s Robot letterpress cards, Satsuma Press, $10 (all proceeds to go sweet Liam’s special needs trust)
  7. Leather tape measure, Swing Designs, $10
  8. Salted caramel hot chocolate on a stick, Ticket Chocolate, $15 for 4
  9. Glitter in my Stocking and Orna-ment For Each Other, Nicole by OPI, $8 each
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get gifting: cheap thrills

(Also known as the “under $30” guide). Because most of us have the highest of ambitions but the lowest of budgets, my list of cheap thrills for the holidays is here to help you keep that holiday credit card balance in check. Turns out, it actually is possible to give a thrill-inducing gift and stay under budget – who knew?

  1. Totally invigorating in the morning, and not the least bit girly. Anthony Logistics eucalyptus + mint shower gel for men, $18
  2. Who can’t use another tote? This one has the added bonus of a cross-body strap and a stylish, not-too-sweet graphic. And it’s made by a dear friend of mine! Chrysanthemum tote, Westmama Designs, $29
  3. West Elm has a bevy of beautiful throws this season, but this one’s cuddly soft and comes in a rainbow of hues. Add your favorite paperback of the year, and give her an excuse to snuggle up. “Favorite” throw, West Elm, $29 (on sale for $19!)
  4. I never seem to have enough cosmetic bags to throw into handbags, carry-ons and totes. This one reminds me of Chanel, but won’t make me cry when my lip gloss leaks. LeSportSac “Kevyn” cosmetic case, $25
  5. If there’s a teen or tween girl on your list, I promise you, this is the gift to get her. Absolutely every color under the sun…so you can prove to her there’s more to makeup than piles of black eyeliner. Expert Mega Palette, Avon, $30
  6. Bargain gifts for men are hard to come by, but this watch is infinitely more handsome than its pricetag allows for – I especially love the webbed strap, which gives it an urban edge. Military style canvas strap watch, Avon, $15
  7. I’m basically obsessed with this stuff – it’s become my savior during these dry, windy winter days. Trust me, she’ll be addicted too. Blood orange body balm, McEvoy Ranch, $22
  8. Chocolates are always a great bargain go-to, and these have a fun twist. Each flavor is modeled after a bigger, badder (much more caloric) dessert. Red velvet cake truffle, anyone? Ultimate Dessert Truffles, Godiva, $25
  9. A classic holiday scent that’s festive, but not cloying. And I always love the packaging from Linnea’s Lights! Pumpkin soy candle, Linnea’s Lights, $21
  10. Okay, this one’s a smidge over budget. But you get six single-glass bottles of wine for that price, custom grouped by region or selected by master chefs. For a budding oenophile, it doesn’t get any better. Mario Batali Selection 6-bottle wine sampler, Tasting Room, $33 (looks like you save $10 by signing up for their mailing list!)
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geek chic

For the friend/sibling/spouse who had an iPhone 4 before you even knew they’d launched, who can’t leave the house without at least three different high-tech devices in her bag, and who buys up every new gadget on the market before you have a chance to get him one of them for Christmas.

  1. iPad sleeves are a dime a dozen. But this is one of the best, and my personal favorite. It works for men or women, is sleek and modern, and actually offers enough padding to keep your precious tablet safe. Leather & felt iPad sleeve, Graf + Lantz, $65
  2. This dock lets you rotate your iPad 90 degrees without disconnecting, and the built-in speakers mean you essentially have a TV with surround sound. Rotating docking station, Acoustic Research, $110
  3. These retro handsets are nothing new, but the Bluetooth version is. I especially love it in red, so I can imagine it’s a direct line to the Kremlin. Bluetooth headset, Off The Hook, $40
  4. If your favorite geek hasn’t already pre-ordered the Steve Jobs biography, buy him the Kindle version and revel in the irony. Steve Jobs (Kindle edition), by Walter Isaacson, $15
  5. A good iPhone cover is a rare breed. After staggeringly exhaustive research, this version from Chilewich is my hands-down favorite. Sturdy, stylish, and that nubby texture makes it perfect to hold on to. Griffin Chilewich Elan Form iPhone case, $40
  6. Perfect for a musical geek, this gadget turns an iPad into a guitar amp and a recording studio, so they can (silently) perfect the bass line to “Smoke on the Water”. There’s a mic version too, for the budding Beyoncé in the family. iRig and iRig Mic, AmpliTube, $40
  7. The most gadget-y of space heaters, this warms a whole room in no time…and looks cool doing it. Dyson Hot fan heater, $399
  8. This point-and-shoot camera is the best of both worlds: retro styling and modern technology. In other words, you’ll look hip and so will your pics. Fujifilm X10, $695
  9. Call me old-school, but sometimes I miss the simplicity of a boom box. This is the modern (much more stylish) equivalent. Jambox by Jawbone, $173
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get gifting: in style

A guide after my own heart – no wonder it’s the longest one. This is for the girl who waits by the mailbox when it’s time for Vogue to arrive, is a walking encyclopedia of what’s “in” this season, and is always on hand to lend style advice for your latest sartorial dilemma. No wonder you two have so much in common.

    1. Infinitely more chic than the slippers she’s wearing now, but every bit as toasty warm. Bel Esprit velvet slippers, $98
    2. From the bright red hue to that distinctive basketweave detail, this luxe wallet will make her heart sing (and never get lost in the bottom of her bag). Leela continental wallet, Botkier, $195
    3. A practical coat that’s this chic? Impossible. Bonnie jacket, LK Bennett, approx. $245 (order online or call their Chicago store).
    4. One of those things we never splurge on for ourselves: truly luxurious socks. These are thin but warm, silky soft, and actually stay up all day. Bouton mi-bas socks, Phillipe Matignon, $23
    5. A cozy cardigan is a no-brainer, especially a bargain like this. I love the nod to tribal style, and the colors are so neutral, she’ll wear it nonstop. Wrap cardigan, Quiksilver, $108
    6. Carine Roitfeld is a serious player in the world of style icons. This gorgeous tome will get her one step closer to the sartorial perfection she craves. Irreverent, by Carine Roitfeld, $62
    7. Lingerie can be a tricky holiday gift, but this lighthearted polka-dot chemise strikes the perfect balance between sexy and sweet. Muse chemise, Blush Lingerie, $68
    8. If you know a girl that would love this awesome tote, you’ll know it instantly. I can think of at least three (not including myself). “I Am The Shit” Tote, Maude & Tilda, $45
    9. Call it a British invasion, but these mod green tweed driving gloves are my latest obsession. Tweed driving gloves, Shepherd England, approx. $118 (20% off sitewide through 12/14)
    10. There is positively nothing better than a classic striped sweater, and there is positively no one who does them better than CARDIGAN. Marielle striped sweater, Cardigan by Lynne Hiriak, $80 (on sale!)
    11. A gorgeous rendition of a classic Angela Adams print, this scarf will brighten the greyest days. Haven lambswool scarf, Angela Adams, $75
    12. More gloves, I know. What can I say…I’m freezing! These fingerless gloves are so soft and light (not to mention iPhone-friendly), I almost never take them off. Cashmere fingerless gloves, vkoo by INHABIT, $168
    13. I’ve wanted a minaudiere all season, and this one is my absolute favorite. Pop a pair of tickets to The Nutcracker inside, and your holiday work is done. Kingston minaudiere, J.McLaughlin, $175
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    get gifting: the jet set

    If she’s guaranteed an upgrade every time she sets foot on a plane, knows the best hotels in every major city, and racks up more frequent flyer miles than most pilots, here are a few treats she’s sure to stash in her carry-on.

    1. One thing every traveler has in common is dry skin and hair. Fix it in one fell swoop with this genius travel set packed with argan oil-infused essentials. Moroccan Getaway travel set, Josie Maran, $39
    2. This trim tote packs flat, holds a ton, and the baby soft leather is stylish enough for any adventure. Baggu leather tote, $150
    3. Every good traveler needs a page-turner novel to get them through those Atlanta layovers. Sarah’s Key, by Tatiana de Rosnay, $15
    4. This clever gadget is a surge protector, USB charger port and phone cradle all in one – pretty impressive for under $20. Portable charging station, RCA, $19
    5. Heats up in an instant, seriously delivers on style, and comes with a trim, ultra-glam case to keep your clothes safe when you have to throw this in your bag while it’s still warm. GHD Scarlet styler, $225
    6. Borrow from the boys and get her a dopp kit that will actually hold all her beauty essentials in one bag. Hammocks & High Tea dopp kit, $50
    7. So big you could stow a greyhound inside (I’ll never admit to how I know this), but so light, it makes carry-on a breeze. And I love the mod plaid print. LeSportSac large weekender, $108
    8. The stuff deskside daydreams are made of. 2012 Paris calendar, Little Brown Pen, $22
    9. Oh, the places you’ll go – these are tiny enough to stow away in the smallest suitcase, and comfy enough to save your travel-weary feet. Tieks foldable ballet flats, $175
    10. Stylish and feminine, but not girly. Portola Valley passport holder, Kate Spade, $65
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    get gifting: for the boys

    Why is it that men are so much trickier to buy for than women? I can’t explain it, but I can try to make the process a bit easier. Whether he’s metro or manly, there’s a gift here he’ll be stoked to see under the tree (or menorah, in  my case).

    1. They might not always say it, but guys need a little luxury in their grooming too. Cade shaving cream and travel shaving brush, L’Occitane, $28 & $30
    2. Really, aren’t you tired of those threadbare socks he’s wearing? Richer Poorer men’s socks, any 3 styles for $30 with code HOHOHO, including gift box and shipping.
    3. A warm, weatherproof boot that looks good enough for going out. Ellesmere weather-resistant boot, Sorel, $160
    4. Captain Scott is the male equivalent of Amelia Earhart – his trek through the South Pole is the stuff of legends. This book of photos from the infamous trip are guaranteed to indulge his inner explorer. Lost Photographs of Captain Scott, by David M. Wilson, $21
    5. These natural leather belts are hand-crafted, and weather over time to a rugged patina. I’m so in love with them that the hubs and I both have one. Leather “Project Belt”, Wood and Faulk, $55
    6. Get him to ditch his drugstore shades – these aviators will give him instant street cred, and the classic shape will work on absolutely anyone. Oliver aviator sunglasses, Guess, $65
    7. Getting a tie for Christmas might not top his wishlist…until he sees this hip version from Pendleton. Just don’t mention your plans to borrow it. Grey mix Umatilla tie, Pendleton Portland Collection, $68
    8. This is a pick straight from the hubs, who tells me this matte, paper-style dial is “super cool.” Phosphor E-Ink digital watch, $195
    9. So, so many iPhone cases out there, but I love that this one’s made of wood and looks like a retro Leica camera. “Made From Raw Wood” iPhone case, $42
    10. If there’s a bachelor on your list, I’m pretty confident his house could benefit from a candle that isn’t at all girly, but still masks the smell of whatever’s rotting in his fridge. Silver skull candle, DL & Company, $88
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    get gifting: all that glitters

    Really, who isn’t a jewelry guide for? Anything sparkly is the perfect gift for moms, sisters, friends – and, of course, feel free to send a link to your significant other, as he’s almost certainly in the market for hints this time of year.

    1. These pretty druzy crystals would be the perfect go-to pairing with denim – if I don’t snag them first. Druzy earrings (and similar), Iris Jewelry Designs, $82 (take 10% off sitewide with code HOLIDAY10)
    2. If you can’t buy her the Crown Jewels, this might be the next best thing – she can ogle to her heart’s content. Boucheron: The Secret Archives, by Vincent Meylan, $60
    3. A locket always feels like a special gift to me. This one packs all the sentimental punch but with a style that’s not so precious. Ball locket necklace, Hayden-Harnett, $55
    4. Those pale rectangles of recycled glass give you a hint of bold color that’s still completely wearable. Mountains necklace, Sword+Fern, $72
    5. It’s hard to go wrong with anything from Grayling, but I love that these earrings are statement-worthy but still wearable for everyday. Tail Arc earrings, Grayling Jewelry, $88
    6. Call me old-school, but there’s nothing I love quite as much as a classic cameo. Cameo necklace, Kessler, $165
    7. I am forever setting my rings down in ill-advised locations (above the kitchen sink, for example), but I like to think this little squirrel would save me from yet another near-disastrous misplacing. Squirrel ring box, Jonathan Adler, $125
    8. Remember all that arm party fun I’ve been having? This gives you all the style, with absolutely none of the carefully-orchestrated effort. Pearl & disc bracelet, Gerard Yosca, $60
    9. Simple and classic, these are the perfect studs, but with a stylish update. Etoile pavé studs, Kira Kira, $250
    10. If there’s a mom on your list, look no further. Use this kit to send off a fingerprint from her darling munchkin, and she’ll get a sterling charm as one-of-a-kind as her little one. Custom fingerprint charm, Priceless Prints, $65
    11. I’m such a fan of Tiffany & Co.’s new Locks collection, and this bangle is at the top of my list. Besides, what’s a jewelry gift guide without a splurge or two? Vintage lock bangle, Tiffany & Co., $1,850
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