So I know that technically I'm early, but I am already starting to internally panic about what to get loved ones for the impending holidays (thanks again, mass retailers, you've done your marketing well).
I always cop out on some folks and get them gift cards to their fave stores, which I know they appreciate - well I appreciate it when I get cards - but some part of me feels like I'm not really putting any thought into the present that way.
And I have zero talent in the DIY category so unless someone is pining for something practical that is slathered in Elmer's glue then blasted with feathers (like, say, a rolling pin - what, no?), I'm not very useful there either.
So ... I'd love to get some tips from you thoughtful, talented ladies in hopes of spurring some inspiration on my end. What are some of the fave presents that you have given or received?
Sweater: J.Crew merino asymmetrical zipper (sim, sim)
Shirt: J.Crew sleeveless in heart dot (crewcuts version)
Skirt: The Limited (worn here - sim, sim)
Necklace: GroopDealz (worn here - sim, in yellow)
Shoes: Guess kissani (worn here - sim, sim)
Bag: Brahmin anytime (worn here - sim, sim)
Haha, you have nothing on me - I stared in JUNE!! (Should I be proud, or sad?) Still haven't found gifts for everyone, but... there are a couple of females in my life who are getting those sparkly sequin initial purses from Anthropologie because much as I love them, I cannot think of what to get them, and hey that's practically a monogrammed bag, right? There's my suggestion for you. But when it comes to men, you're on your own, heh. Also, I really like your outfit today - the browns, the blues, the pops of purple - it's just so nice. :)
ReplyDeleteJune?! Girl those sound more like mid-summer gifts than Christmas, haha. But you are def ahead of the game, good for you! And thanks for mentioning those Anthro purses, they are really cute!
DeleteAhhhh! You and I have the same sweater on today on our blogs! Love how you layered it over your skirt!
ReplyDeleteLiz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
Great minds, girl ... ;o)
DeleteI absolutely adore the way you styled this sweater! I've seen a lot of people wearing it, but this is by far my favorite look! The best present I've ever received was an electric blanket, but that's because I asked my husband if I could have one for years (he likes to keep thermostat down in the winter) and then he surprised me with one last year and I've loved it ever since. I am terrible at giving gifts, so I'm not sure I have any good advice for you. I do enjoy practical gifts, at least ones that I can use and don't just end up on a shelf. I think a pretty piece of jewelry can go a long way for women, but men stump me. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteKate @ A Journey in Style
My BF's mom gave us an electric blanket last Christmas and we looooove it! Someone should come up the idea of creating really cute electric blankets like in buffalo plaid (which is Everywhere right now) or something!
DeleteOne year I got everyone LL Bean "Boat and Totes". Each person got a different color and young kids got smaller ones. Monogrammed of course. I even gave one to my 90 year old aunt monogrammed "Aunt Ethel".
ReplyDeleteMonogramming is an awesome idea - it instantly personalizes any gift! Thanks!
DeleteI just like lots of nice things; perfume, scarves, Clinique, candles, nail polish, posh makeup brushes.
ReplyDeleteIf you know any new mums Cath Kidston have some really pretty travel mugs with lids that (with the benefit of hindsight) would be really useful to actually get to drink a warm cup of tea!
I don't have kids, but I always make hot tea and end up leaving it somewhere to get icy cold before I remember it again - I should look into those mugs myself!
DeleteI seriously already feel way, way behind in the holidays as well. I love the outfit!
ReplyDeleteYou and I can hang out in the "ho-ho-wha?!" section, hahah.
DeleteLast year for a few b-days, and Xmas, I gave several 'initial necklaces' from opensky.com. I waited for a sale and then bought several letters. They're really cute, reasonably priced when on sale (b/c they are not real gold) and my friends/fam seemed to like them. The specific seller was Olive Yew, but I'm sure you can find similar necklaces elsewhere. As for males, socks or something else practical, ha! I really like the color scheme of your outfit, it just works so well.
ReplyDeleteYou're another vote for personalization, I think that is a fab idea, thanks much!
DeleteThe way you have this unzipped with the print peeking out is so fun! And I'm bag with gifts...I'll normally just ask the person what they want lol
ReplyDeleteI kind of hate it when I ask people what they want and they're like "oh I don't know ..." though I shouldn't say anything because I'm often the same way!
DeleteAll I want for christmas is amazon gift cards so I can buy kindle books. I have working on getting all of my books in digital format.
ReplyDelete-Ash
www.stylizedwannabe.blogspot.com
Books via Kindle are absolutely awesome, I agree - though I kind of miss the idea of creating a big ole library of books I love. Though I like the idea of not having to lug around a ton of physical books with me even more ;o)
DeleteLove everything about this outfit as usual. The color scheme is lovely!
ReplyDeleteI don't know about gifts either. I actually shop throughout the year for people when I see something they might like or appreciate, nothing big, just little things. I think gift cards are just fine. In fact, I would rather a gift card as opposed to something I'll never use!
True! I used to get random "practical" gifts from family members (like a fleece face mask) that I would never ever use but you just grin and bear it. ;o)
DeleteI was trying to layer the same top with the same sweater and it just looked awful on me. I am horrible at gift giving - mainly something small to open and gift cards.
ReplyDeleteAlice
www.happinessatmidlife.com
I personally love gift cards ... as long as they are to places I'd actually shop at ;o).
DeleteI wish I would have advice to give you regarding gifting but the truth is, it is really challenging for me as well. I try to write down gift ideas all year round though, when someone mentions something they like or would like to have. It helps a bit, but not enough...
ReplyDeleteI tried to do that with my family but it never works. They'll mention something, I'll get my hopes up about getting them a cool gift they actually want, and next thing you know, they went out and just bought it themselves. Ah well.
DeleteI love little personalized or handmade stuff based on other things (fandoms, books, tv shows, other interests, etc) that I like. Thinkgeek and Etsy are great places for stuff like that! I got this amazing Harry Potter necklace once!
ReplyDeleteI used to want the clockwork angel from the Infernal Devices series but gave up because no cool-looking version actually exists.
DeleteI always like a variety of small presents, and my mantra is: something to eat, something to drink something to wear, something to read, so etching to pamper. Can't take credit for that: it was shared by a friend. :)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to be able to bake or make some good treats for loved ones, but while I don't consider myself a half-bad baker, my presentation could use some (a lot) of work!
DeleteI think a gift card is a great gift since you know where people like to shop. Putting the gift card in something special is nice -- like a Sephora gift card inside a make-up bag or with some lip gloss, or a movie theatre gift card with a popcorn bucket and some boxed candy or even a gift card inside a clutch or card case. I love your outfit and the pop of pink!
ReplyDeleteOoh, good idea! I'm totally stealing this! ;o)
DeleteI love giving scarves, throws, pajamas, and slippers as gift. People (that aren't lifestyle bloggers) are notoriously cheap when buying things like that for themselves so it's typically something that they wouldn't have purchased for themselves, but can appreciate, and is usually well loved.
ReplyDeleteTrue! I think for most of us gals, we can't ever have enough cute throws in the house!
DeleteI have been looking on Etsy for gifts lately! I love it!
ReplyDeletexo,cynthia
Good place, I love Etsy! I should really start looking!
DeleteI love that in our family we send out a list so we don't have to go through the stress of thinking about what to get someone.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this look.
ReplyDeleteColors, layering, the necklace and that kick ass sweater. Sweet.
This is well styled. You just gave me a very good idea for an outfit. A sweater on top of my long dresslike tunic... that is an idea.
ReplyDeleteVery good outfit, fantastic skirt, sweater and blouse. You are doing so well...
Greetje