It’s the most wonderful time of the yearrrrrr!
As “Elf in chief” in my family, I figured I would extend my duties to my #instafam as well. I really enjoyed putting together a gift guide for you guys last year, and am bringing back a fresh new edition for 2019 so you can rock the socks off of this holiday season and blow your loved ones away with thoughtful, practical gifts. Hopefully, this list will help you to give gifts that will be treasured all year long (or give your loved ones some ideas of what types of gifts will do just that for you).
Gift giving is definitely one of my love languages — I pride myself on putting myself in others’ shoes and trying to pick out the perfect item to make them feel seen, loved and appreciated. Without a doubt, giving someone a “home run” gift that I know will make a big difference in their lives is one of my absolute favorite feelings.
I used to love browsing and shopping in stores to find the perfect presents for my loved ones, but since chronic illness decided to barge its way into nearly every arena of my life, that has been more difficult. All I can say is thank goodness for online shopping.
On that note, I created three lists for you guys this year:
An MM Amazon Gift Guide (a great way to accomplish “easy peasy ordering”)
A “Bonus Top 10 Gifts” (things not available on Amazon) items just too good to leave out
A “For the Boys” List, because shopping for guys can be tricky! These are home run gifts that I’ve given my Dad, brother or fiance in the past
I hope you enjoy browsing and get some good ideas for your own gifting. Sending you all of the love and cheer the season has to offer — happy holidays my beautiful people!
Barefoot Dreams Blanket — Believe me when I say that this blanket is worth the hype. It’s longer than a traditional throw and is the coziest thing to curl up under.
Slip Silk Eye Mask — I have two of these now and adore them! Super comfy and not tight at all around my head (which can really trigger or aggravate head pain for me)
Airpods — I use my airpods every single day. There is no better way to listen to podcasts and audiobooks. Last year, I upgraded from a pair of wireless headphones that were attached to one another by a cord and I can confidently say the AirPods have been worth every penny.
Softy Straws — I loooooove my softy straws! These make great stocking stuffers. Super easy to clean and they make staying hydrated (so crucial for my health) a little more fun. Also they make the ultimate smoothie straw.
Electric Gooseneck Kettle — We use this multiple times every day and it always feels fancy and exciting. Now, when I travel places without an electric kettle I miss it so much! I love the thin gooseneck design of this one and how quickly it heats up.
“Girl, Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis — This book was incredibly life changing for me. Rachel’s storytelling and motivation style “clicked” for my soul and completely captivated me the whole way through. If you do audiobooks, she is a great narrator. Highly recommend.
Bonjour Pharmacy Bag — It’s not so fun needing a mobile pharmacy every time you leave the house, however, these bags make it a little bit brighter! I’ve used this bag for a year and love all of the different compartments for storage (mesh pockets, zippered pockets, outer pockets). It’s big enough to carry everything I need for a day out or to throw in my carry on when I travel. I really love the light and colorful design and have honestly found that it lifts my spirits when I’m having a rough day and have to return to the bag for meds more often than I’d like to.
Aviator Black Ray Bans — These might live on every single gift guide I ever make because they are such an integral part of my life. I love that these go with any outfit, fit discreetly in almost any jacket pocket and tuck nicely under a baseball cap. For migraine pain and light sensitivity they are an absolute must; looking cool all the time is just a bonus!
Ban.Do Horizon Tumblr — This baby is actually on my personal wish list too! I have a different style ban.do tumblr from a few years ago that says “no bad days”. I find myself reaching for that particular one every day. I always keep 2 full water bottles at home; I keep one in the fridge and have one out to drink. Sipping from a straw helps me stay hydrated plus the bright designs of these cups always lift my mood. When I saw the sunset design I fell in love, I’m a sucker for sunset anything
Keds Ace Leather Sneaker — I’m so picky when it comes to shoes, sneakers especially! I’m so glad I discovered this style because they are my new “go to” shoe. They are so comfortable and have a classic shape… pretty much all around… the perfect shoe.
Start Today Journal — I am putting this at the top of the list because it has truly transformed my life. This journal + the book “Girl, Wash Your Face” would be an excellent combo gift. Rachel makes manifesting easy to understand and consistently using this 5 minute daily journal has really helped me to transform my mindset.
Shhowercap — I held out ordering one of these for years because the price tag just felt too high, but ladies, it is worth it. I take so many showers to help manage my migraine pain and it’s wonderful to have a high quality shower cap when I don’t want to get my hair wet. It’s much less noisy than your typical “rain on a tin roof” cap and has held up amazingly well.
Sleep Crown — Even though I sleep with an eye mask, I’ve really enjoyed also having a sleep crown. It muffles noise and the gentle weight feels very comforting. I used to sleep with a regular pillow over my head, and this has been an amazing little tool that I am grateful for each night.
Everlane ReNew Fleece Pullover — Everlane has been one of my favorite “wardrobe basics “ brands for years and this is one of my all time favorite cozy pullovers. I’ve had the oat color for a year and grab for it all the time! Another color is on my wish list this year. It’s also made from 35 recycled plastic bottles which is v cool and sustainable.
Osea Malibu Ocean Cleansing Mud — This brand, but specifically this face wash, has completely transformed my skin. I use this daily and my breakouts have never been more under control (I also use the blemish balm moisturizer from Osea). It has a minty scent and feels so refreshing in the shower, especially on migrainey eyes. I’m not usually obsessed with skin care, but this has made too big of a difference in my life to not recommend it.
Gap Modal Lounge Leggings — I have a thing for anything made out of modal fabric. I am obsessed with modal bedding, and when I saw these leggings made out of modal, I knew I had to have them. They are so soft and cozy. I have them in black and love that I can get away with wearing them out of the house if I need to.
Wunder Under Lulu Leggings — My all time favorite leggings. They never stretch out and are the comfiest for me to wear all day long. They make me feel put together and are perfect for days lounging at home, holiday events, travel and everything in between. I wear the basic black multiple times a week.
Ugg Moccasin Slippers — Another item that gets daily use from me! Slipping my feet into these always warms my heart and for someone who is homebound a lot of the time it is so nice to be cozy and warm in something that brings me joy. I love that they have soles on the bottoms too, so I can step outside if I need to. They last forever and come in many colors!
“It Be Like That Sometimes” Sweatshirt — Because honestly, some days, it just be like that. I love how understated the text is on this and on a really tough day these words are exactly the validating-yet-hopeful-positive-vibes I need. I’m not a huge graphic tee lady, but seeing little messages like this in the mirror really can help me shift my headspace when I’m struggling.
Daily Harvest Smoothie Box Subscription (use this link for $25 off!) — I’ve been a Daily Harvest subscriber for a few years and love them. On the days where I’m really struggling physically it’s so amazing to be able to whip up a healthy treat in less than 3 minutes. Once you subscribe you can skip as many weeks as you need to, which makes this really affordable! I usually get a new box of 12 smoothie cups every few months. My favorite smoothie flavors are the mango/papaya, blueberry/cacao, acai/cherry and strawberry/peach (also their pumpkin chai overnight oats are an out of this world delicious treat).
Personalized Monogram Socks — These have been gifted to my Dad, brother and fiance and have been a home run every single time. Classic black socks with a subtle little monogram. You can do initials on the upper part of the sock, and something fun on the toes if you want (like a nickname!). Perfect gift “for the person who has everything” and something every guy will use!
Butcherbox Subscription (this link will get you $30 off your first box!) — The Butcherbox hype is real. We recently got a subscription and have been loving it. This is such a good gift for a guy who loves his grill.
Topo Designs Hat — Love this fun neutral baseball hat. I’ve gifted it several times and the recipients have always been pleasantly surprised and end up using it a lot.
Calvin Klein Undies — I feel like all guys always need new undies. A three pack of classic Calvin’s is hard to go wrong with and can make a great stocking stuffer.
Craighill Keyring — Another “hard to go wrong” with gift. This classic and minimal keyring is such a great stocking stuffer and something that the recipient will use daily, and think of you each time!
Pottery Barn Monogrammed Leather Dopp Kit — I love gifting these to guys. I feel like it’s something they would rarely think to buy for themselves (especially going to the lengths of getting it monogrammed) but that they really appreciate once they have.
Allbirds Shoes — Comfy, cozy and minimal; perfect for your favorite fella’s (mistle)toes. These shoes are the closest thing to sneaker-slippers I’ve ever found. Machine washable and available in so many colors.
Kiehl’s Daily Moisturizer with SPF — We all know by now that daily SPF is a non-negotiable when it comes to taking good care of our skin. But, the guys often miss the mark on this critical practice! This is the moisturizer that finally got my fiance using SPF daily, so I am sharing here as a PSA to hopefully get the boys in your life on the SPF train too!
Byta Stainless Steel Coffee Tumblr — This little to-go coffee cup is so minimal and classic. Very sleek and perfect for every day coffee. I found this brand a few years ago and even though it is lesser known, the quality is amazing and recipients are always happy when they open it up. Super cute to get a matching his/hers set, too!
Bob’s Butt Wipes — Last but not least…and I can’t believe I’m actually putting these on here…Bob’s Butt Wipes. The men in my family have an obsession with these and it’s always a high priority that we replace them as soon as we run out. If nothing else they’re a funny gift that will probably put a smile on the face of whoever opens them.
Of course the best gifts of all are spending time with loved ones, listening with an open heart and expressing words of gratitude. This is just a little something extra, but should never replace the good old fashioned stuff that the holiday season is all about.
Sending you all of my love and wishing you a very merry holiday…
I share each step along my road to wellness and healing and hope that in doing so I can inspire you along your own path. Thank you so much for being here.
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