Normally, I’m a woman who likes to take her holidays one at a time. No talk of Halloween until after Labor Day. No Thanksgiving decor until Nov. 1. No Christmas tree until the day after Thanksgiving. But these aren’t normal times.
Earlier this week, I read several articles indicating that supply chain issues will make it difficult to find holiday gifts. This is especially true if you need kids toys or electronics, so consider yourselves warned.
For fun, I put together a gift guide for those who might like to start their shopping a bit early. Every gift is under-$200, and each gift is one that I would be happy to give or receive.
Missoma Jewelry // If you’re looking for a demi-fine jewelry line that’s as beautiful as it is affordable, look no further than Missoma. For this set, I selected two of my favorite pieces from their new line: the plain dome ring (also in silver and pave) and the double huggie hoops. Both are classics with a little something extra.
UnHide Faux Fur Blanket // There are a lot of faux fur blankets out there, the UnHide blankets are the best. Hands down. Full stop. They’re soft, thick and totally luxurious. The weight is wonderful, and they wash very well.
Looking for a less expensive option? This Plush Faux Fur Blanket is a nice option.
Mark & Graham Tech Folio // During the legislative session, I needed something that would let me haul my iPad and other devices around the building without having to carry a bag. This Tech Folio was the perfect thing, and if you want to have it personalized, ordering now is a good idea.
Mark & Graham makes solid leather goods. The jewelry boxes are fantastic. And if you’re looking for a chic, personalized phone case, I love this one.
Comfort Q+ Active Headphones // Still working from home with your roommate or partner? Need a pair of headphones to block out the din? These Altec Headphones are under-$100 and work brilliantly. I gifted a pair to a friend, and they made it possible for her to work in the same room as her husband with no trouble. They’re an affordable alternative to the Bose headphones or the AirPod Pros.
Dior Apricot Cuticle Cream // I’ve talked about this miracle product before, but I love it so much, it’s going to be appearing a lot. This cuticle cream is so powerful a tiny amount will soften and smooth your cuticles. And I mean a tiny amount. The jar lasts forever, so the $28 investment is worth it. Also, if you get the gift box option, it comes beautifully packaged. Such a great gift for a friend or relative.
Love a luxury beauty gift? Another great option is Gucci’s new beauty line. Their nail polishes come in a lot of great colors.
Spiceology Variety Pack // Spiceology is a local company here in Spokane that is blowing up in a big way. You’ve probably seen their spices on the shelves of your favorite cooking shoes, because the logos on the containers look like the periodic table of elements. Their rainbow Love is Love variety pack includes many of their most popular rubs.
Their Amazon store includes a wide variety of fantastic spices, rubs, and collaborations. Their salt-free seasonings are a great option for people with hypertension.
Whatever gifts you need for this holiday season, now is the time to start rounding them up. No one wants to spend December on the hunt for a gift they could have bought in August.
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I love, love this! We see family for Thanksgiving so exchange Christmas gifts then and our work holiday party is also in late November this year, so I am starting my shopping now.
I also love this! Every year I have intentions on buying my gifts earlier. We have three families between my husband and me, plus our three kids, and the gift buying is primarily my job (and a full-time job at that!) If our families still insist on getting gifts, I would like to start earlier so that I may enjoy my holidays a little more. Besides, we know the Christmas hassle is coming, so I’m not sure why we all put the planning off so much! I would like to see more of these posts, Belle…anything to make the holiday stress easier!
Concur – getting ahead of the curve instead of stressing out would be a gift unto itself.
SAME!!! I vow to be successful this year! I love all of these suggestions too. Could you do an earlier gift guide for men? I look forward to it every year.
Agreed! I just bought my first gift (a stocking stuffer for my mom that was on sale) this week.
Speaking of Christmas in August: are you watching Ted Lasso? Hannah Waddingham’s wardrobe is my dream work wardrobe. And the internet is not helping me find ANYTHING. She is a simply stunning, sophisticated #bossassbitch Please help identify those beautiful wardrobe pieces! I would loved to walk into Courtroom looking that fabulous.
I think one reason she looks so amazing is because her wardrobe is expertly tailored (in addition to being high end).
OH MY GOSH! TOTALLY AGREE. The necklines on everything she wears are killer. I just watched the episode that dropped today and I might have squealed when I saw her game day outfit.
I bought the Dior cuticle cream based on your prior recommendation and I’m really enjoying it, thank you!
I second Spiceology! I bought my parents a set for Christmas last year on your/Kyle’s recommendation. They send me pictures every time they use them–it’s so sweet. 10/10 recommend as a fun, practical gift.
+1 to the comments below saying how much they appreciate the earlier gift guide! Please keep them coming!
As someone who is literally constantly shopping for holiday gifts and will buy them whenever I find the perfect one, I cannot emphasize how nice starting early is!
I’m mostly doing food/cooking based gifts this year since everyone I know is cooking more. Recently I found a website that offers cooking lessons that the chef comes to your house and teaches you how to make the meal. A gift card to here will probably be my gift to my in-laws.