Christmas & Holiday Gift Ideas 2018
I have a love-hate relationship with shopping. Sure, it’s fun to peruse the aisles at your favorite shop, click through their website, or thumb through their catalog (yes, I still get a few catalogs!) but there’s also the stress of getting the right gift for everyone on your list. Will they like it? Do they already have one? Will they return it the next day? (Or even worse — regift it?!)
Inspired by Oprah and her “Favorite Things” list, I put together a few of my favorite items for 2018 in hopes that you might find some fun gifts for the special people in your life this Christmas. You might even find a thing or two for yourself. Tis the season of giving, and hopefully this guide will help you do just that.
Harry Potter Gift Set from William Sonoma, $119.95
This is the ultimate gift for the foodie Harry Potter lover. It includes cookie cutters for all of the Hogwarts houses, a Hogwarts scraper, towel, water bottle and a Snitch ice cube maker. How cute is that?!
Classic Lambswool Duffel Coat from L.L. Bean, $249.00
Soft and cozy, this “Paddington Bear” coat is a classic that will never go out of style. This is a higher price tag than what you might pick out at a local chain department store, but the quality is far superior. L.L. Bean used to have their lifetime guaranteed, but due to people abusing the system, they do longer will take your old Bean gear back. The good news, though, is that the quality hasn’t changed. Buy with confidence and enjoy this coat for a long time. Available in standard and plus sizes.
Women's Supima 3/4 Sleeve Jacquard Sweater from Land's End, $69.99
An updated version of the classic Fair Isle sweater that has been a favorite for years. This light-weight sweater is so soft and just the perfect for feeling cozy without all the bulk.
Signature Cotton Fisherman Tunic Sweater from L.L. Bean, $109.00
Steeped in tradition of Ireland, this updated fisherman’s sweater is longer and sleek. It’s 100 percent cotton so you know it’s soft as it is fashionable. Wear it alone or with a colllared shirt underneath for preppier look.
Trendy & Affordable Moto Jacket from Target, $35.00
Moto jackets are EVERYWHERE right now. Some call them a clothing classic, but for me, they’re cute, but I can’t imagine where it for years to come. So when you find a trendy piece under $40, then it’s easier to take the plunge. The way this piece is affordable is because it’s vegan leather aka fake leather! (I keep seeing it called “vegan leather,” a way to rebrand fake leather that makes it hipper 🙂 Whether you’re buying this jacket for yourself or a friend, a smaller price point always makes it easier to click the “buy now” button.
MasterChef Street Food of the World Recipe Book from Target, $23.79
There’s not much hotter than street food and food trucks right now, in the world of cooking. This recipe book will delight your favorite foodie as he/she tries these recipes, and shares the results with you! You had me at street food…
Mini Donuts Recipe Book from Target, $12.99
Donuts have been an Instagram staple for a while now, but instead of only taking pictures of your food, why to create your own. Give this cook book and you’ll be a hero in two ways — (1) your friend/family will be delighted with their thoughtful gift and (2) they might even share their latest creations with you!
Stainless Steel Measuring Cups from Target, $7.00
Any serious cook need serious tools and these stainless steel measuring cups do not come up short. They’re sturdy, easy to clean and will last forever. Say “goodbye” to the substandard plastic measuring cups that bend and break and say “hello” to many years of service. Any foodie would love to receive this practical gift.
Ultimate Russian Piping Tips Set from Amazon, $11.99
That special someone will love pretending to be a contestant on the Great British Baking Show when they try out these trendy baking tips. Easily create elaborate cupcakes fit for a queen with these Russian Piping Tips (or should I say a czar?!). This set includes a lot of little extras that anyone will love, like a silicone piping bag, regular piping tips, instruction booklet and organizing case. Let the baking begin!
Dasein Women Vegan Leather Handbag Designer Purse Satchel Bag with Crossbody Strap from Amazon, $37.99
This bag looks and feels much, much more expensive than it really is. Any girl would LOVE to get this classic bag. When I saw a friend toting it, I thought for sure it was a Kate Spade. It was not. I was surprised when she said it was from Amazon. This bag is classic brown, but it comes it lots of colors.
Dr. Google Mug from Amazon, $11.99
I may be guilty of this! I do like to Google my symptoms! At the same time, I have many family and friends in the medical field that shake their heads at this annoying habit that more and more people are acquiring. What a funny gift to give to your doctor and nurse friends!
Soft Suede Loafers from Target, $27.99
Nothing is more classic than a pair of loafers, and this updated version will make a great gift. Because they’re from Target, the price is right, so go sneakily find out her shoe size (and width) and snatch this hot present.
NYX Warm Neutrals Ultimate Shadow Palette from Ulta, $17.99
This eye shadow sampler has high-pigmited shades that would look perfect in the fall and winter. The word “warm” implies it will only work on some complexions, but makeup artists have been using peachy shades lately on warms, neutrals and cools. This little gift will be perfect for the make-up lover on your list.
Blush Beaded Bag from Target, $10
This cute little bag makes a great gift with its hint of ’20s-Great-Gatsby charm. It would make a great bag to go inside a purse or for makeup.
Large Storage CF Card for Video from Amazon, $117.15
Making a video with a DSLR can open up a new world of creative possibilities with high definition 4k resolution, but all of that comes with a price…crazy-large files! Don’t let your friend run out of disk space when taping their child’s middle school drama (true story!). Instead, gift them this CF card that holds 128 gigs of storage. It may seem like a practical gift, but it is one that any photo-lover will love. (Of course, first check to see what kind of card your loved-one’s camera takes. Some take CF cads and some use SD cards. Some use both!)
External Mic from Amazon, $66.00
If your friend or family member is serious about recording their children’s music recitals and choir performances with a DSLR, then they need a proper mic. This external mic from Rode is a great present that will make a world of difference in their videos. Have loved ones that are getting older in age? Gift this mic to record them and their memories.
What are some of your favorite gift ideas? I’d love to hear what your favorite things are this holiday season. Reply below in the comments.
