HerStory's 2015 Holiday Gift Guide
To say that I love the holidays is an extreme understatement. I would have a Christmas tree up in our home in October if my husband would allow it (not that I need his permission, but I do realize this is a bit extreme). I am a huge Halloween hater, so as soon as Nov. 1 rolls around, I am ecstatic to begin decorating for and celebrating my favorite two months of the year. I am drinking an iced peppermint mocha as we speak!
One of the biggest reasons I love Christmas is because I love picking out gifts for family and friends with their personal wants, needs and styles in mind. I thoroughly enjoy watching them open their gifts and [hopefully] seeing delight in their faces. When I was younger, Christmas was all about waking up early (like 5 a.m.) to organize our gifts into piles (always been an organizational freak) so everyone was ready to open their gifts when we were all finally out of bed and so I could see what Santa and my parents got me. As I've grown older, and I think this can be said for all of us, it becomes much more about giving.
I decided to put a holiday gift guide together for you (complete with a couple discount codes!), separated by types of gifts. Hopefully you can find something to grab for a loved one or something to add to your own list!
First things first: discount codes
I have been obsessed with my AIBI watch since I got it a few weeks ago. I am used to wearing oversized "boyfriend" watches, but I decided to mix it up with this dainty Julia Engel inspired watch. Best part? It goes with almost everything I wear. If you shop AIBI watches on their website and use discount code: BECCAC, you'll get $20 off your purchase. Not ready to buy now but want quick access to this code and the website later? There's a banner with a link and all the info you need on my homepage at www.herstoryblog.com.
Your next discount code expires Dec. 5, so you'll want to take advantage of this one ASAP. I have a slight love affair with candles. We currently have nine in our apartment. I love candles that smell good, obviously, but I also love candles that add to the aesthetic of our home. I stumbled upon Bijou Candles thanks to Amanda of Advice from a 20 Something. The best part about these candles is they come in a stylish container, so when the candle burns out, you can reuse the container. I plan on using mine as mint dishes on my desk at work and our bar cart at home.
Use discount code HerStoryBijou on the Bijou Candles website and you'll receive 15 percent off your purchase! (Reminder, this expires on Dec. 5, and I have a banner on my homepage for this discount, as well.)
Photo courtesy of Bijou Candles
Non-material gifts
Concert tickets: Get your significant other tickets to their favorite band/singer's concert in 2016. This gesture shows you care enough to put money and effort into something you know they'll love, and you can both enjoy the tickets.
Plan a weekend: A friend of mine told me she planned a weekend of activities for her boyfriend that he would love, and he did the same for her on another weekend. I love this idea because you get to enjoy your time together and get creative with planning the outing.
Get your significant other a gift for an upcoming trip. For example, if you're going on a beach trip soon (honeymoon, anyone!?), get your significant other a new swim suit.
Donate to your significant other's favorite charity. The true spirit of the season comes in full circle when we give what we can to those who are in need. I will be donating to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the ASPCA this holiday season.
Mix it up
Metallic moccasins: I love anything gold and anything soft, so these are definitely on my Christmas list. (JCrew, $55)
For the yogi in your life: a decorative yoga mat. (found on Etsy)
A curling wand. I've been using a straightener to master the subtle wave, but I think it's time to upgrade. (NuMe, $139)
A new pair of heels. I'm totally into these TOMS Majorca Peep Toe Booties in black.
Image via Nordstrom
Baublebar jewelry. Julia Engel of Gal Meets Glam just came out with a new Baublebar line. I am in love with the Fantasia Collar.
If you want to splurge and are in need of a new laptop, check out Microsoft's (client) new laptop, the Microsoft Surface Book.
Need a makeup brush refresh? Get the Sephora collection for $125, which is a great deal considering these average about $30 per brush ($175 value).
YETI Rambler Tumbler. My friend said his coffee is still warm five hours after the initial pour.
Subscription to Darling Magazine. I adore Darling and everything it stands for. If you're not already a Darling addict, just take a quick look at the website and you'll see why I love it so much. I subscribe to the quarterly magazine and think it would make a wonderful gift.
Photo by L. Bishop Photography
Can't go wrong with...
Kendra Scott jewelry. I guess Kendra is more well-known in the south, because I have been shocked by how many people I meet in SF who don't know Kendra Scott jewelry. If the four pieces I wear daily aren't enough to legitimize my obsession, let me go ahead and further prove how much I love Kendra jewelry by announcing my next giveaway! I will be giving away these earrings starting tomorrow. Stay tuned on Instagram for your chance to win!
Photo via Kendra Scott
Books. Whether it's a Barnes and Noble gift card, a special edition of a favorite series or a new bestseller, books are always a great gift. One of my favorite books I received as a gift was from my brother. He got me a book on JFK, one of my favorite political icons.
A new purse. Kate Spade is always a good decision. This is my current favorite.
Coffee mugs. I love this monogram coffee mug from Williams-Sonoma.
May Designs anything. I just got this holiday-inspired stationery to accompany my gifts this holiday season. Just another addition to my May Designs collection.
And of course, you can always check out local animal shelters and get your significant other a new rescue friend. We got our rescue pup a few days before Christmas last year, and it was seriously the best Christmas ever!
If you're digging anything you saw here, save the links straight from this post! What would you add to my list?
