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Tag Archives: Gift Guide


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For: Him and Her under $50!

Today’s the last day of my formal gift guides (with a special surprise planned for tomorrow). I thought I would finish up by proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to come up with a beautiful, thoughtful gift. All of these items are under 50 dollars!! So if you’re on a budget or just looking for a few extra stocking stuffers, there is still plenty to choose from.

A lot of inexpensive gifts sold during the holiday season SCREAM Christmas, so I’ve tried to include some items that aren’t just red green and silver. I’ve said before how much of a girl crush I have on Grace Coddington- her memoir hit stores recently and would be a great gift for anyone interested in fashion editorials.  Also, I’m realizing as I write this how drawn I am to semi precious stones- might have something to do with my 3rd grade rock collection! But c’mon- The agate coasters are trimmed in gold, and how great is that malachite bowl???

under $50 for Her

 j crew wide bangle / j crew narrow bangle / Kate Spade earrings / Jouer makeup / Deborah Lippmann / Set of 4 Agate Coasters with Gold Leaf Edge / Chic Shop Extra Small Malachite Bowl / Amethyst Quartz Votive Holder / Gold Reindeer Christmas Ornament / The Sartorialist: Closer / Grace: A Memoir / Claus Porto Mini Guest Soap S/5 Pink / Feather Collection Tray

Nick has informed me that my gift guides for guys are a bit lacking- but what can I say, not EVERYONE wants to see a gift guide full of scuba diving gear and saltwater aquarium parts (90% of Nick’s presents for the past 4 years). That being said, I think that  most guys secretly dream of being Anthony Bourdain- and his book would be a great gift. And who wouldn’t love a martini shaker that also doubles as a recipe guide and drinking game all in one?! (Each die represents a different part of a drink- glass, alcohol, garnish, etc) It looks so fun- I might have to get one for myself :)   But if you are a guy reading this- feel free to add a comment on what you want for Christmas- you are all a mystery to shop for and us girls always appreciate new suggestions.

Under $50 for Him

Jack Black ‘balm Squad™’ Lip Quad / Coach Bleecker Legacy Small Luggage Tag / Skull Candle – LA NUIT – Amber and Lavender / Anthony Bourdain’s Les Halles Cookbook Strategies, Recipes, and… / Golden Nugget Christmas Ornament / Victorinox Camper Swiss Army Knife / Cigar Style / Poker / COCKTAIL DICE WITH SHAKER | Mixed Drinks & Cocktails Recipe Game |… / Brass Pyramid Pencil Sharpener / Infinite Series Bar 11 THE NIGHTCAP Cocktail Infused / Shattered Moonlight Chocolate Bar


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For: the athlete and the artist

Continuing the week with more gift guides- I hope you all have been inspired! Today I’m featuring gifts for your most athletic and artistic friends in every sort of price range.

It is often hard to shop for artists because they are SO creative- anything you give them needs to be aesthetically pleasing, well made, AND original. I love moleskin notebooks and this one is a limited edition book filled with drawings from 110 internationally renowned architects- how cool! The USA project playing cards support 54 artists from around America- each designed a different card. And of course you can’t go wrong with a print from 20×200- especially one from Jessican Craig Martin.

For the artist

Colored Pencils Brass Holder Set / Random Washi Tape x 10 / by Jessica Craig-Martin 20×200 / THE USA PROJECT PLAYING CARDS | Art Cards Game Card Set |… / La Mano Dell’Architetto / The Hand of the Architect (12 x 8.5),… / La Mano Dell’Architetto / The Hand of the Architect (12 x 8.5),… / Pendant / Pantone Red / Front page / Mario Testino In Your Face

Next up are gifts for your friend who is always on the go. Although just because they are sporty- doesn’t mean they have to sacrifice the way they look or accessorize. I’m in LOVE with the Lucas Hugh stretch pants, and for those of you who hate drinking out of plastic bottles as much as I do- these glass bkr bottles have silcone sleeves protecting them for a trip to the gym. I have friends RAVING about how fun Nike Fuel bands are- and I’m not sure I buy the hype- but it might be a fun thing to do in pairs.

For the athlete

NIKE Vapor Jacket / Lucas Hugh stretch pants / adidas by Stella McCartney  / Nike Stretch Woven Pant Men’s / Saucony Kinvara NMD Run Jacket Men’s / CS by City Sports Edge Run Top (Short Sleeve) Men’s / CS by City Sports Commuter Touch Tip Glove Men’s / Take Me With You Tote / NIKE+ FUELBAND / the bkr bottle: glass + silicone / Garmin Forerunner 210 w/ Heart Rate Monitor Women’s

 


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For: the well styled home and bar

Because a pretty home is a happy home. I hope you enjoyed yesterdays gift guide. Today I’m continuing with gifts for the home and bar in a variety of price ranges.

First up is this collection of gifts for the kitchen and table- which I think would make any cook or hostess very happy. I was especially excited about the Japanese grill. On a recent trip to New York City, Nick and I went to Takashi, and tried this method of cooking delicately sliced beef- it is so delicious and a unique culinary adventure! For the more novice cook, the Chef Set Meals are an easy foray into the kitchen- with just three ingredients you prepare deliciously inspired dinners. Or if you prefer not to cook at all- at least you know you can dress up take out by decorating the table with any of these other beautiful treasures.

For the well styled home

Rose Garden Tablecloth / Engraved Vines Copper Cocotte / Batik Olivewood Cheese Spreader | LEIF / Bodum Eileen French Press Coffee Maker 34 oz / Vela Candlesticks Rablabs / Fox Salt and Pepper Shakers / Korin Japanese Trading – Konro Charcoal BBQ Grill / Chef Set Meals / Waylande Gregory Red Bird Tray GRAMERCY CO. / Chocolate Dipped Orange Peels / Davenport English Platter, C. 1805

If you have been reading this blog for a while now, you may have guessed that I have a special place in my heart for the well crafted cocktail, and along with that comes the well styled bar! This past weekend I mixed up some Moscow Mules with my friends- but I wish I had had these copper Moscow Mule Cups- it makes the drink SO much better. I’m also in love with the tequila shot glasses- they are made from Pink Himalayan Salt!!!!! And if you need inspiration for a drink Mrs. Lilien’s cocktail swatch-book is a great visual recipe deck of some amazing libations.

for the well stocked bar

Caneel Bay Bar Cart – Turquoise / Royal Cocktail Coaster Set / Jimena Pitcher / Birch Bark Straws / RABLABS Bottle Opener / BARNES & NOBLE | Mrs. Lilien’s Cocktail Swatch Book by Kelley Lilien,… / HIMALAYAN SALT TEQUILA GLASSES- SET OF 4 / Morris-Kitchen Ginger Syrup / Art Deco Glass Decanter & Four Cordial’s by Boom at 1stdibs / Hex Champagne Bucket / Old Dutch Copper Moscow Mule Mug 428 / Best Year Wine Stopper Rabbit


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For: the most interesting man in the world, and the woman he loves to spoil

The holiday season has descended on us like Saturday’s snow: unexpected but so welcome.  This weekend I attended a Hanukkah party, and yesterday we picked up our Christmas tree. As I write this, my house smells like a magical pine forest and I’m listening to the Nutcracker. It’s put me in a holly jolly mood :) I’ve also officially bought ‘the first gift of Christmas- but I’m a little lost for the rest of my list. So this week I am featuring some gift guides for everyone. I hope you enjoy them!

First up we have gifts for the most interesting man in the world. (Have you seen the commercial??) The man of a million interests and incredibly good taste- a little bit rustic woodsman, a lotta bit James Bond. These gifts are not only unique but are also incredibly well made and each tells a fabulous story of this man of mystery. Everything from velvet bowties, to ski goggles with a video camera to an etched oyster knife- its all here:

Unique gifts for him

Man of the World /Loro Piana Baby Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves /Lanvin New Alber Oversized Velvet Bow Tie /Foundwell 18-Karat Gold Bloodstone Signet Ring /Ski Goggles with Built-in Camera /Barneys New York Backgammon Set /John Derian Company Inc — Hornet /Williams Knife Co /HERO3 Black Edition /Oro – Enandis SHOP /Uniform Wares 152 Series | Designer Watches /

Secondly, I’ve put together these luxe gifts for the woman who loves to be spoiled. Which includes myself ;) . Each of these items are more luxurious than the next, from the fur scarf to the Hermes tray. Of course I can’t imagine I have too many readers who are going to find a pair of $48,000 earrings under the tree- but you never know.

Luxe Gifts for Her

Carven leather pumps / The Row handbag /Cartier yellow gold jewelry /Van Cleef arpel / Yves Salomon /Gucci /Cheval d’Orient /Diptyque Ceramic Baies Scented Candle /Arena Wheeled Carry-On, Jacynthe /


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Laura Zindel

Today I was perusing the entertaining section of West Elm (they seriously have some of the best/ most affordable serveware) when I came across these beautiful Thanksgiving dessert plates by Laura Zindel.

I immediately fell in love with how simple, and yet intricate, they are. The patterns remind me of vintage botanical drawings. I was not familiar with Laura Zindel before, but upon quick inspection of her website, I am already imagining a fabulous Halloween dinner party. Those blackbirds and tarantulas are so haunting! I love finding new and unique products so I figured I’d share a few favorites here.

The pottery is all handmade in a small studio in Vermont and the illustrations are all hand-drawn and then printed as enamel transfers- allowing for the creation of patterns with repetition. I think they would be a beautiful gift for any hostess you might be visiting this season and the perfect addition to any party.

Cheers!

 

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