I have a few suggestions for gifts for y’all! If you read my blog, you’re probably a GREAT gift-giver, but I thought it might be fun to make some suggestions anyways.
These are amazing gifts for people who you don’t know what to get for them. Kiva gifts are actually loanable funds that enable the user to make loans to entrepreneurs in other countries. It’s a really thoughtful and special gift because the user gets to choose to whom they loan the funds and they get to follow their story. Not only that, they also get to re-loan the funds once the loan is repaid. Kiva’s repayment rate is currently over 98%. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. It’s a step forward from “a charitable donation has been made in your honor,” and allows the user to interact and experience the effects of the loan. It’s my current favorite charity.
I love these! I think they’re ADORABLE, and very affordable. I have loved this Canadian company for years. It was acquired by Victoria’s Secret, and plans were made to open stores in the US, but they were never carried out. I think it’s because the quality of the products are very similar (in my opinion, exactly the same), yet La Senza is about 30% cheaper, on average. I think they would have had difficulty with product differentiation. IE: It would be hard for Victoria’s Secret to continue selling their products at the same price and La Senza would likely cannibalize, rather than enhance Victoria’s Secret’s business. So, the bad news is- no stores in the US, the good news is: They ship to the US!
Don’t like slipper booties? Why not try these more traditionally designed slippers? I recently received these as a gift and I absolutely LOVE them. I have basically been living in them the past 5 days. They’re good quality, comfortable and warm. They’re super cozy. This is an option for a guy too, since they come in more masculine colors than… you know, snowflakes, like the La Senza ones above.
One of the men’s options I like are these:
They have a TPR sole, so they can go outside (to get the paper or mail), and will be more durable in general. I think I like slippers. I hope you do too!
Revealed Palette by Coastal Scents
I am a HUGE fan of Coastal Scents. As far as affordability and quality go, this company does a lot of things right. I think I might do a full review of some of their products in the future, and I have to admit that some of their products are not amazing (cough*88 Original Palette*cough), but a lot of their stuff is on point and especially the Revealed Palettes. I got the first one a year ago and I bought the second one as soon as it came out. If you’re buying it as a gift, it’s totally worth the $20. It’s very pretty in person and the colors are highly pigmented. I think that both of these are really high quality. If you’re buying it for yourself, 3 or 4 times a year Coastal Scents does have a half-off sale making them only $10! The original was meant to be a dupe for Naked’s palette, and the newest one is supposed to mimic Naked 3. I can’t comment on the Naked 1, since I don’t own it- but I DO own Naked 3, and I do not find that there are enough dupes (I counted only 3 very accurate color matches) to call this a “Dupe for the Naked 3.” But it is really awesome on its own merits. The colors are long-lasting and gorgeous. I really love these and often find myself reaching for them.
Lululemon Fluff Off Pullover
This would not be complete without something from Lululemon. I am sometimes loathe to put in links to Lululemon items, as oftentimes, the best stuff, the stuff I would recommend, is sold out in a flash and my readers are greeted with a “sorry, this item is sold out!” page. However, I will include a link to Lulu’s “What’s New” page, where the item may be found.
This highly sought after item last year, has made a comeback! Here’s my post about it from last year! These things are gorgeous! I STILL wear mine all the time and my most recent photos prove it! I attended a gender reveal party, and I was wearing it at school when the visiting (Chinese) professor asked for an impromptu group photo. They have 800 down fill, have a feminine fit and are totally worth it. Quality-wise, these are one of Lulu’s best items. I’m sure you’ll agree.
This charm is so festive and cute, but there are also a bunch of other affordable pieces of luxury in the Pandora collection. And they have so many festive holiday pieces! I have a couple of Pandora bracelets on the go right now, and I wear them on date nights and during the day. They can be casual and chic! I highly recommend them to someone who wants something that’s luxurious and versatile. I also recommend them as affordable (yet not cheap) gifts for friends. From time to time, Pandora will run a “free bracelet” promotion, where you get a free bracelet with a $100 (or so) purchase, but I don’t think they do it during the holiday season- just a head’s up for when you get addicted too! LOL!
I have to give a special shout out to The Body Shop. If you read my blog you’ll know that they do send me something to try out about once a month and this year my favorite products they’ve sent me were the first ones. The Argan Oil products smell amazing. I love the Body Scrub that’s in my shower and I completely used up the Body Butter they sent me. Right now on their site they have this adorable gift set and I think it would make a great gift. The Body Shop also has some really decent men’s products, so you can cross more people off your list. The Tea Tree products are some that I personally use and love (although, I wouldn’t necessarily call them men’s, more like “coed” 🙂 ). I find the Blemish Fade Night Lotion to be particularly effective at combating excess oil, but I’ve tried nearly every product in that line and enjoyed all of them except the face scrubs,- they aren’t bad, there are just better things on the market.
I could go on and on… I just have so many “loves!” Tokidoki Diaper Bags, Toms Shoes, J Crew Marino Sweaters…
What are some gifts you’ll be getting for friends and family this year? Let me know in the comments below!
