{holidays} gift guide for him

Ok, now that we talked about what we want, let's talk shopping for the men in our lives. I have to say, I had it really easy growing up - my father is a music addict and all he ever wanted was CDs. There was a time that I would get a list of things to find, but since you could not find it anywhere, it turned into a gift card that he could explore with. I don't consider this lazy because it's something I knew he wanted, and something that always makes him happy. That IS the whole idea of gifting, isn't it?

So that was my foundation. And I have rarely needed to buy a guy in my life gifts as I usually ran away from them by the time the holidays came around. But what if you DO need to buy the special man in your life something? What if he has really good taste? And it's very specific? Or you just want to show him that you tried to surprise him with something that you think he'd appreciate?

Whether it's something small, something a bit fun, or something you both can enjoy, here's my roundup of dapper-approved items that will get you off the naughty list.

{holidays} gift guide for her

I really believed that I was an easy person to shop for - I like so many different things, how hard can it be! Then I realized, looking through someone else's eyes, that not having a very specific style can be hard for others to pin point if I would like it or not. And I buy things for myself all too often when I want them. 

I was gifted a gorgeous Smythson Passport Cover for my recent trip abroad and it's one of my favorite things I've been given in quite some time. It's something that I've always wanted and desired, but something I never would have thought to buy myself on my own. This is really a "duh" realization and so obvious, but this year I'm trying to think in those terms as much as possible for the holiday season. 

How about some Le Labo parfum that has been made right in front of you? Or a monogrammed zipper case for the soon-to-be bride? Or a pair of badass sneakers with a special someone's initials on them (cough, cough, hint, hint). As we in the Advertising realm would say, a little "surprise and delight"!

Obviously, there are always those gifts that are a bit more extravagant and special and you can never go wrong with a nice bag or some fanciful jewelry. But, especially with a sister who is going to be changing her name in the coming months, I'm adjusting my radar to gifts that are a bit more personalized and things that someone would maybe not consider on their own. 

What's on YOUR list this year?

{gift guide} Mother's Day

I used to feel pressure trying to find the perfect gift for my mother this time of year. How do you show someone who gives you unconditional love, no matter how many times you may have screwed up, that you really appreciate her?

About two years ago I decided for Mother's/Father's Day and for Birthdays, I wanted to spend quality time with my parents and create new memories together. At the same, my mom NEVER buy things for herself and always says she doesn't need anything. Soooo, because I don't listen to her [sorry, but you know it's true], and because I like to spoil the people that I love, I created the perfect guide for gifts that will be daily reminders that you, too, are thinking of her.

{wrap it up}

What's better than snail mail? Beautiful packaged gifts arriving on your doorstep. 

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{holiday gift guide} for the music lover

This post can be for the ladies & the gents that are appreciators of all things music [and #2 is a special treat, just for fun, for those creative types with a kittums at home].

1. Nixon RPM Over-Ear Headphone w/ 3-button mic

2. Suck UK turntable scratching post

3. Great Plains Griffin's Coffee Tin Ukulele

4. Geneva sound system model s

5. Libratone Live Speaker

6. Ceramic Speakers 

{holiday gift guide} behind the lens

For those of you who live behind your lens and want something 'special' for your passion.

1. IMPOSSIBLE PX 680 Color Shade Gold Edition

2. The Handy Dandy hand strap

3. Polaroid Grey Label Instant Mobile Picture

4. Billingham Digital Hadley Bag BI

5. Lomography Diana Mini with flash

6. iPhone Lens Dial

{holiday gift guide} for the home

These are just a few items on my list for my apartment, which could be great ideas for your hostess or fellow design-afficienado!

1. Murray's Cheese - Spanish Sampler 

2. West Elm Tall Butler Tray Stand

3. Ikea birch Ribba frame [perfect for my PaperFashion print]

4. Crate & Barrel S'more Basket with handle

5. RugsUSA light green graphic rug

6. Maxine Clark pizza, calzone & foccaccia recipe book for my...

7. Oneida pizza stone

{holiday gift guide} spotted

Polka dots....studs....whatever the circular creation, I'm definitely seeing spots this Holiday!  Here's the first of this week's Holiday Wishlists....

1. Kate Spade Le Pavillion iPhone case 

2. West Elm Cluster Pendent light

3. Jonathan Adler Charade Studded Taper Vase

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Hot Dot leather belt

5. On-The-Spot gloves

6. Madewell spotted snowfall sweater

7. Zara Studded Shopper

8. Halleh 18-karat gold diamond embellished earrings