Embracing the gift guide


Holiday shopping always starts out fun and optimistically. I manage to find that first perfect gift back in October and return home thinking this will be the year I get all my shopping done by December first, leaving me the rest of the month to focus on the other aspects of the holiday season.

Fast forward to thirteen days until Christmas and I still have too many blank spots on my list, and not a thing wrapped.

Of course I still don't know what to get anyone, and the thought of spending my Saturday in a crowded mall could not be less appealing. The lines, the parking, being told there are no more gift boxes, or even better, being laughed at when I ask for a gift box...

Christmas Gifts 2012.jpgLittle Shopper Reindeer Ornament.jpgThe Christmas tree

There is a better way. It wasn't until these past few years that I started embracing online shopping as my number one way to get Christmas done. One of my favorite things about reading other blogs is the sense of instant gratification. Something catches my eye and I can literally be at the site completing my order in a matter of minutes. Every year hundreds of gift guides are published, featuring the latest and greatest personalized gift round ups for every type of person I need to shop for.

This year I've been enjoying the gift guides Yahoo! Style has been rolling out. One guide each day, catering to every gift giving need I have. I need to get something for my Dad, so I'm consulting their "Food Gifts for the Hardest to Please" guide. Yep, that would be my father. Perhaps the collection of specialty spices?


Short on stocking stuffers? The "Under $5" guide is essential. I love a cute coffee mug, and I still think that an ornament is the perfect gift for anyone.



Books. Books make amazing gifts. They have a way of making both myself, and the recipient look smarter. There is literally a book out there for everyone. I think when in doubt, books will always work out. I happen to love "What if? Absurd Answers to Hypothetical Questions" included on the "Book Nerd" guide. After dinner conversation is guaranteed to be a hoot if it starts getting passed around the room.


I have a habit of spoiling my dog Chloe, and there is a cashmere, monogrammed dog sweater featured on Yahoo! Style's "For the Dogs" guide. Okay, maybe I don't spoil her that much, but it's still a really cute idea.

merry christmas from chloe.jpg

With so many fun, unique gifts and most online retailers promising delivery by Christmas if orders are placed by the 20th, there is no reason to not get the rest of my shopping done from the comfort of my couch, and hopefully I will actually have enough time this weekend to get some baking done. Meanwhile, I'll be putting the pretty gold Frends headphones from "Joe Zee's Top Holiday Picks" on my own list. Happy shopping!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

18 comments

  1. I just have 2 more gifts to wrap and one hasn't arrived yet. But I always see gift guides and think 'man, I wish I got that instead' ha ha
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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  2. AT least you have the option of shopping on line !
    Its actually a privilege I don't have :(
    I think the Target ornaments are SOOO cute.
    Oh, and there's Chloe, I think she deserves a cashmere sweater ;) unlike my dogs who happened to pee on presents under the tree.

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  3. Oooh, I've never heard of these gift guides before. I do most of my shopping online as well - I should really check those out!

    Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines

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  4. I haven't even started my Christmas shopping yet and the idea of fighting those crowds isn't appealing to me either. Your doggie is so cute! Have a great weekend!

    Nicole
    Nicole to the Nines

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  5. I'm shocked that I actually have my shopping done--I'm ALWAYS the last-minute shopper! But this year I did good. :)

    Your dog is definitely a cutie-pie for sure. DO spoil her! ;)

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  6. I think Chloe would look stunning in her cashmere sweater! I'm done with my shopping except for my mom's gift!

    www.dressed2dnines.com

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  7. Online shopping is definitely the way to go! I agree with you that books make fantastic and thoughtful gifts!

    lovejoanna.com

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  8. Gift guides are always helpful! Thanks for telling us about these. I always shop online. it's a saver.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  9. I love going shopping to pick up Christmas gifts but I usually wait too long and it's definitely easier to order gifts online! And online gift guides are definitely helpful!
    ~Jessica
    Jeans and a Teacup

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  10. I know I'm supposed to concentrate on the shopping aspect of this post - but all I can think about is how adorable Chloe looks sitting under the tree with all the presents! I am definitely having dog envy right now ;) That said, being able to online shop for gifts is the best thing ever... especially since most of my family lives far away. I save so much on shipping now!
    xox,
    Cee

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  11. Beautiful pictures dear, love the ornaments!

    www.plogstyle.com

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  12. wowww, very nice pictures ;)
    i love Christmas time
    If you want come to visit the new post on my fashion blog,
    here: http://honeyandcotton.org/random-photo-instagram/
    Kiss from Italy.
    Nunù.

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  13. gift giving is so fun! I really love this post!
    Melanie @ meandmr.com

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  14. Goog ideas, and I think Chloe will love her present!! The book seems quite some fun to read!

    Rosa

    Styleyourselfinstyle.blogspot.com

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  15. I've always loved going to the mall this time of year, but I've done much more online shopping than usual this year...hopefully everything arrives on time!

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  16. What a fun collection of gift guides. i agree that ornaments are always a fun gift and can be fancy or affordable, but always festive!

    xoxo,
    little luxury list formerly Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  17. Books, yas! I feel like you can get really personal with books which I love. Plus they're something people (usually always) keep.

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