Last Minute Gifts

Today is the last day for standard shipping to get orders by Christmas, so it's time to get those stragglers taken care of. You know the ones, the people who are impossible to buy for, who you've been deliberating over all month... or maybe you've just been putting off shopping and have realized it's crunch time. Either way, I hope this helps!

SUGARFIX by BaubleBar Graphic Resin Pendant Necklace, $17 at Target
Leopard Faux Fur Scarf, $35 at Loft
Tie Waist Cardigan, $80 at J.Crew 
Orell Pizza Cutter, $28 at Anthropologie
Brass Collapsible Coffee Dripper, $15 at Kikkerland
Wireless Charging Base, $48 at Uncommon Goods
Monogrammed Camera Strap, $25 at Marleylilly
Crosley Cruiser Turntable, $70 at Bed Bath and Beyond
Topshop Blair Circle Bag, $48 at Nordstrom

Valentine's Gifts Under $50

Valentine's Day is nearly two weeks away, and whether you like to celebrate in a big way, or go with a more low-key approach, a little (affordable) romance is always welcome.

Lace Bra, $18 at H&M
Lace Panties, $8 at H&M
Mrs. & Mr. Guest Towels, $5 at H&M
XO Earrings, $42 a ApplePear
Happy Plugs iPhone Case, $25 at H&M
Tybee Solid Cologne, $42 at Fulton & Roark
Moleskine All You Need is Love Notebook, $20 at Amazon
Heart Shaped Ring Dish, $10 at Target
Golden Hearts Mug, $13 at Starbucks
Dual Heart iPhone Charging Cable, $15 at Kikkerland
Voluspa Candle, $20 at Anthropologie

Gift Guide: The Jetsetter

For the people in your life who are always traveling, a few little luxuries like a wristlet that keeps your cellphone charged (try this similar one if you are on a budget), some aroma thereapy sleep oil to help combat jetlag (it's got great reviews), and a monogrammed luggage tag would be perfection.

The leather cord organizer would also be great for anyone who's just gotten Apple's new MacBook and now must have their life converted into dongles, haha.

Karl Lagerfeld Watch, $50 at TJMaxx
Clothespin Booklight, $8 at Kikkerland
Travel Cord Roll, $20 at Brouk & Co.
Everpurse X Kate Spade Phone Charger Wristlet, $198 at Everpurse
Vitruvi Sleep Aromatherapy Oil, $38 at Urban Outfitters
Monogrammed Luggage Tag, $30 at GiGi New York
Shearling Llama Bag Tag, $15 at Madewell
Herringbone Blanket Scarf, $20 at Target

Gift Guide: The Dog Lover

I know we are all deeply obsessed with our pets. And we love it. I'm convinced that Chloe should have a monogrammed fur collar tartan jacket to wear. I want the New York Dog book on my coffee table, and if I ever get my own dog, those blue and white food jars and bowls will absolutely be in my kitchen.

Chewy Vitton Chew Toy, $16 at Posh Puppy Boutique (also Pawda and Barkin)
The New York Dog Coffee Table Book, $15 at TJMaxx
Plaid Dog Coat, $35 at Land's End (it's monogrammable!)
Mexican Blue and White Treat Jar, $28 at Amazon
Mexican Blue and White Dog Bowl, $32 at Glamour Mutt
Fabuleash Pearl Dog Leash, $10 at Bed Bath & Beyond
Marimekko Dog Bed, $139 at Amazon
Joy to the World Pet Ornaments, $45 at Macy's

Gift Guide: The Hostess

A friend of mine recently let me sample some thyme liqueur and it was amazing. I'm convinced it needs to be a number one ingredient in a holiday cocktail. Other than that, lets face it, you are not going to show up to a christmas party and gift your host an apron or probably any of these other things. At least, I don't think that you will, so it's my fault for calling these hostess gifts. But they are fun things you might want if you were hosting a party of your own, right?

Vinter Apron, $8 at Ikea
Measuring Cups, $17 at Crate & Barrel
Animal Drink Stirs, $10 via Etsy
Gold Serving Spoons, $20 at Target
Metallic Print Mug, $10 at H&M
Metallic Print Plate, $7 at H&M
Farigoule Thyme Liqueur, $23 at Ace Spirits
Marble & Gold Barware Tool Set, $30 at Target

Gift Guide: The Guys

Shopping for the men in my life is my biggest struggle, even more so with the fact that before we are even 40 days into the new year I'll have to get birthday presents for all of them to boot! Thankfully Sean helps me out with this guide now so hopefully some of these will be spot on for the men in your lives.

The Leatherman multi tool is one of Sean's top picks, and he felt it was also important that I mention it comes in stainless steel and matte black as well as the green, which is my preference of course!

The leather bag is actually a leakproof cooler, which has to be the most stylish way I can think to cart around your food and drinks.

I read one review of the mini wireless projector and was convinced I needed to include it on this list - wouldn't being able to project a movie anywhere you go just be so much fun?

Waxed Cotton Cap, $48 at J.Crew
iPhone Super Fan, $6 at Kikkerland
Key Chain Bottle Opener, $20 at Uncommon Goods
Bronzino Leather Belt, $20 at TJMaxx
Leatherman Wave Multi Tool, $90 at Leatherman
Merino Wool Striped Sweater, $80 at Banana Republic
Timex Scout Expedition Watch, $30 at Amazon
iCODIS Mini Wireless WiFi Projector, $200 at Amazon
Duck Canvas Cooler, $160 at Mission Mercantile

Gift Guide: The Girls

I hope everyone who celebrated had a lovely Thanksgiving! I spent the weekend at my parents house and the only productive thing I managed to do the whole time was put together a week of gift guides for you. Other than that, I shopped online, watched movies and Gilmore Girls and enjoyed leftovers, and managed to come down with another cold, which I think will be my third this year and I'm pretty bummed about it.

Even though it's Cyber Monday, I'm pretty shopped out after the weekend. I think no fewer than half a dozen packages will be arriving at my house this week. It is a great time to take advantage of some good deals, some even better than they were on Friday.

But on to the gift guide! Naturally I like to start with the easiest, the girls, aka, stuff I have and like or have seen and want. I spotted the metallic purse in Target and even though it's not leather it's the cutest thing, and definitely looks like a Kate Spade bag, except it's $20. Those fur mittens seem like they'd be super warm, which I would love since my hands are perpetually cold, and if you haven't checked out the home section of H&M, it's time you.

Striped Teddy Sweater, $31 at J.Crew Factory
Tinted Carafe, $25 at H&M
Gorjana Alphabet Neckalce, $25 at Gilt
Copper Elephant Ring Holder, $10 at Amazon
Tarte Drench Lip Splash, $22 at Tarte
Metallic Mini Purse, $20 at Target
Faux Fur Mittens, $44 at Banana Republic
Rifle Paper Co. Bon Voyage 2017 Wall Calendar, $26 at Shopbop

Black Friday Shopping Strategy with Shoptagr

We are just one week away from arguably the biggest shopping day of the year, though apparently statistics state that December 23rd (go procrastinators!) is the actual biggest. However the best sales to be had are on Black Friday, only my strategy does not include waking up early, standing in the cold, and fighting crowds. I much prefer to do my shopping from the comfort of my living room, and with help from one of my favorite sites Shoptagr, I'll be sure to get the best sales the moment they happen.

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Shoptagr is a site I've been using for the past two years to keep tabs on items I like, but don't want to buy until they go on sale. The simple to use browser button notes the size, color, and desired sale price of an item and as soon as there is a sale, I get an email. I can't tell you how many mornings a Shoptagr email has fed my shopping addiction. As a bonus, if an item goes out of stock, but then there is a pop back, Shoptagr sends an email too. They offer a mobile app so you can be tagging and shopping on the go, and it's easy to see which items are in stock, on sale, or have been purchased.

Easy to use browser button.

To help me get all my holiday shopping done and save as much money as possible, I've created a private list where I'm tagging all the gifts I want to buy for my family and friends. When the Black Friday sales start I'll be ready, and if an item goes on sale before Black Friday, I'll get a notification, including when a new coupon code becomes available!

Organized lists are easy to shop and share.

I'll also be creating a separate list for myself, which I can share with friends and family - they always appreciate the help when it comes to getting their own shopping done. Shoptagr is partnered with hundreds of retailers such as J.Crew, ASOS, Banana Republic, Nordstrom and Shopbop, so pretty much all the sites I do most of my shopping at.

If you are as dedicated to never paying full price as I am, then you should definitely be using Shoptagr, sign up and install the browser button now, it only takes a second!

This post is sponsored by Shoptagr, my views and opinions are my own.

His & Hers Valentine's gifts

I may have forgotten just how quickly Valentine's Day is approaching, but thankfully in a world where a great gift is just a click away, one week is plenty of time to purchase something for your sweetheart, or for yourself. I'm all about the self Valentine's gift... flowers, chocolate, jewelry... I go for the classics. I do happen to think that rhino vase is all kinds of adorable too, and would go perfectly with those flowers I'm already buying.

Sean's recommendation for the gentlemen is the key ring, which also functions as a bottle opener, and both of us give our stamp of approval to the Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne.

Hers
Earrings, $50 at J.Crew
Rhino Vase, $39 at West Elm
Shoulder Bag, $298 at Kate Spade

His
Fossil Watch, $195 at Nordstrom
Unclip Keychain, $25 at Unsettleco
Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne, $125 at Nordstrom

Gift guide for the gals

When it comes to shopping for the women in my life, the possibilities seem endless. Something cozy or festive, always with a touch of glam. I've been quite fixated on having everything black, white, and gold lately, so clearly that has come through.

I have such a weakness for Kate Spade, and for ornaments - I couldn't even pick just one to include. The gloves are cashmere, have touchscreen fingertips, and are steal at $25. A great stocking stuffer (or package topper) would be the monogram tassel keychain for $8.

For a bit of indulgence, I think the "'tis the season to eat chocolate" pouch would be infinitely better filled with the recipients' favorite kind of holiday sweet.

Kate Spade Ornaments, $25 at Neiman Marcus
Shiraleah Chevron Throw, $120 at Shopbop
Shiraleah Striped Mug and Dessert Plate, $40 at Shopbop
Tai Cupcake Necklace, $70 at Shopbop
Trés Chic Cashmere Gloves, $25 at TJMaxx
Dogeared Pouch, $28 at Shopbop
Monogram Tassel Keychain, $8 at Target

Gift guide for the guys

The men in my life are typically the hardest people to shop for, and while I received some input from Sean and a few of his absolute favorite things are on this list, such as the plaid shirt and the bathrobe, I also felt like I needed to add a few things that I might get for a guy just because.

For a Seinfeld fan, I was delighting in the idea of the astronaut pen, for a coffee aficionado, the gleaming-yet-rugged french press (also in stainless) seemed perfect. And for a quirky gift with a ton of possibilities, check out the Man Crate. Boxes filled with goodies for every possible interest from the beer lover to the zombie apocalypse, all the wooden crates come with a crowbar required to open them!

P.S. Would you like to join my holiday card exchange?

Leather House Shoes, $120 at Kaufmann Mercantile*
Fisher Space Pen, $22 at East Dane*
Plaid Flannel Shirt, $60 at Eddie Bauer
Taxidermy Magnet, $13 at CB2
French Press, $50 at Starbucks
Wallet, $95 Frank Clegg*
Plaid Flask, $12 at J.Crew Factory
Magnetic Swiss Collar Stays, $15 at Amazon
Flannel Robe, $75 at L.L.Bean
Faribault Plaid Throw $110, at East Dane*
Wool Baseball Cap, $48 at Brooks Brothers
Man Crates $20 - $180
Throwback Clue Board Game, $25 at East Dane

*Made in the USA!

Getting ready for Black Friday

The biggest shopping day of the year is upon us, though it would seem most realtors can't even seem to wait and are rolling out the sales already. J.Crew Factory is boasting half off the entire store, Shopbop is offering their tiered discount, starting at 15% off if you spend $250, going up to 25%, and Old Navy in the same vein is giving 40% on purchases of $100 or more.

But I'm always looking to save more, and that is where Splender comes in. The cash back site is offering double the money back on every purchase made now through Cyber Monday, which means I have an even bigger incentive to do all of my Black Friday shopping in my PJs, on the couch with a latté in hand and hopefully a big pice of left over apple pie. Not that I wasn't going to do that anyway.

If you haven't signed up for Splender, now would be a great time to do it - you are going to shop anyway, why shouldn't you be getting cash back for it? Plus if you sign up with my affiliate link you will get a $5 bonus with the first $50 you spend.

Polished Casual

Plaid Button Down

Leopard Print Loafer

Grey Peacoat

Glamorous Gathering

Erickson Beamon Cocktail Ring
Ace&Jig Metallic Plaid Dress
Inge Christopher Box Clutch

Shopping via Couch
Fair Isle Sweater
Metallic Sherpa Lined Slippers
Lace Cammi

Set the table

As per usual, we are half way through November and I haven't even started writing gift guide posts, meanwhile I've already seen dozens. I suppose it's because I don't even think about starting my holiday shopping until after Thanksgiving, and completely forget that not everyone is a procrastinator.

This isn't a gift guide per se, though as much as it is a collection of items I would love to dress up my thanksgiving table with, several would also make great hostess gifts! So lets just check that gift guide off the list.

As much as I try keep my gift guides on the affordable side, every so often something ridiculous gets in, and such is the case with the hand nut cracker. Not only is it $200, but it's a device that no one even uses anymore. I just thought it was so delightful and cheeky, and with the logic that no one is cracking nuts anymore I feel safe that I'm probably not disappointing anyone. (Isn't is so depressing when you look at a gift guide and find that the one item you love is the most expensive of the bunch?)

On the other hand I think the slate cheeseboard you can get in the shape of any state for a mere $20 would be a fantastic gift.

Slate State Cheese Board, $20 at Uncommon Goods
Pumpkin Votive Holders, $40 at Pier 1 Imports
Silver Plaid Cocktail Mixing Glass, $6 at Target
Rifle Paper Co. Floral Coasters, $16 at Shopbop
Gift Boutique Liberty Cheese Set, $36 at Shopbop
Jonathan Adler Hand Nutcracker, $198 at Shopbop
Squirrel Nut Bowl, $35 at Pier 1 Imports
Copper Fig, $2 at Target
Silver Plaid Cocktail Glasses, $12 at Target

Gifts for Mom

With April quickly coming to a close and Mother's Day just around the corner, I thought it would be a good time for a little list of some cute gift ideas for Mom.

I was aiming to provide pieces at every price point, but most of these things are $58. Though you could get an equally cute pom pom throw at TJMaxx for $30, or get a completely splurge worthy Celtic Motherhood Knot necklace for $660, complete with birthstones for each of Mom's children...actually the birthstones are extra and vary in price by the stone. I'm sure Mom will be just as happy with a nice card and bunch of flowers ;)

Happy Spoons, $13 by Zak Designs
Chaimae Mug, $12 at Lulu & Georgia
Mother's Day Card, $4.50 at Rifle Paper Co.
Celtic Mother's Knot Pendant, $124 at The Irish Gift House
Mom Idiom Bangle, $58 at Kate Spade
White Pom Pom Throw $58 at Hattan Home
Polish Pottery Watering Can, $58 at Blue Rose Pottery

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...

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.

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.

Gift guide for the gentlemen

This is the first year I am featuring a gift guide exclusively for men, and that is because I find men very difficult to shop for. Thus, each of these items was hand selected, or at least approved by Sean. He has also offered up a little commentary for the items, which I've included with the rest of the details.

However you should know, the metallic silver braided lightening cable (which also comes in gold!) is all me; Sean's suggestion is the $12, top rated Monoprice cable, which is unfortunately out of stock at the moment.

Let's start with the splurge item, a 100% wool jacket with moleskin lining. The new Seattle cut is more trim than their classic Alaska fit. It has great buttons, so many pockets, even one in the back, and it's made in the US.
Greenwood Wool Jacket, $490 at Filson

Handkerchiefs are very handy, handsome, and classic. These hold up very well in washing and become really soft. Great for when you get a cold, the soft cotton is much nicer on the nose.

Striped Handkerchiefs, $27.50 at Duluth Trading

100% Merino wool, very warm, very comfortable, unisex. Grey is a great hat color.

Peregrine by J.G. Glover Watch Cap, $19 at Sierra Trading Post

The standard for cocktail shakers. Very satisfying feel and great seal when closed. For their price you can't do better. A good accompaniment would be The Bar Book.
Koriko Shaking Tin, $9 at Cocktail Kingdom
The Bar Book, $19 at Amazon

Very durable, comfortable, warm socks that come in many colors.
Merino Wool Socks, $20 at LLBean

One of the top rated backup batteries, small sleek design.
Lumsing Portable Backup Battery, $25 at Amazon
Belkin Metallic 4' Lightning Cable, $20 at Amazon

Shop At Home Holiday Gift Guide

Shopping for others is one of the great joys of the season. In a perfect world, I would keep to a strict budget, but it is far too easy to get carried away and hard to berate yourself when you are feeling the joy of giving.

However, come January, the realities of the holiday spending can sometimes come as a bit of a shock. Fortunately when it comes to shopping there are lots of ways to save, and this year I'm going to be using ShopatHome.com as much as possible.

ShopAtHome.com is a completely free way to always get the best deals and coupon codes everywhere you shop, in addition to giving you cash back for every purchase you make. Different stores will offer different amounts, but getting a check in the mail just for buying things you were going to get regardless is quite wonderful. Shopathome.com will mail you a check every time you reach $20 in cash back, up to 12 times a year.

If you shop like I do, chances are you might see something on another blog and get the feeling you need to buy it immediately (hopefully you will feel that way about something on my gift guide here) but then you will have forgotten to go through Shopathome.com first and will miss out on your rewards! Thankfully Shopathome.com has a helpful toolbar you can install that will remind you right from the store's site and you won't have to miss out.

In addition to coupons and cash back, there are also Gold Rewards, that you can use to get gift cards to spend at sites like Piperlime and JCPenney and you will earn rewards simply by making purchases, but also by taking surveys, submitting new coupon codes, and reviewing stores.

I'm excited to try out Shopathome.com this holiday season, and hopefully have both a very happy December, and January.

For this gift guide, I wanted to include a little something for everyone. Men and women, from the fashionista who can't stop texting, to your friends just moving into their own home, the relatives who live out of state that you won't be able to see, and maybe a little something for yourself as well!

State Necklace, $19 at Kohls, plus 20% off and 4% cash back.
Plaid Shirt, $74 at J.Crew plus 30% off and 3% cash back.
Original Penguin Leather Wallet, $24 at Saks off Fifth, with 10% cash back.
Faribault Wool Throw Blanket, $79 at Target, with 2.5% cash back.
Kate Spade Gold Dot Glasses, $50 at Macys, plus 25% off and 6% cash back.
Portolano Cashmere Blend Tech Gloves, $30 at Last Call with 10% cash back.
Essie Holiday Collection Nail Polish, $8.50 each at Nordstrom with 12% cash back.
Christmas Bouquet, $70 at 1-800 Flowers, plus 25% off and 12% cash back.

This post was sponsored by Shop At Home. My views and opinions are my own.

Mother's Day gift guide

Mother's day is fast approaching, but there is still time to get your mom a thoughtful gift she will love. 

Aside from the beautifully wrapped gift, and the flowers (obviously), she might also love a custom photo card. Fotor offers free photo cards which you can share to her Facebook page (or any other social media platform your tech savvy mom is on). 

Fotor is also running a photo contest through Mother's Day, inviting you to share a Mother's Day photo for a chance to win some amazing photo goodies, including a Kelly Moore camera bag, and a $100 gift card to photo canvas print site picanova.com. 

Custom Photo Card, Free at Fotor
Sun Hat, $48 at Anthropologie
Bow Earrings, $48 at Kate Spade
Moroccan Lantern Candle Holder, $9 at Amazon
Nadri Key Bracelet, $38 at Nordstrom
Polish Pottery Tea Pot, $55 at Amazon

This is a PR collaboration with Fotor, my views and opinions are my own; gift recommendations by my Mother.

Gift Guide - Made in the USA

Year round, I make a conscious effort to shop for products made in USA. I am always checking tags and when given the choice, I will take it. It's not always easy to find them, so I definitely appreciate sites like American Love Affair, where you know everything they are selling is American Made.

Did you know if every American spent $64 on gifts made in the USA this Holiday season it could lead to the creation of 200,000 more jobs here?

These are a few of my favorite American made goods, and if you decide to shop at American Love Affair, they have a couple of great promotions going on today - you can purchase a $50 gift card for only $25, and they are also offering 25% off the entire site (even sale items like that gorgeous emerald bag!)

Happy last minute Christmas shopping!

P.S. Looking for a style post today? Check out my guest post over at The Adored Life!

Don't forget to enter to win $500 to Zara from The Shelf

and

A print of your choice from Curated by Glitter

Plaid Bow Bracelet, $40 at James Keil Patrick
Emerald Cocktail Ring by Noir, $60 at Shopbop
Striped Cardigan, $75 at Splendid
Market Tote, $18 at West Elm
Nail Polish Set, $15 at American Apparel
Emerald Bag by Alexandra Satine, $96 at American Love Affair
Longitude and Latitude Custom Luggage Tag by Ted Mont, $10 at Etsy

Plaid Wool Throw Blanket, $98 at Pendelton
Leather Bracelet, $62 at American Love Affair
Sea Salt Soap, $4 at West Elm

Realities of holiday shopping

It happens every year. I go out Christmas shopping with the best intentions to not buy anything for myself, but inevitably I cave when I see something I'm just so smitten with, or the sale is just too good to pass up...

Of course this set is just an example, I wouldn't want to spoil any actual surprises for my family members, and the items 'for me' are more of a wishlist, and not purchases... yet.

For my brother, West Elm Faceted Tumblers, set of six for $30... Metallic Gold Tumblers, $34 for me.
For my mother, Target Fur Throw Blanket, $25... Chevron Frame, $13 for me.
For my sister, Forever 21 Makeup Brush Set, $5... Curb Chain Bracelet, $6 for me.
For my teenage cousin, Treds Star Studded Sneakers by Daddys Money, $83... Cutout Buckle Booties, $65 for me.
For my baby cousin, Land of Nod Wooden Animal Shakers, $10 each... Gold Rock Lamp, $79 for me.

This is a PR collaboration, my views and opinions are my own.