Hey everybody! How's your Christmas-prep-stress-level today? Sky high, like mine? At least I'm not the only one. I have so much to do, I don't even know where to begin. I've officially given up on exercise this week, and have come to terms with the fact I may only get 5 hours of sleep a night until Sunday. The worst of it is I have yet to wrap one gift!
I thought I'd share my ten favorite gift ideas for 2011. This isn't any official list. It's most likely my tastes which I inflict on others by giving these items as gifts! And I may be biased, but I truly believe anyone would be happy with either one of these gifts.
Without further adieu, here are my 10 favorite gifts of 2011 (in no particular order)…
1. Toms
Everyone needs a pair of Toms. They're comfy, unique, and environmentally friendly. Tom's One for One movement is wonderful and impressive. Their mission is to encourage people to get involved, and improve the lives of children one shoe at a time.
2. The Bracelet Watch
I fell in love with the bracelet watch the minute I saw Sandra Bullock sport the Swarovsky encrusted white ceramic watch in The Blind Side. I used to hate wearing a watch, but these bracelet watches are accessories, and hardly for keeping the time. I bet many of you have an array of bracelet watches! I'm trying so hard to get my man to wear the Nixon Monopoly watch, maybe if I get it for him for Christmas, he'll have to wear it… because he loves me.
3. The Classic Pea Coat
Everyone needs a go-to pea coat in their closet. The great thing about pea coats is, you can find them at any price! My favorite pea coat in my closet came from Old Navy. Go figure.
4. The Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick
Makeup is a really hard gift to give, however a shimmer brick from Bobbi Brown is hands down the perfect makeup gift to give. They're actually not expensive at all! They run about $38, and you can find them at Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, and select Sephora stores.
5. The Monogrammed Coffee Mug
When you're stuck on a gift idea, grab something monogrammed, like these coffee mugs from Anthropologie! West Elm has their own version too. A monogrammed gift adds the perfect touch of personalization.
6. The Hobo Clutch Wallet
These wallets are amazing. They're stylish, roomy, versatile, and they last forever. I've asked for one of these wallets every year for the last 5 years… and no luck yet! My favorite is the black patent leather with gold trim.
7. Lululemon Vinyasa Scarf
To be honest, anything Lululemon would be a well received gift. This year I've fallen in love with the Vinyasa scarf. It's an infinity scarf with snap closures, so you can also wear it as a regular scarf. It's big, soft, cozy and comes in a variety of colors. My favorite is the grey herringbone stitch. But watch out! You can only find them in stores.
8. The Faux Fur throw
Imagine yourself wrapped in a soft, warm, fuzzy faux fur blanket, next to the fire, with hot cocoa in your hand. Sounds relaxing right? What is winter without faux fur?? These blankets are to die for. They add elegance to any living room. You can find decent faux fur throws at Marshall's, TJ Maxx, or one of these 3 stores. I got mine last year from Costco! And it rivals Pottery Barn's throw.
9. The Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Two words: Le Creuset.
10. The Aviator
Need to get your man a stocking stuffer? Aviators! They look amazing on everyone, and every time you put them on, you're taken back to the day you first watched Top Gun. You can bust them out for 80's parties, or simply wear them every day. You can find Aviators anywhere, at the gas station, Forever 21, or the most expensive department store near you. I prefer the $10 pair, which you can scratch up and not feel bad about.
Well there you go folks! These items are simply my favorite go-to Christmas gifts for 2011. What's your go-to gift this season?