I’ve always been head-over-heels in love with Christmas. For me, it’s everything. The colors (white and gold), the sounds (“Last Christmas”), the scents (pine trees and baked goods), the traditions (candle carousels, Chinese food and Charlie Brown trees) and the sights (gifts under the tree and smiling faces). I believe it brings out the best in people – the spirit of Christmas is kind and giving.
But my favorite thing about Christmas is giving gifts. And not just any gift. The perfect gift.
I should probably mention that Receiving Gifts is my love language (although it’s tied with Words of Affirmation). While that may sound super materialistic, it’s not. The focus isn’t on the gift itself, but rather the love, thought and effort put into every gift that I receive. (Which also means that, despite my best efforts, I have really high expectations. I’m working on that.) But because receiving thoughtful gifts is how I feel love the most, it’s naturally how I show love the most. (Even if it’s not how the people around me feel love the most. I’m also working on that.)
So, with the gift-giving spirit of the Christmas season, I’ve compiled a list of just a few of my favorite things to give (and get) this year.
- Smithsonian Magazine. I’m kicking off this list with a little mental stimulation and a whole lot of tradition. For the past who-knows-how-many years, I’ve received a subscription to Smithsonian Magazine for Christmas, and it’s always been one of my favorite gifts to receive. We could all stand to step away from the mind-numbing articles of People, and go for something a little more educational.
- Birthstone Necklace. This necklace makes sporting your birthstone cool again.
- Travel Bag. Love to travel? Want to do a little good this holiday season? Look no further than this Madewell x FEED travel bag. For every bag purchased, 30 meals will be provided to children in need through the United Nations World Food Programme.
- Sorel Out N About Leather Boots. This Friday, Skyler and I are going to cut down our Christmas tree, and all I can think about is how I wish I had these shoes! No matter the weather, these will keep you warm and cozy.
- Coffee Cold Brew Gift Set. The cold brew trend is here to stay, so you might as well hop on board.
- Cozy Christmas Throw Pillow. What good is a sofa without an absurd amount of throw pillows, right? Typically, I avoid the color red in holiday decorating, but when you find a dog on a pillow (that kind of looks like our dog, Dale), it’s a must-have.
- Photo Booth Props. Liven up any Christmas gathering with this set of photo booth props! Bonus: they’re less than $5!
- Velvet Bodysuit. Bodysuits are big, but velvet is even bigger. Why not have both? The details on this thing add the perfect amount of oh la la to any outfit.
- Soy Candle. Hand-poured in Los Angeles, P.F. Candle Co. has always been a favorite of mine. The Teakwood and Tobacco fragrance is my personal favorite.
- Phone Case. While at Anthropologie’s corporate office, I had the pleasure of working with Lauren Carlson Walcott, the artist behind this print! You can now find her art on sweaters, pillows, wallpaper and much more with her new-ish brand collaboration.
- Custom Desk Calendar. For something with a more personal touch, I recommend this easel calendar from Artifact Uprising. Upload 12 of your favorite photos and relive the memories year-round.
- Faux Fur Throw. It’s Christmas, it’s cold outside and I can’t get enough of faux fur this season. If this lived on my sofa, so would I.
- Wassail Mulling Blend. Wassail reminds me of Christmas in middle and high school at my best friend’s house. We used to make it all the time – using a variety of juices, of course. This little guy is good for 3 gallons of wintry, warming wine.
Happy gift-giving!
Tiny Tales 