The Best of the Best Holiday Guide!

Can you believe we are here again? I cannot. I cannot believe I am doing Hanukkah shopping the 2nd week of November! I am envious of all of you who celebrate Christmas or Kwanzaa and still have some time. Since the holidays are so early for some of us, I figured why not put out my favorite finds early this season! I love giving gifts and I love giving gifts that I really put some thought into. I hope you love some of the my awesome finds and I hope I can help you with your shopping list.

Here we go…you ready? You definitely need some time to read this so maybe save this for your lunch break or put aside a 1/2 hour of me time and pull this site up!

Since men are the hardest to shop for, I figured I would start with them first. I am also sure this first gift is kind of selfish on my part because I have a secret obsession with headphones and I want to buy these for Greg just so I can steal them.

These are the Beats wireless headphones.  They come with a hefty price tag of $379.95 but if your boyfriend/spouse is a music fanatic this may be the right gift (NO WIRES!). According to the company, these will be available the first/second week of December. Before Christmas but after Hanukkah which means a delayed gift or a perfect under the tree gift.

Is your boyfriend/spouse a couch potato that hates to answer the door when his favorite football team is playing? I have the solution!  See and talk to visitors using your smartphones and tablets, whether you are in the house or half way around the world. I found this on Headlines and Heroes but you can pre-order it on Amazon . It will ship as soon as it arrives. Amazon expects its first shipment December 1st so pre-order NOW!

Have you heard of Coin? Um, could be the best invention since the iPhone. For real. I could go into detail about it but the video answers all your questions in 2 minutes. You won’t believe it.

You can pre-order now ($55).  It doesn’t ship until Summer 2014 (ugh, I know) BUT I can guarantee your boyfriend/spouse would be psyched to know you pre-ordered this for him AND you came up with this amazing idea 🙂

I mentioned this in the Father’s Day Gift Blog but I still think 30 for 30 is such an amazing gift for the sports lover in your family. I have yet to watch one and NOT cry. The entire series is INCREDIBLE. Every single family in America should watch this epic Box Set.

 

 

 

For the chef…The Stovetop Smoker:

All the succulent flavors of wood smoking are now available indoors in minutes. This stove top smoker is constructed of heavy-gauge stainless steel, and at 11 by 15 inches, it’s big enough to smoke a ham or a whole fish fillet. The lid slides on for a tight seal, so food gets smoked, but your kitchen doesn’t. Additional features include a drip tray rack and retractable handles for storage. The set can also be used as a steamer, poacher, or roasting pan. Instructions, a recipe booklet, and a supply of wood chips will get you started immediately on this low-fat, flavorful cooking technique. ($43.95)

I don’t know a guy out there who really wears rain boots but Hunter designed these awesome Hunter sneakers that I think most men should have in their closet. Whether they wear them in the rain or not that is another story but I LOVE THEM! They come in black, bitter chocolate/olive and navy (as pictured). ($115)

 

Cigar Lover? This magnificent Snakewood Cigar set is the go to present (if you have the cash to spare)! Stunning. $1,055 from Cedes Milano. Cedes Milano has the MOST INCREDIBLE line of handcrafted unique objects. One item is nicer than the next! Expensive but worth it. They are treasures you will have a lifetime.

 

Expresso Lover? Since time is a precious commodity (especially in the morning), the guys over at Handpresso have come up with an espresso machine that you can take on the go. Simply plug it into the cigarette lighter and within moments, you’ll have a nice, hot espresso in hand to satisfy your daily caffeine requirements. This particular set comes with a carrying case, two unbreakable cups and even a napkin, making it the ultimate gift for the morning commute, road trip and more. $229.

The kids…My kids made me a list of everything they wanted. Zach’s listed consisted of 10 Basketball Jersey’s and Parker’s list consisted of 10 different Nerf guns. I thought maybe I would give you a few other options…

The Loom Boom!
Do you have rainbow loom bracelets all over the house and nowhere to store them? One little girl had this problem and helped invent The Loom Boom! It is the solution that helps children and parents to organize, display, transport and share loom bracelets. The Loom Boom is a product to give these bracelets a place to go after being made on the loom.  The “boom” is removable for easy access to the bottom bracelets and easy transportation to friends houses, school etc.  Even better is the base has compartments to store extra bands. It is $.9.99 and will be available at Toys R Us starting the first week of December.

 

Need to dress the wee ones in some cute holiday attire? LOVE these onesies by Blume! They are $14.99 and they are available at Buy Buy Baby.

 

Also love Blume’s flannels this season!! $24.99 at Buy Buy Baby

 

Playstation 4, Wii, XBOX one… they are all competing for the holiday present of the year. My kids have been asking for XBOX one for months. This may be the big holiday present if we decide to pull the trigger. $499!

 

Kid have style? Kid LOVE kicks? They can design their own from Nike – pick out a sneaker, design online and order! Simple and GREAT present! ($105-$180 depending on style). Zach’s favorite sneakers!

 

 

While we are on the topic of Kicks…How about these monogrammed Chuck Taylor’s for the girls!! Absolutely ADORABLE!!! $110 from It’s Personal.

 

 

 

Likewear has some pretty fab gifts this season for both girls and boys!

LOVE these hats!!! Design your own or pick one that has already been created! $22.95

 

Boys need a duffel or sports bag? This is a goody! Love the vintage letters! $39.95

 

Kids love pj’s especially the super comfy ones. These are my favorite of the season! $28.95 at Likewear.

Camp gifts make the best gifts!

Live for….which camp do you live for??

 

Does your daughter LOVE American Girl Dolls but you have such a hard time buying all those expensive outfits?? Guess what! You can have all those adorable outfits for HALF the price!!! Yes Sew Cute Doll Clothing makes it easy and saves you money!

 

Can you believe this miniature trendy faux fur Cheetah vest?! The outfit without the cheetah shoes is $20, with the shoes is $26!  Sew Cute Doll Clothing has a million options for ANY 18″ Doll!

 

 

Techie kids?

iPad Covers for both mini and regular size  Likewear or online at Amazon.

 

Also can’t forget the home button stickers! Likewear or iDecoz online. Prices range from $3.99-$6.95

 

 

 

For the Ladies….

I figured I would start out with MOST expensive and work my way down…I LOVE this bracelet from Hermes..if you are feeling super generous this holiday season (maybe you just got a killer bonus) and you want to treat your wife to something spectacular

The new Kelly Hermes Bracelet  in rose gold with diamonds is STUNNING! ($8,450, don’t choke)

 

This is on my list this year! I found this at Henri Bendel...isn’t the perfect Saturday night clutch? Snakeskin, $398. Also comes in an awesome blue color. Check out the site.  Also available in the Short Hills Mall Bendel’s.

Speaking of bags, this is one of my fave finds of the season from Dabney Lee! Not only is this clutch adorable, it has a charger inside that will charge your iPhone and  all micro-usb Smartphones. $120. Don’t leave home without it!

 

Lots of fun colors to choose from! They are also available at Elle Squared for the local peeps!

I could not write a holiday guide without Lululemon! My pick this year is the Fluff Jacket! I believe it came in blue for a split second but I think it either sold out or they took it out of the stores (not sure but of course that was the color I wanted). Anyhoo – it comes in white and deep zinfadel (see below) $198.

 

Do you LOVE your crop lulu pants, dying to wear them all winter but it’s just too cold to pull them off?  How about monogrammed leg warmers??  So adorable, great gift and personalized for you! $50 from It’s Personal. The Inov-8’s are not included but you can find them on Zappos!

 

I think that cashmere accessories such as hats, scarfs and gloves always make a beautiful gift. I found these at the Lilla P store on 14th street! LOVE!!! Hats are $30, Textured Scarves $78 and Gloves (short) $70, (long) $78.

 

One of my favorite shirts I own which makes a great gift BECAUSE it is SOO versatile (watch video below) is this Origami wrap top by Lilla P. $98

 

Need a gift under $100 that ANYBODY will love?? The Wall Street Journal Wine Club sends your choice of 15 bottles whites, reds, or mixed for an introductory price of $69! I swear this makes an awesome gift. The wines are REALLY great! Check them out!

 

Greg’s FAVORITE GIFT EVER – Bacon of the Month but ONLY from Zingerman’s!!! I promise it is the BEST out there! 3 month is $99, 6 month is $189.

 

Going somewhere for the holidays? Need a hostess gift? Love these Graffiti Coasters from Alexandra Von Furstenberg $130

The perfect coffee table book for any fashionista!! Christian Louboutin’s beautifully crafted book, just like his shoes! Available online at Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com. $101

 

 

 

Tea Lover? Packed full of traditional treats, this hamper is the perfect gift for those who long for a taste of England. Hot and spicy pickles and chutneys are joined by Fortnum’s lemon curd, icy mints and a jar of aromatic and fruity strawberry preserve.
Also included are royal blend tea and Earl Gray classic tea, handmade chocolates, an award-winning jar of dark and chunky marmalade, a whole tin of Piccadilly biscuits and Tea at Fortnum and Mason, the definitive guide to afternoon tea.$130

 

 

Lastly, for anyone that is a fitness fanatic – Most studios sell packages (i.e Power Flow, Flywheel, Soul Cycle, Crossfit, SLT, Exhale, Pilates, Personal Training, etc). Check with your local studio/gym!!

It’s a wrap! Happy Holidays!! I hope you found some new and interesting gift ideas!! Please let me know if I have helped!!