12 (REALLY GOOD) Gifts of Christmas!!!

We are about two weeks past the banal remarks of “can you believe the holidays are right around the corner?” and all its variations.  At this point, the corner is turned.  Since it is EXACTLY 12 days from Christmas (and 11 from Hanukkah), I decided to put together a list of 12 gifts that are fun and unique, but universal at the same time.

The best gifts are thoughtful, beautiful and practical (in that order).  With the abundance of holiday party invitations, gifting alcohol is always an appropriate gift.  Below, are some of my favorite host/hostess gifts.

The first three, are gifts that I have given many times and are among my favorite;  the fur wine collar is my absolute favorite.  The collar and wine bag are under $10 and the wine purse is around $15.

The stemware reminds me of fizzy champagne bubbles swirling around the bottom of the glass.  These glasses come in a set of four and are on sale for $45.

I love, love, love the whiskey rocks.  For your “neat” friends, this is a great gift.

The jigger is as fun to say as it is to give.  The one below is really elegant looking, and while the first three items on my list are decidedly feminine, this gift is more gender neutral.

 

 

Wine Collar, Wine Bag, Wine Purse, Stemware, Whiskey RocksJigger

For those in need of a gift for a travel-loving friend or coworker, below are some great options.  The passport holder is beautiful, shiny and easy to find in one’s travel bag.  The luggage scale is a brilliant and practical gift!  I can attest to the nightmare of shuffling belongings from one bag to another because my luggage is too heavy.   After completely ransacking one’s luggage, another travel nightmare is getting to one’s destination and having to wait for a taxi in the rain.  This poncho is super cute with its leopard print lining and folds up very compactly when done.  The poncho style provides stylish, hands free rain protection.  These two gifts are the ones you didn’t think you needed, but are immensely happy to have when you do.  The last gift is for the traveler who likes to start his or her vacation the moment he or she sits on the plane.  The Airplane Cocktail Kit is everything you need to fix a Moscow Mule with all of its ingredients being 3 ounces or less.  Traveling with kids? No problem, pack two 😉

 

 

Passport Holder, Luggage Scale, Convertible Poncho, Airplane Cocktail Kit

The criteria of thoughtful, beautiful and practical is of utmost importance when choosing teacher gifts.  These saints do things that most of us do not have the patience nor energy to do, day after day after day.  The key is attaching a sincere and heartfelt message along with your gift.  Gift cards are always appreciated, yet they are the least memorable.  Why not pair it with something thematic that conveys your appreciation.  Organization is paramount in this profession.  A beautiful planner is a nice touch alongside a gift card (maybe to The Container Store).  A cozy hat and scarf set with a note that reads “Looking to give back to you some of the warmth you share with our children all year round” might be a nice sentiment. Caffeine is usually the fuel of choice for most teachers.  This striped travel mug filled with chocolate and a Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts gift card would be nice.  A note that reads “Wishing you a ‘latte’ of joy and love this holiday season” would be cute.

 

planner, Knit Hat and Scarf Set, Travel Mug

A big gold star to those of you that noticed that there are 13 gifts listed here.  Because there is ALWAYS someone (mailman, garbage man, dog groomer, stylist)  that we forget to get a gift for, buying an extra gift is always a good idea.

I hope this was helpful in giving you some fun and unique options for gifts this year.

Wishing you a wonderful, happy, healthy holiday season.  Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all those who celebrate!

xo

Laurie