23 gift ideas…because it’s not too late, Procrastinators!

Hello! It’s December 18th. Which means for those of you who are celebratin’, you have like one week til Christmas. But don’t feel bad, fellow procrastinators. Because I too am a procrastinator. And that’s why I waited until December 18th to post a gift guide for you all. This is sort of an addendum of my Holiday Picks video with even more beautifully delicious ideas. So without further ado, my awesome gift guide:

1) BLOOMING GARDEN TEA GIFT SET FOR 2, $40

.

This just reminds me of my very first apartment in New York when I lived with two fellow tea-lovers, Eugenia and Jess, and every so often, we’d have a jasmine tea with these blooming teaposies. This Blooming Garden Tea Set includes a heat-resistant glass teapot (with a removable filter for loose tea) and two matching cups and saucers. The best part? It comes with 6 blooming teas that expand when immersed in hot water. It’s kinda magical really.

2) TARTE LIMITED EDITION COLOR COLLECTION + CLUTCH, $48 (worth $406)

.

.

.

.

.

This would definitely be top on my list as far as makeup gifts — Tarte’s holiday gift set puts the glam in full gear with this silver clutch that comes with three interchangeable palettes that can be easily snapped inside. The clutch even has space for your essentials (a mirror plus pockets for your credit cards and money) and has a gold chain strap to wear over your shoulder or as a cross body. Also, it comes with their maracuja-infused lip gloss in a universally-flattering shade. And the price (under $50) for all you get is insane.

3) KISS MY FACE PEACE SOAPS, $13

.

The Kiss My Face “Peace Offering” line is truly unique. Not only are you giving a loved one the gift of natural and organic beauty products, but 10% of profits support Seeds of Peace, bringing together teens from countries of conflict, like Israel and Palestine, to a camp in Maine to develop a better understanding of each other, build leadership skills and learn how to build a new generation of peace. Plus Peace Soap is biodegradable for a healthier planet — really, what’s there not to feel good about?

4) HELLO KITTY COSMETIC SET, $17

.

.

I think five-year-old Shy would cry tears of joy from getting a Hello Kitty set like this. And would totes re-use the tin box for lunch. This is filled with all sorts of lip licking goodness: (2) lip gloss tubes, (2) lip gloss wands, a lip balm, a heart lip gloss compact, (1) lip gloss key chain, (1) loose glitter pot, and a sheet of the cutest Hello Kitty temporary tattoos…all for your lil beauty blogger in training ;).

5) BEST OF MAKE UP FOR EVER GIFT SET, $55

.

A no-brainer for the beauty junkie, these are seriously my FAVORITE products from Make Up For Ever all in one set. If you want to share the amazing-ness of MUFE, gift a girl with these and she will in return love you FOR EVER (get it?). Corny jokes aside, this comes with their HD Microperfecting Primer, HD Microfinish Powder for a flawless face; their Aqua Cream‘s long-lasting, waterproof cream formula to highlight your eyes, and the Aqua Eyes eye liner which is one of my very favorite pencil liners that I use religiously. For added drama, MUFE included their Smoky Lash mascara, and their Lab Shine gloss for a look-at-me-pout.

6) JACQUES TORRES 25-PIECE HOLIDAY TRUFFLE BOX, $42

.

“It’s the first time I’m doing something with a bit of sparkle to reflect the holidays,” Jacques Torres said about this new limited edition truffle box set. Comes with unique flavorings like pumpkin pie, oatmeal cookie, and cranberry chutney in glittering confections. It’ll be sure to impress the chocolate fiend on your list.

7) DON’T MAKE ME BLOG ABOUT THIS MUG, $17

.

Is it SO wrong if I throw in one selfish gift in the mix?


8 ) WILLIAMS-SONOMA HERBAL SWAG, $40

.

I love my wreath from Organic Bouquet so much (if you remember, it’s one of the items I mentioned in my video), that since then I’ve been looking for all sorts of other kinds to gift. Williams-Sonoma has a whole inventory of wreaths, but this hanging herbal swag really caught my eye. It comes with sprigs of preserved lavender, Santa Cruz oregano, sage, and rosemary. YUM.

9) KIEHL’S ULTIMATE MAN HOLIDAY SET, $50

.

Get him what he’s too lazy to get himself in a very manly gift box. Kiehl’s Ultimate Man set comes with their Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash, Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream –White Eagle, Energizing Moisture Treatment, “Ultimate Man” Body Scrub Soap, Lip Balm #1, Ultimate Strength Hand Salve. But don’t blame me when he decides he can’t live without them going forward.

10) URBAN OUTFITTERS ‘YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL’ MIRROR, $99

.

And don’t you forget it, dammit. (Plus, it will really make a girl ‘aww’ when you give it to her).

11) OLE HENRIKSEN SEVEN SKINCARE SENSATIONS, $55

.

I died a little when I found this. Ole Henriksen makes one of my VERY favorite skincare products, their Truth Serum, which brightens and softens skin like no other. Since then, I’ve sampled so many more of their products and was never disappointed. This set comes with seven of their best, their African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser, Ultimate Lift Eye Gel, Truth Revealed Super Crème SPF 15, Sheer Transformation, Invigorating Night Gel, Walnut Complexion Scrub, and of course their Truth Serum — for only $55!

12) DONATE TO NO KID HUNGRY

.

I recently learned more about Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign, and heard some pretty shocking numbers about childhood hunger right here in the States. While we’re enjoying our holiday feasts, 16.2 million children are going hungry. This campaign is not only dedicated to ending childhood hunger, but to also provide children with healthy, nutritious meals. Every dollar you donate will provide a child with 10 meals. As even more incentive to donate this holiday, until December 31st, SOS’s partners will match your gift dollar-for-dollar so the amount you donate essentially doubles. Visit nokidhungry.org to donate now!

13) CLARISONIC CLEANSING SYSTEM, $225
[/caption]

I guarantee anyone you buy this for will fall in love with it. I’m crazy about mine! And right now, they come in so many holiday colors and designs — I suggest you run over to the website to take a look before they’re all sold out!

14) GLAMOUR’S ‘100 RECIPES EVERY GIRL SHOULD KNOW’ COOKBOOK, $17

.

This cookbook from Glamour magazine has recipes of all the essentials with the cutest names. Consider some of the following: He Stayed Over Omelet, Invite Me Back Muffins, Get Skinny Dip, All-Grown-Up Deviled Eggs, Complexion Soup, Workaholic’s Salad, Make New Friends Plum Cobbler, and so on… You’ll learn all the essentials (and make mama proud). Plus it has the coveted recipe for the ‘Engagement Chicken’ — the legendary dish that has a track record (at least amongst some Glamour staff and readers) of getting dudes to pop the question promptly after experiencing its deliciousness. I’m not making this up!

15) SET EDITIONS TIE BREAKER CHIPS, MERCY CARDS, AND TALLY BOOKS, $12 each

Tie breakers

Mercy

Tally notebooks

OK fine these may technically be three different gifts from Set Editions, but I adore all of them, so you’ll just have to deal with it. Settle arguments, find a way to write what you’re having trouble saying, and keep a log of it all with these nifty gifts. Especially cute for couples…or you know…self-reflection.

16) GINGERHAUS ULTIMATE GINGERBREAD HOUSE TOOL KIT, $30

.

This is one of Giada De Laurentiis’ holiday faves, but also, what better way to get the family together than to decorate your own gingerbread house, people?!

17) NAPOLEON PERDIS GREAT ESCAPES BRUSH KIT, $70 (orig $114)

.

This is one of those gifts that I think a girl would not only love, but appreciate because makeup brushes are one thing we need but seldom buy an organized kit for ourselves. This 8-piece travel-size kit from Napoleon Perdis has all the essentials. Plus, I’m obsessing over its teal handles. Your friends can never claim to have taken your brush by mistake ever again.

18) GHIRARDELLI PEPPERMINT BARK $6-$25

.

There’s a reason I always ask anyone visiting San Francisco to bring me back Ghirardelli’s Peppermint Bark for me. Not only are they freakin delicious, they’re available nationwide ONLY during the holidays. So stock up for yourself and buy a pack for someone extra especial.

19) VICTORIA’S SECRET DELUXE BOMBSHELL GIFT SET, $65

.

I’ll try not to be selfish and make an exception this time by letting you wear my favorite scent from Victoria’s Secret because the price is incredible. For the SAME cost of their full size Bombshell perfume alone, you get that PLUS a travel size perfume, the same-scented body lotion and body wash. I’m buying this for myself. Like, today.

20) SKYBAR CHILL CUBES, $40

.

Keeps drinks cold without watering it down. Genius if you ask me. Cuz how many times did you come back to your coke and find that it turns into coke-flavored water? Or has that only happened to me?

21) ROCKY TOP WINTER SKIN SET, $23

.

This Maine-based company knows all about that face-numbing cold weather/dry skin combo. Using all-natural, handmade products (in some pretty cool packaging), this gift set from Rocky Top is perfect to help ride out the cool months, especially for those with sensitive skin.

22) FRAAS WRAP, $66

.

One of those things that I didn’t realize how much I loved until I got it as a gift. This is a versatile, beautiful wrap that so cozy to snuggle in even if you’re out thanks to it’s stylish design (which doesn’t go overboard with the ruffles). It’s warm but still thin enough to not bulk under your coat…or wear it over your coat if you’re really gangster. I’m sure moms would love it to wear over their evening wear too (that includes your desi clothes…where my brown people at?!). Available at select boutiques or by special order, 212-575-0191.

23) DEXTER BLOOD-SPLATTERED COASTERS, $20 FOR 6

.

Makes an interesting gift for the Dexter fan, horror-buff, or clean-table lover. And talk about a conversation piece! (And no, it’s not real blood…how sick do you think I am??).

What are you getting for the loved ones on your list? Hope this helped!


x
Shy


“Like” Beauty and the Feast on Facebook
Follow Beauty and the Feast on Twitter

Archives

Recent Comments

8 Comments

  1. sadya wrote:

    i totally want those coasters. does that make me a creep

    Posted 12.19.11
  2. shyema wrote:

    Not necessarily but I think it would be interesting to psychoanalyze you 😉

    Posted 12.19.11
  3. AB wrote:

    AHHH My fiancee and I watch Dexter and are obsessed lol this is awesome!

    Posted 12.21.11
  4. Kiran wrote:

    I want the Tarte holiday gift set. Where can I get this?

    Posted 12.21.11
  5. shyema wrote:

    Hey Kiran! The Tarte holiday set is available at Tarte.com, Ulta stores/ulta.com, QVC.com, beauty.com, and Henri Bendel!

    Posted 12.22.11
  6. Sarah wrote:

    dude i just got back from sf, where i was in a ghiradelli trying the peppermint bark, why did you not tell me this before so i could have bought you some?

    Posted 12.29.11
  7. shyema wrote:

    I totally wrote this post before you left…why don’t you ever read my blog? Why do you hate me?

    Posted 12.29.11

Comments are closed.