Gift Giving 101

As I have mentioned before, nothing excites me more than giving gifts. On Christmas Eve, I am more excited to give my siblings and parents their gifts from me than to open my own, when mailing a package, I get restless when the "notice: allow at least 48 hours for tracking information to post" message pops up, and when it comes to wrapping I just can't help myself! While I love it, I have multiple people around me who are a bit hesitant in gift exchange. First of all, it is important to note that the saying is true, it really is the thought that counts. If someone goes out of his or her way to give you something that is special or that he or she thinks you will like, it automatically becomes sentimental and extra special. That being said, it feels amazing when you know someone truly loved  your gift, and it is not a hard thing to accomplish! If anyone needs a personal gift giver, I am your girl, however, if you would like to master the act yourself, here are a few tips/ideas!

1. Gifts are most special if they are a treat. Not that I don't like getting a razor in my stocking, as I most likely needed one, but when it is something that I cannot justify spending money on and someone else gets it..all the better. Like nice nail polish from Debroah Lippman, OPI, Essie or Butter London--a plus if its in a shade that one might not pick for themselves but really works!

2. Something that lingers. A really nice candle is always a safe bet; it can always be used, decorates any room, and a nice scent reminds the recipient of you each time he or she gets a whiff!

3. Unless I find the perfect gift I know someone will love, or an item my friend has been pining for, I usually do the carepackage-esque gift. Things like small notepads with fun designs or sparkly hair-ties are things that one can use everyday, but because they are a little bit special, it makes using them so much more fun. Some people say they just don't have the "eye" or "knack" for finding things like that--help them out! These gifts don't cost much, but put together in a cute box or bag feel handpicked and significant.

4. Treasures with a duel meaning are some of my favorite things. The St. Christophers' medal, (in between the notebooks and nail-polish-size of a quarter) is a charm-type pendant that comes in multiple sizes and colors from a small boutique in my town, and I have given them as gifts to pretty much everyone I know. St. Christopher is the patron saint of travel, and even people who are not religious, or not the same religion as me, appreciate the gesture to have a little reminder that I hope they stay safe. The medal itself is beautiful, and thus you are giving a tangible reminder to those you love that they are meaningful, and that you are thinking of them.

5. Cute books. I love giving quote books, cocktail books, and books that are funny/helpful/random, anything that one can use from time to time, but also adds something to the home. It is fun to go through a cocktail book on a weekend and chose a new drink, or find a helpful quote on a particularly rough day. Again, it is something simple, but the advice will seem as if it came from you, and you get to play imaginary bar-tender for the night!

6. Indulge your friends/family/secret santa choice with things that you know they love and use/consume on a daily basis so that they can save a few bucks to treat themselves to something else. A colorful, monogramed mug that is pretty to drink out of combined with a Starbucks gift card, or bag of coffee beans, makes their day or week a little more delightful and a little more convenient. Likewise, a bottle of their favorite wine and a monogramed or personalized glass is rewarding their cravings with a little something extra.

If I could, I would spend my days buying little and big surprises to cheer up everyones' day...but for now, this is my advice, I hope you can pay it forward!
HAPPY HUMP DAY, PARTY PEOPLE!
xx,
Alex