Holiday Gift Guide 2015

December 2, 2015

Affiliate Links / Product Samples

Happy Holidays! I’m officially kicking off the holiday season here on the blog now that we’ve passed Thanksgiving. I’m not about jumping the gun on things. Now that Thanksgiving and the mayhem of shopping that follows on Black Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us, it’s time to get into shopping for those we love (and maybe ourselves).

My family has always been very into Christmas. Tree farms, lights, indoor and outdoor decorations, Christmas music… you name it, we did it. Now that I’m a little bit older, I don’t go so crazy over Christmas, but it’s still my favorite time of year. The thing I don’t like? The crowds at the mall. Venturing out to the malls and stores has already been terrible this year… which is why I almost always do the majority of my shopping online. I prefer to give unique gifts, so often I avoid the Target and Amazons of the world (for the most part, they’re still helpful for some things!).

holiday-gift-guide-giveaway-2015

2015 Holiday Gift Guide

Today I want to share with you my first holiday gift guide of 2015 featuring a ton of things for various people on your list. I’ll have some more specific gift ideas (and giveaways!) in the coming weeks, but this is a general one-stop holiday shopping guide for everyone on your list. And, in the spirit of full disclosure, some of the great brands below reached out to me and offered items for both myself and for you. As always, if I didn’t love it, I wouldn’t include it.

For Avid Readers

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Bookworms featuring Powell's Indiespensible // hellorigby.com seattle lifestyle blog

Have you guys heard of Indiespensable? It’s a subscription box for book lovers, and comes with a first signed edition of a book (and fun extras like advanced reader copies, snacks, or chocolate) they think is going to be a big deal every 6 weeks. It’s not inexpensive ($39.95) and only opens for subscriptions every so often, but if you know someone who’s really into reading I highly recommend it!

For Beauty Mavens

Holiday Gift Guide: Ideas for Makeup & Beauty Lovers // hellorigby.com seattle lifestyle blog

So, basically me. When I was looking for gifts for beauty lovers, I tried to find things that were both useful and unique enough to not compete with everything else a beauty queen might receive. For newer beauty fans (tweens, teens, or women new to makeup) I highly recommend Real Techniques Brush Sets. The eyes and core collections are my favorite.

For beauties who have a brush collection already, a Brush Tree could come in handy! This is something I don’t own (yet) but is on my holiday wishlist for Santa. To go along with the brush tree, a Brush Cleaner Mitt, and Beauty Spatula (to scrape out the last of your makeup and skincare) are also super useful.

Finally, for those who you really want to show some love to, a few splurgey gifts never hurt! I love the Make Up For Ever Holiday Eye Palette, and I can’t live without my Zadro Lighted Makeup Mirror. If you’re on a budget but still want to impress, the holiday eyeshadow collection from ColourPop looks unreal (and is about half the price of the MUFE palette). To fill up the stocking, I love Soap & Glory gift sets. Soap & Glory is a UK Brand that’s recently been picked up by Ulta, and I’m loving their holiday kits like this one.

For Coffee Connoisseurs

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Coffee Lovers featuring the Coffee Cozy // hellorigby.com seattle lifestyle blog

Nothing beats a homemade gift… unless it’s homemade and you didn’t have to make it! I’m loving the creative Coffee Cozys from The Little Castle, an adorable PNW-based Etsy Shop. And for coffee lovers, what’s better than a great bag of beans? For our coffee fix, we love Storyville, Caffe Vita, and the cold brew from Stumptown.

For the Aspiring Chef

Holiday Gift Guide: Raw Spice Bar for Aspiring Chefs // hellorigby.com seattle lifestyle blog

Have someone who wants to be a chef, or just enjoys cooking? Raw Spice Bar would be the perfect subscription! Every month for $6, they’ll send you several packets of spices with recipe ideas. Perfect for someone who is just learning, or who is more experienced!

For Someone Who Has Everything

Holiday Gift Guide: Knack Shops Gifts for the Person Who Has Everything // hellorigby.com seattle lifestyle blog

I think we all know someone like this… they literally have it all! The best thing I can think of to give someone like that is either 1. make a donation in their name, or 2. create a custom gift package for them! I was recently introduced to Knack Shops, a Seattle-based company that carries artisan products of all kinds (from beanies to syrups to baking goods and more) that you can put together in a custom gift package just for them. It’s thoughtful and personal, which always makes for an impressive gift!

For the Sports Junkie

Holiday Gift Guide: For Sports Nuts featuring Global Scarves & Seattle Sounders // hellorigby.com seattle lifestyle blog
I’ll be honest and say I don’t know much about sports, but I do know that if you’re going to an outdoor sporting event in the Pacific Northwest, it can get chilly. That’s where Global Scarves come in, with beautifully designed scarves for any team your heart desires!

For the Socially Conscious

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Socially Conscious featuring Macy's Rwanda Baskets // hellorigby.com seattle lifestyle blog
For someone who’s always looking to make a difference, there are several great gifts I can recommend! The first is this beautiful Rwanda Basket Bowl from Macy’s. For every purchase of a Rwanda Basket, the artisan receives half of the wholesale price.

For jewelry lovers, I’ve been super impressed by several companies with great mission statements. The first is LOT2545, which you may remember from this bohemian outfit this summer. I’d also recommend checking out Pura Vida Bracelets (styled in this fall outfit), and 31 Bits, which I was introduced to via Stitch Fix!

For Someone Who Enjoys a Little At-Home Pampering

Holiday Gift Guide: MooGoo Natural Skin Care, Hair, and Body Products // hellorigby.com seattle lifestyle blog

What’s better than discovering new skin and body care that you really love? Nothing, that’s what. For those that love to be pampered but don’t necessarily want to spend the day at the spa, look no further than MooGoo! This Australian brand is unique, natural, and smells calming and relaxing, without the overpowering essential oil and herbal scents. For fans of lighter scents like milk, honey, and vanilla, you’ll love this line. Plus, it does just what it says – soothes and hydrates with no irritation. The natural deodorant actually works, and Dave and I both love the Skin Milk Udder Cream. The shampoo and conditioner are also new go-tos. Even Dave, who normally could care less, mentioned how much he was enjoying the new hair products in the shower! (That’s a winning endorsement right there.)

For Fabulous Fashionistas

Holiday Gift Guide: For Fashionistas & Fashion Lovers featuring Jewelry & Accessories // hellorigby.com seattle fashion blog

A couple of local brands were recently introduced to me at the Fashion First Seattle Fashion Show – Emmy Trinh Jewelry and Masha Moon Jewelry. Both make beautiful delicate pieces that are perfect for layering and are high quality. They’re both local to the Seattle area, which I love to support! Speaking of local, my cousin also designs jewelry for her Etsy shop, Two Cats Artifacts. She makes a variety of custom pieces using natural stones, and if you’re interested in any of her pieces be sure to let her know I said hi! ;)

If sparkly or statement is more your style, I recently was introduced to Victoria Emerson, who makes beautiful, eye-catching wrap bracelets with a lot of sparkle as well as other gold and silver jewelry! For a statement yet timeless piece, what about a watch? I love mine from Cluse Watches, which I discovered in my Zoe Report Box of Style. (Which would also make a fabulous gift! Hint, hint.)

If you’re not sure what your favorite fashionista likes, you could give the gift of a gift card! Yes that sounds boring, but instead of the traditional retailers, what about an experience gift like Stitch Fix or Golden Tote? I’ve always enjoyed both experiences (yes, even if the boxes aren’t 100% perfect) and for those new to the subscription “lifestyle”, this could be a fun surprise. (See some of my past reviews of Golden Tote here and Stitch Fix here.)

For the Crazy Cat Dog Lady (or Man)

Holiday Gift Guide for Dogs: Perfect Pooch Gift Pack from Exclusively Pet // hellorigby.com seattle lifestyle blog

Let’s be real, I don’t discriminate what type of pet you have. My dog is basically a cat so I’ll just leave it at that. For the crazy cat lady or man, impress him or her with a beautiful… Cat Ball? Yeah, this thing is pretty unbelievably cute and unique (especially the shark!). It’s a bed, but it definitely was not what I expected!

Honestly, though, my heart lies with the dogs. For them, it’s all about the comfort, and for that I’d recommend Waggo for a custom dog bed. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and offer some really cute prints like plaid, perfect for the holidays! They also have adorable bowls and treat jars, and I’m especially loving the chalkboard versions for full customization.

Rigby the Shiba Inu in his Waggo Dog Bed in Engineer Stripe, Size Medium // hellorigby.com seattle lifestyle blog

With sleeping arrangements covered, now you’ve got to tucker out the critters! I’m a fan of puzzle and feeding toys, like Rigby’s all time favorite ball from Omega and this interactive feeder that helps him eat slower from Northmate. You can’t have puzzle or feeder toys without treats, which is where Exclusively Dog’s Treat Pack comes in! For $20, you get a pet pack of cookies and training treats fit for a king. And they’re really good! Or at least Rigby thinks so, I haven’t tried them. :P If your pup is still feeling frisky, how about some toys to fill the stocking? Martha Stewart Pets always has the cutest holiday-themed dog toys, and I think Rigby would like this holiday lights toy and this gingerbread man squeaker.

Holiday Gift Guide: Minted Custom Silhouette Art of a Shiba Inu Dog // hellorigby.com seattle lifestyle blog

For the humans, I still love my custom dog silhouette from Minted. For less than $100 you can get a decent sized print created and framed just for your recipient. Through Thursday 12/3, Minted is also offering 25% off with code CM2015.

For other custom pet-related gifs, Etsy has some wonderful sellers who create custom pet jewelry, original artwork, cute and silly mugs, and so much more. I find it’s easiest to search by the breed of animal you’re looking for.

For the Difficult-to-Shop-For Man

Holiday Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers for Men featuring Strideline Socks // hellorigby.com seattle lifestyle blog

Is it me or are men the absolute worst to shop for? The men in my life tell me they want nothing, but you really can’t not get them a gift! This year I’m highly considering a subscription service like Birchbox Man and some fancy shaving & grooming gear from Blackbird.

Stocking stuffers for the dudes are also tricky. I try to only purchase items that will be used, and sometimes stocking stuffers can turn into gag gifts or super cheesy real quick. That’s why I’m loving these socks from Strideline. The Seatown Navy are my absolute favorite (because, duh, love this city!) but there are some awesome sports socks, patterns, and prints too.

For the Woman Who Deserves to be Indulged

Holiday Gift Guide: Chocolate Lover featuring Seattle Chocolate, and jcoco Couture Chocolate Gifts // hellorigby.com seattle lifestyle blog

My mom is one of the hardest working people I know, so I always try to splurge on a nice gift for her at Christmas. (Mom, if you’re reading this, please stop now and scroll on by. Thank you.) This year, I have a classic coat in a statement color in mind because this is something that she wouldn’t purchase for herself but would probably love.

I always get her something sweet, and this year I’ll be treating her to Seattle Chocolates. She loved being able to attend the jcoco Chocolate Tasting with me during Bellevue Fashion Week, so I picked up their holiday bar, on dasher! on ginger!, for her. I also love their holiday-themed truffles and chocolate bars as gifts and stocking stuffers. Eggnog, Peppermint, and Hot Cocoa? Yes, please! Oh, and don’t forget about #ChocolateGives. One purchase = one serving of food.

My mom is also often chilly in the winter, so in the past we’ve also purchased throws (I love these pretty plaid ones from Martha Stewart at Macy’s), cozy socks (love my cute socks from Peony & Moss) and a space heater. Sometimes the useful gifts are the ones that are the most appreciated!

Hello Rigby Holiday Gift Guide 2015 Giveaway

And now the part you’ve all been waiting for… the Big Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway! Here’s what you could win:

– Floral Coffee Cozy from The Little Castle
– Reusable Travel Cup
– A pair of socks of your choice from Strideline
– $25 Gift Card from Macy’s
– 2 Sports Scarves from Global Scarves
– Custom Pet Bed from Waggo
– Perfect Pooch Treat Pack from Exclusively Pet
– November Spices from Raw Spice Bar
– Assorted Seattle Chocolates from Hello Rigby
– Skin Milk Udder Cream and Lip Balm from MooGoo Skin Care
– Makeup Bag filled with samples and gifts from Hello Rigby
– … And a few bonus goodies hand-selected by me for you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

12 Days of Christmas Giveaways have concluded! Thanks for entering!

 

Happy Holidays! Now tell me, what’s on your wish list this year?

95 Comments

95 thoughts on “Holiday Gift Guide 2015”

  1. Ashten

    I tried my first Stumptown Coffee when I was in Seattle in October and HOLY YUM. I wish I could drink it EVERYDAY!

    PS that Rigby print is so awesome….I need one of Warner and Gatsby for my house!

    Reply ↓
  2. Kate

    So focused on my kids and the travel we are doing, that I really don’t have much on *my* actual holiday wishlist–I just really want our family to have a fun time together & for the trip to go well! Oh! Just thought of something–I have my eye on a new day planner to help 2016 be the best year ever!

    Lovely gift guide! Love the unique ideas & the fact that it has something for everyone!

    Reply ↓
  5. Cat

    Those Waggo dog beds are sooooo cute!! This year I really wanted noise-proof head phones, which my mom very generously bought for me a month early, so I could effectively work at home when the boys are playing music, haha. I’ve already gotten everything I wanted!

    Reply ↓
    1. Jenn Post author

      Oh how nice of your mom! Noise proof headphones are so nice to have. I always steal Dave’s when I really need to focus. ;)

      Reply ↓
  7. Kim Pincombe Cole

    I love all the unique ideas in your gift list!
    Like most women, I’d love a new holiday makeup palette for Christmas. And I’d also like a pair of Sorel boots, as I know the winter snow is coming!

    Reply ↓
  12. Jennifer

    This is a nice post, and all of your original photos look so good. Thanks for including pets in your thoughts and gift ideas, and thanks for mentioning our Cat Ball cat bed.

    Reply ↓
  13. Katy Linsao

    Thanks so much for doing this giveaway! Your blog is lovely.

    This year, I’d like an essential oil diffuser, a new Crucifix and makeup goodies from Too Faced. <3

    Reply ↓
  16. Sandy

    As usual Jenn, your blog is full of wonderful items. I would love better health this next year. But as usual shoes, boots and make up is appreciated. I already got a wonderful birthday gift from Kim…a Mia.

    Reply ↓
  18. Christy Peeples DuBois

    My wish list consists of most every item on the bloggers I follow gift guides, not too much right!! Honestly, my wish is for my two daughters to be happy and content with their Christmas. Getting to spend time with them is precious since they are both in college and the times of us all together are not nearly as often as I’d like. And maybe a good fitting pair of jeans.

    Reply ↓
    1. Jenn Post author

      Aw, I hope you get to spend lots of time with them when they’re home from school! And jeans are always good (but way too hard to find!) Thanks for entering, Christy!

      Reply ↓
  34. Michelle

    to move. I have yet to live in a place I like, let alone love. It’s my goal before I die to live in a place I love.

    Reply ↓
  35. Christina Jones

    On my holiday wish list… I would love a laptop (never owned one and I could really use one), a better smartphone with a better camera, a new queen sized bed, new microwave, new clothes (haven’t bought new clothes in over a year), and new shoes (it’s been several years since I’ve bought a new pair).

    Reply ↓

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *