Early Holiday Gift Ideas!

This is not a Black Friday post, but you might find a few of these on special and with free shipping if you buy them this weekend. I personally never have spent a Black Friday in the stores and I love the idea that you should get out in nature with your family- whether it’s a hike or just a small walk. REI really has been great about encouraging this and giving their employees a day off, so I often look there first for gift ideas.

Don’t also forget to shop local on Small Business Saturday this weekend! If you want to keep shops in your town we have to buy there and I am always surprised what great ideas and unique things I find in my small town of Los Gatos. This weekend we are up in Arcata, California and I plan to check out the small shops there. Let’s do our part to help. In the meantime, I have collected a few fun ideas to help with the holiday gift thing. I am trying not to drag my feet for once and shop early so I can enjoy the week before Christmas doing my favorite things which are baking, wrapping and chilling a bit (I hope.)

I personally know all the men in my home love these lightweight down jackets so you cannot miss with one of these from REI for the guys in your life. They are stylish, light and men like that they can be shoved in backpack or briefcase.

For your bestie, sister, mom or daughter or just about anyone, Glassybaby votives are one of my favorite gifts to give. The holiday collection is gorgeous and I love how this company gives back to a cause with each purchase and the votives are made in Seattle or Berkeley. You can find votives that try to copy the Glassybaby look, but none are as pretty. These are made by local artisans on the West Coast, not in China. This is a gift to treasure and collect and are beautiful to behold on a mantle or collected on a table or by a bath. I also love that they change a little when lit.

These UGG cashmere blend socks are a treat for a friend, mom or yourself. Cute, super soft and warm, who wouldn’t appreciate them- and we rarely buy ourselves such nice socks, right? I also love these Falke super soft cashmere socks and they come in the prettiest shades.

For the family member that is always cold- or just for the whole family to make the sofa that much more cozy- Pottery Barn’s Faux Fur Heated Throw with automatic 4 hour shut off, so it’s safe to give to your elderly relatives too!

Last year Pottery Barn had the cutest denim stockings by Emily & Meritt and they were sold out instantly even before December. This year they collaborated on these cute designs in grey and white tones and I think they are modern and pretty if you are thinking of changing things up in the stocking department, and nice for a housewarming or new addition to the family.

For the younger women in your life,  I think this monogrammed beanie is fun. They have a lot of darling monogrammed gifts at Mark & Graham- including scarves, throws and many home goods. A great place for a special gift and often the monograms are included in the price.

For the little ones, this Holiday Bear Collection from Crate & Barrel is precious. I love the little apron, milk bottle and mug. All are marked down now and so affordable and beautiful from designer Joan Anderson for C&B. I still have my boy’s holiday mugs and we hope to keep them for grandkids someday.

Bonobos has the nicest men’s shirts and the are great for casual or work. Last year I bought my husband an owl one and it’s his favorite shirt. This year I am considering this panda print one. Love the colors.

Other cute options are this one with a cheetah print in dark tones, this fun lightening print , and a simple  soft cotton knit button up that all my guys would love for it’s comfort yet tailored look.

Last year I bought all the men in our family a pair of Ugg slippers including my dad and they all still love them. They are one gift that gets used and appreciated so much and once you have a pair of Ugg slippers you’ll never go back to cheap slippers. Mine are going on 3 years and still look and feel great. They are worth the cost! These are a cute men’s version in the Scuff.

For the women, the Wrin version is what I have and love. They also come in tan and other colors as do the mens.

My guys can never get enough warm track pants and the Adidas are always a favorite. I like this newer version with the blue and red side stripes. I know they can all use an extra pair when the holidays come around and for $45 they seem like something my nephews might appreciate too.

One of the nicest gifts I have received are Serena & Lily cloth napkins. I love the quality and some of them can be monogrammed. Right now I have the chambray Carrillo Napkins and they are so nice for a California tabletop. I used these throughout fall and they are very versatile.  They are offering 20% off until 11/25 with code GATHER.

For the nature lover and conservationist, is a pendant from Tiffany’s Save The Wild collection. This little elephant is in silver, but there are also gold versions and lions as well as rhinos. 100% of the profits from this collection goes to the Wildlife Conservation Network, which includes the Elephant Crisis Fund. I think that is wonderful that Tiffany has pledged to donate at least 4 million to this cause by next December.

Doesn’t this book look fun and for the friend who likes to entertain? The recipes are yummy as well as the different ideas for breakfast and other occasions. A book for the way we entertain now, especially here in casual California.

Women always like a little luxury and though it’s cold we are still Californians! Our sandals are never too deep in the closet. I love these comfy Gucci slides and they would be even nicer if you have a warm holiday coming in the new year!

For yourself! I can’t say I know what Gypsy Water smells like, but it was described by someone as California girl and elderflower. I just love the name and thinking I might feel bit more hip if I smell like this. I have to say I always ask for a fragrance at the holidays as they are kind of a splurge.

A Madewell top for your sister or mom that is modern as well as cozy. I love the shape and color!

These Asian Wrap Organic Cotton Pajamas from Garnet Hill are a gift any woman would love to have and the beautiful prints make it hard to choose which set to give! I think they are an extra percentage off until Nov 27.

Don’t forget to check out those hometown stores tomorrow on Small Business Saturday!I hope you all got outside and had a lovely relaxed weekend.

Here’s a little beauty from Arcata, where we are enjoying the rain and cozy walks with family. Feeling so thankful.

Kim