2019 Holiday Gift Ideas

​Alright guys. I'm now coming to you with some gift ideas that aren't dedicated to certain retailers and not fully beauty related. There will of course be some in this but I'm going to talk about other products as well, that make great gifts in my opinion. I've compiled my list after quite a long time thinking about it, also asking my friends for their thoughts on what would make a great gifts for them personally.

The first gift was inspired by my friend J because she said a "case of her favorite soft drink". I then thought that making someone a gift basket of their favorite stuff like treats, drinks, and smaller gifts would be a good idea. 

I've been a big fan of weighted blankets lately. I have one that's 15lbs. It's actually super heavy when you're carrying it around. I love it because, especially when it's cold, it really helps me fall asleep fast and I sleep well. I've also noticed that when I'm sore or having muscle cramps it really helps that. The big thing with weighted blankets is that it "helps reduce anxiety". I personally feel like everyone has anxiety these days. So I think there's multiple benefits for it, thus it's a good gift. I am actually gifting one this year.

Lighted vanity mirror. There's so many options for these now. I have one from Fancii that I've been using for 2 years, I think? There's 4 light settings from neutral, warm, etc. They are powerful lights as well. It actually helps me when I'm taking pics of my makeup because it's so bright. I can also rotate it. I think Fancii has a fair price. I've also seen some vanity mirrors on ULTA that are new and pretty expensive but I think they're a good investment. I use it nearly everyday if I'm doing my makeup so it's a useful gift in my opinion.

One thing I've actually come across this year which has been handy is the Volo Hero Hair Towel. It's a towel specifically for your hair after your shower. I always have wrapped my hair in a towel my entire life. So when this showed up I thought it was super cool! It's a microfiber towel that is super gentle on the hair and really locks into place so it doesn't tug the hair or wobble around on your head like a regular towel would. With wet hair "towel drying" is a big part of the process and this helps soak up more water in the hair then other towels while being super gentle to avoid breakage. While also having to use less heat from a hair dryer I've noticed, which is a bonus. It's another product that I use a lot actually so it's definitely something to consider. 

I also have been using a new micro-dermabrasion tool from Trophy Skin. This is more for your true skincare lovers  or that are into new skincare tech somewhat. It's not something I would give to a teenager or someone who isn't really interested in skincare products because it's actually buffing dead skin and texture off the surface of the skin. You have to be very aware of what you're doing, and where you're buffing so that you aren't damaging your skin. It's a good product though and has been helpful to my texture. 

Makeup. I think with makeup it can get tricky. It's kinda hard to know someones preference in makeup, how much time they put into it when they get ready, or even if they wear it very much. I have many friends who don't wear hardly any makeup. The one thing that most feel comfortable with is usually lip products. I've been using Lucky Chick lipsticks and hydrating lip lacquers lately. They are coffee infused along with jojoba oil, rose, and cucumber. Super hydrating but very long wearing at the same time. I really love the shade Paradise. I have the creamy matte lipstick formulas as well and they're super pigmented. Really worth checking out. 

Another gift I think is a nice thought is a gift certificate for a massage. I love massages. That's my jam. Some people love pedicures, manicures, or even just getting their hair done. I love a good blow out. Getting your hair colored or just styled is sometimes quite expensive and therefore people hold off on that. We often forget how great we feel afterwards though when we've had our hair done or an awesome massage. So having a gift certificate to put toward that is more incentive for someone to pamper their self.

I've really been interested in the Alexa Echo Dot. Mainly because you can turn the microphone off and also review any recordings if you want. However, the have some that some with come with plug ins that you can plug into the wall. So let's say you plugged your Christmas Tree into it, you could then ask Alexa to turn the tree lights on or off. You could get your coffee started in the morning by asking it to. They also have light bulbs to go with it so you can ask Alexa to turn the lights on or off. You can also use it with other Alexa's in your house as like an intercom to tell the family that dinner is ready, etc. Apparently you can ask it to call people. It answers questions, gives weather updates, and plays music and podcasts which is what it's been known for. It's not expensive though, the device itself is $25. You can also buy it in a set with one of the plugs and it's $30, or you can buy it with the smart bulb and it's $35. I think it's incredibly handy. 

Another thing I absolutely love, and so do a lot of people actually, is socks! I love American Eagle/Aerie crew socks because they have cool prints. I also really love Society Socks because if you buy a pair they donate a pair to shelters for those in need. They're an easy gift and useful. It's a nice addition to a present or a great stocking stuffer. 

Lastly is jewelry. This can be tricky but hopefully this will make it easier. There's two directions to go when it comes to jewelry which is staple pieces like simple stud earrings that you can wear everyday or hoops if they prefer that. A lot of times people have multiple piercings so you can easily buy some classic and timeless earrings for them to wear everyday. Just make sure you're buying a good quality earring so they hopefully won't aggravate someones piercing and also will last. The second way to go is personalized stuff. I shop Caitlyn Minimalist all the time on Etsy. I've done many gifts for people. I've also gotten pieces for myself. I have a simple dainty ring with my husbands name on it that I've worn every single day for the last two years. I've also done a necklace for my best friend that is the coordinates of our first school which is where we met in kindergarten. They can do someones handwriting on a piece of jewelry. It's basically the best for sentimental and extra special pieces with a lot of fonts and styles to choose from. 

Those are just some ideas that I think people would appreciate. I hope it helps give you an idea of what to get when you're stumped trying to get something for someone who's hard to shop for.