Every year I tell myself that I’m going to start holiday shopping in July, yet somehow every year I find myself scrambling to find the perfect, unique gifts for each person on my list when December comes around.

This year I think I’ve done a pretty OK job of staying on top of things (*pats self on back*), but I’ve still wanted to supplement those bigger, special, personal gifts with thoughtful yet affordable surprises I know each recipient will love.

Last year my three sisters and I gave an “Our Favorite Things” gift to our younger cousin (each sister chose our own favorite thing and packaged it all together as a curated group gift), and I loved the idea so much I wanted to share my favorite things with you all this year!

These truly are some of my personal favorite products, and as a big believer in surrounding myself in only the things that make me happy, I hope these bring a little joy to anyone you’re gifting to this season (or to yourself)!

I extra, extra love that some of these items come from my absolute favorite small, local businesses, so make sure you spend a little time browsing their websites (Maragold Designs, Jess Blazejewski, McCrea’s Candies, Salt & Grove) – there’s more goodness where this came from.

Without further ado, here are a few of my favorite things. Make sure to continue reading below for why I love them so much!

 

 

1. Jess Blazejewski Art Print | 2. Maragold Designs Tassel Keychain | 3. Straw Clutch Handbag

   4. Casa Clara Cleo Earrings in Ivory | 5. McCrea’s Cape Cod Sea Salt Caramels | 6. Sephora Clay Face Mask

   7. Clay Face Mask from Sephora | 7. Chunky Knit Throw Blanket | 8. Candlefish Candle No. 26

   9. Parachute Quilted Slippers in Mineral

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1. Jess Blazejewski Art Print – $20 | I’ve been a long time admirer of Jess’s stunning work. and every collection is more beautiful than the next. Earlier this year, for my 30th birthday, Anthony gifted me one of her floral peony pieces and it hangs in my office where I can stare at it every day. Even through the winter, it reminds me of the blooms that grow in our yard in the summer months. It’s a piece I’ll always cherish, and I think everyone should have more art in their homes! Bonus points that Jess’s business is local and woman-owned. Take a look through all of her prints – the hard part is choosing!

2. Maragold Designs Tassel Keychain in Blush & Tan – $43 | Another locally woman-owned business, Maragold Designs was launched earlier this year by my sweet friend Julianna. Everything she creates is made with nothing but love, thoughtfulness, and the finest quality materials (her leathers are sourced from Italy!). I love these wool tassel keychains because even fishing your keys out of your purse should feel like a special experience. 😉 Check out Julianna’s gorgeous leather products, too!

3. Straw Clutch Handbag – $14 | I recently attended an event with my dear friend Jocelyn, and before we walked out the door, she picked up this straw handbag to complete her look… and I. Was. Smitten. I’m a sucker for natural textures, and I loved how this clutch elevated her chic outfit that night but would still work perfectly with a more casual summer dress or for a trip to the beach. And that price? It’s a no-brainer.

4. Casa Clara Cleo Earrings in Ivory – $28 | Another testament to my love for natural materials, the second I saw these earrings in my favorite local shop Salt & Grove, I know they were meant for me. I have received SO many compliments on them, and can think of at least a few friends that they’d make the perfect gift for.

5. McCrea’s Cape Cod Sea Salt Caramels – $18 | One afternoon in December of 2015, my friend Gabi and I popped into Olives & Grace, another favorite local gift shop. Standing outside, sampling his caramels, was the owner of McCrea’s candy. He told us the story about how he had left his corporate life to follow his passion of crafting the most delicious caramels, and as two gals about to embark on individual pursuits of our own passions, we hung on every word. These candies are another local favorite, and the best part is they truly melt in your mouth – no sticking to your teeth! Pro tip: the pillow boxes make the perfect stocking stuffers.

6. Sephora Clay Face Mask – $8 | Another perfect stocking stuffer, these clay face masks are one of my all time favorite products. I picked one up on a whim while perusing the aisle of Sephora one day, and was immediately hooked. I apply the mask once or twice a week whenever my skin feels dry or like I just need a little extra glow. I cannot believe how well these inexpensive little pouches work, and even though the package says they provide 4 uses, I get at least 8-10 out of them!

7. Chunky Knit Throw Blanket – $25 | When I think of cozying up at home next to a softly lit Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa while watching It’s A Wonderful Life for the 15th time this season, this is the blanket I want to be curled up with. It’s super soft, comfortable, and is the perfect neutral complement to whichever sofa you choose to curl up in.

8. Candlefish Candle No. 26 – $10-$22 | I stumbled upon my first Candlefish shop on a trip to Charleston, a city that quickly became so special to me. The most wonderful part about this shop is the way they present their candles in an apothecary style – allowing you to easily sort through books of scents and smell each perfectly poured candle to find the one you love most. When I smelled No. 26 with its notes of green apple, rose, and iris, I fell in love. It smells fresh and floral and like springtime. I constantly have candles lit while I work, and this one is forever a favorite.

9. Parachute Quilted Slippers – $39 | Have you noticed a theme here? Cozy, cozy, cozy. Admittedly, I don’t actually own these slippers yet but they have been at the top of my Christmas list and you really can’t go wrong with the Parachute brand. I’ve been taking steps to make my everyday a little bit cozier – waking up, making the bed right away, putting on a favorite robe and sitting down to my desk with a cup of coffee in my favorite mug. These slippers are going to make the perfect addition to my cozy everyday routine (you listening, Santa?)

 

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