Holiday Gift Guide & Last Minute Gift Ideas

When I’m getting holiday gifts for my friends, I want to include everyone but not have to spend a ton of money. So I like to keep it holiday themed- it’s easy, cute, and doesn’t take any advance planning. We get together before Christmas so they can use the gifts before and during the actual holidays too. I got my friends Lush’s limited edition holiday shower gel minis. This year Lush has three different kinds and they all smell so good! (Snow Fairy is my favorite smelling shower gel ever and I stock up during the holidays). I also got these little gingerbread man soaps from a local beauty boutique, Mojo Spa. They are so cute and small enough that you’ll use the whole thing up before Christmas is over and you’re sick of smelling like gingerbread. Finally I picked out some adorable cozy socks from Free People, and I have cool little gifts for my girl friends. I like to Christmas shop at local stores and boutiques. I always find the best stuff that way and don’t have to worrying about online orders or packages being delivered on time.

For my family I love to give something that’s more personal. Since my family members never seem to want anything specific, my goal is always to give them something they’ll actually use-even if it’s something small. For a unique photo gift I like to make stickers, magnets, or little notepads. I made some cute post-it notes featuring the favorite & most loved member of my family (our dog, Toby) a couple years ago. Everyone still keeps them on their desk!

Since I love fashion and beauty, I also like to give my mom and sister skincare and makeup products that I’ve picked out for them. I’ll look at the travel size items or a make-your-own palette like this Anastasia Beverly Hills eye shadow quad. Other ideas for someone who is hard to shop for (like my dad) are food- you can’t go wrong with that person’s favorite dessert, chocolates, wine, or even a gag gift- something just to make them laugh. You’ll always get a better reaction from my dad with a joke gift than a scarf. One year I gave him a ‘Big Lebowski Kit’ from modcloth.com that included a pocket guide of the movies best quotes, rug mouse pad (to really tie your desk together), and a severed toe (fake, of course).

Also I think a future experience you can share together is a great gift to give family, friends, or a significant other. Tickets to see their favorite band or team, a relaxing spa day, rock climbing, vacation– whatever they love that you can do with them!

Happy Holidays 🙂

All photos taken by me.

Winter Favorites:

I basically live in sweaters during the winter and lately I like them oversized, chunky, and cropped like this orange-y gold sweater from Topshop. Or super soft and a little bit slouchy like this color-blocked tunic by Dreamers. Although it’s too cold to wear them alone, I also love to layer these burgundy extra wide fishnet tights from Free People.

My skin gets so dry in the winter and sometimes I get windburn from being outside so I’ll switch to a gentler face wash and thicker face cream. Philosopy’s face wash is my absolute favorite face wash for all skin types that never leaves my face feeling dry. Recently, I found this face lotion by First Aid Beauty with an active skin protectant ingredient and oatmeal that is amazing for protecting my skin from the winter wind.

Lastly, a hair product that I recently discovered is this moisture and shine cream by the brand R & Co. My hair dresser used it on my hair once and my hair never felt so soft. I also love that it can be used on damp hair whether you are going to use a blow dryer or let it air dry and it leaves hair smooth and soft either way.

All photos taken by me.

End of Summer Style, Skincare & Beauty Favorites + More!

I just love anything soft and feminine looking so I am loving seeing SHEER everywhere! Like this dress with mesh panels and cool netting overlay from Topshop (which I think is both adorable and wedding-guest appropriate) and this pastel sheer glitter tee has me nostalgic for the 90s and Limited Too (R.I.P.). My favorite though is definitely this embroidered mesh top– a la For Love and Lemons– but not quite as pricey.

90s Glitter has made a comeback in makeup as well. I don’t usually wear shimmery makeup but I had to make an exception for this ridiculously glittery liquid eyeshadow by Stila. I like use my finger to pat it on my actual eyelid only (the part that moves when you blink) for eyes that look subtle but sparkle every time you blink.

One of my recent skincare discoveries is the kale, spinach + green tea face wash and moisturizer by brand Youth to the People. The gel cleanser is nice and refreshing and the moisturizer is very lightweight- perfect for summer!

All photos: Audrey Trent

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