While there are plenty of general gifts guides out there, “for her,” say, or “for him,” we like to go…in the opposite direction. Not merely contenting ourselves with a slight narrowing of the field (“For the hostess!” is still far too broad for me), we really like to dig IN.
Unique Gifts For The Active Gal Who Loves A Smokey Eye, Beachy Waves & Comfy Shoes
So in celebration of what I’m going to call our delightful complexities, here is an oddly specific gift guide. It is for the Mama (or non-Mama or just a person) who loves being outside, has trouble sitting still, is occasionally vegan, hates brushing their hair, and prefers their style both effortless and unexpected. Bonus points for an aging face that really does look a little better with a smokey eye.
You know who you are.
A Few of My Favorite Gift Ideas
Below you’ll find an assortment of my top gift ideas for…someone like mahself. It’s a combination of things I already own and love, as well as a few new pieces I’d be delighted to receive.
Mike, if you are reading this, do NOT get me the Blueland Cleaning supplies. That is not a husband gift. Stand down.
Need more holiday gift ideas for the other people in your life? We have a bunch. Check out our Gift Ideas hub here, or go straight to Gifts For Kids, Gifts For Him, Gifts For Her and/or Gifts For Everyone.
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1. Whipped Long Underwear
After Amy did a full review of Negative’s ‘whipped’ underwear, I had to try it for myself. Happily, it’s just as good as she said it was (so much so that I now want to lounge around the house in these stupidly soft, semi-sheer leggings.) Especially since Negative just expanded their whipped line to include my favorite color (oh hey, navy blue!).
2. Le Specs Weekend Sunglasses
I’ve been wearing Le Specs’ Weekend Riots in black for YEARS (they’re my favs; you can sorta see them on me here), so obviously I want the brown, too. I love these sunglasses. They’re the perfect shape, and not nearly as expensive as they look (and feel).
3. Dyson Corrale Straightener
I was a giant fan of Dyson’s Airwrap…until I cut my hair shorter. While the Airwrap and I are trying to work things out…I am also eyeing up Dyson’s Corrale straightener. Scotti has it (and LOVES it), and it’s perfect for making those beachy, messy waves. Since age and highlights are tough on hair, I’m done messing around with cheap hair tools, and I’ve been really impressed by how Dyson products don’t seem to damage my hair at all.
4. Cashmere Fisherman Sweater
This is, quite simply, my favorite cashmere sweater. It’s super-soft, and the fit is freaking perfection. I like it so much that I have it in both navy and ‘undyed stone,’ however, I’m belatedly realizing that the ‘undyed stone’ looks much better on my tanned summer skin than it does on my winter pallor. Drat. In any case, these sweaters would be amazing gifts (and Mike, if you are reading this, the ‘olive’ color would bring out the green in my eyes).
5. 14K Gold Hoops
I’m not a big earrings person…but I will wear some big gold hoops. I keep going through the cheap ones (the gold keeps rubbing off) so am thinking that it might be time to invest in one quality pair. I love Black-owned biz Valerie Madison — her stuff is made from just actual gold (not gold-plated, or gold-filled) so it won’t rub off. Additionally, she sources recycled gold, which is why her prices are a bit higher than other places.
6. Lana Jewelry Petite Choker
Another quality piece of jewelry (not gold-plated, nor filled.) I have this, and it’s both delicate and impossibly sparkly. Highly recommend.
7. Ello Campy Insulated Stainless Steel Bottle
This is my favorite to-go mug for coffee. Whenever I’m walking around with it, someone stops to ask where I found it. Those retro vibes, man. They call to people. Would make such a good gift.
8. Le Labo Hand Soap
I bought this on a whim for our fancy new bathroom (the one upstairs, away from my stinky little boys), and Mike and I are both OBSESSED. It’s masculine and freaking amazing, and I’ve actually climbed up the extra stairs to use it a few times.
9. Nécessaire Body Wash
Another product Amy was 100% right about. I’m currently using the fragrance-free, and it feels so good on my skin (and it’s perfect for shaving, FYI)…but I’m really dying to try one of the scents. I think Bergamot might be my next move, but after that Le Labo hand soap, I wonder if the more masculine Sandalwood might be fun.
10. Rose Gold Razor
I recently upgraded my razor so I didn’t *think* I was in the market for a new one, but after reading the reviews on this one, I’m dying to try it. Also, I’m really trying to get rid of single-use plastics, and my current razor is amazing…but an ugly turquoise plastic thing (this one, if you’re curious).
11. Hermès Apple Watch
I had been debating an Apple watch for years…and then, juuust when I was about to pull the trigger on a sensible model, I lost my mind and bought the Hermes. Frankly, I’m SO glad I did. I legitimately love how this band looks, and have ended up wearing it allthetime. Of course, now that I’m wearing it I’ve gotten into all of the health apps, and now am annoyed if I ever workout without it. (ps. To find the Hermes watch, use the link above, but scroll to the bottom of the page.)
12. Molekule Air Large Room Air Purifier
I have horrible allergies. I am one of those people who is allergic to everything, everywhere: dust, cats, dogs, birds, pollen, trees, grasses, flowers, etc., I hate it. I’m finally getting allergy shots (life-changing), but one of the things that has helped me cope in a major way are these Molekule Air Filters. We did renovations a few months ago, and when we moved back in, I forgot to plug our Molekule back into the bedroom. I was miserable. Eventually, I remembered, and was literally sleeping better within 24 hours. The difference is dramatic. I know this is a bizarre gift, but man…I seriously want one in every room in the house (right now we have one on every floor). There’s also a mini size that I plan on taking on road trips, too.
ps. They kill viruses, including coronaviruses.
13. Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Palette
Charlotte Tilbury makes my favorite eyeshadow palettes. I have a couple of them, but this particular one — The Sophisticate — kept selling out. I finally got my hands on it, and now I see why: it’s perfection. It’s literally the best set of everyday smokey eye shades I’ve ever used. But can easily be punched up for night, too.
14. East: 120 Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes
We try to eat vegan 90% of the time, and I’m always looking for some new, inspired dinner ideas. Not only was “East” awarded best cookbooks of the year by the NYT when it came out, but reviewers are still losing their minds over it. One called this cookbook, ‘overwhelmingly fantastic,’ another a “masterpiece”, and several noted handy features, like the lay-flat spine and the photos — almost every recipe has one. Frankly, the fact that this cookbook contains a recipe for Singapore Rice Noodles was the final selling point for me.
15. Fitness Republic Neoprene Dumbbell Set
I have been working out like a BEAST (or maybe RBG — same thing). Laurel, my dear friend (and local latin dance instructor) has started training a few of us with weights, in order to build muscle mass, and it’s been a game-changer in terms of my overall fitness. (I’m thinking of having Laurel do something online for us. You guys interested?) In any case, I’ve found that it’s really handy to have a set of weights at home, and I MUCH prefer the silicone-coated weights. They’re prettier, too.
16. Sorel Explorer II Joan Boot
Nordstrom | Zappos | Sorel | Bloomies
Darn it! I called it. I KNEW these boots would sell out! Sizes are going quickly at Nordstrom, but I was able to find them fully stocked (at least for NOW) at a few different retailers. I love how Sorel manages to straddle the line of snow boot and sneaker, and this one is a particularly fun, on-trend take.
17. Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Shearling Sandal
I blame Linzi for making me want all of the fuzzy, ugly-cute shoes. But the heart wants what the heart wants.
18. Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus
I’ve been a longtime fan of Away Luggage, but Paravel seems to have a similar vibe just…better. I love the retro detailing AND the fact that they’re sustainably made. I just ordered one (in the carry-on plus size…the most versatile, IMO), so full review coming soon, but I have VERY high hopes.
19. Blueland Clean Suite + Free Tablet Tin
AHHHH I LOVE THIS STUFF! I realize that getting cleaning supplies may not SEEM like a gift if, say, it’s coming from your partner (MIKE), but I think anyone else is fair game. The laundry supplies are my personal favorites (don’t miss the oxi-boost), but all of it is pretty great.
20. Reformation Ivy Ecostretch Cropped Tank
Square-neck tanks are some of the sexiest workout tanks ever, and Reformation’s line of workout gear is uber-soft, and comes in the most beautiful colors. This is the set I want to coax me into my bi-weekly Peloton workouts.
Happy gifting!
xo,
S
This one’s for the Pinners…
 who loves being outside, hates sitting still, is vegan-ish, hates brushing their hair & prefers their style both effortless + unexpected.){kind=link}
Great post. Good to know about Blueland! Intrigued by the ads.
In for the class! If fee-based, would be great to have a charity component
Hey Shana! I’m looking for an everyday small hoop earring. One you can sleep in and must be gold (allergic to all the costume stuff). Any recs?
This whole post You had me at “…delightful complexities…” and truly won me over at “…aging face that really does look a little better with a smokey eye.”
Yes for the class! I am always so envious that you are able to take classes with Laurel. It’s been on my bucket list to do a class with her, dance, strength training or otherwise.
Very much love this site but I cringed at the Hermès watch! Don’t start getting Goop-y on me!
Oh MAN. I am 100% getting Goop-y. Now can I interest you in this $448 cashmere sweater for your baby? 😉
Yes please for the online dance class!
Re: the Hermes watch – do you work out in the leather band? I’m willing to be GOOP-y because it’s pretty, but I can’t tell how practical it is. Would you wear it on the Peloton?
Yup – I absolutely DO wear it on the Peloton. Also, it does come with a sports band as well…but I’m too lazy to swap it out.