Somehow it’s already the 10th of December and New
York has magically transformed into a modern winter wonderland strung in fairy
lights and snowflakes. As I take in my festive surroundings a familiar feeling
of doom falls over me as that long list of Christmas shopping I’ve been putting
off hits me like an avalanche. I’m guessing it’s probably not a completely
foreign emotion to most of you, but one that really must be dealt with right away.
Dashing all
over town in search of the perfect gift for loved ones can be as merry an
experience as you make it. If you’re someone who knows what she wants and where
to find it, more power to you. For the rest of us it can be stressful if you’re
pressed on time or ideas. In an effort to ease some of the holiday jitters,
I’ve put together a little list of ideas for everyone on your list. The best
part? They can all be purchased online,
with a well-deserved glass of bubbly in hand.
BEST FRIENDS:
A cheeky Pamela Barsky clutch to display your friend's quirkier side to the
rest o the world. With over 50 witticisms to choose from, there is surely something to
appeal to your inner narcissist/bad dancer/chromic social-media over
sharing.
Maybe I’m just an alcoholic, but I don’t believe any proper girl’s night in is complete without a
cocktail. Why not make it extra special and get one monogramed for her?
MOM:
This customized, luxe photo book is perfect for the sentimentalist. Artifact Uprising’s
website allows you to upload and design your own book offering a number of
sizes and layouts to choose from. I gave my mom one last year as a souvenir from a trip to
Ireland and she keeps it right by her bedside.
For the binge-watcher(/drinker),
why not go for a Real Housewive’s themed set of wine glasses? You can get them
customized as specifically as you’d like, anything from the Real Housewives of
Bedford Avenue to the Real Housewives of Little Rock.
DAD:
My Dad has traditionally been the toughest to shop for,
because her seems to own the most items of anyone I know. Thankfully he could
always use a new comfy cardigan, but the idea seems so unoriginal year after
year (a recluse only needs so many sweaters). Instead, why not go for
something he never knew he needed like a nice pair of noise canceling
headphones or a beer flight tray?
BROTHER:
We like to joke that my younger brother “is the college
experience,” as he is constantly talking about the wild times he and his
fraternity brothers have on campus. Whether your brother is still in school or
holding on to his old ways for dear life, it’s possible he doesn’t have time to
shop for proper clothing. At this point, I’m practically my
brother’s personal stylist and Christmas is the perfect time to update his
wardrobe selections.
If he’s got a better grip on his closet, a laptop tray is a
useful gift that can allow him to work (or watch Netflix) in bed. If he’s a big
reader, sign him up for
Stack, a magazine subscription service which sends a
new surprise independent title to your door every month.
SISTER:
Honestly, the way to go would be treating her to brunch and a
screening of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler’s upcoming movie, Sisters. If you want
something that fits under the tree, why not make it something inspirational
like Blogilates' new 2016 fitness planner? It’s a great way to create a helpful
schedule that takes your workout goals into consideration.
BOYFRIEND/S.O.:
Rather than stressing out about the ‘right’ gift for
wherever you are in your relationship (or if you don’t even know where that
is), try signing the two of you up for an activity you can enjoy together.
There’re some great cooking classes on the market and one I’ve especially been
dying to try is
Brooklyn Bread Lab’s Pasta making tutorial. You could even
follow it up with a
tasting tour of The Brooklyn Brewery!