HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR HER 2020
Jennifer Mejia
This year has been a doozy! The funny (and not so funny) thing is that people keep wishing for 2020 to be over so that it all ends. As much as I wish everything would magically turn around once the ball drops, I’m not sure it’s gonna be that quick of a transition. But we can always hope.
The holidays will look a bit unusual this year. Not surprising given the way the rest of the year has gone. Priorities have shifted. We live differently now. We mourn so much that was once taken for granted. At the same time, we’ve found a greater appreciation for things we once thought were mundane. So this year’s Holiday Gift Guide for Her recognizes that our lives just aren’t the same, and I’ve tried to choose gifts that will bring us joy in the present.
This year I’ll be listing the price next to each item so you can decide whether or not to click through. And in case you’re wondering, I like everything on the list and would be oh so happy to receive any of them!
LIVEN UP COCKTAIL HOUR
“Let’s Toast” Linen Cocktail Napkins, Set of 6, $60
Anyone who knows me knows I love a good cocktail. And for better or for worse, I’ve had my fair share of them since March. It’s called survival. So if you can’t go out, why not make cocktail hour at home more fun? Apparently, toasting is an international language.
Quarantini Cocktail Napkins, Set of 4, $41
If nothing else, these will serve as a great souvenir. As if we could ever forget this year if we tried.
MAKE MEALS MORE SPECIAL
Scalloped Linen Placemats/Napkins, $22 each
These linen beauties, trimmed in white, work double duty. They’re square and beautifully scalloped so can serve as a placemat or folded as a napkin.
Magnolia Ceramic Pitchers, $34 and $36
For OJ, sangria, Bloody Marys, or margaritas. Who am I to judge?
Trufllin VIP Set, $99
I’ve never met a truffle I didn’t like. Black, white, in salt, shaved over pasta, on potato chips—I don’t discriminate. This kit had me at “truffle.” White truffle oil, truffle salt, sriracha with truffle, and Provençal honey with truffle.
O to the M to the G.
Ina’s Modern Comfort Food, $18
You guys would think I was ill if this latest masterpiece wasn’t included. Yes, my obsession with Ina continues. A friend texted me one day and told me he saw Jeffrey walk into her office…just in case I was going to make good on my threat to stalk her. Just kidding, Ina! Don’t be afraid.
The Perfect Picnic Blanket, $239
We’re doing so much outdoors. Why not make outdoor dining a bit more casual but still so beautiful with this perfect picnic blanket from Coco & Wolf. It’s padded and water-resistant.
TO STAY CONNECTED…
TO SEND LOVE
Sarah Flint x Crane Stationery Set, $45
So many people feel stranded at home these days. So lonely. A trip to the mailbox might be their biggest adventure of the day. Why not send someone you love a note, just to tell them so? Brighten someone’s day. Make them feel loved. Help them see there is an end in sight and that you can’t wait to hug them again.
PREPARING FOR RE-ENTRY To SOCIETY
We are all dreaming of the day when we’ll get gussied up and head out on the town with friends and family, SANS masks! But while we’re home, it’s probably a good idea for every woman to prepare for that special moment. Now is the time for some serious rehab because we all know that stress has added at least one year for every month of this pandemic.
Silk Pillowcase, $25
Her hair and skin will thank you!
Aquis Hair Turban, $20
Take it from the chick with crap hair (pardon my French but it’s true!) Drying my hair with this versus blow-drying right after the shower has changed my life. My hair is softer, silkier, and has more body. She will LOVE this. Awww hell, buy one for yourself at this price.
La Mer Gift Set, $160
The best of the best. I don’t even need to say any more. Just give her this. She will be thrilled. I promise. I once heard that J. Lo smears it all over her body. In another life, perhaps I will, too.
Summer Fridays Hydration Gift Set, $75
Also amazing to help her get that glow, at about half the price of La Mer’s set and if you want to get her something a bit more on trend.
Essie Gel Couture Set, $16
I have truly missed the nail salon. Not that I went a lot to begin with, but I always loved pedicures during summer months. If she has to do her own nails, this is the product to use because it stays on much longer than regular polish. I think she’ll love this and love pampering herself.
RELAX! WHERE DO YOU REALLY NEED TO GO?
None of the gifts in this category need much of an explanation. Sometimes she just needs to relax. These can help.
Aromatherapy Diffuser, $40
Add water, essential oils, and pretend you’re at a spa.
Aerin, Éclat de Vert Body Cream, $90
You’re going to think I’m joking, but when homeschooling just gets to be too much, I run into my room and light a candle with this scent. Kind of like when stressed out mothers used to run into their closet and light a cigarette. Anywho, I hope someone buys me this so I can just sniff my arm and save myself a mad dash up the stairs.
Le Labo Thé Noir 29, $83-$280
Totally obsessed with this fragrance. I’ll be sniffing this when I’m not sniffing my candle or body lotion.
Parachute Home Plush Robe, $99
The softest.
Plush Slippers, $10
I wear them every day.
Aromatherapy Slippers, $20
Filled with lavender, you can put them in the microwave to satisfy a few of her senses. Transported to Provence!
FUN AT HOME—ADULTS & KIDS
Mexican Train Dominoes, $29
This game is so much fun. My mom introduced us to it, and over the summer, we stayed up until 2 am playing with her. Fun for adults and with kids, too. You’re tired of Scrabble already, right?
MAN, I FEEL LIKE A WOMAN!
Belted Shearling Coat, $995
Swoooooon!
Sarah Flint Alexandra 50 Boot, $675 with my discount
I’m wearing these boots in a mushroom color that was available last season. They are now available in Black & Burgundy. A classic black boot will never go out of style. Don’t worry if they don’t fit her because Sarah Flint offers free shipping and free returns.
Use my discount code SARAHFLINT-BAJENNIFER
to save $50 at checkout!
14K Gold & Gemstone Birthstone Necklace, starting at $285
Use code BEAUTYLOVEGRUB for 15% off.
This is my favorite piece of jewelry. Such significance. I never take it off.
TO INSPIRE HER
Amalfi Coast, Assouline, $95
One of my favorite places on Earth. This series of books is just as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. A true work of art all around.
Well + Wonder is debuting a Small Works Show today at 10 am EST. So many talented artists…I can’t even list them all. This is an amazing way to purchase affordable original art. With a small work, you can mat it for a larger impact. Or keep it small to dress a shelf or dresser. You don’t want to miss this.
Alexis Walter Art, varies
Check her site for new releases of “smalls.” This an affordable way to own this beautiful original art. If she’s an art lover, she will love the work of Alexis Walter.
WHEN SHE’S ON THE MOVE
The Tank Bag, $248
Made the list simply because I want someone to gift this to me.
No, I don’t have any shame.
Larq Self-Sanitizing Water Bottle, $98
Would it be 2020 without one?
Anker Portable Charger, $50
My phone is always dying. Do you know anyone like that?
ONE DAY WE WILL WELCOME GUESTS!
Tile Mat, $75
Change your message often if you like.
Although I’d love any of these gifts, 2020 has reminded me that what I treasure and desire most is time with those I love. This has been the most difficult time of our lives. I’m wishing you all love and health throughout this holiday season and beyond. And I thank you for visiting me on this page and walking alongside me in this crazy journey.
xo,
Jennifer