Cassie McConnell Kelley, of Womanista, joins us today with some fabulous ideas for those last-minute gifts we’re searching for.
Cassie:
I think we can all officially say that the rush of the holiday season is in full swing! Some of you may have completed your holiday shopping (and to you, a mega-mazel!) but if you are like me, your head may still be spinning with all of people who you’ve yet to check off on your gift list! (And to those of you like that, look on the bright side and be thankful that you have so many people to love in your life!) But on to the gifts…after scouring some of my favorite shops and endless online goodies, I’ve found some perfect items to make your last-minute shopping a breeze! So relax, shop, enjoy, and then maybe pop open some bubbly to celebrate the end of your holiday shopping. xo
For Your Bestie:
Avant Cards
Nashville-based blogger and all around fabulous lady, Lyndsay Rush, recently launched a line of glam and glittery note cards and prints called “AvantCards” that are available through Etsy. Her note cards are fun and modern, with feminine script. Plus, she has gorgeous, frameable prints (for only $12!) My favorite print reads: “Everything is not going to be OK. It’s going to be amazing!” Love! Have one of these framed for your best friend to remind her that she is fab. www.etsy.com
For the Glamazon:
Grace: A Memoir
There isn’t anything about Grace Coddington that isn’t fabulous, fierce, and ultra-glam. The former model and Vogue creative director’s memoir is an absolutely mesmerizing read. You get an insider’s look at what it’s really like to work at the most storied fashion magazine in the world, and you get to see how one woman’s gorgeous, dreamy imagery can transform an industry. This book is the perfect gift for anyone who loves fashion! Order it online from Amazon for $20. www.amazon.com
A Personalized Lucite Tray from Pretty Smitten
A lucite tray is such a versatile design piece for your home. You can place it on a coffee table to hold a candle or a book, use it to serve your loved ones breakfast in bed, or to welcome your party guests with a glass of champagne! These fun, modern designs from Pretty Smitten are available for $80 in several different designs and colors and can be personalized however you like. It’s perfect for the glam diva in your life who likes to entertain! www.etsy.com
For the New Mom:
Chris Benz for Ebay Pajamas
One of my favorite off-beat designers, Chris Benz, teamed with Ebay to offer special, limited edition pajamas this holiday season! The fabric is rich and luxurious and is paired with Chris Benz’s famed prints to create a pair of fun, stylish PJs. Since many new moms don’t get a chance to leave the house much once their bundle of joy arrives, these couture PJs are the perfect gift for lounging in style. Pick them up from Ebay for $85. www.ebay.com
K.Hall Designs Bath Salts
I did an informal survey on this one (and by informal survey, I mean I asked a few of my best friends who have infants/toddlers what little luxury they most enjoy when they have a second away from their child) and the conclusive answer was this: a nice, hot bath. You can add a special bit of luxe to that bath with these delicious smelling bath salts from K. Hall Designs. The bottle is clean and sleek, and my favorite scent is calming lavender. You can pick them up online for $25, or locally at AshBlue in Green Hills. www.khalldesigns.com
For the Luxury Lover: Dazzling Design by Amanda Nisbet
New York-based interior designer Amanda Nisbet creates design schemes that are drool-worthy and stunningly gorgeous. Her aesthetic combines color, texture, and vibrancy that is both beautiful and unexpected. Her first book, Dazzling Design, showcases the very best of her work and will absolutely wow you! Plus, Nashville’s very own Maggie Waltemath (who also happens to be one of my former schoolmates!) is part of her design team. This is the perfect gift for a lover of luxury and design and is available from Amazon for $31. www.amazon.com
For the Wine Lover or Savvy Traveler: Vinni Travel Bag
This smart little travel case is perfect for the wine lover on the go! The inflatable bag conforms to the bottle you place in it (so it’s great for any size wine bottle, perfume, olive oil, etc) and it fits neatly in your checked luggage. Plus, it’s reusable and recyclable and meets TSA and airline regulations! It’s available online or locally at Mori Luggage and Gifts at Riverchase Galleria for $28. www.moriluggage.com/
For Your Teen Daughter:
Perfectly Unique by Annie Downs
Nashville author Annie Downs guides girls on the journey of learning to love God and to love themselves through the teen years and beyond. Her voice is witty, relatable, honest and most importantly, listenable. This book is a great read for your teen daughter/sister/cousin/friend and will give them a confident boost in becoming a woman who respects and loves herself. It’s available from Amazon for $10. Annie will also personally sign your copy! (see details about that are available on her blog, HERE). www.amazon.com
Ciate Caviar “Mini Bar” Nail Set
I don’t think there is a single teen girl on the planet who doesn’t love nail polish (I, for one, have a teenaged sister who is obsessed!) This nail polish gift set is exclusive to Sephora and is only available for a limited time, so it’s a special gift! These mini bottles feature four gorgeous polishes and four bottles of “caviar” pearls – the perfect combo to mix and blend to create a statement 3-D mani! You can pick this set up online or at a local Sephora store for $29. www.sephora.com
For That Special Guy (I couldn’t resist adding an idea or two…)
Krups “Beertender”
There is something awesome about a cold, draft beer – it’s a taste that simply can’t be replicated in a bottle or can! The good news is, there is an answer to this beer conundrum that doesn’t include tapping a giant keg in your living room! The Krups “beertender” was designed to fit neatly on your kitchen countertop and it fits 5L mini kegs of Heineken, Heineken Light, or Newcastle Brown Ale. It features a smart cooling system that will make sure the temperature is always ideal for pouring a tasty, chilled beer. The best part? it’s on sale at Best Buy for $99! Your man will absolutely love this gift. And so will you! www.bestbuy.com
South Texas Saddlery Leather iPad Case
If you can’t possibly buy your guy another gadget (my husband has pretty much every Apple product ever invented…an iPhone, an iPad, AND a Macbook!), consider splurging on some luxe accessories. This iPad case from South Texas Saddlery is handcrafted and hand-stitched with gorgeous leathers straight from the top cattle ranches in Texas. It’s masculine yet stylish and refined. Plus, they don’t tan their leather with any harsh chemicals, so it’s eco-friendly! You can also have up to three initials engraved on the iPad case for free. Visit the South Texas Saddlery online store and pick up this great accessory for $99. www.southtexassaddlery.com
Thanks so much, Cassie! With all these wonderful ideas, we couldn’t possibly feel stressed about any of our last-minute shopping!
Cassie and Charles at the 2012 CMA Awards
Cassie travels the globe with her musician husband, Charles Kelley, founding member of the band Lady Antebellum, and writes about all the favorite things she discovers along the way. In her own words from Womanista: “This blog is about sharing ideas and inspiration from Fashion, Beauty, Travel, Decor, Food + Drink. I love to explore new cities and find the perfect, cozy nook for a glass of wine. Or an off-the-beaten-path boutique to pick up a chic piece of jewelry. I am always on the lookout for a fun date night restaurant to share with my husband, and the perfect liptstick to wear on that date. You can find all of those discoveries here, along with other tips & advice to create a perfectly balanced, beautifully delicious life.” http://womanista.com
