Gift Guides for All

Hello again,

I've made it my life's mission to keep this blog as active as I possibly can. Around the holidays I'm always feeling extra inspired but I hope that I can carry this inspiration through the new year too.

It's midnight and I'm thinking about gifts. They sometimes are a bit of a headache. Finding the perfect presents for your loved ones is no easy task. There are so many ideas coming from all different sources, it's actually kind of overwhelming.

Hopefully this post will offer some nice, and original ideas for your gift-shopping. I chose the items very carefully, always keeping price and availability in check.

Note: I don't include much clothing in my gift guides because clothing is very personal and it's usually hard to get right. Just the thought that I might buy the wrong size and either offend or embarass someone is dreadful.

No need to blabber further, let's jump right into the suggestions:

Gift Guide: The Sophisticate by fashionistalooks featuring christmas tree ornaments

This gift guide is dedicated to those sophisticated ladies who enjoy class, elegance and good taste. A silk night romper or a Laura Mercier bath set will never disappoint. For a smaller gift/stocking filler a classy compact mirror for the handbag is a lovely pick (Chanel also makes one) as well as a collectible LE lipstick like the Tory Burch one featured here. I strongly believe that anything from the Chanel beauty line is always welcome. I chose this Holiday edition eyeshadow quad because it's a collector's item and includes universally flattering colors. A good book is also a sound idea and never goes to waste. If the woman you're gifting to is keen on the topic of beauty, Sali Hughes' "Pretty Honest" is the best there is. For the candle lovers there is always Diptyque - and Jo Malone of course (not included here).

Gift Guide: The Quirky Girl by fashionistalooks featuring fragrance gift sets

This is always my favorite one to put together. This is a gift guide for girls like Zooey Deschanel, at least that's how I like to think of it. However, I don't see why it has to be limited to one gender, since there are more than one items in here that could be equally appreciated by both sexes. The Instax camera for example is a great and not too expensive gift for someone who loves a nostalgic shot, and the incense set is a truly incredible option  for those who find candles and diffusers a little too banal. The most fascinating items here are the macaron erasers (no those are not actual macarons)  and the ice cream pencil holder which would make adorable gifts for that stationary lover. Glitter nail polish will satisfy the girly girls and is an amazing stocking filler. Chanel no5 hair mist, is a great pick if you can't afford to splurge on the actual perfume and it's kind of different and fun.

Gift Guide: Under 20$ by fashionistalooks featuring holiday decorations

But since not all of us can spend 50+ dollars on a freaking candle, here is a go-to guide for those on a tighter budget. Everything in here is below 20 dollars which means less than 18 euros and less than 13 pounds. If you have friends/relatives who love stationery, they're (and therefore you're) in luck because there are so many options that don't break the bank. The greeting card set is just too cute and the unicorn notebook paired with the decorated pen set or the gold washi tape will blow a young person's socks off. The zodiac tray is just gorgeous to look at and a slightly more personalized gift which is always more thoughtful (they do make one for every sign). For bath & body care enthusiasts, & Other Stories offer some extra affordable options and a wide range of delicious smells to choose from (Belleville Bakery seems to be a people-pleaser). If you know someone who likes rose gold, try this cutesy little ring holder shaped like a bunny or a more posh-looking (but fairly priced) desk clock with a marble effect.

Gift Guide: Men by fashionistalooks featuring christmas home decor

People always tell me: "ah men are so hard to shop for!" with desperation written across their foreheads. This isn't entirely untrue since there are far fewer options available for men as there are for women. However, I always thought that men are just easier to please. Of course, that is a big generalization but from my experience, men are usually happy with whatever they get - maybe because they're used to having fewer options and therefore settling more easily. This guide will hopefully provide some ideas for both the classic guys as well as the ones with more refined tastes. I find that a travel kit, like the Korres above featuring four conveniently sized unisex shower gels  is a good find for a traveler. In the same philosophy, a leather passport cover is also a fine idea. Sleepwear is always appreciated by men, since they do not seem to pay much attention to it on their own. A pair of comfy yet stylish slippers hopefully will be satisfying for a father or a husband - I wouldn't buy someone slippers unless I knew them really well. For those who enjoy their scotch, a pair of high quality scotch glasses seems thoughtful and stylish. When in doubt, a tie, a scarf or a pair of cuff links are timeless and effective.

Hope I helped!