Thoughtful Gifts for People You Don't Know Very Well

Thoughtful Gifts for People You Don't Know Very Well

I don't usually post on the weekends, but I know that time is running out if you're going to order anything for gifts, and some of today's suggestions need to be ordered. My friend Erika asked me a great question the other day: what do I give to people who I don't know particularly well?

I'm thinking of your husband's Aunt who will be at your mom's house to open gifts or your Uncle's girlfriend who is coming over with him between Christmas and New Year's or your partner's co-worker and her wife who invite you over for Christmas because you're not traveling to see family this year.You want to give something thoughtful and special, but you might have limited information on this person. Here are my ideas.

What about something delicious to eat, like the Maple Matured Sherry Bourbon Oak Vinegar above? It's from Salt & Sundry in DC, and if you buy anything from there (yes, they ship!), you'll look like you're on the cutting edge of what's cool in home decor and yummy in food even if you're not. These ideas would be perfect for a twenty-something cousin or relative, too. Also for the crowd who loves American made.

Or how about food from the recipient's home town or recently visited location? Maybe find out a little bit about them, and then send or bring them something related! For example, cupcakes from the famous Magnolia Bakery for a New Yorker (or just someone who visited there recently) or Valerie's incredible handmade chocolates and candy from L.A. If you've got a bit more time, consider looking at their region's Edible magazine to find good local options.

What about a special balm or lotion? I think something like the Minty Muscle Balm or set of incredible smelling men's soaps would be perfect since they're not sensual like a massage oil but are still thoughtful and will be appreciated. You may not have time for Etsy shipping so check out your local natural foods store-or even Amazon.

I also love the idea of a luxurious little set of something that most people would never buy for themselves like these little linen lavender bags. Sometimes in TJMaxx, Marshalls, Home Goods, you can find similar items, too.

And lastly? When in doubt, buy a cookbook. Bon Appetite has their favorite list out, and I think anyone would love to have one or two of these under their tree!

Personal Styling or Personal Shopping Gift Cards? Genius.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year: December Discount for Holiday Gift Cards (and yes, you can get one for yourself)

The gift card can be redeemed anytime. Yes, you can buy more than one. Yes, you can buy one for yourself! Yes, 3 hours is usually $75. Why? Because I love you.

Gift Guide for Caregivers

Gift Guide for Caregivers

I was chatting with one of my best friends recently, and she commented that a lot of her parent friends are on the look out for gift ideas for the people who help them care for their children. I love this idea, and I thought I'd play along!

Art: When I was a teacher in the Bronx, I had no money. I mean zero money. I remember one of my dear friends who was living off the City Year stipend, who also worked in public schools for her assignment, who used to eat leftover ramen. Art was a luxury we could not afford. I would have loved a piece of framed art like this, a beautiful calendar-or a gift card to buy something of my choice. Or what about something beautiful and festive for their home like these lights?

A useful item related to something they love to do (could also combine with a gift card to a related store or restaurant): what about

Global, Comfortable, Professional

Global, Comfortable, Professional

Hi! Did you miss me? I really enjoyed having a few days off, and we loved our time in Charleston. I've been so lucky lately to receive referrals from clients that have led to new clients and also to spend time with repeat clients in a new season!

I recently spent three hours with a new client named Bailey in her closet and then another three shopping with her. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me first say: HOW IS THIS WORK?! How is this my business?! We had way too much fun to call this anything like working.

Bailey is an incredible woman; she's traveled a ton, she's an artist, she's moving for a new job, and she's just incredible. We met in her adorable DC apartment to take a look at her clothing which was, well, minimal. She's really good at the getting rid of things part of closet cleansing but hasn't always replaced those things with stuff she can wear.

We worked together to define her personal style, which I always like to think of as three words. Then, once you have those three words, anything that doesn't fit at least one of them doesn't belong to you. Don't buy it, and don't hold on to it. Every outfit should have at least 2 of the words to describe it.

Bailey's style is something like global, comfortable, professional.

Making Spirits Bright: Gift Ideas for the Women in Your Life

Making Spirits Bright: Gift Ideas for the Women in Your Life

This buffalo check cape. It's expensive, but it's gorgeous. This could stand alone as a great gift. Perfect for the woman who is always cold, the woman who loves plaid, the woman who wears fleece a lot but always admires friends' coats that aren't fleece, and anyone who loves fairtyales.

This sequined jacket.  For the woman who loves sparkle but already has a lot of jewelry, the woman who is going to be in a winter wedding (mother of the bride?) or is going to celebrate New Year's Even in a fun location.

This dress in green. It will flatter most every body type because of that gorgeous front. For the woman who had a baby in the last year, the woman who attends lots of events, the woman who wears too many black dresses, the woman who has dark skin or light eyes.

These adorable slippers. Want to know the sweet move? Give these babies to her on Christmas Eve to wear by the tree or in the morning. Maybe stuff a bag of her favorite coffee or tea in there, too. For the woman who likes to be comfortable in her own home-AKA all of us.

These personalized baby pants. For the woman who has a baby or toddler. But listen very carefully if you are a man: THESE MUST GO ALONG WITH A GIFT THAT IS FOR THE MOTHER, TOO. See above for ideas.

This backpack. For the woman who travels with a camera, laptop and/or books. For the woman student. For the woman who is also a mother, especially of twins. Or one of these or these bags if she doesn't carry quite as much stuff.

These most gorgeous earrings ever. For the woman with pierced ears (always be sure!), the woman who used to wear big earrings but hasn't lately, the woman with other gold jewelry, the woman with short or long hair. For the woman you're also getting this for.

These also most gorgeous earrings. For the woman who never wears anything but studs, the woman who wears pearls maybe too often, the woman whose eyes shine when she has a great idea.

These fun prints in black and white. For the woman whose house you love, for the woman who has a sense of humor, for the woman who likes wine.

These heirloom cutting boards in the shape of the state where she grew up or where she lives now (or got married or graduated from college or MD for med school or the letters for somewhere she lived and loved living there). For the woman who appreciates thoughtful gestures, cheese plates, or entertaining made easy.

Stocking ideas: this mug, one of these scarves, this or this necklace, one of these prints rolled up with a gift card to have it framed in the frame of her choice, a subscription to one of these gorgeous magazines. Mingle for the newly engaged woman or the in-the-adoption-process woman (looks like they have a great Gotcha Day party idea!), this or this for the business owner or business owner-to-be, a gift card to Prinstagram or even some of her Instagram photos printed and framed (you'll need her login).  

I'll keep updating this as I see ideas. Feel free to print and casually leave around or email to gift givers who might need some hints!

Pre-Christmas RoundUp

Pre-Christmas RoundUp

This is going to be a light week here on StartCloseIn because my husband and I are going up to visit my mom, her sisters, my uncles, and my cousins in PA and then the two of us are going skiing! (Born and raised in Vermont, I think it's cute that PA has skiing...) So to ease myself into a short break from blogging, here are some of my favorite things I've read about holiday style lately. I hope you like them, too! As always, the links are below the images.

6 Show-Stopping Holiday Looks (That Are Also Comfortable!) on Babble

3 Easy Holiday Hairstyles from Real Simple

12 Gift Ideas for Your Masculine-of-Center Partner, Not-Wife, or Husbutch

Wise Words Jewelry Roundup

Enjoy these last few hours before Christmas! I'm off to pack my bag full of an eclectic mix of plaid, SmartWool socks, faux leather leggings, sequins, and silk long underwear and then make some chili with gluten free cornbread-and maybe some sugar cookies for neighbor deliveries or to bring to work. Or maybe gluten free for me!

Ok, and because I love you all, here are a few more ideas for the last minute parties, gifts, etc!

Favorite Party Ideas from Oh Happy Day

The Perfect Christmas Morning Treat From My Incredible Neighbor

For Those With Snow (Kids Not Required)

Also, I did this with the holiday cards we received last year and put it in the box with our ornaments. It was fun to pull out when we put up the tree and see how much everyone's kids have changed in the past year! And I dream of making this (with gluten free oats) for breakfast the next time we host Christmas at our house!

Last Minute Christmas Gift Idea

Last Minute Christmas Gift Idea

Not sure what to get still? Need something AMAZING for a family gift exchange with a $50 cap? Have a niece, friend, sister, or Aunt who is hard to shop for? I've got an idea for you. Tie this to her stocking, tuck it into an envelope, or have a few family members pitch in to fund a mini shopping spree. I'll take care of the rest.