A Few of My Favorite Things

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

I have to say, it really feels like the holidays have snuck up on me! In the blink of an eye, Christmas is here and me being such a busy bee, I tend to leave gift shopping until the last minute. It's a hassle I love to endure because giving during the holidays is my absolute favorite thing. Between seeing my friends and family light up with smiles, ear to ear is the only thing I could ask for, of course figuring out what to gift can feel like the "end all, be all!" Which is why, this year I'm boiling it down to my favorite things in the theme of comfort, convenience, and style.

The art of gifting can pose as a very difficult task for many, including myself! What I do to keep myself sane and focused is set up a game plan to get everything I need and when I need. I'll admit, I'm quite a serial procrastinator especially during this time of the year, but I find little successes by keeping in mind the little things that people have said in passing and turning it into a gift. For example,"I love to read, but I never have enough time to sit down and finish reading," translation: Audibles gift card or Kindle/ E-reader. This method tends to work 75% of the time for me. What about the other 25% you ask? This is when I get creative and think about what I have been loving and figured others will too! 

C/O Minx NY

Comfort

Winter time, especially in the NorthEastern states means, keeping warm to stay comfortable. I'm prone to keep my limbs wrapped in comfort, while it's easy to wrap my arms in a cashmere sweater, I loathe walking around the house in socks, but what other option could there be? I've recently been all about my Minx NY's booties, shearling lined with various prints and colors. The other exciting thing about it is that it contains a cellphone pocket so you don't have to worry about getting a onsie with pockets while you're home! Also, right now if you use the code Jacqueline15 you'll get 15% off your purchase.

Kate Spade (Similar)

Convenience

When it comes to Generation Z (anyone under the age 21), they're born with convenience as their official middle name! All of my younger family members needs things now and quickly. I recently fell in love with Kate Spade's fruit bags, more specifically the coin purses. I thought, what would a 15 year old do with a coin purse, nothing. Worse, just throw it in a bag and forget about it. So I got creative and turned them into crossbody bags (video coming soon). If your coin purse looked like a watermelon, you too would want to show it off! 

C/O Pura Vida

Style

As a fashion enthusiast, it feels almost innate to give the gift of style and fashion. While yes, it's true

I try not to give out anything too "out there," which is how my family likes to phrase my style. What's the next best and most practical way to gift fashion? Via accessories, like jewelry. I recently stumbled upon Pura Vida, handcrafted and handmade bracelets by artisans in Costa Rica. Which also means that each set is uniquely yours. The best part about gifting Pura Vida is that they donate 1% of their annual net revenue to environmental organizations worldwide. Look good, while doing good! 

The holiday season can feel quite stressful but I always manage to plan it out so it doesn't take over me. By gifting some of my favorite things of the comfort, convenience, and style category for the finicky people in my life, then the holidays are conquered! Dear readers, how do you strategically plan to gift during the holidays?