Let’s face it, gift giving is hard. It’s tough to find the right balance between the perfect gift and not draining your bank account. Which is why I’m here with my holiday haul. I gave and received some amazing presents this year, so I’m rounding them up to help you with all your gift-giving needs throughout 2019. These products are not seasonal specific, making them the perfect presents for any occasion. Plus, they’re all under $50.
Don’t worry, I’ve linked all the products in the titles and photos if you’re interested in adding to your cart. Aaaand here we go!
Dr. Silkman’s Body Lotion Candle
Honestly, who doesn’t want a candle? It’s one of those universal gifts. However, I’m proposing gifting a one-of-a-kind candle.
So here’s how it works - you light the candle, let it burn for a few minutes (and enjoy the heavenly scent), and then dip your finger in the “wax” and apply it to your skin like lotion. Literally gift of the year. I handed out 5 this holiday season, and now everyone is asking me for more. Oh, and you best believe that I bought one for myself. I enjoyed the floral Summer Equinox as well as the fruity Bees Knees, but there are 12 scents to choose from.
I found this unique product while browsing around the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park’s Winter Village, but luckily they’re also sold online. They are 100% natural with ingredients including shea butter, aloe, and vitamin E - so you know it’s going to be great at moisturizing your skin. A little goes a long way with the lotion, which means you’re getting more bang for your buck. And if that isn’t enough, these products are made in New York City. Check these out here, I promise you won’t regret it!
For the sentimental and the stylish, I give you MantraBands. They are delicate bangles with inspirational sayings on them, that compliment pretty much every wrist and every outfit. The company also has necklaces and rings, if bracelets aren’t your or your gift recipient’s thing. Jewelry is always a go-to gift in my book, but I especially like the ability to personalize these pieces through the words and metal colors. I have “Follow your heart” and “Just dance.” If you know me, they’re pretty true to my character.
Puzzle Mug
I love tea, and I love puzzles. Somebody who knows me very well got me this gift, and it has forever changed my teatime. A crossword puzzle mug is on my shelf, but there are plenty of others that may tickle your fancy - like building bricks, Sudoku, etc. It’s both relaxing and brain stimulating, which I think we all need a little more of in our lives.
These mugs are dishwasher and microwave safe. Wash off the old answers, and hop online for a new puzzle each month.
This is something I never knew I needed, kind of like my Google Home (which is over $50, but that makes a great present too if you have some extra cash). The Moon Light is based on photographs captured by NASA satellite. It is 3D printed eco-friendly and non-toxic material - super cool, I know. It has 3 different lights: cool white, warm white, and yellow. And all you do is tap it to change the tone. It’s rechargeable and has a dainty wooden stand that makes it work with any room.
Before sleeping, I put this little guy on the yellow setting in my bedroom. It really does relax and calm me, that’s very important to me since I struggle with insomnia.
Yeah, you heard me. As if fuzzy socks weren’t cozy enough, now you can moisturize your feet at the same time. The pair I received from a coworker were from Bath & Body Works, which featured an adorable penguin (shout out to my Theta Phi Alpha sorority!) and a little profile boasting Pepper The Penguin’s favorite color, hobbies, etc. This aspect of the socks I absolutely love, because you can basically personalize it for whoever you’re gifting.
Oral B Electric Toothbrush
Okay, okay. I know this one is a little unconventional. BUT it is pretty life changing. If you already have one, you know exactly what I’m talking about. First, it does the work for you. Literally, all of it. All you do is move it around your mouth. Second, there’s a 2 minute built-in timer with 30 second increments so you’re more motivated to spend the time you should be spending on brushing on your teeth. And the best part, you feel like you just left the dentist’s office. As for me, I’ve actually noticed a whiter smile with just using this for a week.
Gift Cards
When in doubt, gift cards are the way to go. If you know where your gift recipient enjoys eating or shopping, then there you go. If not, a universal prepaid gift card will do the trick. All the major companies offer them, like Visa, Mastercard, American Express. You can quickly pick these up in ready-to-go gift boxes at your local drugstores and such. Pretty self explanatory.
