Looking for the perfect gift for the women in your life? Guys, whether you’re friend-zoned or in love, this is my guide to the ladies in your life. These gift ideas are timeless and elegant, with the ability to suit a best friend or your own mother. And ladies, your best gals could always use a few of these pampered gifts for a “treat yourself” moment. I’m honored to present the 2014 Curated Christmas for Her series.
Standard Tote, Honest Carry Goods (Columbus, OH)
Beau Carlson’s series of leather goods has turned Columbus, Ohio into an even more stylish city; these bags can be seen roaming the aisles of the farmers market by day and the streets of the Short North by night. The brown leather tote is my all-time favorite accessory for women, which goes perfect with that pair of boots you’ve been wearing around town.
*Due to high demand, holiday orders are no longer being accepted, however you can place your order online, giving the opportunity for your gift recipient to select colors and styles for their custom bag.
Stationery, Igloo Letterpress (Columbus, OH)
Columbus-made stationery done right, with the use of some of the same equipment used over 50 years ago by letterpress professionals. These ladies are extremely talented, creating gifts that are holiday-specific as well as Columbus-oriented. Stop by their cute shop in Worthington or sign up for a letterprinting class of your own; it made for the perfect date night with my mom.
Chocolate by Dandelion (San Francisco, CA)
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill chocolate, but rather a culinary experience. Step into multiple regions of the world and taste for yourself how climate, preparation, and other variables play into the chocolate that you taste. I highly recommend the three-bar combination so you and a few friends can learn about these very unique chocolates together over a glass of wine or cup of coffee.
Nocino Liqueur, Watershed Distillery (Columbus, OH)
Nothing beats a local liqueur. This Northern Italy-inspired walnut liqueur is bittersweet and delicious, with hints of cinnamon spice and all of the flavors of the holidays. It helps make an amazing eggnog and can also be paired with Watershed bourbon for a cozy cocktail. Nocino was just released in Columbus this week and can be placed in an elegant wooden gift box by the good folks at Watershed, located right in Grandview.
Cookbook by Kinfolk (Portland, OR)
A cookbook is meant to be more than just a step-by-step of directions and measurements. The stylish folks at Kinfolk have created an aesthetically stunning book filled with recipes to gather people around the table.
Biscuit, Little Puppies Online (Mount Vernon, OH)
It feels weird putting a living animal on this list, but if there is one thing I’ve learned over the years, it is the consistent love and adoration that nearly every woman on this planet has for a puppy. Throw a bow on a cute puppy and promise to take it on walks and clean up after it destroys something of value. Now THAT is commitment. This is Biscuit, and he’s quite possibly the cutest yorkie I’ve ever seen. Renaming is optional, I hear, but I’d highly advise against that.
*Note for the men: if you just met a gal and you’re working your way through the ins and outs of your relationship, I’d highly suggest you steer clear from the puppy. That just sounds like an emotional mess you’re likely not ready for.
I’ve read this book 3 times and will continue to read it every year, so long as I get my copies back some day (you know who you are). Loving others have never made more sense than when Bob shares his stories of raising his kids around international leaders or his personal office on Tom Sawyer Island at Disney World. Bob lives an inspiring life and challenges you to do the same, starting with the basics of quitting something every Thursday.
Donation to Charity: Water (Manhattan, NY)
Chances are you’ve already gone an assortment from stuff and recently found something you received last year that you forgot to use. We’ve all got closets full of clothes, accessories, and housewares that we could probably do without. So my final recommendation is to make a donation in honor of your loved ones to charity:water. Scott Harrison is a former club promoter that decided it was time to do something that mattered; and if you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to watch “the Journey”, a touching yet light-hearted mini-doc series that showcases where your donations are going and how every dollar is helping communities create sustainable opportunities for clean water. I recently spoke with filmmaker and editor Jamie Pent, who shot and edited this entire production and was honored to even say thank you for creating the project. There are good people in NYC making big moves for our world. Consider donating what you would have spent (and maybe a bit more) this holiday season.
While I will shamelessly toss out that I feel strong-suited in my gift-giving abilities, I couldn’t possibly curate a list without getting some input from the ladies themselves. So I used my “Skip” card on makeup and accessory recommendations and teamed up with local bloggers Kathy and Sophia from Kasual Life. These two have a natural knack for great fashion, delightful experiences, and great tastes in all things from food to accessories. So I asked for their two cents on the best gifts this holiday season for women.
Candle, Candle Lab (Columbus, OH)
Who doesn’t love things that smell good? We love candles and collect them from many different stores. Candle Lab, based here in Columbus, offers a unique experience where you can customize your own wax candle for your home- a nice personal touch to a gift!!
Daytripper Glass Water Bottle, Container Store
This water bottle is our favorite. It’s made from glass so it doesn’t absorb flavors and is easier to clean than plastic bottles. The lid is also BPA free. There’s a rubber grip on the bottom to prevent the bottle from moving around. There’s a lock style lid that is leak-proof and it’s also fun to use! The thumb grip groove is in the shape of a water drop, which is clever and functional.
A Taste of Belgium waffles (Columbus and Cincinnati, OH)
Edible gifts…mmm. We LOVE Belgian waffles and the best we have tried from the west coast to Canada are found right here in the Short North. Buy a whole pack and give the gift of yumminess and pure waffle bliss. We took on some waffles in a recent adventure, which you can read about here.
Happy Tummy tea, Allegro Tea. (Whole Foods Market)
This tea reigns supreme in the tea world. It’s organic and caffeine free. Peppermint, ginger, cinnamon, dandelion root, and spearmint are combined to form the most well balanced flavors. This tea is so comforting and makes you feel warm and cozy. Combine this box with a nice tea mug, perhaps with the initial of the recipient, and you are good to go!
Only Hustlers in Ohio tee, MADE by Ngo (Columbus, OH)
Perfect for those Ohio babes out there. The shirt adds just the right amount of edge to an outfit. It’s super comfy and the word OHIO on the sleeve is a nice added touch. Also comes in a long sleeve and hoodie! Represent Ohio, you beautiful ladies! Learn more here.
Local Jewerly, Phyllis + Hazel, Poor Sparrow (Columbus, OH)
We love to support local artists and these talented ladies each have their own style with beautiful pieces. You may have seen their booths at local flea markets and festivals! Check out the pictures of our favorites on our website.
Anastasia Contour kit, Sephora
We are makeup addicts and this product is a holy grail for us. It offers 6 different shades, each with their own purpose. All you need is this palette (and a blush) and you are set. The darker shades are great for contouring and the highlight is a great color that adds just the right amount of sheen for that glow. It’s finally back in stock ladies, so don’t worry! You can also order this on Anastasia’s website or customize your own palette- with 27 shades to choose from. Makeup junkies unite!
Featured image by Maresa Smith, Death to Stock Photo.