Happy Mothers Day Gift Guide

Happy Mothers Day Gift Guide by oykristen

She deserves a present. 
I was doing a little happy hunting for my mom for Mothers Day and I thought I would share a few fun picks that inspired me. Friends, don't forget, Mother's Day is May 10! Waiting until last minute normally doesn't pan out too well (plus, all the good cards are taken!), so make sure to plan a bit early. You still have time to score an amazing, thoughtful and pampering gift for that woman who BIRTHED YOU. Mom, if you're reading this, you aren't getting any of these - the surprise shall remain intact.

1. Diptyque Gardenia Candle 
These delicious candles are totally a luxury and they smell ahhhhhmazing. They feel like a decadent gift because it's not really the kind of thing you would ever buy yourself. But to receive as a gift? Well that's just fancy pants. Include along with a vial of bath salts and you might just win the kid-of-the-year award for this one.

2. Terrain Hydrangea Petal Cuff
My mom would rock this cuff so hard. It's so pretty and delicate, and yet the bronze material is sturdy and tough. Wow. A metaphor for moms everywhere - pretty, delicate, sturdy, tough. I'M WRITING THE POEM FOR YOUR MOTHER'S DAY CARD RIGHT HERE. Copy and paste. You're welcome.

3. Rifle Paper Co. Vintage Blossoms Notebook Set
This is such a goodie. If someone gave me anything Rifle Paper Company, I would melt. These products are just so frilly and inspiring. And let's face it, moms everywhere could use a pretty journal. We have thoughts.

4. Anthropologie Papua Fedora
Because there is very little in life that can say what a peach fedora can say. (In case you're wondering, it says I LOVE YOUR SWAG, MOM in that hushed powdery shade).

5. Terrain Zinc Sphere Hanging Basket
You could put a plant in this one and really knock her socks off. Who doesn't want a bit of green earth hanging in the corner of the room? INSTANT ATMOSPHERE BOOSTER.

6. Anthropologie Color-Daze Scarf
This scarf makes me want to eat a Popsicle. Here mom, have a popsicle scarf.

7. Sundance Glass Jewelry Box
A dainty home for all the necklaces you've given her for the past ten Mother's Days. 

May 10! May 10! May 10! DON'T FORGET!!! K you've been fairly warned. May 10. Mom's day for the win.

For My Valentine: Gift Guide

For My Valentine: Gift Guide by oykristen
// 1. Anthropologie Painted Poppies iPhone 5C Case // 2. John Mark Comer's Loveology // 3. Anthropologie Origami Swan Necklace // 4. Kate Spade New York Secret Garden Stud // 5. Paper Source Awesome Gold Foil Card // 6. Terrain Made With Love Spoon // 7. Anthropologie Peony Pop Bathrobe // 8. Aerie Silky Chiffon Tank // 9. Aerie Silky Chiffon Boxer // 10. Nespresso Citiz Espresso Maker With Automatic Milk Frother //

Happy Valentines, Valentine.

Oh Valentines Day. Some years I think that this is such a silly holiday. But this year, I am thankful for a frivolous reason to celebrate, especially with the weather being so dreary. (I haven't complained enough about the weather, have I??) There's just something nice about all that fluffyness and flowers and the relentless red and pink. And I think it's especially fun to love on people around you - your grandmother, your nieces and nephews, your in-laws. It's a grand affection fest! So dip your toes in this ocean of loving potion and have some fun with it.

These are some fun gift ideas for that special someone. PS, that can be YOU! You're worth celebrating, my friend.

 1. Anthropologie Painted Poppies iPhone 5C Case 

Adorable, who wouldn't want their phone decked out in such whimsy?

2. John Mark Comer's Loveology 

Great read. This is one Seattle pastor's take on the theology of love, sex, and marriage. Woo hoo, getting crazy!

3. Anthropologie Origami Swan Necklace 

A bit pricey, but oh so unique. A worthy splurge, if I could :-)

4. Kate Spade New York Secret Garden Stud 

Does Kate Spade ever get it wrong? These are the peppiest way to perk up the ears. A little sparkle thrown in for good measure.

5. Paper Source Awesome Gold Foil Card 

All cards should be this awesome. And bright. And foiled.

6. Terrain Made With Love Spoon 

This one makes me giggle. I would really like to whip this out on an unexpected day for a heaping of baking bliss.

7. Anthropologie Peony Pop Bathrobe 

Oh, I'm lusting. I want this with a fiery passion. The photo doesn't do it justice. I took at peek at it in-store and it is just sooooo decadent and soft. Such a pretty way to lounge, yes?

8. & 9. Aerie Silky Chiffon Tank & Boxer  

How adorable is this set? Again, I'm not one for a fancy night out on Valentines. Just a good movie and comfy, semi-frilly home clothes.

10. Nespresso Citiz Espresso Maker With Automatic Milk Frother 

This is the big kahuna. If you've ever had a Nespresso espresso beverage, you've officially died and gone to Heaven. When we were in Paris this summer, the couple we stayed with (via airbnb) had one of these delicious contraptions. I made like, 2 espressos every day. And I've been craving it every since. If this were a Valentine gift, ooh baby... I don't know what I would do. Other than stay hopped up on lattes 24/7.

Ladies, just send your guy this link and (hopefully!) he will snag something good for your Valentine celebration this year.

Happy Gifting!

Noel: Gift Guide For the Traveling Soul

Christmas Gift Guide: For the Traveling Soul by knhale

// 1. Moma Vintage New York Post Cards // 2. Piperlime Spun by Subtle Luxury Infinity Chunky Sweater Knit Scarf // 3. St. Helena Global Salt Trio // 4. The New York Times 36 Hours in Asia & Oceania // 5. Anthropologie Love Note Cuff // 6. Paula Scher Highline Map Poster // 7. Piperlime Pim & Larkin Eiffel Tower Stud Earrings // 8. Sundance Fleece-lined Handwarmers // 9. Frye Company Carson Lace Ups // 10. Anthropologie Patchworked Socks // 11. Urban Outfitters Lomography Camera //

For the Traveling Soul.
We all have a friend like this. The curious, half-wild dreamer who is always up for a road trip, a day trip, a hiking trip, any kind of adventure. Always snapping photos, circling destinations on a map, with a stocked car ready for an endless day away. I am actually glad to say that I have more than a few friends like this, and quite a few family members, too. I love people who LOVE to travel, because they are always armed with eclectic stories, odd recipes and a bounty of enticing photos to share. But even more importantly, my friends who are traveling fiends maintain a gracious open mind that is enviable. Not bogged down by the bible belt's staggering insulation or the political trends of the moment, these folks are peaceful, easy to please, fast to laugh and even faster to encourage. These traveling buddies are capable and composed, yet completely vulnerable and allow me to peel back their layers, ask tough questions and examine their experiences for myself. What a lucky girl I am. To be more of a traveling soul, well, that's my goal. And I've got such great role models to look to.

I believe you will find that any of the above gifts will add a little sparkle to your friends' lifelong voyage. So go ahead, give them a little something special that tells them you believe in their courageous journey, too.

Noel: Gift Guide For the Homebody

Christmas Gift Guide: For the Homebody by knhale

// 1. Anthropologie Mr. Boddington's Pride and Prejudice // 2. Capri Blue Volcano Candle in a Jar // 3. Origins Lavender and Vanilla Body Souffle // 4. Scoutmob Coexistence Flower Art Print // 5. Anthropologie Amethyst Crystal Lamp Base // 6. Fortnum and Mason Royal Tea // 6. Scoutmob Pink Himalayan Bath Salts // 7. Free People Border Print Robe // 8. Kate Spade New York Larabee Road Coffee Pot // 10. Williams Sonoma Agate Gold-Rimmed Coasters // 11. Horchow Sferra Emma Pointelle Throw // 12. Piperlime Sabine Emerald Green Pave Stud // 13. UGG Ansley Women's Mahogany Slippers //

For the Homebody.

This gift guide is for that lady who chooses to (or needs to!) hibernate when the weather gets chilly. If you're ridiculously busy with all the reasons in the world that you have to stay busy, it's time for your reality check (and bubble bath!) Put down the iPhone and the to-do list and aaaaaaaaaallll the other excuses you have to NOT relax. And just take a moment for you.

If you know someone who needs a good vacation from the mind, this guide should steer you in the right direction. Your secret santa could use a relaxing soak in the tub with a classic read, a decadent candle and absolutely nothing on the calendar.

Happy gifting!

Be Mine: Valentines Day Gift Guide For Her & Him

Celebrate love! Buy presents! There are my two favorite things. It's almost Valentines Day, and that means that you have the opportunity to tell your loved ones what they mean to you. Boys, girls, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents - everyone deserves to know why they are precious to you. Take this opportunity to show them how you feel. Tell them why they are cherished. I've compiled a gift guide specifically for that extra-special guy or gal in your life. Go ahead. You have permission to wow.

Via // Via // Via

For Her...
ONE // Capri Blue Mercury Glass Jar Candle
Every woman wants this candle. This is THE candle at our beloved Anthropologie. We won't buy it for ourselves. But you could buy it for ourselves.

TWO // Boite A Savon Bath Salts
Oooh la la, any guy who encourages his lady to take a bubble bath is automatically THE MAN. And if he gives her these luxurious bath treats, she will be singing his praises for a long time to come. First seen (and most easily purchased) here. Peace and tranquility, anyone?

THREE // Warby Parker Glasses
 Give the gift of vision. For only $95 (anyone who has to buy glasses knows what a steal of a deal this is), you can try out 5 different pairs of glasses for 5 days. Keep the ones you want, return the rest. Oh, and the bonus? They will send a pair of glasses to someone in need, on your behalf. I love gifts that keep on giving.

Via // Via // Via

For Him...
ONE // Instagram on Canvas
He snaps those photos, but wouldn't he like to savor them? Print his Instagrams to canvas and experience the moment all over again. First seen here, this radical gift will be treasured for many Instagrams to come.

TWO // Growler Beer
"On tap" beer you can bring home. Isn't this every man's dream? Growlers come in 1/2-gallons, so not only is this pretty much the freshest beer you could have outside a bar, it's also a decent amount. Perfect for a picnic for two. Inside your home. On the couch. Check out your local breweries (and select liquor stores) to see if they carry growlers. You can even get them refilled! My local spot is the Harpoon Brewery, which has been on my Boston Bucket list for a while now... now I've got a reason to hit it!

THREE // Skyfall on Blu Ray
This is the action flick of the year. I personally think that Javier Bardem should win an Oscar for his performance in this latest installment of the James Bond trilogy. Experience it over and over again in HD. Order with ease here.

I hope you have the happiest of happy Valentines Day. Remember that these gifts reflect your love for your sweetheart, but only YOU can tell them why they are so special to you. So don't forget that part, too. I wish you many hugs and smooches.

Holiday Gift Guide: For Him

It's time to think about that man in your life. Buying a Christmas gift for a man-dude-friend is so hard. What in the world do you give? More importantly, what does your gift say to him? If you're married like me, any gift you give just says love. Whether it's a set of golf clubs or the brand of underwear he likes, it all falls in the category of "I love you and I'm taking care of you." I like to refer to this as love slash care. But if you're shopping for a man-dude-friend and you aren't so sure that you're at the "love slash care" point in your relationship, what do you buy? Plus, what about your Dad, grandfather, brother, cousin, BFF...? They deserve something awesomely thoughtful, too! So stop eying that boring plaid button down (that he probably already has in 12 colors from HIS MOM) and check out the following guide for some truly unique (and memorable) gifts for him.

1. Williams Sonoma Beer Making Kit, $39.95
For the creative man who like to craft his own beverages, this is the perfect gift. It allows you to mix up the included hops, barley, yeast and spices to create a one-of-a-kind brewsky. Created by the Brooklyn Brew Shop and offered via Williams Sonoma, this kit is truly unique and fun. Both of my brothers-in-law would love this, and yours will too!

2. J. Crew Leather Flask, $42.50
This flask will warm your heart as well as your spirit! For those cold days when a shot of bourbon won't hurt, this is a fun and lighthearted gift for the man who likes to have a good time. Leather-bound and made of stainless steel, this J. Crew item seems like the perfect gift for Dad or grandpa (if your dad is anything like mine!) The only way to amplify this gift? Include a bottle of his choice beverage, as well.

3. Vintage World Maps Calendar, $21.50
Does he like to travel? Probably so. Let him dream of future excursions by the month with this gorgeous vintage-style 2013 calendar offered by Anthropologie. DIY Alert: After the month has passed, you could always cut out the map and frame it for a friend with an interest in that country! It's the gift that keeps on giving!

4. The Art of Shaving Kit, $25
This is a gift gone right, and I know from personal experience. I got this for my man a few years ago and he, surprisingly, loved it. It may look a little fancy and the store is definitely upscale, but this Starter Kit is modestly priced and, apparently, gave him the best shave of his life. It comes with a pre-shave oil, shaving cream, after-shave balm and a badger-hair brush in a few different scents, but the unscented is the one I went with and it still smelled great. Pamper him a bit, why don't ya?

5. Moleskin "The Hobbit" Notebook (Special Edition), $16.95
With the movie dropping Dec. 14, this is a timely and thoughtful gift for the man who loves his Tolkien (not that I would know anything about an obsessive love for this man and his life's work...) Moleskin is offering an exclusive edition of the classic notebook with this etched-leather pocket ruled notebook. There may or may not be a map of Wilderland included in the back... this is an awesome gift! I'm silent screaming right now!!!

6. The North Face eTip Gloves, $45
Practical. Efficient. Weatherproof. Where I live, these gloves are a necessity. It's bitter to bare your hands while dialing on your iPhone. These allow full user mobility on any device, and you don't have to brave the harsh cold while texting. Invest in your man's hands and surprise him with these bad boys, black North Face eTip Gloves, first seen on here.

Happy Shopping!