It's ti-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-me to think about gifting to loved ones, family, friends, frenemies, your secret Santa person, your arch nemesis, your pets, and/or yourself. My nieces and nephews opine that cash is king, but sometimes you want to be a bit more thoughtful.
Buy second hand first. My favorite online retailer for preowned items is The RealReal. Most of my Kenzo, Kate Spade, Rag & Bone, and other designer fashion items are from The RealReal. Sometimes I get items that still have the original tags attached! I love the photos of each unique item, and the honest condition report for each item. Shop The RealReal.
Local thrift stores are an opportunity for treasure hunting. There is an Austin Goodwill store known as "Gucci Goodwill" for its proximity to a wealthy neighborhood in town. I scored a matching set Tahari skirt and blazer in pink and orange tweed that I wore for years. When I got tired of it, I donated it back to Goodwill. I've also found vases, a cake dome, and even new items that were overstock, perfect for gifting!
If you know me at all, you know I love a good story. I'm a big public library patron and supporter. Shocker, haha. But you shouldn't gift a library item, so for gifting I turn to Half Price Books for a vast selection of used and new books, puzzles, DVDs, CDs, vinyl, and more. I also love bookshop.org for books and E-books.
Shop local whenever you can. In Austin, I really love Blue Genie Art Bazaar during the Christmas season and in May for spring market. Year round I love Atown for gifts with an Austin theme and/or by local artisans.
If I can't keep it local, I appreciate roaming the aisles of World Market for interesting new items. They excel at snack selections, seasonal tea and regular tea, advent calendars, Christmas ornaments, toss pillows, throw blankets, jewelry, and spa/bath goodies. I love the smell of coffee, tea, and teak furniture whenever I walk into a World Market store.
When Chad and I were in Burlington, Vermont in October, we visited the Lake Champlain Chocolates flagship store. These are high quality chocolates offered in classic, regional, and seasonal flavors and themes. Bonus points for being a certified B corporation.
If you are feeling super generous, or maybe you want to book a trip for yourself and a loved one in the coming new year, check out Wildland Trekking. I love taking guided hiking trips with Wildland Trekking. They can take all of my travel money. The guides are knowledgeable, kind, and fun. The itineraries are expertly curated. I prefer inn-based trips, but they also offer more rugged camping trips. Wildland Trekking offers trips all over the world. Bonus points again for also being a certified B corporation.
Speaking of certified B corporations, I love The 7 Virtues for personal scents. My fave is Clementine Dream, because I love a bright citrus scent that isn't too sweet.
I know that gifting art can be super tricky as taste in art is super subjective, but one of my favorite artists is Shanna Van Maurick. Her website features cute, quirky, slightly gothic, pastel artsy stuff in different forms at many different price points.
My pets love items from Chewy. Our dearly-departed dog, Janie, loved a Benebone. The cats love sparkle balls, pop-up tents, and cardboard houses. We also get prescription diet food for our resident furry friends from Chewy.
