Christmas Gift Guide: For Her (+ a Giveaway with Papermoss!)

1. "Love is Strong as Death" Hand-Lettered Print by Jenny Highsmith // 2. Mercury Glass Volcano Candle by Capri Blue // 3. Watercolor Postcard Calendar by Papermoss (see below for giveaway opportunity!) // 4. Golden Peach Moonstone Ring by Sundance // 5. Staub Coq Au Vin in Basil// 6. Cava Linear Post Earrings by Anthropologie // 7. Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella // 8. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond the Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert // 9. Roses de Chloe

It's that special time of year again! Gift shopping is one of my all-time favorite things to do, and this year has been no exception. It's just so much fun finding the perfect gift for the perfect person. I've compiled a few things I'm currently favoring for that special gal in your life - be it your mom, sister or best friend - I know there is something here that she would LOVE.

Because - PRESENTS!
Okay friends, I want you to take a good long look at this gorgeous watercolor calendar, a collaboration of genius from Papermoss and Nantucket v. Hamptons. When trimmed, each month's artwork becomes a lovely post card. I love the cheeky, summery New England charm of each month's art. This could not make a sweeter hostess gift or Christmas gift (hint hint, Stevie), so make sure to snatch one up before they are gone! P.S. - you can also have the added benefit of bragging about your "small business shopping", which is not only all the rage, it's really how you find the most unique gifts.

Printed on luxe 130lb paper with an eggshell finish, each 5x6.5” month features a one-of-a-kind watercolor that when trimmed turns into a 3.5x5" postcard. Mini magnet included to display each month.

I've teamed up with Emily at Papermoss (the most luxurious paper products you ever did see) to give away one of these 2016 "Lovers of Summer" Postcard Calendars to one of you! All you have to do is enter using the Rafflecopter below. Follow all the prompts to enter, and the winner will be contacted one week from today. Good luck, and happy gifting!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

Happy Valentines Day Gift Picks

Happy Valentines Day Gift Guide by oykristen // 1. Freshly Picked Carryall // 2. Kate Spade for Keds Linen Champions // 3. Terrain Locket // 4. Terrain Hydrangea Earrings // 5. Anthropologie Butterfly Potholders // 6. Sonnet James Isabel Dress // 1. Sundance Billiard Bottle Stopper // 2. The Drunken Botanist // 3. Jeni's Berries + Chocolate Collection // 4. Mast Brothers Chocolate Bar // 5. Michael Kors Tie // 6. Williams-Sonoma Copper Mug //

Happy Valentines Day Gift Picks.

The conversation in our household about Valentines Day went a little something like this:

Me: "If I bought you a cuff, would you wear it?"

Him: "A cuff?"

Me: "Yeah, a cuff. Like a bracelet... but like, a man's bracelet. Leather and such. A man cuff."

Him: (After a long pause) "Probably not."

Just so you know, I was was referring to something woodsy and awesome, much like this or this (but obviously, something a fraction of the price), but clearly, such a gnarly item would not have been appreciated by my uninterested husband.

Instead, here are a few gifts that probably would work. Both for him and for her :)

For Her:

1. Freshly Picked Carryall

This brand has pretty much stabbed my wallet in the heart. Everything is SO GORGEOUS. Just take all my money. And my pride. But give me this leathery salt water taffy goodness.

2. Kate Spade for Keds Linen Champions

Keds are the best everyday sneaker. I've been living in mine, although this collaboration with Kate Spade is making me want, nay, need another pair.

3. Terrain Locket

Ooh la la. The enamel is a mod twist on the traditional locket, and I like it.  

4. Terrain Hydrangea Earrings

How gorgeous are these? This is such a very delicate and beautiful gift, perfect for your sweetheart!

5. Anthropologie Butterfly Potholders

Some women take offense to kitchen-related gifts. I am not one of those women. But manfolk, make sure your woman is one of those women who also loves kitchen play before you purchase these for her. And maybe throw in a jaunty little spatula while you're at it. For the spanking. I'M JUST KIDDING.

6. Sonnet James Isabel Dress

This brand is a new obsession of mine. "Playful dresses for playful moms", and they are so adorable! Breastfeeding-friendly, easy to clean and suuuuuuper cute. I mean, look at all that color-blocking. The days of mom jeans are over (praise report!) This little number is high on my list for sure. I'm a sucker for some strong marketing.

For Him:

1. Sundance Billiard Bottle Stopper

This is a rad toy for a rad boy.

 2. The Drunken Botanist

This is why we should all be gardeners. 

3. Jeni's Berries + Chocolate Collection

This is a seriously great gift. My hubby loves ice cream. He would DIG THIS.

4. Mast Brothers Chocolate Bar

The trendiest chocolate. Russell Stover is for SUCKERS.

5. Michael Kors Tie

For the dapper laddie in your life. Some men gotta suit up, might as well help them dress the part.

6. Williams-Sonoma Copper Mug

Don't you like to imagine that your dream man is sipping his morning coffee out of this? Like, atop a mountain? In a rugged flannel shirt? Yep. Yep yep yep.

I hope you have a happy time shopping for your love!

The 8th Day: Holiday Gift Guide for Little Ones

Holiday Gift Guides: Little Ones by oykristen // 1. Miu Color Aroma Diffuser // 2. Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers // 3. Uncle Goose Wood Embossed Spanish/English Blocks // 4. Jellycat Stuffed Animal & Book Set // 5. Skip Hop Alphabet Play Mat // 6. Freshly Picked Moccasins // 7. Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set // 8. Winnie the Pooh Classic Library Set // 9. Boogin' Head Pacifier Clip // 10. Skip Hop Safari Xylophone  // 11. VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube //

Holiday Gift Guide for Little Ones.

Oh baby. I have tried to be really good this year and not purchase too much for my little one. But I spend every single day with him, so I am constantly reminded of all the different things he "needs" as he is developing. This was a really fun gift guide to put together, because I would love all of this for my own little one! Happy shopping for your under 1-year-old!

1. Miu Color Aroma Diffuser

We fondly refer to this as the "moo moo" in our house. This was an excellent gift recommendation from my big sister. A little tip for all you mamas with sleep-challenged little ones - diffusing certain essential oils is supposed to help them sleep! We've been using this in our baby's room for a few weeks now and have started to notice a dramatic difference (I've mostly been using a little lavender.) This particular model is great because it can double as a fun color-changing nightlight when the kiddos get a little bit older. Big sister says.

2. Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers

Can you say stocking stuffer? Everett doesn't really suck on these. He chews them. But they are his paci of choice!

3. Uncle Goose Wood Embossed Spanish/English Blocks

Pretty much the most gorgeous wooden block set I've ever laid eyes on. There is a very small window of time when parents actually get to pick out their childrens' toys and clothes - and I am going to capitalize on that right now!

4. Jellycat Stuffed Animal & Book Set

These are the sweetest stuffed animals, and I love the interactive story that comes with them! Everett has the puppy and is hoping to add the fox to his collection soon :)

5. Skip Hop Alphabet Play Mat

This mat is the perfect place to spread out all those toys and let those little ones learn to roll over and crawl!

6. Freshly Picked Moccasins

I die. These are the most gorgeous baby shoes everrrrrrr. Santa might have splurged on these this year. Might.

7. Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set

Because my husband says that boys need balls.

8. Winnie the Pooh Classic Library Set

I think childhood reading is one of the most important things in the world. Who doesn't remember the classic tales hailing from the Hundred Acre Wood? Ah, the good ol days. This particular collection is a bit advanced for babies, but it would make a really special gift.

9. Boogin' Head Pacifier Clip

These little contraptions make such an enormous difference. We need lots of them. Stocking stuffer!

10. Skip HopSafari Xylophone

Isn't this a fun one? Great for those little musicians in the making!

11. VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube

Let's keep those busy brains busy! 

Anything I missed? What else is on your gift guide/wish list for your little one? Oh happy day!

The 10th Day: Holiday Gift Guide 2014 for Her

Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Her by oykristen // 1. Kate Spade New York Women's Metro Watch // 2. Knitted & Knotted Regan Cardigan // 3. Orla Kiely Umbrella // 4. Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick // 5. Anthropologie Magic Carpet Yoga Mat // 6. Anthropologie First Frost Jewelry Box // 7. David Lebovitz My Paris Kitchen // 8. Keani Jewelry MerRing // 9. Origins Ginger Essence Rollerball // 10. Merimekko Coin Purse // 11. A Beautiful Mess 2015 Planner // 

Holiday Gift Guide 2014 for Her.

Another gift guide! And this is the best kind, because its for all the "hers" in your life - your best friend, your sister, your mom (ahem, and maybe a little something for you? You've been awfully good this year.) 

1. Kate Spade New York Women's Metro Watch

Every watch she makes is magic. But this one is a fun twist on the typical Kate Spade watch, and I love it! 

2. Knitted & Knotted Regan Cardigan

There is nothing cozier, and this one looks especially dainty.

3. Orla Kiely Umbrella

Because rainy days should all be this much fun.

4. Kat Von D Liquid Lipstick

This lipstick is such a surprise. Amazing pigments and it stays put. No smudges, so you can do all the smooching you want! 

5. Anthropologie Magic Carpet Yoga Mat

A splurge for the bendiest gal you know. This swanky mat will make you want to stretch!

6. Anthropologie First Frost Jewelry Box

How gorgeous is this box? I love it because it's the kind of thing you would never buy yourself but totally use and display!

7. David Lebovitz My Paris Kitchen

OMG. This book's recipes are so scrumptious I could cry. I can't wait to snag my own copy!

8. Keani Jewelry MerRing

If you don't know Keani, you should. Her Hawaiian jewels are unusual masterpieces, the kind of beautiful pieces that no one else has. 

9. Origins Ginger Essence Rollerball

Smells so unique and is formulated with really excellent (no chemicals!) ingredients. 

10. Merimekko Coin Purse

This makes me want to carry coins in an age of plastic.

11. A Beautiful Mess 2015 Planner

Why have these sisters thought of everything. This day book makes me want to make plans.

I know. I could go on and on adding to this list, because it's full of all things I like! But I truly think that all these items would make gorgeous, memorable gifts for all the special women in your life. Now get shopping, friends! And happy 10th day of Christmas!