Good Morning loves! I hope you have been having a great week so far! I cannot, I repeat: I CANNOT, believe Christmas is a week away. It feels like I just got over my Thanksgiving food coma and now I need to prepare myself for the next one. I am very excited though!
Christmas is a very special time for my family. We are Irish-Italian and on Christmas Eve we have a traditional Italian feast which includes seven fish-related dishes. It isn't your typical Christmas ham dinner (not to put any ham to shame, I love a good honey baked ham!) but it is delicious! Everyone makes one or two of the dishes and for the past five years I have been in charge of the baked clams. I am even traveling back to New Mexico a day earlier than my boyfriend to make sure I have enough time to make my dish! That's dedication if you ask me! What are some special traditions that you have with your family? Do share!
Now that we've processed that Christmas is only a week away, let's think about our Christmas list. This year, more than any year in the past, I've been pretty obsessed with stocking stuffers. Every time we go out I point out one or two items to my boyfriend declaring "Oh, that would be a cute stocking stuffer!" I think I even told him at one point to just get me a few stocking stuffers instead of an actual gift (haha)! So, I have compiled a list of some simple, yet thoughtful, stocking stuffer ideas. As we all know, there's always one or two last minute gifts that we need so I hope this helps!
Stocking Stuffers for Her
Lip Products
This idea may sound tired but I don't think there's such a thing as having too many lip products (maybe there is but I prefer to think not, haha). If the person you are purchasing for is a beauty addict, then I think a pretty, versatile lip product is always a nice treat! Whether it is gloss, a lipstick, or a nice balm, I think this is almost a sure-fire way to put a smile on someone's face! Hopefully you know what shades they like before purchasing one, but if not, take extra notice these next few days. Does she usually wear pink or red? Glossy or matte? Talk to one of the associates at Sephora or MAC and I'm sure they'll help you find a perfect shade! If you know she shops at MAC regularly, then have them look up her past purchases to see what shades she has bought in the past! I know my boyfriend has come quite close to using this method!
Lotions
Again, this may seem like a cliche idea, but spending a few extra bucks for a nice, luxurious-feeling body lotion will make her feel special! I love Philosophy from Sephora as well as some of the body butters from The Body Shop. I think these "typical" stocking stuffer ideas can be boring but for the beauty addict in your life, I believe they would be just as thrilled as I would to receive these. If you know what scents the person likes, that's a major help. However, if you don't know, I would recommend going for the most neutral scent you can find; nothing too floral or sweet. The Amazing Grace line from Philosophy has a clean, lightly sweet scent that I think most people would find appealing. Plus it is super hydrating!
Fragrance Rollerballs
Now, perfume can be expensive. A full size of perfume, I believe, is a whole gift on its own. However, if you know the person's favorite scent, or one they've been wanting to try, then I think this is a great idea! I love having a rollerball to keep in my purse. It's always a way I can try new scents without fully committing as well. I have linked to the rollerballs at Sephora as well as the "Sephora Favorites Perfume Sampler." I love this idea for a gift too! It has fourteen perfume samples as well as a voucher for a full size perfume! So your loved one can go get a full sized bottle of perfume (must be one that was included in the samples) for no extra charge! (PS - they also have one for men's cologne and I may have picked one up for my boyfriend...
Link Here)
Nail Sets
I love getting manicures but realistically I often do my own nails at home. Many women I know are the same way! So I think treating her to a few new polishes or a set is a special stocking stuffer. I personally like Essie the most and they've got some cute sets for Christmas! If you are unsure about colors or brands then maybe a gift card to get a manicure would be a good alternative! I'm not typically one for gift cards but for some speciality items, like a manicure or massage, I make an exception. If you know she doesn't like going out to get her nails done (some women prefer to do it themselves) then I think either some polish or a good cuticle cream is a thoughtful stocking stuffer!
Stocking Stuffers for Him
Beard/Shaving Products
So, beards have been becoming more and more popular! I finally convinced my boyfriend to grow his out a little! I think that treating him to some nice shaving products or beard conditioner that he wouldn't typically buy for himself is a sweet idea. The main reason my boyfriend was so hesitant to grow his beard out was because he found it was too itchy. So, I purchased the Jack Black Beard Lube from Sephora (we'll see how he likes it, I'll update y'all!) I know the name is a bit silly but this product is suppose to soften both the "whiskers" and skin under the beard. Plus it can also be used as a shaving cream itself, so it's pretty versatile!
Scarf/Gloves
I think that most men (and women, really) would appreciate a nice, well-made scarf and/or pair of gloves, especially if you live in a colder area! Last year my boyfriend bought a cheap pair of gloves and they had holes in them not 2 hours later! So this year I know he was thrilled when we bought him a nicer pair. (And if you're wondering why we need gloves in Phoenix, we don't; it's because Albuquerque is very cold when we visit!) Even if he is not very fashion-forward (as most men aren't) I don't think you can go wrong with a stylish scarf or pair of gloves!
Grilling Accessories
I know not all, but most, men like to grill in the warm weather. I'm sure that there are some men that will grill even in the cool weather! I think some meat rubs or fancy BBQ sauce are fun stocking stuffers for men. Try getting him a flavor he wouldn't typically go for or just one that you know is his absolute favorite! I think if he's really into grilling then this will be a nice encouragement for him. My boyfriend's brother-in-law really likes to grill so we got him some of the meat rubs from Williams Sonoma and they smell amazing! I am thinking of purchasing some for us down the road to try out too!
Snacks
Candy and popcorn may be overdone but if he's got a sweet tooth then I'm sure he will be thrilled! Some fancier chocolates or caramel corn is always a delicious way to bring a smile to his face! You can even make it more special by making his favorite treat for him! If you know he loves a certain sweet then head on over to Pinterest and get crafty! Or, if you are pressed for time (or hate baking) then I've linked some sweet treats below!
Well I hope this has been helpful to y'all! I am going to try and post again before Christmas but if I don't then MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope whether you are celebrating the holiday or not, you have a wonderful season full of cheer! Let me know what Santa dropped off at your house this year! ;)
With Love, Hannah Marie
Instagram: @hannahmarie905
Twitter: @hannahs905
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