This year has been anything but normal, so why not carry on the theme with holiday gifts that go beyond the ordinary?
I don’t know about y’all, but I’ve never been one to plan months or even weeks ahead for the holidays. More often than not, I’m scrambling a week prior buzzing around from shop to shop to select the perfect gift for my ever-so-picky husband or even my parents who quite literally have everything they need/want.
Alas, 2020 is also my self-proclaimed year of ~ personal growth~ so I made it a point to get my act together and plan out some holiday gifts that will be just as surprising as 2020 has been.
Because city shopping overwhelms me, I went down to Hillsdale Shopping Center to snag my gifts. Fun fact: One of my first jobs when I moved to SF was at Macy’s in their Executive Development Program. My store assignment was at Hillsdale so coming back to where I used to go 10 years ago was such a fun walk down memory lane.
Whether you’re shopping for your fifteen year old sister, partner, parent, or hell, even your dog walker (at least I am!), I found 8 anything but ordinary gifts that will take anyone’s holiday sparkle a little brighter.
CLAIRE’S
Why not kill two birds with one stone when it comes to shopping. I stepped into my go-to throwback store, Claire’s and found these very cute (and timely!) rainbow bead face mask lanyards. One for my girlfriends and the other for my best friend Andi’s two daughters!
BARNES & NOBLE
Keeping in mind that the holidays can bring equal parts stress as well as joy, I’m all about breaking up the shopping madness with a little self-gifting. Especially during 2020, the idea of self-care isn’t just essential, it’s a holiday staple.
I’m an avid reader so I really embraced the “Treat YO’SELF” mentality and went a little wild at Barnes & Noble. Some favorites include Barack Obama’s newest book “A Promised Land” as well as a few self-help books from Brené Brown.
MACY’S
It wouldn’t be a trip to Hillsdale without coming to my old stomping grounds, would it? Festive and buzzing with energy, Macy’s is one of my all-time favorite places to visit during the holidays. While I love a good scarf and sock situation for my notoriously hard to buy for mother, I decided to do things a bit differently this year.
Macy’s does a great job at curating the best gifts regardless of who you’re buying for and this season is no different. I love these ridiculously cute candles from Anecdote Candles that’s a modern take on the holiday classic – Mulled Wine! It mixes notes of cedar wood, orange, cinnamon and red currant to make for a delicious scent without the hangover. Win in my book.
And, because we all need a bit of motivational words of wisdom, I saw this epic Pocket Michelle Obama Wisdom book that’s full of the very best quotes from the world's favorite First Lady. Open it whenever you’re in need of a boost and it’ll feel like a high five from Michelle herself.
JOURNEYS
I don’t know about y’all but when I was growing up in Ohio, Journeys was the place to go. I bought my first pair of Converse there and flash forward to current day, I’m still snagging my Vans, Converse, Crocs (yes, you read that right!) and Doc Martens from Journeys.
Like I mentioned earlier, I’m a last-minute kind of gal. I’m calling it quite close on what to get my husband, but never fear. Because I’m a practical yet loving partner, I’ve come to Journeys for functional fashion at it’s finest. I snagged Tom two sets of socks (no cold toes here!) and even a new pair of Vans for kicks!
So there you have it friends! From beaded mask holders to books from your favorite first lady, I’ve rounded up some of the best gift ideas that anyone will love!
And if you’re like me, head on over to Hillsdale Shopping Center for all your gift giving needs – especially when you’re in a holiday pinch!
Thank you to Hillsdale Shopping Center for sponsoring this post!