Jingle jangle! This is my favorite post to write each year. The holidays shouldn’t have to stress you out. I think gift giving should be genuine and come from the heart to honor a relationship you enjoy, not because it’s forced. If gift-giving isn’t your thing, or not in your budget then it should be ok to opt out or be extra creative (bake cookies or write letters). But if you do enjoy giving gifts then choosing something that person will enjoy and use can be tricky. That’s why I create these lists of my favorite things.
If you are looking for a great gift for the strong, safe, sexy and empowered woman in your life, I have a gift suggestion for you! There are gifts here for women of all ages at all different prices and all under $100! See my Strong, Safe & Sexy Holiday Gift Guide for 2017 and comment below on what you think. FYI – I don’t make a penny if anyone buys these gifts or not (except my Hear Me Roar book!). They truly are things I own, love or are on my wish list. Happy shopping!
- 2018 Planner from Anthropologie $34
Setting goals is only done by a small percentage of people. Those people are usually known as go-getters! Following through on accomplishing those goals requires some kind of planning and tracking. I am old school and still love putting pen to paper when I plan out my year. This planner is gorgeous and efficient but there are tons more to choose from. Grab a planner for your favorite goal-getter!
- Feminist Mug from Urban Outfitters $10
The future is female in case you haven’t heard. If I worked in an office I would sip on my tea all day long while proudly displaying this mug on my desk, just in case anyone needed a reminder. A feminist is a person who believes women have equal rights and capabilities to men. So this is a great gift for…. Anyone who believes in equality!
- Toasted Collection Candles $16-$18
I love having candles around the house, especially when the temperature drops. Candles make any room and mood cozier. These candles are handmade from soy wax, which is non-toxic and safe to breathe. This is a great, easy-on-the-wallet gift for anyone who loves candles, unicorns, crystals or cannabis.
- Mace pepper spray: $16.99
I couldn’t decide between my two favorite Mace brand products so I am including them both. Every empowered woman should have at least one pepper spray to help keep her safe. I love the Exquisite polka dot pepper spray because when I’m carrying it, I feel incognito because it looks like it could be a lipstick or perfume case. I also go out hiking a lot by myself and when I do I carry the Mace brand pepper spray Sport Model. It features an adjustable strap so it sits right in my hand if I ever need it. This is a great stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift for a runner, a commuter or any woman who’s into personal safety.
- Essential oil Diffuser: $29.65
Have someone on your list that could use help sleeping, breathing, relaxing, waking up, or feeling happy? Apparently, there’s an essential oil that can help with almost every ailment out there. This essential oil diffuser that I have is one example of the many out there that are easy to use. Depending on your budget you can include a couple of oils as well. A good starter kit can include lavender (to relax), eucalyptus (for clear breathing) and lemon (for mood boosting). It’s a great gift for people that like to read in bed, sleep peacefully and relax. That covers pretty much… everyone.
I know Shaun T personally, and I can vouch that he is the real deal and truly authentic in his quest of helping people transform their lives from the inside out. In his book, T is for Transformation, Shaun shares the sexual abuse he suffered as a child and how he has overcome that and other challenges in his life through the use of his “7 superpowers”. This is an excellent book for anyone who had a rough year, anyone who is looking to improve their life or for that self help junkie like myself. That covers pretty much…. everyone!
Most lip glosses contain toxic chemicals like parabens, BHT and petroleum, that we essentially wind up eating. Some lipsticks even contain lead! Beauty Counter products are safe from these dangerous chemicals so lip lickers need not worry. They often run out of stock on products so best to order fast. Also, you can order directly from their website and not have to find a consultant.
- Everlane Backpack: $68 – $80
Keeping your hands free as you commute, travel or shop is a safety tip we can all heed. That’s part of the reason why I love and carry this stylish and functional backpack. I travel around the country with it and throw my laptop in it and get on my bicycle to head to the coffee shop. This is a great gift for a student but also anyone who bikes, travels or commutes. So pretty much… everyone. PS – I have the grey one with the black leather bottom.
I must have been through tens of pairs of black fitness leggings to date, however, the Graced by Grit Better Than Everything legging is by far my favorite. Graced by Grit is a women-owned brand based in Southern California who sources their fabric from Italy, but products are made proudly in the US of A. Every purchase comes with a free whistle in the hopes that women can use the whistles if ever in a dangerous situation. The brand was inspired by a tragic story of a teenage girl who was murdered while out on a run. Graced by Grit is taking a stand for women’s safety! Anything they make is a great gift for any women who likes to exercise and look and feel good doing it.
- Lake Champlain Chocolate: From $10 – $150
From baskets of hot chocolates, to truffles, to a vegan chocolate assortment, every chocolate lover would be over the moon to get a gift from my favorite chocolate company, Lake Champlain Chocolates. Based in Vermont, they use local ingredients when possible and all of their chocolates are free of preservatives, additives and extenders. There’s not one product I’ve tried that I didn’t love. This is a great gift from a stocking stuffer to a gift basket for a family, a good neighbor, or a great employee or boss. And of course, the higher the percentage of cacao, the healthier it is.
Quite simply, the Bia Boxing Gloves in white/gold are the sexiest boxing gloves I’ve ever seen. And when you feel sexy, you may be able to fight a little harder! Boxing is a hot workout right now and for good reason. It not only helps you burn tons of calories because of it’s high intensity nature of the sport, but it also does make you feel like a badass and help you learn how to hit, duck and block. These gloves are a great gift for any woman who currently boxes or would like to learn.
- SeaVees for J. Crew Glittery Sneakers: $88
Who’s says comfort can’t be cute? I’m all about wearing stylish sneakers as much as I can while I travel and when I’m working. Not only will you be able to run faster when needed, they are also safer for your back if you stand and walk most of the day. Wearing heels can do significant damage to your lower back by tightening your calves if worn often and over time. These glittery shoes are great for the holiday and your back. They’re a great gift for a student, someone who commutes or just loves comfy shoes and glitter.
- Hear Me Roar Book: $14.95
An oldie but a goodie! Every high school senior and college student could use an extra dose of empowerment. Hear Me Roar: how to defend your mind, body and heart against people who suck, teaches young women how to be brave, increase self worth and roar and defend themselves against predators. This book is a great stocking stuffer for your daughter, niece or friend.
I’ve fallen in love with a new cruelty-free, toxin-free organic beauty line. Well Within Beauty is founded by two women with a passion for plant-based beauty. I have the full sized facial moisturizer and under eye cream, because I care more and more about cleaning up my beauty routine as I get older. I also care more about using products that won’t wreak havoc on my endocrine (hormonal) system. The beauty line is also cruelty free. The full size products are pricey so that’s why this travel kit is a great, affordable gift for a traveling woman who loves animals and cares about her skin!
Once again, have a beautiful, warm, cozy, fun holiday season filled with love, joy, candles and mulled wine (if you partake)!
