Happy Friday! We are back with another weekly recap filled with moments from the week, links, and other tidbits. Thanksgiving has already come and gone and I am thankful that mine was filling and peaceful and full of laughter. But, in all seriousness, why is this year going by so fast! Today is also Black Friday which means it’s time for me to share my yearly gift guides! There’s a lot to cover today, so let’s get right into it!
Weekly Updates
1| I chose to stay in the city for Thanksgiving again this year. Truthfully, I’m a bit conflicted about this decision and will probably resume traveling back to Virginia in the coming years as I really missed being able to see my family over the Thanksgiving holiday. I was very close to jumping in a car after the Walmart shooting that took place in my hometown of Chesapeake. Combatting the toll of gun violence can feel like a neverending uphill battle in today’s political climate. I encourage everyone to check out every town for more information on how to continue to combat our country’s unique and horrid relationship with gun violence.
2| I wasn’t feeling super great last weekend after the intense drop in temperature in New York. It reminded me to remind y’all to get your flu shot and your Covid booster ahead of the holiday travel season! Flu, specifically, will probably rip through schools, offices, and holiday parties. Make sure you’re maximizing your immune protection!!
3| The final fall leaves are saying goodbye and it was nice to take in a few weekends of fall foliage in Central Park. I take living so close to the park for granted sometimes and it really is so beautiful at this time of year. I’m even a little bit excited for the first big snow of the season to coat the park in white.
Holiday Party Szn
4| I have been on a brand holiday party spree for the past few weeks. I went to a stunning affair at Dante to celebrate the launch of the Juicy Couture x Stoney Clover Lane fall collection launch. The spot was decked out with pink, green, and everything girly. Some of the collection is still available and would make the most adorable Christmas gifts. Also, I am in complete agreement with the Dante Espresso Martini hype. 11/10. I also popped into Catbird’s 18th birthday and was treated to my very own “zapped” permanent bracelet which was fun!
5| I have been in my at-home nail era for about a year now and I am still loving the ability to regularly mix up my nail color. I’ve also gotten so much better at it and I’ve just been watching IG reels and TikToks to pick up helpful tips and tricks. I love my manicurist green flash kit and was so thankful that the brand sent me even more fall colors to try!! I LOVE this dark brown color for fall and can’t wait to transition it for winter. You can use my code ‘GABBY15” for 15% off your purchase!
Holiday Mood
6| I’ve been a big candle girl the past few weeks and wanted to share my favorite fall-scented candles with you! Versed sent over the most delicious-smelling candle and I am heartbroken that I cannot find it on their website. It seriously smells so freaking good. I am continuously impressed with the Otherland candles in Velvet Persimmon and Dessert First from the Adorned Collection. I was over at Michelle and Aline’s apartment for Thanksgiving and was inspired to also stock up on Trader Joe’s fall candle collection. They smell divine!!
7| Holiday coffee drinks are my kryptonite. I am a serious fan of all of Starbucks seasonal drinks including the Pumpkin Spice Latte and Peppermint Mocha. I might run out and get one right now. I’m also a sucker for all seasonal versions of products that companies release for a limited time in November/December. The Peppermint Mocha creamer from Chobani and Cinnamon Vanilla Cold Brew Concentrate from Chameleon are both wonderful.
8| A topic of discussion yesterday was “Favorite Christmas Movie”. My personal favorite for sentimental and actual reasons is It’s A Wonderful Life. It’s genuinely a top movie in general. It will never get old! I love watching it with a cup of hot chocolate and a gingerbread cookie on Christmas Eve. Other favorites mentioned were The Holiday, Klaus, and The Santa Clause. Honorable Mention to Dash and Lily and complete slander to Polar Express (do not play that movie with me around, my soul will leave my body.)
Gift Guides + Preparing for the Holiday Shop
9| Before I get into my gift guides, this is a friendly reminder to enable the Rakuten extension on your online browser to get cash back on all your online shopping this season! You can also see if a product is available at another retailer for cheaper and get access to retailer coupons. Get $40 when you sign up with my link!
10| My gift guides this year are in less polished condition but I’ll be updating and adding to them over the next few weeks as things sell out, restock, and drop over the month. I like to separate mine by interest and vibes so check out some descriptions below and shop the collections! Thankful for every purchase made through my links as I make a small (no really, it’s usually pretty tiny) commission at no extra cost to you! So, thank you thank you!
Trend Savvy
For the trend-savvy, I always think practical but with a unique spin or twist. Also, I feel really proud when I gift them something that’s hot on TikTok or Instagram that they somehow haven’t snagged yet. Mini uggs are an easy staple that are an absolutely necessity. We know they will show up to a party with We’re Not Really Strangers to be the center of attention and love it. Veja sneakers and an ami scarf will differentiate them from the crowd. Trendy folks appreciate taste and aesthetics above all so I have to make a case for fancy hand soap and classic leather goods. An appreciation for a cool graphic tee is also a requirement I think. I also feel like folks love random art work with a bit of uniqueness and Desenio has great prints and frames to choose from.
FOR THE TREND SAVVY
The Academic
Shopping for the academic in your life feels self-explanatory but it’s about the quality of the gift here. Luckily, it’s hard to go wrong here. As a society I think we’re doing more online work and blue light glasses will be a welcome gift. I personally love my ember mug for those long-haul computer sessions and study groups. It even comes in a larger size. Stasher bags and an Our Place To Go Bowl are great bring-your-lunch accessories. Bose headphones, leather work totes, and an external hard drive are high-budget gifts that may bring tears to their eyes. A pop key keyboard for your youthful academics and a custom journal for the traditional and sentimental. I also love the Papier weekly overview calendars!
FOR THE ACADEMIC
Runner’s High Apologists
For the athletic fitness buff, some may want to add to their at-home workout tools. This dumbbell set is perfect for newly minted fitness fans who like Peloton app strength workouts. This yoga mat is also super nice too, But, also an equally nice option for less here. A Hydroflask, stasher snack bags, and a thera gun will supplement their fitness goals nicely. A Hatch will help them get to those 6 am workouts only half a sleep. I’m sure they’ll also love a full fit complete with a running jacket, work out tee, shorts, and a headband. Don’t forget a new apple watch band.
For The Athletic
Homebody Heaven
My specialty is the homebody. First of all, your home has to be scented perfectly. I love this candle and this one as well. Plants are nice additions to a homey space as well. Loungewear is never in short supply. This waffle knitted set from Gap looks like perfection. Amazon smart bulbs are fun tech additions to the house. Big fan of nice cookware including this Le Creuset sauce pan, egg poacher tool, and Our Place cast iron pan. Face masks, books, and puzzles are a must. Mugs are always a staple and we can never have too many.
For The Homebody
Beauty Bestie
Your beauty bestie has to be living their best life during the holidays. You can either restock their favorites or reach outside the box and scoop up new drops. Y’all know I would risk it all for the Ami Colé lip oil. No one wants to spend their own money on zit stickers. A new signature scent may be in the cards this year or maybe a new signature eye look. Makeup sets are the bomb as well as value sets from your favorite perfume and skincare brands. Body wash and lotion are welcome additions too. So many options!
For Your Beauty Bestie
The “Experiences Over Things” Person
For the person who has an aversion to stuff, you’ve got lots of options. Frequent travelers are also here too. A cake decorating or cooking class may be a fun treat. It’s freshly basketball season and tickets to a game may be well received. New luggage to replace ratty bags from the college years is also a promising option. I love a Baboon To The moon Day or Go bag. Cord and Bag Organizers will guarantee stress-free travel in the future. Airplane reads and polaroid cameras for vibes. An airport codes phone case so that everyone knows they catch flights, not feelings.
For The Adventurer
Masculine Energy
For the working man, we’ll go for an everyday cologne option, a classic necktie, and fun dress socks to make the suit routine a little more interesting. Beanies and leather gloves because it’s about to be cold AF. Coffee drinkers will love this Le Creuset mug. Body wash because people that reliably smell good are hot. Sweats and hoodies are always crowd-pleasers. I’ve been asked to get gaming headphones several times. Mag safe chargers for on-the-go. This leather jacket is really expensive but honestly, a must-buy if you can swing it. Birkenstocks, they’ll be into them. And lastly, love a good small leather good to seal the deal (make inquiries about the size, shape, and features wanted).
FOR THE BROS
Cool cool! Those are my gift guide picks for 2022. Are we still shopping or are we done with the gifting season? How was Thanksgiving! Let me know in the comments below! Have a great weekend!
