This year we thought instead of coming up with a generic list of gift giving ideas we would capitalize on the rich variety of women we have on our staff and have them share a few of their favorite things that would make perfect gifts for women with their unique areas of interest.
GIFT GUIDE FOR FOOD LOVERS
Lauren who joined us in 2015 has studied at the Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy and worked in the restaurant industry as a chef; once the reality of the rigors of the restaurant business set-in she decided to switch gears and leave the culinary creativity for home. She offered up her gift suggestions that even the novice home chef or food lover will be delighted to receive.
ART INSPIRED CUSTOM KNIVES:
This item is definitely a splurge, each knife is handmade and designed not only to work well but to be a work of art in and of itself. This is a dream gift for me but I have added it to my list for Santa.
THE WINE WAND:
Generally, if you love food you love wine; this rule definitely applies to me but I hate dealing with the allergic reaction I can sometimes have to sulfites and histamines in wine, a headache and stuffy nose can really rob this indulgence of its enjoyment. The Wine Wand allows you to enjoy your favorite wine with no down-side. This amazing filter aerates the wine, absorbs histamines and removes sulfites so you can enjoy every glass with no regrets. Pure genius!
HEIRLOOM CUTTING BOARD:
This item is also on the pricey side but I feel so inspired by its beauty every time I use it, definitely worth the splurge.
MCCONNELL’S ICE CREAM PINT-OF-THE-MONTH CLUB:
Even the most experienced chef or home cook really doesn’t want to go through the effort to make ice cream, so this is the perfect treat. McConnell’s makes all of their ice cream in small batches with raw unpasteurized grass-grazed cows. All of their gourmet blends include raw, local, sustainable, organic ingredients.
STRAPLESS MAXI DRESS:
One of the most important things when I am in the kitchen prepping food or entertaining guests is to look good and be comfortable. I love this simple strapless maxi dress by Hale Bob; I can move around easily, no worrying about flashing someone if I have to bend over to take something out of the oven and there is plenty of room if I decide to have a second helping of dessert.
SEXY LINGERIE:
I like getting something personal and feminine from my significant other that makes me feel like I am still his babe. Personally I love wearing sexy lingerie under everything, even jeans and a sweatshirt, It just makes me feel like a woman.
Adore Me Noreh Bra and Panties
GIFT GUIDE FOR THE OUTDOORSY WOMAN
Alexis is the outdoors woman of the group. When she is not working she spends her time training horses and teaching horse back riding lessons to the youth in her area. Here are a few of her favorite things.
SMITH OPTICS SERPICO SUNGLASSES:
I am always in need of new sunglasses. Being outside all the time means lots of sun protection. I have had several pairs of these glasses they fit good and they last. A definite favorite.
CUSTOM COWGIRL HAT:
Cowgirls For Christ is a company I discovered last year at Cowboy Christmas. I got one of these last year and I absolutely love it. It provides great shade from the sun, fits great and is unique to me.
BOGS RAIN/SNOW BOOTS:
I spend a lot of time in the mud and snow, a good pair of boots goes a long way. I love these because there are not laces so they are easy to slip on and off. They are dry, warm and cute; of course it is important to look cute even if you are cleaning out stalls.
STRETCH PONTE LEGGINGS:
Let me just say, I love leggings! They are so comfortable and easy to move around in, you can dress them up or down, they fit nicely inside of a pair of riding boots and can be worn as riding britches. The Ponte fabric on these keeps them from stretching out so they hold their shape.
CLASSIC COMFORTABLE UNDIES:
Okay, so I know undies for Christmas is not usually high on the list or is the classic gift from grandma no, no but when they are this cute I think any woman would be happy to receive them.
Adore Me Rosalia Bralette and Panty
GIFT GUIDE FOR THE WORKING MOM
Hannah is our working mom in the group. As all working mom’s know finding the right work life balance is challenging to say the least. Below is her wish list this year. Oh hubby, are you listening?
SEND A MEAL:
This company delivers gourmet meals right to your door. Having dinner covered every once in a while is at the top of my list for gifts I would love to receive because that means when the kiddos get home from school I could actually give them my undivided attention with homework or play a board game.
PORTABLE PHOTO PRINTER:
I love capturing moments on my phone but never get those photos printed and they end up staying in this supposedly smartphone instead of on my wall, so a photo printer that can print image directly from the phone is the perfect solution. Not to mention when we are at Grandma and Grandpa’s house I can live them with a printed photo of the kids on the spot.
HOME THERAPY:
No not the psychological kind but I have to admit some days I feel like I need that as well. Some evenings I just need to wind down and I feel bad even thinking about going to the spa so this home spa retreat set is my choice, it definitely helps me keep my sanity.
CHARM BRACELET:
I’m sentimental but not to big on crazy knick knack’s to remind me of special times with my family (dusting is not my favorite chore). Solution, I’ve always loved charm bracelets but have never felt great about purchasing one for myself because I’ve always felt that something like that should be a gift.
Bracelet
Charms
LEATHER EMBOSSED SWEATSHIRT:
I like being fashionable but with kids acticality and comfort normally come first, I love this sweatshirt because it is comfortable and the leather detail gives it that fashionable edge so I can wear it without looking frumpy.
Alma Embossed Sweatshirt
LUXURIOUS JAMMIES:
With kids around lingerie is not really practical but I still want to feel feminine and sexy in a toned down sort of way, of course. I love this Adore Me Fallon knit jogger set, it is comfortable but still makes me feel really feminine.
GIFT GUIDE FOR THE STUDENT
Brittany is our student, still in the process of growing her young mind and deciding which PHD she is going to pursue. But she definitely knows her own mind when it comes to the perfect Christmas gift. Here are her selections.
BOOK-OF-THE-MONTH-CLUB:
I love to read. I strongly believe that by reading regularly it keeps your mind fluid and very imaginative. Whether random articles about the fluctuation of bird populations in the Northwest of the United States, fun tips on how to be more energetic every day or a great mystery novel; you can never go wrong getting me a book. I love this book of the month club because you pick the genre and your interest and then a knew literary adventure shows up at your door once a month.
FASHIONABLE SNUGGIE:
What better to cover up under while you’re studying or reading than a One Piece? Especially when you are forced to sit at a desk, a One Piece is a sure way to keep your entire body warm and still have easy arm access. This is totally what I look like at my desk, LOL.
One Piece Onesie
PIZZA CUTTING PROTRACTOR:
I am sure this is an amazing two-fer that is definitely a students dream!
WACKY COFFEE MUGS:
When I’m cuddled up at home I like to have coffee and it’s always nice having some sort of wacky mug to remind me of home. Another favorite; travel mugs they make staying awake during class a lot easier.
THE PERFECT SWEATSHIRT:
This sweatshirt by Liberty Garden is perfect to wear to class or at home studying. You can look stylish while also being comfortable.
COMFY SLEEPWEAR:
I can always use another pair of adorable PJ’s.
GIFT GUIDE FOR THE TRADITIONALIST
Ashley is our traditionalist of the group, she loves all things feminine, tailored and luxurious. Here is her Christmas Wish List.
CASHMERE INDULGENCE:
My Christmas List indulgence this year is a 100% Pure Cashmere Hat, Glove, Scarf set from Fisher’s Finery. I love Pure Cashmere; it is so soft and warm it gives you that sense of being snuggled up by the fire every time you put it on.
AURA CONNECTED ALARM CLOCK:
What I’m dreaming of for Christmas is a good night’s sleep, so on my Christmas List is the Aura Connected Alarm Clock. This little gadget provides the right light waves to promote a relaxing environment to induce sleep, along with sounds that can help soothe you to sleep. It can also be customized to your light and music preferences for a gentle wake-up experience.
MASSAGE ENVY GIFT CARD:
One of the bests gifts I ever received was a massage. I had never done anything to pamper myself before and this was a novelty that I always considered outside my usual time and expense. However, once I did take advantage of this amazing gift, I was completely hooked. Thereafter, I made time and set aside the finance to make this special occasion part of my routine every few months. Each time I went in for pampering I felt more and more rested. An added perk is that I got to develop a friendship with my massage therapist.
RUFFLE NECK BLOUSE:
There is a revival of the ruffle neck blouse and my Christmas List is not immune to its attraction. I am in love with this trend as it lends femininity to what is usually a stiff, buttoned down tradition. So this year I am wishing for Ann Taylor’s Tie Neck Ruffle.
JACQUARD KNIT DRESS:
This Hale Bob dress perfect for any occasion, it’s flattering, demure and a great transition piece.
TAILORED PAJAMA’S
I confess, I am even traditional when it comes to P.J.’s. I love these because they are so soft and comfy; and honestly I think leaving something up to the imagination can be very sexy.
Well there you have it, some advice from the girl’s on our staff here at Posh At Play. We hope you have found there suggestions helpful and will have some very pleased recipients of your generosity this Christmas.
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