Time is moving on, and Hanukah is a few days away and Christmas is in less than two weeks. Oh my.
If you are still thinking about gifts to get, here are a few more suggestions to go along with the early picks I wrote about a couple of weeks ago here. Just about all of these ideas are in the affordable range.
Victoria Emerson Wrap Bracelets
Last year I wrote a post about Victoria Emerson Wrap Bracelets. I got more reads for that blogpost than anything, absolutely anything, I have ever written. Go figure!
I bought my Victoria Emerson bracelet a little more than a year ago for $24. It is very good quality: sturdy beads, nice leather, well made. In fact, it’s much higher quality than a wrap bracelet I bought at a home-based jewelry party for much more money a couple of weeks before buying this beauty.
Look out for the Sale Collection! The prices now seem to be a few bracelets at $24 and quite a few at $27. There seem to be more styles than last year too. I have no relationship at all to Victoria Emerson bracelets, but they sure do seem popular. Check ’em out!
Flowers from thebouqs.com
If someone you know literally has everything, or if they live far away and you don’t want to wrap and mail, or if you’re looking for a hostess gift to send after a party as a special thank you, consider gorgeous, long-lasting flowers from thebouqs.com.
I discovered this company in the fall. I received the most stunning coral roses – 14 in a dozen, lol – that last just about two weeks! I have never had roses that lasted anywhere near that long.
I happen to love roses, and I liked mine so much I sent a dozen yellow roses to a friend who does indeed have everything. Although I love roses, they have many other flowers and arrangements to choose from.
The flowers arrive extremely well-packaged in a box, delivered from either a volcano in South America that has exceptionally great soil for growing flowers, or if you need your flowers quickly, like overnight or in a day or two, they’ll come from special fields in California.
The bouquets come in 3 sizes: one dozen, two dozen, and three dozen. And as I mentioned, they throw in a couple extra flowers just in case one or two get damaged in transit in spite of the ingredient packaging.
With the 15% off special that they often have at holidays or for new customers, the price including delivery is about $34. I think it’s a bargain. Please check it out here or, if you would be so kind, via the ads on my homepage (if you decide to buy, I would make about a dollar, lol.)
Forever 21 Fashion Jewelry
I needed a small but wonderful gift for a young woman, and I nipped into Forever 21. I saw a fabulous silver-tone multi-stranded box chain necklace for $8.80. There was 30% off on jewelry and accessories, so it cost a little more than $5. Sold. Actually, I’d love the necklace for myself.
Zoya Mini Nail Polish
Zoya has had a bunch of deals over the past couple of weeks. I finally took advantage of the deal on mini polishes. I love everything mini these days since I never finish up anything.
The deal at the time was buy 3 minis for $15 (the regular price is $5 each) including shipping and get 3 more free. I thought that was a good deal – $2.50 a piece, since a full size usually costs $9 or $10. And I liked getting more variety.
Here’s what I got, and each one arrived in a little black Zoya box, perfect for wrapping. Check out their current pricing. It may be a slightly different offer. But they still have the Zoya minis. Great stocking stuffers or a nice small gift for a polish lover.
ShaveMob Razor & Cartridges
I recently hosted a giveaway on the blog for a ShaveMob pink woman’s razor and 6 blade cartridges. The cartridges come with your choice of 3, 5 or 6 blades. The 6 blade cartridges offers a choice of a flexible or stationary head. I tried out both versions of the 6 blade cartridges. Though both gave me an exceptionally close shave, I preferred the flexible head, their top of the line cartridge. Frankly, I have had no regrets walking away from my long-time expensive brand.
You can choose to buy a starter kit that contains a razor and two cartridges, or a razor with 6 cartridges for about $39 which is what I got. The cartridges are supposed to last two weeks, but I got almost two weeks more with mine. They also sell men’s razor/cartridge sets too. Definitely a great stocking stuffer.
Hada Labo Tokyo Skincare
I love skincare products. If you don’t take care of your skin, you may as well forget the makeup. So I love the idea of a skincare product as a stocking stuffer, or in a basket of skincare goodies as a gift.
Hada Labo Tokyo Skincare is a leading skincare brand in Japan. The brand came to the U.S. a couple of years ago in lovely cherry blossom packaging for the American market. Hada Labo is a high-end and effective brand at affordable prices. It’s sold at Ulta and at Walgreens. My favorite product is the Skin Plumping Gel Cream, a great alternative to heavy creams. I also love the Hydrating Cream Cleanser. I’m currently testing out the lightweight eye cream and I’m liking it too. They just launched a mask that I’ve got here just waiting to try. And they offer two facial serums that are terrific.There’s even an introductory kit to try ’em all! Hada Labo Tokyo Skincare products include the moisture-loving ingredient hyaluronic acid to promote hydrated skin. The prices range from about $12-25. Look at that packaging – it looks so much more expensive. And the products really deliver!
Crabtree & Evelyn Goodies
Every year Crabtree & Evelyn comes out with an anniversary mug. I’ve been collecting them since 1987, and I own every year since except for last year when there was a mix up and the mugs sold out before I could get one. And when they’re gone, they’re gone.
Here’s this year’s model along with a box of peppermint tea that I bought to go with it.
I think it makes a great hostess gift for a woman who likes to collect things or likes things from England. I love my collection. And it has increased in value over the years! The mug is priced at $25 and the tea, $6.
I can also recommend the new Crabtree & Evelyn nude nail polishes. They are gorgeous and last about a week on me. I picked great nude shades that are also perfect for a French manicure.
As long as we’re talking about nails and hands, I picked up a gift set for a hostess gift. It contains emery boards, pink polish and hand cream. Lovely! It was $12.
Maybelline The Nudes & The Smoke Eyeshadow Palettes
These two shadow palettes have been out for a while, but they still make great stocking stuffers or small gifts. Each contains 12 shades. They need to be worn over eye primer, but most of us use primer these days. On some lids, The Nudes require a bit of packing, but they still create a nice neutral look.
And I love the shades in The Smokes. I’d say they are very wearable, especially for those of us who shy away from bright color.
The pricing on these two palettes vary according to where you buy. The Nudes are generally under $10, and The Smokes should be about the same.
Makeup in a Jar
My final suggestion isn’t a specific product. Take a large size (at least 16 oz.) Mason jar – either clear glass or the blue or green-tinted Heritage jars,
and fill it with small makeup and beauty treats in either full or deluxe sample size. Whatever you can get your hands on. But my suggestions are:
- mascara: L’Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Intenza or Voluminous Million Lashes
- an eyeshadow single or a trio: splurge would be an Urban Decay single or maybe a trio from Wet N Wild or NYC New York Color or NYX
- NYX Extra Creamy Lipstick or NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream
- Maybelline Baby Lips lip balm
- Jesse’s Girl Liquid Eyeliner
- nail polish: your pick but if you can get a couple of Zoya minis, they sure would be cute!
Whatever gifts you give and receive, I hope they are appreciated!
Great picks! Love the makeup in a jar suggestion. It’s such a great idea! Every beauty lover would be so thrilled with that gift!
gio recently posted…Product Review: Anastasia Clear Brow Gel
I agree! I would love to get a jar full of goodies!
The necklace is so pretty, but I want the C&E mug most of all!
Renu recently posted…Memebox Special 53 Wine and Cheese Cosmetics review, unboxing
The necklace is gorgeous. I hate to give it away. She better like it! And you should see my mug collection from C&E, Renu! I have some real beauties 🙂
Lots of great gift ideas here. Love the turquoise!
Aleya Bamdad recently posted…MD Sun Skin Care
Thanks! I love the bracelet too. The beads are great quality 🙂
Love the Crabtree & Evelyn gift set .. I love C&E (its’ an elegant, ladies brand, I think), but they sort of got pushed out by Bath & Body Works.
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted…Simple holiday work outfit
That’s an interesting insight, Monica. Crabtree & Evelyn got bought several years ago, and the new owners have driven the company into the group just about. All the stores except those in tourist areas have closed. The gorgeous mugs that were always made by Mason in England have been cheapened over the years, but now though not made by Mason in England, they’re somewhat better quality though made in China, I think. It makes me sad
These are all great ideas, especially the makeup in a jar. I’m doing DIY gifts this year in a mason jar.
Kim recently posted…Sponsored: A little Zazzle for our Holiday Cards
I think it’s such a fun gift, especially for someone you know well
Seriously, Allison– your posts always make my day! Such great gift ideas here!
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…TOM FORD LIPS & BOYS | ALL SWATCHES & OVERVIEW
I’m blushing, Lola! Thank you!
I love that wrap bracelet
Phyrra recently posted…Life’s Entropy Makeup
Thank you! And it was such a deal, too!
Can’t go wrong with Zoya!
Destany recently posted…NOTD – Wet n Wild Careful It’s Vine-tage and Literary Lacquers I’m Drinking Stars!
true, and the minis are so cute!
Nice gift ideas. Everything C&E does is so beautiful. Their packaging is as lovely as their products!
Erika recently posted…Teadora Rainforest at Dusk Nourishing Body Polish
Yes, it is. I wish the stores were more available rather than only being in tourist areas.
That bracelet is so beautiful!
Thank you! I love it and it was such a bargain!
Awesome ideas! Who wouldn’t love some Zoya?!
Jess Scull recently posted…Holiday Gift Guide For Nail Lovers! ft Nail Butter, Essie, KBShimmer, Color Clutch + GIVEAWAY!
And at $2.50 each, they were a great deal!
I die for that bracelet!!
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Fashion Flash: The Best in Fashion, Fitness and Beauty for the Over 40 Woman!
For $24 or $27, it’s a steal!
Love those polishes!
They are so darn cute, those little minis!
I had no idea Zoya did minis! I need them!
Jamie recently posted…#ManiMonday: Essie Jiggle Hi Jiggle Low from the Winter 2014 Collection
They sure do now! And they are adorable!
I love the assortment of ideas!!
Eugenia recently posted…COVERGIRL Colorlicious Lipstick and Rent the Runway Giveaway
Thanks, Eugenia. I thought maybe some other gifts might offer a good mix especially since not everyone is a MU lover 😉
So many thoughtful options! I love the collector’s mug, might have to pick that up for myself 😀
Bailey recently posted…The Clean Team
Look for it soon, Bailey, as it sells out very fast 🙂
I love the Makeup Jar idea! I usually do little gift boxes but I might give jars a go
Kimmi @ The Plastic Diaries recently posted…3 Foods To Eat Right Now
I hope you do! It’s a cute presentation 🙂
I hope you do a post on the mugs or share them on IG – would love to see them! I collect souvenir mugs, but the ones I have are mostly coronation/Royalty memorabilia.
Renu recently posted…Memebox Special 53 Wine and Cheese Cosmetics review, unboxing
That makes sense that yours would be royalty-oriented. I started mine a long time ago when I bought one as a housewarming gift for a good friend. Now I really have a lot of ’em. I posted about the 2013 or ’14 mug, I think, along with a review of the lemon basil soap, but I’ve never done anything to promote the collection. Since they are available only for a couple of weeks, I should plan that post next November as an alert in case anyone wants to buy it. Thanks for the suggestion, Renu.
Great gift suggestions! I should revisit making accessories again. I used to do and sell them online… thing is, I hardly have time!!!
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Tint-In-Oil :: 4 I Rose You (Review and Photos)
You are certainly multi-talented, Kathryne. I’m curious about what kinds of accessories you made?? But with a full-time job, a blog that publishes everyday, and a family, I don’t know how you do it already!
I threw some zoya shades in my mom’s stocking this year!
Miranda recently posted…Ditch Dull Winter Hair with Dove Pure Care Dry Oil
You are a wonderful daughter! I hope she loved them. I know I would 🙂
I love that wrap bracelet – I’ve always wanted one!
Sheila recently posted…Makeup Of The Day 61 With The Ipsy Thinking Of You Glam Bag
At this price, the wrap bracelet can be yours, lol!
Wonderful ideas! I love your wrap bracelet.
Justina recently posted…OPI Wrapped Wild for the Holidays
Thank you!
I’m always happy to get Zoya as a present 🙂
Anastasia recently posted…Memebox (미미박스) Dirty Gal Box Unboxing, Review, December Discount Codes + Some Meme News
I would be too! Wish someone would give it to me!
I haven’t seen the Smokes palette yet. I hope it gets better reviews than the Nudes.. although I still kinda want both. I love that wrap bracelet, too. Great ideas!
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…BY Framesi Hydro-Gel Strong – But Not Crunchy Way To Hold Your Hair! #beautycarechoices
Nidia, it probably was a strange recommendation since I personally haven’t tried either palette. I know that bbloggers didn’t like The Nudes so much but a number of non-blogger women did – probably because of the price point and because they’re not comparing it to UD or Viseart or anything else that’s much better quality. The wrap bracelet, on the other hand, is something I own and love. And at that price, you can’t beat it!
I’m loving wrap bracelets! I can’t wait to get my hands on Maybelline Smokes and Brights!
Brooke @ Blushing Noir recently posted…Top 10 Glitter Nail Polishes
I haven’t seen the Brights yet. I think Smokes is a very pretty palette.
Definitely great gift picks! I’m very interested in Hado Lado! I do have a 20% coupon for Ulta.. and I do need a new cleanser 🙂
Vivienne recently posted…Bloggers Holiday Wish List
If you like cream cleansers, Vivienne, the Hada Labo Tokyo cleanser is absolutely wonderful, so gentle and hydrating. If you try it, I hope you’ll like it as much as I do. I also love the gel cream moisturizer. 🙂
I haven’t though of bracelets but that is so nice !
Betzy Carmona recently posted…Glamour Doll Makeup Review
I often like to give bracelets as gifts, and the price is right on the Victoria Emersons 🙂
Loving that bracelet!
Stephanie Louise (@StephLouiseATB) recently posted…Revlon PhotoReady Eye Art Lid + Line + Lash Duos Swatches & Review
It’s a bargain at Victoria Emerson’s site 😉
What an awesome list! That bracelet is gorgeous and I love mini nail polishes because I never finish them either. I also like that mason jar idea, very cute!
Kristina Vieweg recently posted…Revlon Parfumerie Nail Polish Swatches
Thank you, Kristina! I hoped they’d be fun and affordable ideas
I loooove that bracelet! I give nail polish all the time and my girls love getting them.
Ashley recently posted…Ipsy December 2014 Glam Bag
Thanks, Ashley! Polish is a great gift and I think the minis are just the thing 🙂
I love the necklace, I love getting jewelry especially sent to me from my family in Poland since it’s always something unique that i can’t get over here. I absolutely love that mason jar idea filled with makeup! I wish I had more friends who love makeup so I could make such gifts for them!
I feel that same way, Agata. I would love to give a friend a mason jar filled with makeup goodies but I don’t know anyone who would appreciate it! boo
A lovely list!!
Thanks, Miki!
I am a huge Hada Labo fan! I usually just get the international versions on Amazon as they are less expensive per ml. My favorites are:
Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion (watery, pat on right after washing face)
Hadalabo Shirojyun Albutin Lotion (very light lotion, pat on after the Hyaluronic)
Sunscreen is phenomenal: Hada Labo UV Creamy Gel SPF50PA+++ –that goes after the Albutin Lotion–then you can put on serum oil and a heavier moisturizer if you want one.
Thank you, Christy! There’s a Korean hypermart near me that carries some Hada Labo Japanese products, definitely haircare. I will see if I can find the products you mentioned.