(Mini) Gift Guide 2023

Hello all and happy holidays!

I don’t know about you, but the last half of this year seems to have flown by and left me scrambling! I’m normally a big planner, but this year the holidays really snuck up on me and I was definitely a bit behind on my usual gift guides. However, since many people I’ve talked to seem to be in the same boat, this year I’ll be sharing some super easy, unique gifts to give your loved ones that still feel personalized. In addition, I’ll be focusing on most gifts being under $50, except a few splurge items if you’re really going for the “wow” factor this holiday season ahaha.

My Top Holiday Gift Picks (Under $25)

Anthropologie Zodiac Rollerball Eau De Parfums – $20 each – a great way to personalize gifts, these make excellent stocking stuffers and are travel-friendly for family visiting from out of town! I love customizing things with zodiac signs, and these have been a hit with every single sign I’ve given them too (myself included!).

LAPCOS Daily Honey Mask – $20 for 5 masks – these masks are incredibly affordable and leave your skin absolutely radiant. Cruelty-free, Paraben-free, and Sulfate-free, any time I do one of these masks I immediately get compliments the next day! They are my go-to self care gift for myself and friends, and for winter I recommend the Honey, Milk, and Aqua masks.

Pieceworks Puzzle Zodiac – $20 each – I love these mini, 70-piece puzzles for the puzzler in your life. Small enough to take on trips and personalized with their star sign, I love how each puzzle grasps the aura of the individual signs.

Glossier Limited Edition Balm Dotcom Lip Balm and Skin Salve – $14 – I am a big fan of Glossier in general and especially their balm dotcom product, so I love the adorable specialty seasonal scents of these holiday versions. Definitely a win for anyone prone to chapped lips or enjoys spending time outdoors during the winter months.

My Top Holiday Gift Picks (Under $75)

Anthropologie Zodiac Collection Boxed Candle – $38 each – horoscopes win yet again with the candle version of the previously mentioned rollerball parfums. These scents are unique to each sign and they all smell amazing!

MACHETE Smart Watch Band – $65 – this is a perfect gift for anyone with a smartwatch (so…a lot of people) and this band is truly so sleek and comes in so many colors to suit anyone’s style, from french blue to pistachio to tortoiseshell.

Lights Lacquer Do You Want Me? Bundle – $37 on sale – these are some of my go-to cruelty free and nontoxic nail polishes that truly last for weeks! A gift set of these fun holiday colors is sure to make your loved one very happy!

Gift card to their favorite restaurant (recommend $25-75) – an easy way to add a personal touch to your gifts is by ensuring your friends/family can fully indulge in their favorite restaurants or try out a new place they’re been talking about. When they have a fun experience they’ll be thinking of your thoughtfulness!

Splurge Gifts (aka gifts I want for myself/have given myself)

Mary Frances Bags – $98 – 385 – these beautiful, handcrafted handbags are so unique and created by a woman-owned business that gives back to numerous charitable organizations. I had been pining after the Make it Pop bag for months before finally splurging to get it last month! I also have my eye on the Secret Treasure, Life in Color, Time of Your Life, and Champagne on Ice Handbags.

LAPCOS 24K Gold Foil Premium Face Mask – $35 for 5 masks – I did grab a bunch for myself and to give as gifts! These are an elevated, special holiday version of my go-to face masks, which I referenced above.

Nantucket Perfume Co. Fragrances – $85 for .5oz/ $140 for 1oz current 20% OFF – my go-to store for perfumes, this family-owned business recreates iconic scents (like my favorite Chanel fragrance) in addition to their own personal fragrances that smell incredible. I love this as a gift when you know someone’s signature scent or if they’re seeking to switch things up!

Book of the Month Club – $14.99 / month – this is definitely a winning gift for any of your bookish loved ones! Each box includes one early release book with the option to add up to 2 more.

I hope this helps you all secure some cute, personal gifts for your loved ones – even if you’ve waited until the last minute ahaha!

XOXO

Parisa

Photos of me by Kathleen Marie Ward Photography

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