a guide to all things gifts

This year I’m trying something different. This year I’m sharing with you all a guide to all gifts. The previous years I’ve done multiple gift guides all with their own themes & I try & make you come back to my blog so many times… But I get it, I’m right there with you. Quicker & easier is always more efficient & it’s really what we all want. So here we go, a guide to all things gifts. For him, for her, for the kids, for the locals, for the makers, all Abbey Kay approved because I either already own these items or have personally bought these items for my loved ones this year. Check out my best picks for gifts below!

All Things Cozy

During the holidays it’s a sin if you don’t like to be cozy. Well, I’ve got the best items to keep you warm. These Aerie Joggers & Ribbed Long Sleeve Tee are seriously so soft & are such a great deal right now. I also own these Fuzzy Boots from JustFab & they are perfect for heading to the movies, lounging around at home, playing in the snow. Sherpa blankets are a must during the winter & I love this Plaid Sherpa Blanket from Amazon. And everyone loves a good mug for their hot cocoa or coffee, & Monogrammed Mugs are always a good idea because they can be used year around.

All Things Baby

I love buying gifts for my nieces & nephew who are all currently under three. I normally buy presents in themes that either fit their personality, the style of their room decor, or the look of their party. My niece will love playing with this Wooden Toy Camera (just like Auntie!) & she loved playing with this Donut Stacking Toy when she was younger. This is also the cutest Book for anyone who is expecting a baby, or whoever’s little one is about to become a big bro or sis. I can’t wait to gift my little niece this Wooden Toy Pull Elephant & my nephew this Plush Toy Fox. It’s both something I know they’ll love (they’re 7 & 5 months old for reference).

All Things Mickey

Ever since I started following this Disney themed Instagram account called Magic Kingdom Mamas a few months ago I have been obsessed with everything Mickey Mouse! I want to live in Anaheim so badly so I can go to Disneyland 2-3 times a week just like Emily does. But, since I’m not moving anytime soon, here’s some gifts to fill the Disney void. I bought a similar Mickey Hat just last week, I’d totally serve guests (or myself) some cheese from the Mickey Shaped Cheese Board, would kill to have a Mickey Print Backpack, & I mean, who wouldn’t want this Mickey Shaped Clock, or Mickey Styled Shoes that were created to help celebrate Mickey’s 90th Birthday last month. See, I told you I’ve been obsessed lately!

All Things Her

Here are some gift ideas that I pulled from my own wishlist & every day items. Cannot wait to start wearing this Teddy Coat from Express, would love to sip coffee from this mug that reads Create, you can’t go wrong with a good pair of Cozy Socks, seriously use this MAC Make Up Setting Spray every single day, have loved adding a Facial Cleansing Brush to my bedtime routine this year, & I’m in love with everything from Everlane, including this Grey Tank that I have in black!

All Things Him

Guys are tough to shop for sometimes. Here’s some things they may need, but don’t already have. A hip & cool Wall Mount Bottle Opener, a Crewneck Sweatshirt for working out & for looking good, a Stainless Steel Travel Mug for the early mornings or outdoor activities, a Beard Grooming Kit that comes with all the essentials from wooden combs to trimming scissors to beard oil, & more, & last but not least, a warm Winter Beanie.

All Things Home

Your home could always use a little update. So here are my top gift picks for doing just that for you, your loved one, or even a friend. Copper is forever in & this Copper French Press is the way to make that trend happen. I love these Octagonal Shelves & they would be a great gift for that friend who just bought a new home. For the friend who loves to entertain, you can’t go wrong with a set of Moscow Mule Mugs. Throw in some Marbled Wooden Coasters too & it really makes for the perfect entertaining gift. And to spruce up any bed or couch these Round Velvet Pillows certainly add to whatever might be missing.

All Things Local

I’ve gotta show some love for my favorite local makers here in Reno. Made By Mel hand makes these awesome wooden signs & helps you to pick the fonts  & phrases of your liking. Sommer of Pretty Little Paper Co. designed this awesome t-shirt & accessory line that helps you show your love for Reno & Nevada. I”m excited to be getting a With Love From Reno Tee for Christmas (for myself) this year! Pantry Products is a local apothecary that makes anything from body scrubs to lotions, to lip balms, & more in all-natural scents like lemon-lavenar, cedar, & orange- clove. Western Wanderers is a owned by a local momma who makes the cutest cloth headbands, seriously adorable. And Coffeebar, a favorite local coffee shop of mine sells their own bags of coffee, apparel, & so many mugs!

All Things Girl Made

Here’s all the shops that I own things from who are completely ran by independent women. Daisy Natives is a fave of mine & they coined the term & design “GIRLS SUPPORT GIRLS” with the O in a shape of a heart. Marloe is based out of So. Cal. & the shop owner hand sows these beautiful leather bags. Top Knot Goods is a vintage inspired girl power brand that has the dopest clothes & coolest tees. So Worth Loving is an encouragement brand that sells beanies, tees, pins, mugs, & bags with a version of the term loving on them. And Luella is based out of Texas & has a badass owner who makes punny & women empowerment tees, mugs, stickers, & sweatshirts!

All Things Giving Back

Giving gifts is great, but giving gifts while giving back is even greater! Krochet Kids supplies jobs to woman in other countries who in turn handmake beanies, totes, bags, kids toys,  clothes & more. SoapBox Soaps gives soap to those in need with every purchase you make. Toms supplies shoes to people all around the world when you by from them. BANGS Shoes also supplies funds to entrepreneurs who are just starting out. And Dressember is actually a non-profit organization that brings awareness to sex trafficking & helps rescue victims of it. Their movement is to wear dresses throughout the month of December which is a daily sacrifice for you, but is a way to bring awareness to the rights taken from those enslaved in modern day slavery. You can buy dresses from them or you can donate to them in someone’s name & your money will give the gift of hope & rescue!

Giving gifts is definitely one of my love languages. It truly makes my heart so happy picking out gifts for everyone in my life. Whether they are sentimental, silly, handmade, big or small, I think what matters most is that you chose to take the time to pick out a gift, exchange your hard earned money for it, & in turn are giving something over to someone you care about & love. That’s really all that matters, remember that!

Always know that a gift is supposed to be joyful & when it is it carries so much more value than you know!

– abbey kay

*brought to you by a girl who is really excited for the holidays