I'm so delighted to share my picks for this holiday gifting season. While we can all be consumed with consumerism at this specific time of year it's important to reflect on what matters most in our lives and let's be honest, none of it is material. BUT, we do deserve a little sparkle here and there so I hope my curation of minimally-minded items helps take out some of the fuss in your hunt for the perfect gift for that special someone. Whether it be the sustainably-minded sister, the tech-minded traveling brother, the scent-loving mother, or the genius-seeking dad, you'll hopefully find something that may suit your nearest and dearest's needs. Full disclosure, this is really just a hint to Fabio of various items I've been eyeing but I hope you all may find something that is perfect for anyone you love. Without further ado, here is my gifting guide for 2017:
Gift Guide
ROTHY'S - MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY SHOE
My favorite item on this year's list, enter Rothy's - a chic, comfortable and most importantly, thoughtfully designed shoe for your favorite gal. The Rothy's brand was born in San Francisco after three years of painstaking research and boasts a unique proposition in the women's footwear industry staking claim to a feminine flat that is low-waste, low- impact, hand-made and durable. Thanks to Rothy's game-changing design and 3-D Knit Technology they are machine washable and look new, wash after wash. And what makes them even better, the team at Rothy's encourages giving their shoes new life when you finally are ready to replace them by simply sending to one of their recycling facilities. Rothy's start at $125, a small price to pay to contribute to the over 7 million plastic bottles that have been repurposed from waste. Give better gifts that make our planet a better place. Done and done.
SIMONE LEBLANC AMBER CANDLE WITH LINEN WRAP
I could spend hours on Simone's site just coveting every single gifting situation. As a former stylist, Simone has an impeccable eye for how gifts can connect people, make memories and transform relationships. In a phrase, it's modern giving done right. Just one glance at Simone's beautiful site and you'll trust it's your one-stop shop for sending the ultimate holiday gift for that special someone who appreciates the finer things. I'm choosing to feature her beautifully wrapped Amber candle because I'm a sucker for an amazing woods-y candle, wrapped in linen, and then topped with greenery that could be a potential player at Harry and Meghan's wedding. A perfectly packaged grab-and-go gift for $48.
AWAY - THOUGHTFUL LUGGAGE FOR THE MODERN TRAVELER
Away Luggage is one of those brands I admire but then also kick myself that I didn't think of the uber-clever idea myself! The most thoughtful, convenient piece of luggage you'll own, Away is a suitcase that pulls more than its weight— a home between homes, a closet between closets, an outlet between outlets. Their mantra which I fully preach - "if you’re looking down at your dying phone and broken bag, you can’t see up, out, and ahead to the world in front of you." If you're wanting to go the extra mile to add a personal touch check out their monogramming edition and a New York artist will HANDPAINT initials in their New York studio. #special. Suitcases are available in an array of colorways and range in price from $225-$295.
Our favorite aromatherapy oil diffuser on the market, the Vitruvi porcelain diffuser is brought to us by the talented Sara and Sean Panton and is the perfect gift for the wellness guru in your life. Handcrafted in Taiwan, Vitruvi is a multi-functional gift that serves as a piece of home decor while softly streaming essential-oil-infused steam out into any room. Its a safe, nontoxic way to fragrance your environment but is also great for treating everything from colds to low energy with essential oils. Another design feature we're loving, it’s got longevity and safety off-switches. Give Vitruvi and you're giving one of the most beautifully designed, life-enhancing ways to detoxify. The Vitruvi stone diffuser is available in white and black and priced at $119.
INSPIRE THOSE THAT INSPIRE YOU WITH MASTERCLASS
MasterClass is a San Francisco-based company that creates online courses taught by the greatest masters in the world. This is the ultimate gift for that special someone who shares a love of learning and the best part, there is a class for everyone on your list. From learning how to cook with Gordon Ramsay and Alice Waters to acting from Dustin Hoffman, Jazz from Herbie Hancock or novel writing from James Patterson, the belief that everyone should have access to genius will make you the holiday 2017 hero. Check their site for a full roster of incredible masters. Classes are $90 each or $180 for a whole year of more than 20+ classes.
LIVABLE LUXURY BY FRANCES AUSTEN
Newly launched Frances Austen is an SF-based luxury womenswear startup founded by burgeoning entrepreneur Margaret Coblentz. The nine-piece capsule collection debuted in September offering beautifully designed silk camisoles and blouses and luxurious cashmere sweaters in classic silhouettes. This is the gift for that lady in your life that appreciates timeless, versatile pieces that can be worn over and over. I'm a personal fan of the beautiful cashmere pieces spun by renowned cashmere producer, Carriagi of Italy and woven by Johnston’s of Elgin of Scotland. The result, beautiful, well-intentioned clothing one can feel good about wearing and won’t be saying goodbye to anytime soon. Pieces range from $85 to $185 for silk and $395-$595 for cashmere.
