Showing posts with label gift guide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gift guide. Show all posts

Thursday, February 9, 2017

DIY Valentine's Day Gifts


Let me get straight to the point– I don't like Valentine's Day. It's a made-up holiday that capitalizes on romance and reduces demonstrations of love to those that include materialistic gifts. Plus, I'm single and everyone keeps rubbing my nose in it. But I digress.

If you are not as bitter as I am, Valentine's Day is also a great excuse to remind your special someone– be that a romantic partner, best friend, or family member– just how much you love them. There are many ways to show someone you love them: I love this quiz on love languages that helps you understand how others can best communicate their love for you. If your special someone's love language includes receiving gifts, sometimes going homemade can add a personal and intimate touch. That's where these DIYs come in.

DIY marbleized makeup brushes via A Bubbly Life

Materials:
-Makeup brushes
-Nail polish
-Warm water

This is a relatively inexpensive way to spice up something the makeup lover in your life undoubtedly uses every day.



DIY jarred succulent via Jamielyn at I Heart Naptime

Materials:
-Mason jar
-Succulent
-Ribbon

Who doesn't love a succulent? They're so cute and require hardly any care. Plus, giving a living thing as a gift can prove commitment and trust.



DIY "let's snuggle" pillowcase via Jeran McConnel at Curbly

Materials:
-Freezer paper
-X-acto knife
-Craft paint
-Sponge brush
-Pillowcase

Hypothetically, you can make this say anything you want so long as you create a print-out for it (this blog provides a free "let's snuggle" template).







DIY grapefruit rosemary bath salts via Homey Oh My

Materials:
-Bath salts or Epsom salt
-Pink himalayan salt
-Essential oil (I used grapefruit)
-Rosemary

This gift is quick and easy– perfect for a last-minute Valentine's Day present (but don't let it come to that). You can actually make them smell like anything depending on what kind of essential oil you use; maybe try your partner's favorite scent.







Materials:
-Cane sugar
-Freeze-dried blueberries
-Blue sugar sprinkles
-Virgin coconut oil
-Vanilla extract.

I mean, you really can't go wrong with bath products on Valentine's Day. Winter is a time of year when we all need a little extra self-care, and encouraging this shows that you really care about the recipient of this gift.






DIY ombre calendar via BricoBistro

Materials:
-Paint samples or gift tags
-Small wooden box
-Letter stickers
-C-hooks
-Watercolors
-Paint brushes

Include a list of important days (anniversaries, birthdays, date nights) to add a personalized touch to this super cute gift.







Stay tuned for a post next week on Galentine's Day and the power of non-romantic love!

Saturday, December 17, 2016

5 Gifts for Every Zodiac Sign



1. Gold Aquarius star sign necklace– Give the Aquarius in your life a way to show their water-bearer pride.
2. Bananagrams– The perfect Aquarius game: competitive, fast-paced, and clever.
3. Fuzzy socks– I guarantee your Aquarius friend isn't relaxing enough. Let their feet at least take a break in these adorable bear socks.
4. Aquarius notebook– Every Aquarius needs a place to let their feelings out. This journal is a healthy alternative to taking off for the woods for a couple months.
5. Bear travel pillow– Clearly, there's a connection between bears and Aquariuses: they're both really independent. A travel pillow is the perfect accessory for that solo trip to Asia or the spontaneous cross-coast train ride.


1. Rose petal oil– This beautifully scented oil is perfect for a Pisces to moisturize their split-ends, cuticles, and whatever else they deem fit.
2. Pisces shea butter soap– Make hand washing a cathartic experience for your Pisces friends by giving them this personalized soap.
3. Watercolor pencil set– Satisfy a Pisces' creative urges and their craving to immerse themselves in all things water by combining the medium of watercolor and colored pencils.
4. Pisces necklace– A simple way for a Pisces to show off their Pisces pride.
5. Oversized scarf– Any Pisces would love to wrap, warm, and possibly hide themselves in this comfortable (and chic!) accessory.


1. Aries nail polish– This color was designed specifically for your Aries friend (literally!).
2. Inspirational desk sorter– The typical Aries is hard-working and organized. Appeal to both qualities with this super cute office accessory.
3. "You can never be overdressed or overeducated" journal– Both education and fashion require some risk: something an Aries truly values.
4. Fire scented candle– Aries is a fire sign and lover of fine things. This present hits both those requirements.
5. Aries keychain– A cool, casual way to show for your friend to show off their not-so-casual zodiac sign.


1. Taurus shirt– A simple way to show off their zodiac sign.
2. Card holder– A Taurus doesn't like to lose track of their wealth. This sleek, unadorned, quality card holder keeps their cards in reach at all times.
3. Black furry keychain– Appeal to a Taurus' sense of feel with this sophisticated statement piece that demonstrates commitment to fashion without calling too much attention.
4. Taurus mug– If someone in your life doesn't have a mug broadcasting their zodiac sign by this point in 2016, it's about time they own one.
5. "Enchanted Forest" coloring book– Tauruses are creative and love nature. This book requires both these traits.



1. Hair chalk– What Gemini doesn't love expressing themselves in a different way every day? This assortment of different colored hair chalk washes off within a couple days and gives plenty of different options to mix and match for a number of unique hair colors.
2. Gemini leather patch– A cheeky and adorable way to show Gemini pride.
3. Gemini necklace– Do I need to spell it out for you?
4. "Here comes the fun" passport holder– Geminis want to experience everything the world has to offer, and this includes traveling the world.
5. Muse porcelain cup– I was going to make a joke about Geminis being two-faced (thanks, Tumblr), but this is really just a beautiful and incredibly unique addition to a kitchen and can also be used as decor.


1. Star-shaped lights– If you can't afford a telescope, this is a cheap (and adorable) alternative.
2. Cancer necklace– A simple and subtle accessory to show crab pride.
3. "Happiness planner"– Cancers are some of the most pensive members of the zodiac. This planner focuses on channeling that thoughtfulness to find out what contributes to one's good days, weeks, and months.
4. "I think you are wonderful" set– Remind your Cancer friend that they are, in fact, wonderful, even though they may not always think they are.
5. Cancer watercolor print– The colors and design in this print are perfect for any Cancer's aesthetic.


1. Gold polka-dot cocktail shaker– Leos know just what the perfect party entails, and this cocktail shaker is sure to aid in creating that.
2. Lion choker– Extravagant? Check. Statement? Check. Gold? Check. This choker fulfills all the requirements of the perfect Leo accessory.
3. "The master plan" notebook– What used to be the secret of every Leo is now a well-known fact: they want to rule the world. Help them on their way to that goal with this notebook to document every aspect of their master plan.
4. Gold metallic lip– Leos are all about standing out; and what better way for them to do this than with gold lips?
5. Leo keychain– Another statement piece for the Leo in your life.


1. Simple stud set– Virgos can have their moments of standing out from the crowd, but for the most part, they prefer timeless elegance to trends. These studs are the perfect addition to any classic outfit.
2. Virgo candle– A scent and design picked especially for Virgos.
3. Black and white striped 2017 17 month planner– Chances are, your Virgo friend bought their planner for the new year months ago. If they haven't, this classy design is the perfect choice.
4. Virgo notecard set– Virgos are suckers for stationary of all kinds, but especially stationary with a simple, elegant design.
5. Black tote– Another wardrobe staple for the zodiac sign that prefers quality to quantity.


1. "52 lists for happiness"– Another happiness journal (what? Everyone deserves to be happy!), but this one targets a Libra's indecisiveness.
2. Libra necklace– This rustic accessory is perfect for the romantic Libra.
3. "Love" print– Libras are the romantics of the zodiac. This print demonstrates just how much they value love by repeating it across the page.
4. Libra earrings– The best way for a Libra to show off their zodiac sign is by balancing their sign on each side of their face.
5. Cat sleep mask– A cute and flirty piece to help the Libra in your life get some more sleep.


1. Scorpion square scarf– My favorite part of this pick is that it wasn't designed specifically for a Scorpio, but it's edgy and features a scorpion, making it a great gift for any Scorpio.
2. Nude figurine tray– A simple piece of decor to normalize the human body, something Scorpios feel passionately about.
3. Black over the knee boots– Sure, these may just be a piece from my personal wish list, but I'm a Scorpio!
4. Black lace bodysuit– A sexy layering piece to go under any outfit or to wear over a bralette to make a statement.
5. Scorpio patch– Another (more obvious) way to show Scorpio pride.


1. Agate bookends– A beautiful and unique piece of decor to help your Sagittarius friend show off their prized book collection.
2. Salsa growing kit– A spicy, hands-on gift for a spicy, hands-on friend.
3. Sagittarius constellation light– The perfect conversation starter to hang on the wall of someone who loves conversation.
4. Scratch travel journal– An easy and visual way for a Sagittarius to document how much of the world they've traveled.
5. Arrow bracelet– This may not have been designed with a Sagittarius in mind, but it's the perfect minimalist accessory to compliment a fun statement outfit.


1. Savings jar– Give your Capricorn friend a more creative way to do something they do without thinking about: save money.
2. Tech touch gloves– Capricorns love practical gifts. These gloves combine practicality (staying warm and still being able to use your phone) with style.
3. Goat wine stopper– An adorable representation of the Capricorn symbol that doubles as encouragement to leave more half-empty bottles of wine lying around.
4. Capricorn ring– Beautiful, simple, and easy-to-wear.
5. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie– A quick (but essential) read from one of the most influential and acclaimed feminist WOC still alive.


Thursday, December 1, 2016

A Broke & Fabulous Gift Guide 2016


It's my favorite time of year as a blogger: gift guide season. I make a point to only include items $50 and under. This year, I'm introducing some new gift guides and updating some old ones. This won't be my last gift guide post of the season; read this and stay tuned for more.


1. Bath bomb set: Give your friend's senses a gift with an all-inclusive way to self-soothe.
2. Eye mask: An inexpensive, quick, and easy way for someone to pamper themselves.
3. Cozy blanket: For days when getting out of bed is so not an option, make sure the bed is as nice a place as possible.
4. Pillow pet: A source of physical comfort and a friend!
5. Homesick candle: This unique take on a candle incorporates nostalgia into its scent, making it an ideal source of comfort for the especially homesick.
6. Face mask set: Nothing says "self-care" like a face mask. It's soothing to wear and gives great results, especially when you're able to treat your skin depending on its type.
7. Mug: Perfect for tea, hot chocolate, soup, and communicating that today is not the day to get on my nerves.


1.
Stuff Every Graduate Should Know: Those of us graduating need more than just a book to be able to make it in the "real world," but this is a very helpful start and reference point.
2. Personal blender: Most dorms allow little contraptions like this mini blender, and it encourages healthy eating at a time in one's life when junk food reigns supreme.
3. Coffee Hydro Flask: Give the gift of warm coffee during an 8 am class with this portable mug that keeps liquid warm for up to 6 hours (or cold for up to 24 hours).
4. Charging cord: Between the library, class, my friends' houses, and traveling home, I'm always leaving my chargers somewhere. With a unique charger (that is designed not to break so easily), I can be sure that whoever borrows it can't claim it's theirs.
5. Socks: Again, between all the places I go, communal laundry rooms, and how many times I've moved as a college student, I'm constantly losing socks. Nice socks in particular are a luxury I just can't afford.
6. Herb planters & herbs: A super easy way to brighten up a dorm room or a cheap apartment with no natural light. Throw in some basil, peppermint, or other edible seeds to make this gift really worth its while.
7. Personal banker organizer: Not everyone keeps track of their budget online: some people prefer to handwrite their monthly expenses. Help someone gain control of their finances with this guided spending tracker.



1. Travel journal: Help the traveler in your life record their trips for years to come with this cute (and compact) journal.
2. Waterproof phone case: Keeps any phone safe from the rain, the ocean, humidity, and any other kind of water to continue to document and serve as a means of communication when traveling.
3. Luggage tag: Make a boring bag stand out on a baggage carousel for a more efficient trip through baggage claim.
4. Mini cosmetic kit: Not only is this perfect for shorter trips or for a carry-on bag, but look how cute everything is!
5. "Anywhere Travel Guide": If you can't keep up with where your friend is traveling this year (Croatia? Jamaica? Indonesia?), get them a travel guide that will give them something to do regardless of where they end up.
6. Travel pouches: Keep everything nice and organized in these pouches that tell you what's inside without showing your business to the entire world.
7. Carry-on cocktail kit: Flying sucks a little less with a cocktail that you can make yourself on the plane.