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Gift ideas for the holiday season

Looking for the perfect Christmas present can be stressful during this time of the year. Jumpstarting your gift list is not an easy task – sometimes it can be hard to choose something that suits the recipient’s personality and interests, especially if each person on your list is so different. Check everyone off your list with this gift guide to give some awesome Christmas presents for your friends and family.

Electronics: For the techny people in your life, shopping in this category will definitely put a smile on their face. A Kindle would be an ideal gift for the avid reader in your life. Loaded with excellent features, you can listen to audiobooks, has a built-in dictionary and free literary classics. 

Another technology device you can gift is a Fitbit that can help track physical activity to become more active, eat balanced diet and sleep better. Measurements such as number of steps walked and climbed, heart rate, quality of sleep. A Fitbit helps one be more aware of their movement – a perfect gift for the active ones in your life. 

Homemade gift: Make 2017 truly memorable by giving a handmade gift with love (and $80 worth of supplies). There are countless DIYs you can do such as making your own chocolate truffles, snow globes or even painting an artwork. Here’s a recipe for making your own soap that gently soothes and moisturizes the skin (instructions via Country Living):

Step 1: In a pot, melt soap base following the instructions on the package. Meanwhile in a small bowl, microwave three tablespoons of honey for fifteen seconds on low until the honey becomes runny. Stir it into the soap base. 

Step 2: Add five tablespoons of marigold petals, followed  by four tablespoons of coarse oatmeal and ten drops of essential oil of your choice. Stir to combine and remove from heat.

Step 3: In the mold, brush along the sides with sweet almond oil and divide the mixture to fill up the mold. Tap the tin to release any air bubbles and let the soap set at room temperature for four hours (or better yet, overnight). When ready, run a knife around the edges to release and package nicely. 

Clothing: When in doubt, shop for something practical they can wear. Everyone appreciates a pair of pajamas or robe. There is nothing cozier than a fleece lining loungewear for slipping on after a hot shower or for relaxing at home. Another great idea is to give them an infinity or wrap scarf that is guaranteed to be a wardrobe layer piece for them. It’s great for crisp autumn days, or through the bitter cold days. There are many colors to choose from at Nordstrom – from light gray, navy or red, depending on her style. 

Beauty: If your recipient loves a little pampering, spread a little holiday joy this year by treating them to a set of luxe face masks, Peter Thomas Roth Meet Your Mask 6 Pc. Mask Sampler Kit that includes Blue Marine Algae Mask, Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Gel Mask, 24K Gold Mask, just to name a few. Each serves as a different purpose for their skin (found at Macys for $25). If you’re more on the budget, give them a set of Yes To sheet face masks, found at Target for only $10. 

Winter cold months are not kind to the skin. To combat the dryness, gift them the DR. JART+ Ceramidin™ Oil Balm to help seal in the moisture. It’s sort of like a spa day in a bottle, without calling for an appointment. This is multitasking oil that contains condensed ceramide and nine vegetable oils to provide intense hydration and protection. The subtle scent is just the right amount and can be used for different areas such as the cuticles, elbows, nails and hair to keep them looking and feeling nourished and revitalized. 

For those who like to spice things out with their beauty routine, give them the SMASHBOX Drawn In. Decked Out. Be Legendary Lipstick & Lip Mattifier Set. This collection of six mini cream lipsticks is the perfect stuffing stocker – in variety of colors from soft nude to burgundy wine. Your recipient can throw one of these in their bag that fits in any sized purse and work well for any occasions, from holiday parties to the work environment.