There is nothing I love more than a good Christmas tree – the twinkling lights, the wafting smell of pine needles and, of course, the presents wrapped tightly in bows just waiting to be opened at the bottom of the tree. With finals looming around the corner, I have to have something to keep me sane in between the all-nighters and caffeine binges. When I’m not banging my head against a 600-page text book, I am working on the two important lists of the season: the gifting and getting lists. The gifting list is so that I can maneuver Black Friday and every day after that with ease, and so I can keep track of all the gifts I need to get for my loved ones. While I love playing Santa more than anything, the getting list is my favorite. All fall I keep my eye out for the perfect must-haves, the things I can’t live without. This year, the makers of everything giftable have come out with some of the best offerings I have seen in all the past years. With everything from beauty to bags and makeup to mugs, this list will help you cross some items off your list and maybe even add a few.
For gifting
A sparkly clutch for any occasion
There is no outfit that a fun clutch can’t spice up. This one features fun sparkles and even more fun colors. Your best friend will love this clutch and love you even more for gifting it to her.
A mug for hard mornings
In an ode to the late Coco Chanel, this mug is perfect for your friend who hates mornings more than anything. Since you can never get enough coffee to get you through your day, you might as well have someone to blame for it. So next time your friend runs in late to class she can just tell the professor, “Coco made me do it.”
Gold playing cards for the holidays
Nothing is worst than answering the never-ending slew of questions from relatives that you are faced with at every family gathering. Yes, grandma, I am still single; no, Uncle Ned, I have never heard of pulling an all-nighter like all the kids are doing this day. In my experience, the easiest way to get out of the long conversations is to grab my older sister and pretend to play cards in the corner while we gossip about Aunt Laura’s heinous haircut and wish there was whiskey in our hot chocolate. So give the gift of easy escape to your bestie so she too can attempt a safe and sane holiday season.
Now the good stuff: for getting
Secret in a bangle
As far as arm candy goes, Cynthia Rowley may be the most ingenious wrist couturier out there. Not only does this bangle look great on your arm, but it comes with a naughty little secret. Twist off the top and you have a wrist flask. Fill your bangle up with your libation of choice and you are ready for a night out. You’re welcome.
More Naked than you will know what to do with
The gods of Urban Decay have compiled all their heavenly makeup offerings and put them into one glorious box. I’m Naked palette 1, 2, AND 3, plus some extras. If you are as hooked on these eye shadow necessities as I am, you will run to Sephora and try and score yourself one before they all sell out, because trust me they will go fast.
The perfect tote
I love nothing more than the perfect bag and Mansur Gavriel has the perfect one to find under your Christmas tree. These bags have been flying off the shelves so getting your hands on one might be harder than you think, and you may need to settle for the wait list, but oh will it be worth it
