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I have never been the best gift-giver, but I firmly believe that I have gotten better at giving gifts as I have gotten older. This January, I am reflecting on my favorite gifts I gave and received over the holiday season, so let’s get into it!
First, we’ll start with gifts I gave my friends and family of which I am the proudest.
This beautiful Zara Crossbody Bag screamed at me when I first saw it, and I knew it was the perfect gift for my best friend. When it came in the mail, I was over the moon with it—it’s the perfect size and can be dressed up or down with any outfit. The personalized strap also adds a sentimental touch that is unique to each user!
For the foodies in your life, here are two gifts I LOVE (and would have taken for myself, if I’m being honest). Williams Sonoma’s Infused Olive Oil Gift Set (left) is an incredible gift that adds a little bit of flavor to regular dishes, and my aunt has already raved to me about how delicious it has made her recipes. Anthropologie’s Cheese Board Deck (right) is the perfect item to pair with a charcuterie board, and each card has photos for inspiration and ingredient lists for an amazing appetizer board that will impress friends and family.
My mom has been begging for new skincare items, so I gifted her my favorite Origins Brightening Eye Cream that targets dark circles and puffiness, leaving your skin feeling hydrated and refreshed.
Last, but certainly not least, is my boyfriend’s gift. I am a firm believer in the value of spending money on experiences versus tangible things, so this Christmas I decided to treat him with tickets to see his favorite NBA team. He is a Milwaukee Bucks fan, and when I saw they were playing in Cleveland over winter break, I took it as a sign to bite the bullet and spend a weekend celebrating his favorite team and us! I’m not sure how I’ll top it next year, but I am definitely taking this one as a win!
(Photos by Aislin Daugherty)
As for the gifts I received, I am eternally grateful for everything, but these are my three favorite gifts that I am so excited to keep using.
This Skims Lace Bodysuit was apparently on everybody’s list this year, and let me tell you—it is SO worth the hype! This is my first Skims item, and I am beyond happy with the comfort and style that this top gives me. It is flattering on every body type, and as I wear it more, I keep convincing myself to add more Skims to my wardrobe.
After seeing this Amika Hair Mask everywhere on my social media, I HAD to try it out for myself (and surprisingly, it came from my brother!). Since using this product, my normally pin-straight, thin hair is full of life and lusciously soft. With these amazing results, I’ve added it to my weekly self-care routine!
Finally, my favorite gift this year came from my parents. My best friend attends Loyola University Chicago, and I am SO excited that I received plane tickets to visit her in February! I took the picture below the last time I was in Chicago (with no filter, I swear), and I am stoked to spend a weekend back in the Windy City, trying new foods, going to a show and living my best friend’s life for a few days. Again, I LOVE experiences over things, and this is by far one of the best gifts I’ve ever received; I am so thankful!
(Photo by Aislin Daugherty)