For our second Holiday Shopping Guide blog we are focusing on GIFTS FOR HER!!
We have selected five gifts suggestions in different categories and price ranges from small independent brands that we know the woman in your life would be excited and touched to receive. They are unique and well thought out and come from makers with real stories and not corporate mass production retailers. The links for all the items can be found by clicking onto the captions as all are also available online.
ISLANDER, ENVELOPE SATCHEL BAG
Islander UK, formerly known as Snow Paw UK is a brand specializing in fine Harris Tweed® footwear and accessories. Established in 2010, Islander blends traditional Scottish heritage with modern design and comfort. We love their Envelope Satchel as it is small enough to carry around easily but big enough to carry your wallet, phone and essentials. This envelope satchel features an expandable design, allowing for extra space when needed. It is made with Harris Tweed® and features a magnetic clasp. It’s finished with their signature hardware for a heritage touch, a sleek expandable top handle and a removable, adjustable shoulder strap. Dimensions are: L:21cm H:12cm W:15cm. There is a variety of Harris Tweed® color ways and leather to pick from (we have Chestnut Herringbone in the image). If you so happen to be in the UK there are some Islander stores that have workshops where you can create your own bag. You can pick from a large array of Harris Tweed®, tartans, bag shapes and leather colors to create your very own custom bag. You actually will be putting the bag together so it is a great experience to either create for your loved one or bring them there and you both can create your own dream bags. We love this!
MY KISAS, SUBLIME DAY CREAM
When we discovered the My Kisas beauty brand we knew immediately we wanted to feature their products for gift suggestions. The brand is Parisian based however inspired by the ancestral beauty rituals of Morocco. Their mission is to offer a sensorial escape through treatments inspired by tradition and designed to reveal your natural glow. Using the expertise of Parisian beauty salons and the traditional ingredients found in Morocco, My Kisas produces a mix of refined luxury and authentic care. We highly recommend their SUBLIME, Day Cream. My Kisas says about SUBLIME, “Enriched with shea butter, argan oil, and saffron extract, this cream elevates your skin by deeply hydrating it and providing exceptional softness. It intensely nourishes the face while improving elasticity and fighting the signs of aging. Thanks to its rich and restorative formula, it protects the skin from external aggressions and prevents skin sagging, leaving the complexion radiant and the skin visibly younger”. We are all for having exceptional results with natural ingredients and avoiding unnecessary chemicals. We invite you to explore their other beauty products. If ordering from the USA, the product is also available at Wolf & Badger.
ARCTIC FOX & CO., THE ALPACA WOOL ZIP BALACLAVA
Arctic Fox and Co. was established in 2017 with a simple goal: to create sustainable, staple accessories that provide ultimate warmth and comfort even in the coldest temperatures. Centered around product, people, packaging, and the planet, Arctic Fox pledges transparency, kindness, and a constant pursuit of improvement and innovation. We love their balaclava which comes in an array of colors (we feature Deep Sea Navy here). Crafted from RAS certified alpaca wool, this zip-up hood delivers exceptional warmth, buttery softness, and a lightweight, breathable feel - keeping you cosy from city strolls to snowy slopes. It’s a unisex item so don’t be surprised if he borrows it on occasion. One other bonus from this beautiful accessory is that $1 from every order is donated to 4Ocean, removing 1lb of plastic from our oceans. Arctic Fox & Co. is also carbon neutral and they donate 5% of their profits to WWF to support the incredible work they are doing to limit climate change. It’s a win/win holiday gift!
YELLOW MOUNTAIN IMPORTS - HUNTINGTON AMERICAN MAHJONG SET
There is a surprising new game rave in the USA and that is mahjong! This classic, challenging and fun Asian game is now the reason for weekly get togethers for friendly socializing. In our hopes to learn this game we thought what an excellent gift suggestion for the woman in your life who is the life of the party and is always looking for a reason to socialize. We highly recommend this set, the American Mahjong Set, "Huntington" with Mineral Green Soft Case - Racks with Pushers, Scoring Coins, Dice, & Wind Indicator. Elegantly crafted with bamboo-inspired green striped mahjong tiles and housed in a matching mineral green tote, this set combines aesthetics and functionality, enhancing your gaming experience with each refined match. Complete Accessories: 4 All-in-One Wooden racks with pushers, wooden wind indicator, pastel Wright Patterson count scoring coins, 3 dice, and an illustrated instruction book. Mahjong scorecards are not included. There is a Polyester Canvas Tote: Light, sturdy and elegant, the mineral green storage tote is compartmentalized to keep your game pieces well organized and measures 21.7 x 10.6 x 3 inches (55 x 27 x 7.5 cm). This gift is also a gift of love because playing mahjong helps improve strategic thinking skills and social participation during the game also enhances overall mental health! Another win/win!
KILTE - THE TAYLOR CASHMERE SET
During lockdown I treated myself to one amazing luxury when it got colder and that was cashmere pajamas/lounge sets. I knew I could never go back to other fibers after lounging around the house and sleeping in cashmere. It was better than silk pajamas! So show the woman in your life that you want to see her luxuriate in cashmere (comfort = happiness). We highly recommend The Taylor Set from Kilte. Kilte was established in 2017 by a new mother who utilized her former experience in fashion and finance to create a brand that brought comfort and style to the busy lives of women. It is a luxury item, but the women in your life are worth it.
We hope these gift suggestions for her inspired you to shop small, independent brands and all the different kind of gifts you can give for the holidays to make the her feel unique and special. Whether it’s these suggestions or the local brick and mortar stores in your neighborhood, there are treasures just ready for you to find for her.
By Natalie Rivera