The Ultimate Holiday Shopping Guide + Amazon Giveaway

It’s that time of year! To start talking about the holiday season. I seriously love the holidays and it is the only thing that is making me get through the cold days. Chicago becomes magical with all its festive decor and I just love doing our annual traditions.

This season is also a time for giving gifts to special people in our lives. For us, it is our families since they have supported and loved us in so many ways. But sometimes, they can be the hardest to shop for! Am I Right?! So if you’re struggling to find the perfect gift and need gift ideas, I hope that by sharing a guide on how to shop for the holidays will make it easier this year!

Holiday Shopping Guide

So this year’s holiday gift guide will be different from the past years. I used to have a separate blog post for each specific type of person i.e. holiday gift for her, holiday gift for him, holiday gift guide for the traveler, etc. But this year, you will see it all in one post. Hopefully this will make it so much easier for you! Best part of this year is that you don’t have to wait until Black Friday to get the best deals. Most retailers have already started their holiday sales.

Gifts For Beauty & Skincare Lover

Everything in this guide is clean beauty. It is a mixture of makeup, skincare, and hair products.

1 RMS Kiss Of Color Gift Set

Big fan of the RMS brand. This is perfect for the those who lip balms with a tint of color. These are super nourishing and moisturizing and comes with 5 different shades.

2 Tata Harper Clarifying Mask

I brag about this mask all the time. It is INCREDIBLE. Anything from Tata Harper is top notch, effective, and luxurious.

3 Necessaire The Body Serum

I’ve raved about Necessaire’s body lotion and body wash. This body serum is exactly what your body needs this Winter. It adds an extra layer of moisture.

4 Makeup Brush Cleaning Mat

Using this cleaning mat makes cleaning your makeup brushes so much easier. I have this mat and because it makes cleaning my brushes easier, I clean mine frequently.

5 Skinny Lighted Mirror

This is a makeup mirror with LED light and includes magnifying mirror and phone-clip attachment.

6 Virtue Healing Oil

I swear by all of Virtue’s hair products and this hair oil is incredible! It protects your hair and repairs damaged hair. I wrote a full review of Virtue hair products here. I usually don’t care for hair products but this brand has changed me.

7 ILIA Color Haze Multi-Use Pigment

ILIA is another clean makeup brand I really love. Their stuff does not feel like you have any makeup on! This tube is a game changer because you can use it as a blush or lip color.

8 Virtue Texturizing Spray

Another Virtue product, but out of all the texturizing sprays I love this one. It feels so lightweight and provides the perfect amount of grit to your hair. I love to use this when I curl my hair to achieve the beach waves.

9 Tata Harper Daily Essentials

This set will give you the opportunity to try out several of Tata Harper’s products and they’re all best sellers.

10 Artis Makeup Brush Set

This makeup set is the best of the best. It applies on smoothly and rarely absorbs your products. So you don’t need to use a lot of your products! The best part is that it has an air brush finish to it.

11 Skincare Fridge

A lot of skincare products work so much better if they’re refrigerated. This mini fridge is designed specifically for your skincare products.

12 ILIA Limitless Mascara

If you want an incredible eyelash mascara, the limitless mascara is INCREDIBLE. It lifts, adds volumes, and curls. You don’t even need to be into clean beauty to love this one. You’ll love it because it works!

13 T3 Twirl Trio Interchangeable Clip Barrel Curling Iron Set

The interchangeable barrel is key! You save space & money by not buying 3 different curling irons. I know for me, I need different barrel sizes depending on the look I’m going for or my hair length at the moment. You can also use these barrels as a curling wand too.

14 Aquis Lisse Luxe Hair Turban

I swear by this hair towel. This hair towel has helped my hair dry faster and I have thick hair! It also helps reduce frizz and breakage.

15 ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation

This is a medium coverage foundation that has a lightweight finish and a natural look. It is also serum-infused so it is also treating your skin!

16 Saie Dew Balm

If you are looking for a more natural-looking highlighter while having that dewy finish, you will love this one! It also contains power ingredients to keep your skin nourished, hydrated, and soothe the skin. It comes in 3 different shades.

17 Virtue Healthy Hair Recovery Collection

This set gives you an opportunity to try several of Virtue’s hair products. This is the recovery collection which contains products that will replenish and renew your hair.

18 Facial Steamer

This was a highly-rated facial steamer and it comes with stainless steel facial tools. Since we currently can’t go to a spa, we might as well try to emulate it at home!

Gifts For Her

1 Naadam Cashmere Sweater

Naadam’s cashmere sweaters are incredible and this one is only $75! I highly recommend that every women owns a cashmere sweater.

2 Mark & Graham Large Monogrammed Travel Jewelry Case

I always love to gift anything from Mark & Graham during the holidays. Hence, why you always see their product in previous gift guides. The quality is amazing and the personalization always makes it extra special.  This jewelry case is perfect for organizing necklaces, rings, etc.

3 Wool Double-Breasted Coat

A classic wool coat is always a winner. I love the quality and price at Mango. The fit is perfect and is always timeless.

4 Magic Box UV Sterilizer

This device keeps your phone and any other electronic virus and bacteria free. It sterilizes and disinfects using an ultraviolet light. You can also charge your phone at the same time!

5 Tata Harper Daily Essentials Set

If there is one skincare line that I think is the best of the best, it is Tata Harper. What I love about this set is you get to try all of Tata Harper’s best sellers. I’ve tried most of them and they’re worth it.

6 UGG Ansley Water Resistant Slippers

These moccasin slippers are made from water-resistant suede. Which means they’re super durable and comfortable. Great for all the mamas!

7 Block Letter Monogram Necklace

This is the ‘R’ Necklace you see me wear in almost every photo. I LOVE it so much!! No matter where I go, I always receive compliments on it.

8 Lake Pajamas – Prime Cotton Pajamas

Lake Pajamas are seriously the best! In my opinion, receiving a good and high quality set of pajamas is one of the best gifts to receive.

9 T3 Twirl Trio Interchangeable Barrel Curling Iron Set

I’ve been wanting T3 curling irons for awhile now. I love that they heat up quickly and great for thick hair. What I love about this set is the interchangeable barrel size. My hair grows quickly and depending on the length, I need different sizes.

10 Lake Prima Robe

Here is another item from Lake Pajamas. Robes are another amazing gift. This robe is seriously perfect for lounging. I love to use mine right when I roll out of bed or just having a lazy day. The fabric is SO SOFT.

11 Nespresso Vertuo Next Premium Coffee and Expresso Maker

Who doesn’t want a Nespresso machine. I’ve been wanting one for awhile now. At first, I was hesitant, but in Europe, they use it al the time and it really is a treat!

Gifts For Him

1 Organic Cotton Half-Zip Sweater

This sweater is soft and will keep anyone warm without overheating. It’s also super comfortable and makes it easy to layer with.

2 Yeti Mug – 14 oz.

Who doesn’t love Yeti mugs! The mug can keep your drink hot or cold because of the double insulation. Plus, no sweat or frostbit fingers!

3 AirPod Pro

AirPods are seriously the best. I haven’t met anyone that doesn’t love them.

4 Crew Socks

J.Crew has one of the best men’s crew socks. If you husband (dad, brother, etc) loves a good printed sock, they’ll probably love this one.

5 Wireless Charger Set

This is a charging dock where you can charge your iPhone, AirPods, Apple Watch, etc all in one place!

6 Magic Box UV Sterilizer

You just place your phone inside this gadget and it will sterilize and disinfect your phone or other electronic gadgets while charging it.

7 Counterman Beard Regimen

Tre doesn’t care for body / skincare products but when he tried the Counterman line, he was hooked. This set is great for men with beards because it comes with a beard oil. Tre has a beard and swears by beard oil.

8 ECCO Soft 7 Sneakers

ECCO sneakers are the best combination of style and comfort. These sneakers look dressed up because of the leather exterior, but they’re built specifically to give your feet relief and comfort. I did a full review of them here. Tre wears these sneakers all the time.

9 Patagonia Better Quarter Zip Pullover

This is pretty much any guys go-to Patagonia pullover.  So if you are debating which Patagonia sweater to buy, this is the one!

10 Dad’s Playbook: Wisdom For Fathers

How fun is this book! This is great gift for new dads. For sure will be getting one for Tre haha!

11 Sussex Sherpa-Lined Vest 

A classic vest but lined with soft, cozy sherpa fleece. It also features button adjusters at the back waist for perfect fit.

12 Classic Suede Moccasin Slippers

These slippers are always a best seller for a reason. My husband only wants and wears these slippers.

13 Wool-Blend Crew Socks

If you are looking for warm boot socks, these are it. And the print is so fun too! For sure would make a great stocking stuffer.

14 Cuisinart Premium 10-Piece Grilling Set

If there’s anything this past year has shown is that people were grilling more the moment the weather is nice out. This set has everything you need to grill.

Gifts For The Cook

1 Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven

I cook all the time and the dutch oven is the best multipurpose cooking ware. They’re durable and easily cook from stove to oven!

2 Silicone Oven Mitt Set

These mitt can handle extremely hot temperatures and are flexible. I love that the mittens are longer in length. That means more coverage to protect your hand and arm.

3 Brightland Olive Oil – The Duo

Brightland’s olive oil is carefully sourced and custom-blended. The quality is top-notch.

4 Cookbook Stand

This cookbook stand makes it so easy to follow a recipe from a cookbook. It also has a clear acrylic panel to protect your book.

5 KitchenAid Mixer

A KitchenAid Mixer is another cook’s must-haves! They also come in several colors.

6 Always Pan

This pan is totally worth the hype. It’s completely nonstick, easily to clean, and utilized in so many different ways. You can braise, sear, steam, strain, sautés, stir fry, and boil.

7 Wusthof Gourmet White Kitchen Knife Set

A good set of kitchen knives makes all the difference! Wusthof is the best of the best.

8 Silpat Half-Sheet Baking Mat

These mats are amazing. Nothing will ever stick to your cookie sheet or baking pan.

9 Wooden Spoon Set

Everyone has to have a set of wooden spoon. They’re best to use with nonstick pan and glass cookware.  The handle is carefully crafted to be comfortable and made to last.

10 Duralex Glass Bowl Set – set of 10

These are my FAVORITE mixing bowls. The variety of sizes makes it so easy to find the right one to use, they’re so durable, and super easy to clean.

11 Nonstick Cooking Utensils

A good cooking utensil makes all the difference. These are durable, nonstick, and won’t scratch your pan!

Gifts For Fitness Lovers

This guide is meant for anyone that is into fitness and or wants to get started on their fitness. All the products are perfect for at home workouts!

1 Resistance Bands Set

I highly recommend resistance bands especially if you want a workout equipment that takes up less space. It comes with 3 different resistance: Light, Medium, and Heavy.

2 Neoprene Dumbbells

I personally love using neoprene free weights. They’re easier to grip, non-slip, and doesn’t scratch the floors.

3 5-Tier Storage for Hand Weights

If you have dumbbells just lying around then I recommend this tiered storage. It helps keep them all in one place.

4 Resistance Loop Bands

I use these frequently and prefer these loop bands than the traditional rubber loop bands. They’re non-slip and won’t ride up which is key because the rubbers do and it makes it harder to have a smoother workout. I also love that they don’t dig into the skin.

5 2-Pack Jumprope for Workout

Using a jumprope is awesome for cardio workouts. A fitness jumprope is different than the ones kids use because they’re made specifically to be durable, smooth, and comfortable handles.

6 Exercise Step

Another great tool to add more variety to your daily workouts. These steps are non-slip which is key if you are doing quite a bit of cardio with it. You can also use it as bench. It is lower in height compared to your standard bench but it is easy to store under your bed!

7 Resistance Body Band Set

These are also known as pull-up assistance, but I love to use them for total body workouts. I specifically love this one because the fabric won’t snap or break. I have the traditional body band sets (the ones made with rubber) and there are instances where they snap onto my body. OUCH!

8 AirPod Pro

Who doesn’t love AirPods?! I especially love them during workouts because I don’t need to worry about wires or making sure my phone is on me.

9 Yoga Mat / Fitness Mat

Having some type of mat is essential to working out. I love this one because it has high density, non-slip, non-skid, and thicker. It also comes with a carry strap and in several colors.

10 Exercise Ball

There’s so many benefits and different types of workouts you can do with an exercise ball. This yoga ball is easy to inflate and it comes with a foot pump.

11 Kettlebell Adjustable Portable Weight Grip

This grip turns any dumbbell into a kettlebell! I love this because it means less equipments to buy. Working out with kettlebells are awesome but it also requires you to buy more sets. This grip saves space and money!

12 Stationary Exercise Bike With Monitor 

So if you’ve been eyeing the Pelton but want a more affordable option, I recommend this one. Personally, I’m not into stationary bikes, but my friend Lauren (from Lakeshore Lady) purchased this bike and raved about it. I always trust her recommendations. It comes with a monitor/tablet holder so you can do at home workouts with it too.

Gifts For homebody

1 SKIMS Cozy Knit Boucle Robe

I’ve heard so many great things about SKIMS loungewear. This robe seems like the perfect stay-at-home robe during the Winter. It’s so plush, comfortable, and if you remove the belt, it can be a cardigan!

2 Rosegold Bath Caddy

Who doesn’t love to soak in the tub. If you’re like me, I need to be doing something in the tub. This is great if you want to read, drink tea (or wine), face mask, etc while taking a bath.

3 Kopi Mug & Warmer Set

This mug comes with special charger that will continue to heat up your drink. I love this because I love it when my coffee stays warm the entire time.

4 SLIP Pure Silk Pillowcase

I’ve heard amazing benefits from using silk pillowcases. They’re great for anti-aging, anti-deadhead, and overall great for your skin.

5 Capri Blue Petite Volcano Scented Jar Candle

Capri Blue is one of my favorite candles. They just smell amazing without overpowering. They last for awhile and the jar is asethetically-pleasing too.

6 SKIMS Cozy Knit Tank

Doesn’t this look like the most comfortable tank ever?! This matches perfectly with the SKIMS cozy knit pants. And if you want to complete the look, just layer it with theSKIMS cozy knit boucle robe.

7 SKIMS Cozy Knit Pants

Who doesn’t want a cozy knit pants to lounge in?! It’s plush, soft, and made with an elastic waist-band for comfort.

8 UGG Dakota Slipper

This is another amazing UGG slippers. They claim that they can be used indoors or outdoors, but I prefer to keep mine indoors only.

9 Nécessaire The Body Essentials Kit

If you want a luxurious body set and clean beauty, Necessaire is definitely high on the list. I love this set because it comes with everything you want and need at an affordable price. This body essentials kit comes with a body exfoliator, body wash, and body lotion.

10 UGG Bliss Fuzzy Throw

I own this throw blanket and I use it all the time. It’s the perfect blanket to snuggle in especially when it comes to watching Hallmark Christmas movies (my guilty pleasure). It really keeps me warm!

11 UGG wanna Check Fleece Lined Socks

UGG is the ultimate homebody’s brand. These socks will keep you cozy and warm!

12 Book Of The Month Gift Card

If you know someone who loves to read as much as I do, a Book Of the Month gift card is perfect. There’s different gift card tiers to select from, but essentially the membership is free for the receiver. Book Of The Month is where I purchase most of my books. It just makes it so much more affordable and the options are always a hit.

13 Nespresso Vertuo Coffee Machine

Almost every homebody I know loves a good cup of coffee. Ever since I’ve been to Europe, I’ve been hooked on Nespresso machines.

$500 Amazon Giveaway

I have teamed up with an amazing group of bloggers to give YOU a chance to win:
one of two $500 Amazon Gift Card’s to kick off the holiday season!

Simply enter below by completing the rafflecopter. You’ll receive one entry per completion. This giveaway is open to the U.S. and Canada only and runs until EOD 11/25. Winner will be announced here. Good Luck!

Void where prohibited. By entering the giveaway you acknowledge that you are agreeing to complete each task, which involves following, liking and subscribing to newsletter’s.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xo RD