Gift Guide 2015: Girlfriends

I love shopping for my friends—I basically just buy them something I want in their personal style—easy, right? But if you’re feeling like this is the year to pick up something a little different, I’ve got some ideas for you!

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ALL MONOGRAMMED EVERYTHING! Whether it’s your sorority sister or favorite southern belle (I know, total stereotypes, but they do just love monogrammed things!), personalized goodies go a long way this time of year. Less than two weeks left to order stationery, so get in touch soon! Here’s where to find everything: Initial Necklace by Tom Design, Monogram Coaster by 622 press, Stationery Sets by 622 press, Script Stationery by 622 press.

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Then there’s that friend who is always cold. We’ve all got one, we’ve all told her to eat a cheeseburger and all will be well, but since that hasn’t yet happened, you should get her a huge super cozy cowl. I actually wore mine constantly when I worked in an office that kept the AC on well into November in Wisconsin. The unique crochet pattern keeps you warm while staying breathable enough so you don’t get all claustrophobic and hot.

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Making a new house feel like a home can be a challenge. So for a friend that moved this year—especially if it’s a big upgrade from their last place—help cozy up their new spot. Kitchen accessories, artwork and flowers should do the trick! Bonus points if you find out their ideal decorating color scheme. Citrus Coaster set by 622 press, Hand-crocheted dish cloth by 622 press, French 75 original painting by 622 press, Bulb Teapot by Maia Ming Designs, Floral Initial by 622 press.

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And then there’s that friend with the boho style you just can’t seem to nail down. For her, I’ve gathered unique accessories that come with a story. This incredible walnut and brass ring comes all the way from South Africa, courtesy of Zeal Living. It was hand-carved by a local jewelry artist and is sure to become the recipient’s new favorite piece!

I love supporting etsy shop owners—especially those that are just starting out. This gold-rimmed agate pendant and tassle bracelet—which I’ve been lovingly calling a friendship bracelet for grown ups—both come from women-owned shops with less than 20 sales. An order would make their holidays!

Speaking of, an order for one of my new custom floral crowns would make mine! Shown here is the Maxi Crown, but there’s a minimalist version as well (see previous post). They’re only available for custom order at the moment, so get in touch here to order one!

Home Sweet Home

I love house hunting, so when our dear Bermudian friends bought their first home together, I couldn’t have been more excited for them! I’m being recruited to help decorate, but in the mean time, I wanted to get them a housewarming gift.

Homes have names here—thanks European colonization!—and they decided to change theirs to something more unique than the original (Bella Fiore is a little bland, no?) and settled on the name of the hubby’s Irish hometown, so I thought it would be neat to call attention to that with their gift.

Normally I probably would have gone with a letterpress print or the like, but I’m not sure they’re really large-scale typography people, plus you know how obsessed I’ve been with watercolors lately. So I painted a picture of their new home!

Ballyknock_6048I was a bit nervous about how it would turn out, so I didn’t tell anyone what I was up to. Only after I got the boyfriend’s reassurance did I pop it in a frame and ask when I could drop it off. They’re over the moon and I’m super happy with the results as well!

I’ve been thinking of offering commissioned pieces along these lines in my etsy shop—what do you think?

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