It’s the most wonderful time of the year!! The way we celebrate the holidays this year might look a little different, but the good news is that Christmas is still coming! We can still show our loved ones how much we care, even if it’s from far away. Last year I did a foodie focused gift guide and this year I’m expanding my gift guide to all parts of life! These are items I either already have and use often, have been recommended or things I really want – I think you’ll find something for even your pickiest loved ones 😉
*Disclaimer: I’m not getting paid for any of these recommendations – they’re all just my honest opinions and things I like!

Local Speciality Shops

Amanda Deer Jewelry
Some of my favourite jewelry pieces are from this shop including the frill necklace and starburst ring.

A Town
All sorts of cute local things can be found here for babies, adults, the home, pets and more.

The Burlap Bag
Non toxic, locally made candles with fun names like Unicorn Puke, Jingle Smells and You’re A Wizard.

Kathy Phantastic
She’s creating beautiful custom ornaments, art prints, watercolor stickers and more.

Kendra Scott
This local superstar is still creating beautiful pieces of jewelry and has great custom options, too.

Paper Craft and Pantry
Beautiful stationery and other paper crafts made locally.

Room Service Vintage
I have a few things from this local vintage store and they have really fun vintage finds!

Swift Fit Events
This local wellness company has sweet gift sets with all different themes like Relax and Rejuvenate, and Sweet and Salty.

Toy Joy
What better time to buy all the fun toys and knick knacks than the holiday season?

Black Owned Businesses in Austin
Here’s an in depth list of all kinds of black owned businesses that you can support!

Gift Cards to Local Restaurants and Shops
We all know the weight of the pandemic is heavy and local businesses are feeling it big time. We’ve seen how many places have had to shut down due to crazy reduced sales, and buying a gift card is a great way to support them! You can head to my Instagram to see some of my favourite restaurants but here a few noteworthy ones: Lick Ice Cream, Lucky Robot, FoodHeads, Parts & Labour, Sweet Ritual, OMG Squee, Nickel City, Amy’s Ice Cream, Tiny’s Cookies, Desk Plants, Apt 115, Greater Goods Coffee, Easy Tiger, Spicy Boys, 7th Flag Coffee, Cap City Bakery, 10 Thousand Villages and for more ideas (and womxn owned businesses) check out The Directory by Our ATX.

Skin + Hair Care

True Botanicals
Renew Pure Radiance Face Oil, Calm Nutrient Face Mist, and Stress Relief Rollerball
I won these products in a giveaway and I’m so glad I did because they’re my new favourite things! All natural and non-toxic but still smell great and actually work and keep my skin moisturized but not greasy.

Beekman Company
Apricot and Honey Tea Face Wipes and Fig Leaf Lip Balm
I love these products so much – they’re soft, smell great, are cruelty free and made with all natural ingredients.

Ole Henriksen
Glow 2OH Toner and Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum
I use these daily and they’ve definitely improved my skin texture and softness.

Biossance
Probiotic Gel Moisturizer and Peptide Eye Gel
These are perfect for hot days when your skin needs moisture but also something lightweight.

R+Co
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
I have a (gross) build up and oily scalp problem, and this has helped a lot. Love their ingredients, too! They also have some great gift sets.

Cliganic Jojoba Oil
This multi use oil is great for hair and skin – I’ve been using it as the weather has gotten colder and dryer and it’s keeping me moisturized but not greasy!

VERB
Ghost Hair Oil and Ghost Prep Hair Cream
The hair cream works best when applied to wet hair before using hot tools and the hair oil is great to use after styling.

Field Botanicals
They have lots of non toxic beauty products like these clean perfumes and all kinds of skincare.

Food & Stuff 

**See my 2019 Foodie Gift Guide for more ideas!

Antonelli’s Cheese Club

Gourmet Texas Pasta

Oil and Vinegar Bottles

Raw Honey Comb

Diaspora Spices

Madhu Chocolate

Garrison Brothers Bourbon Whiskey

Funky Animal Plates 

Floral Serving Platter

Holiday Dish Towels

Le Creuset Cookware

Caraway Pans

Stasher Reusable Bags

Ceramics from The Little Market

Gift cards to local restaurants (see above)

**See my 2019 Foodie Gift Guide for more ideas!

For Him 

Ember Mug
I got this for Joel last year and it was worth every penny – he uses it everyday and loves it.

Ice Ball Maker
This might seem silly, but anytime I pour Joel a drink with perfect large ice cube, it seems to make it 10x better.

Breaking T
Sports t-shirts and merch… because sports.

Non-Toxic Cologne
I love cologne but not the side effects that come with fake fragrances. Abel is a more natural option to keep your man smelling real good. I’ve also heard good things about LURK but they are completely sold out of everything right now!

PS5
The newest video game console with a pretty price tag.

Madden 21
If your guy has a PS4/5, I’m pretty sure he wants this game if he doesn’t have it already.

Phone Case
When was the last time your man changed his phone cover? Has it been years? Because that’s kinda gross. Upgrade his phone case that he didn’t know he needed.

I love Topman and Joel does too – here are some of my faves right now:
Herringbone Joggers
Classic Bomber Jacket
Blur Floral Button Up
Check Flannel Button Up

ZARA is another favourite of mine for men, women and kids! Here are some of my fave guy items right now (and tbh I’d wear some of them too!)

Acid Wash T-Shirt
Cargo Joggers with Zippers
Cape Jacket
Faux Fur Star Sweatshirt
Plaid Textured Suit Jacket

For Babies and Kids

I have done lots of research with my baby girl on the way, and here are a few cute things that I really like:

Slumberkins

Aden + Anais swaddle blankets

KYTE Baby Sling Ring (and all KYTE Baby items – they’re just so soft!)

Lila & Jack Bows

LoveLnE Children’s Play Book

Dream Big, Little One Board Book

Manhattan Sloth Toy

Ez Pz Bowl

Bamboo Comb and Brush Set

Cuddle and Kind Dolls

Baby’s First Christmas Ornament

Sushi Play Set (I got something similar to this for my nephew and he loves playing with it!)

For Her + Expecting Mamas

These gifts are great for all women whether pregnant or not! We all love spoiling newborns with gifts, but pregnant women need some love too 😉

Kindred Bravely
I love their supportive high waisted leggings, under the bump undies and nursing dress to name a few, but they have so many great pregnancy and postpartum items (and just general comfy loungewear if babies aren’t in your life, too).

Accessories
Not sure what size your expecting mama friend is or want to offend by buying a tent of a dress? Get some cute accessories for her like these SUGARFIX earrings or embellished beanie (and avoid rings- finger swelling is a thing) or a cozy oversized scarf! Also love this jewelry organizer I snagged from World Market (it’s an Anthro dupe for much less $) and it’s perfect for hanging necklaces, like this pretty one from Amanda Deer that I wear all the time, or this “mama” necklace that’s on my wishlist (update – got the mama necklace for my birthday and I absolutely LOVE it!)

Night Shirts
Who doesn’t love an oversized sleep shirt? No pants = happy mama. I love this holiday one from World Market, this soft cotton sleep shirt from Target, and this starry nights shirt from Soma. Update – got this soft and cozy tunic sweater for my birthday and it is so dreamy – makes a wonderful gift!

Cute + Supportive Pillows
Your preggo friend will soon realize she needs pillows in all shapes and sizes – here’s a cute lumbar pillow and large square pillow for her comfort! I have this full body pregnancy support pillow and I don’t use it sleep (yet) but it has been helpful for lounging on the couch and supporting my hips.

Cozy Slippers
Whether you’re pregnant and your feet are growing and swelling, or you are chasing after kids, pets, etc, we need all the extra support we can get, so good house shoes are a must! I have enormous feet and have a hard time finding footwear that fit me well, but I always have luck with Dearfoams – I just got these and I’m obsessed with them! These Kate Spade slippers and these Minnetonka house shoes are super cute, too. Update – got these UGG slippers for my birthday and I never want to take them off.

Ingredients for The Perfect Bath
I’m starting to really enjoy baths, and you need a few things to make it perfect: a good bath salt/bomb, bath oil, a bathtub tray, a pillow, and candles (or oil diffuser, see below). The Little Market has some great products all across the board, but I especially love their spa products like these bath bombs and soaking salts made with simple ingredients. The Little Market only sources fair trade products from women empowering businesses! There’s also this extra bougie bath oil that has rave reviews, this 24k gold infused body oil, fancy “martini” bath salts, non-toxic sweet fig candle, simple unscented beeswax candle, bamboo bath tray and comfy bath pillow. These will make for the ultimate bath time experience!

Essential Oils
These are therapeutic and smell wonderful without all of the toxic gunk in typical candles (side note: make sure you are buying from a reputable company like doTERRA, Rocky Mountain or Young Living) I like pure oils and mixing them myself: a few of my faves are lavender, eucalyptus, frankincense, peppermint, and tea tree. If you don’t have a diffuser for your oils, here’s a simple one that my cousin gifted me that I like (and use often).

Diaper Bag
I’ve had my eye on this Fawn Design diaper bag because it’s so cute and versatile (they also have other purses so it’s a great gift for all ladies). Update – got this for my birthday and it’s as cute in person as it is online and wow the amount of pockets/storage is amazing!

Target Maternity Clothes
Their Ingrid + Isabel collection is extremely soft, flattering and made with space for your growing belly.

Pipette Baby
Products for both mama and baby – check out this To Mama, with Love gift set.

Rael
I haven’t tried their products but came across them when looking for non-toxic skincare and feminine products – they have lots of gift sets that are great for your lady friends.

Gift Card for Cleaning Services
When it gets hard to bend over (or even walk upstairs) it’s nice to have someone do the nitty gritty cleaning for you.

**My all time favourite resource for all things mama and baby, Bumble Baby, has an amazing gift guide for the whole family!

For The Pickiest Loved Ones

Private Chef Services (by yours truly)
Ok I won’t be cooking for that much longer since my belly is getting bigger by the minute, but gifting a week of meal prep is a great way to show someone you love them! Email me at monique.karabach@gmail.com for booking 🙂

Massage/Spa Service
There are very few people that I know who don’t enjoy a relaxing massage or spa service. Evolve is a local spot offering up lots of great services, but my favourite is their CBD massage. Spa Luxe in Georgetown is extremely luxurious and wonderful. I’ve also heard good things about Milk and Honey and Viva Day Spa services.

Pottery Barn Hotel Robe
Nothing says comfort like a perfectly warm and cozy robe. I wear this robe almost every day and it is so luxurious.

Nordstrom PJ’s
Let’s be real, we are all spending a lot of time in our PJ’s and they’re probably worn out by now: check out these PJ’s for her and for him.

Custom Handmade Ornaments
My friend Victoria makes incredible art and she’s currently making the sweetest ornaments! Search her site for other custom art pieces and prints (I have this sunflower print and love looking at it everyday).

Lady Candelilla Candles
Have y’all seen that SNL skit about the candle? This is not that candle. A luxurious candle that isn’t from the reject aisle at Marshall’s is actually a really great gift, because most people won’t get it for themselves but will absolutely enjoy it (and it’s also non toxic unlike most candles!)

Homemade Gin Kit
Give your picky loved one something to do with this gin kit – ok maybe I just really want this for myself, because I love gin, but I think it’s pretty neat.

CBD Oil
Tell your picky friend or family member to chiiilllll out with some really good CBD oil. A few of my faves include RESTART, DeCrema, and Wildplant.

Lodging with Lodgewell
I had the most amazing time in Wimberley at a Lodgewell property, and they have over 10 locations in Austin + surrounding areas! Book them a stay at one of their awesome homes as the ultimate holiday gift.

***THE BEST GIFT you can give your loved ones this year is by being safe and responsible. COVID is still rampant. The pandemic is still here and active. Wear your mask, wash your hands, and be courteous!***

Happy shopping, and happy holidays!