Gifts I Gave Myself - A Lifestyle Editor's Holiday Wish List

So what does a New York area lifestyle editor want for Christmas? Check out my list. Check it out twice!

Each year I enjoy putting together gift guides for everyone on your holiday list. So this year I am going to share some top items on my own personal list for Santa. Maybe it could give you some good ideas too?

Cozy soft cotton and wool cable knit sweater from Hanna Andersson

I've been a fan of Hanna Andersson since forever as this catalog company offers well made, organic cotton clothing for the whole family. I picked up this gorgeous cable knit sweater while shopping for family gifts. It reminds me of the Irish Aran Isle hand knitted sweaters I've seen when marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parades. This is a unisex sweater in ecru with 70% cotton and 30% wool. Buy it a size up, (this is a medium) for layering and a comfy relaxed fit.
Tips: Look for free shipping offers and a 20% discount code for new customers. Also, shop the clearance area as there are often many deep discounts on high-quality organic cottons. Visit online at HannaAndersson.com

100% Heavy Cotton Spa Robe. PHOTO: Me at Crystal Springs Resort Spa

When I visited Crystal Springs Resort and their Elements Spa, each suite had two thick cotton terry robes hanging the closet. It was so plush and luxurious that I wanted to take it home! So I was very happy to have found a similar heavy cotton robe by Alpine Swiss. Seriously this robe weighs nearly four pounds with the outer layer being made of cotton velour but the inside being lined with absorbent terry. The shawl collar is cotton velour and so soft against your skin. Has one chest and two hand pockets with a matching belt. Perfect for my spa days at home! My Alpine Swiss 100% Cotton Robe is available on Amazon.

Plant Therapy Winter themed essential oils and Pevonia Skincare with Signature Carry Case

Plant Therapy - Essence of Winter: Some of the best things about Christmas are the smells! I can remember the aroma of Douglass Fir and Scotch Pine coming from our live trees. It filled the house! Add in the scent of peppermint from the candy canes, fresh apple cider and my mom's cinnamon apple cobbler and you have Christmas in a bottle. Now you can enjoy such fragrances via these sets of essential oils from Plant Therapy. These WinterPlayland and Holiday Treats gift boxes come ready to set under the tree but turned out to be the perfect gift for me. Simply delicious! See more at PlantTherapy.com
Pevonia Ravishing Radiance - Radiance Mask Gift Set is part of their Holiday Collection and perfect for those of us who need a little extra pampering. Comes with three therapeutic masks in Green Apple, Charcoal and Collagen formulations all packed in a posh little signature carry case. Just perfect! Visit Pevonia.com for the full selection.

Philips Sonicare Electric Toothbrush

The Gift of a Clean Bright Smile - I've been a Sonicare toothbrush user for years now but was not too impressed with my last purchase.  So I took a chance and got a serious upgrade in the Sonicare line, the  DiamondClean 9300 model in Pink. This is the Mercedes Benz of all electric toothbrushes! Quiet and precise it has four easy to access settings and three power levels. Comes with a beautiful rinsing glass that doubles as a charging stand. The first time you use it your teeth will feel as if you've just had them cleaned at the dentist! Has bluetooth built in so you can use the app for coaching on your personal dental care. Base lights up if you are brushing too hard, something that's easy to do with an electric toothbrush. Available most everywhere such as Walgreens or on Amazon.

Seafood! Smoked salmon, caviar, tuna, kippered snacks, herring and smoked sardines or oysters.

Seafood Treats - Such treasures from the sea are not only good to eat for the holidays, they are wonderful sources of omega fatty acids all the year round. Smoked salmon especially keeps very well and can be served on a creamed cheese bagel. Caviar is wonderful on deviled eggs for the holidays. Purchase a case of one variety or a few jars of various seafood items to make into a gift basket. Nothing fishy about this gift! Think outside of the tin as many seafood items can now be found in jars or vacuum sealed pouches. Use what you need and place the rest in the refrigerator for next time. Fish in jars tastes better too!

Holiday Founder's Favorites Gift Box from Harry & David Orchards in Oregon.

Tasteful Gift Baskets My brother in Texas introduced me to Harry & David's Orchard gifts quite a few Christmases ago back in 2013. We've been fans ever since and enjoy getting these gourmet treats for the holidays. You've never tasted comice pears like their specially grown Royal Rivieras. So sweet and delicious. Their Moose Munch and aged cheeses are also very good. These can be shipped all over the country and have each time arrived in perfect condition due to their careful packing. Order one gift tower for your immediate family and another for your other relatives or friends. You and they will not be disappointed! HarryandDavid.com

Nuts of all kinds make for a wonderful holiday treat.

Nutty Holidays One thing I can remember about my childhood Christmases were the bowls filled with all types of nuts in the shell: walnuts, filberts, pecans, Brazil Nuts, etc.  These days I like to get gift sacks of Pistachios such as those shown here from Setton Farms, CA. Likewise fresh Georgia Pecans are also wonderful. The Setton Farms burlap bags are reusable and the pistachios are the absolute best!  SettonFarms.com

Toasty warm and cozy UGG Sheepskin Slippers

UGG Sheepskin Slippers - Alenas These really keep the cold out and feel amazing on. Made of NZ sheepskin, these have a thick rubber  tread sole so you even step outside with them to get the mail or newspaper. Fully lined on the inside so they are incredibly warm. These last for years and would be a fantastic gift for yourself or someone with cold feet!  UGG.com

Winter Fleece Lined Snow Boots 

Toasty Boots and Designer Style Shoes all in one place. Shop tons of current styles of boots, flats, pumps, stilettos and more. These are my Hunter 03 Faux Fur Lined Lace Up Snow Boots in brown with sealed upper seams and rubber soles.  There is no excuse for not having proper footwear and ruining your expensive leather heels this winter. All selections at Wholesale Fashion Shoes start at only $10.88! Can you believe that?  Shorter Duck Boots like these by Sperry Topsider are at least $119.00. You could go totally ham with that amount on WholesaleFashionShoes.com

The Gift - Wrap So while Christmas is a time of giving, please don't forget to include yourself in the equation. Self-care is extremely important so it is key that you choose things for yourself that nurture both mind and body. You have to take care of yourself! Amazon has a Wish List feature that you can then email to friends and family like a gift registry. This is very helpful and saves time and money over getting the wrong size or color. We trade them among ourselves so everyone can get something they really want rather than a hit or miss.
You can also find so many items on eBay which gives you a small 8-10% cash back on purchases through their EBucks program. Shop early and hit the sales using special discount codes and free shipping. You'll save time and gas doing so not to mention money by shopping smarter.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!