Your "Luxury for Less" Holiday Gift Guide

 

 

Midtown, East - NYC: The Christmas Season for me is a time for splurging both on myself and the ones I love.  After all, it's the holidays, right? What if I could clue you in on luxurious gifts that look like you paid a fortune but didn't?  Look at what I've found from 5th Avenue in Manhattan to your local supermarket shelf and new items online!

 

Curated Coffee and Wine themed gift baskets - a welcome treat for the cultured palate.

I recommend either of these two gift baskets as the components are shelf stable and will keep fresh.  Think nostalgic metal tins and glass jars for an extra decorative touch. Gourmet coffees, chocolates, biscuits, wines, liquors, mugs, coasters and more can all be crammed in. These can be assembled quickly and set under the tree as they are often just as beautiful as the holiday ornaments. 

 

Tip: Add these Mightylicious Gluten Free Cookies and Brownie Mix to a Coffee or Tea Basket for extra panache. 

 

Large, elaborately illustrated coffee table books cover a wide variety of interests and offer a personalized touch for the recipient.

Someone on your list a history buff, antique collector or art lover?  Hone in on their area of interest by gifting them a coffee table book on their favorite subject.  Coming up is America's 250th Anniversary in 2026 so many people are seeking out quality films, documentaries and books on the subject. Save money: This best-seller featuring Ken Burns, retails for over $80 but is available for half that price on Amazon.

 

Day Designer Planner for Blue Sky is a thoughtful gift that will keep the recipient on track and organized.  My personal favorite!

 

The Gift of Warmth with a Nod to Heritage - Wool shawls, scarves and berets.

 

People appreciate and revere this current return to traditionally woven fabrics and textiles from the British Isles. Burberry, Aran Isle, and Hermes equestrian themed scarves offer a welcome comfort without sacrificing style.  Likewise wool felt berets can be fashionably worn by almost anyone.  Think merino wool, cashmere, angora, rabbit and silk when choosing a gift item.

 

Cozy UGG Sheepskin Slippers, need I say more? Top: Zora Ballet Flat in Chestnut.

 

  

SDG Crystallized Swarovski Foundation Pin available at their Fifth Avenue Store

Swarovski Foundation's SDG Crystallized Pin is a stunning multi-colored tack pin, perfect for your winter camel coat lapel.  Made to Swarovski's impeccable jewelry standards, the rainbow wheel compliments almost any outfit hue with ease.  This is perhaps the top "Luxury for Less" find of the season.  Having shopped/stopped in their Fifth Avenue Store, (Midtown East between 53rd and 54th Streets), there are very few items at this price point.  This elegant pin underscores the UN's sustainability goals and retails for UNDER $70! Get yours NOW or visit www.swarovskifoundation.org

 

 

 

Stocking Stuffers - How to Elevate Them

The stocking itself can be a classic gift so think needlepoint, rich detail and luxurious.  Add lovely personal care and cosmetic goodies not quite significant enough for a wrapped gift but still present-worthy.  Here are some ideas as shown here above:

UA Hawaii Wena Glow Eau de Parfum offers notes of warmth, fire and amber, perfect for Christmas!  Think "Jo Malone" with this one. Another sampling is their HA Breath with its balance of green tea and driftwood (more unisex). Visit www.uahawaii.com for these exotic fragrance selections. 

Akar Nourish Balancing Essence comes in a travel-friendly 2.4 oz spritzer. Perfect for staying hydrated on the plane and hotel room. See it at www.akarskin.com 

 

 

More Ideas...Beauty Products and Cosmetics include these luxurious items anyone would love to have, especially a Tom Ford LTD Edition Eye Shadow Quad or a quality set of cosmetic and body brushes. Also Charlotte Tilbury anything, let's say her Pillow Talk Lipstick, will most certainly be a big hit. 

IGK Good Behavior Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray comes in a smaller travel size making it a great fit in that stocking.  

Also the d' Alba First Spray Serum is the makeup artists' "Chef's-Kiss" for a flawless application. An absolute must-have!

 

This Year's "It" Item - Grass-fed Beef Tallow is another perfect stocking stuffer so appropriate for the winter months.

 

JRLIGGET'S Soaps and Conditioners-Ready for Travel come in a neat little red zippered pouch for a get-away or their Old Fashioned Bar Shampoo & Conditioner with its own wooden soap rack. See them at www.jrliggett.com

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Best Picks Magazine