12.14.2020

2020 Holiday Gift Guide: LADIES

 Well, it's official. I made it nearly to the end of 2020 without a single blog post!

And in true 2020 spirit, my gift guides are way overdue, and guides should be guide, as this is the only one you're going to get this year.

Alas, I am still shopping myself, so am guessing some of you are, too, and a sweet follower on Instagram mentioned these provide great inspiration for year-round gifting, as well. I hope they'll be helpful, and maybe you'll even just find a gift for yourself. We all deserve it after the year it's been.

This is a pared down guide as compared to years past, but I tried to pay particular attention to the moment in time we're in and pick items that would suit it. There are a variety of price points offered, but most items are under $100, and for the splurge items I offer lower priced alternatives in the details below.

Per usual, many of these links are affiliate links meaning I earn a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking. Also, per usual nearly all of these items are ones I can personally vouch for, as I have and love them myself.

If you're still struggling with shopping for the men in your life, I highly recommend checking out my Gents guides from the last couple years here and here. Some of the links may be invalid now, but many are still active and I promise you'll get some inspiration.

So without further adieu, my ladies gift guide! Links and detailed descriptions below the collage.

Happy shopping!


Leather Headband: Going fast (also here and here) and for good reason! At $65, this is a bit of a splurge for a headband, but would make the perfect gift for a girlfriend or sister. It is my absolute favorite headband, and is great for Zoom meetings when you're hair is just a tad past its prime. If $65 is more than you'd like to spend, find it on sale here for under $40 in a beautiful plum grey. Also love this similar satin version with great reviews on sale for under $10!
Coin Pendant: At just under $300, this is the priciest item on my guides, but we all deserve a splurge every now and then, right? Bryce surprised me with this pendant earlier in the fall, knowing I had been wanting it a looong time (mentioned it in last year's gift guides, actually) and I wear it nearly every day. I love that it's large size makes a statement, but that it can also be layered with other necklaces. I also love this similar $60 option and have been pleased with the quality of jewelry I own from this line.
Petal Placemat: After swooning over these since Spring, I treated myself to a set for Thanksgiving, which turned out to be just a Thanksgiving for two thanks to COVID. The scallop detail is such a nice touch and these are a great neutral that can elevate any table. A set of 4 would make a great under $50 gift!
Butterfly Art: I've admired this artist's work for a long time now, and really want a pair of these-I just need to decide where in my home I'd like to place them first. There's a variety of color and size options sure to please any lady in your life, including some small sizes under $100. 
Brightening Face Oil: I've raved about BC's Overnight Resurfacing Peel the last couple years in my gift guides and still use that nightly as a holy grail product. This year, I've begun adding their oils to my regimen, as well. I use all three oils (#1 @ morning and #2 and #3 @ night), but if I had to only pick one it would be this #1 Brightening oil. I put it on underneath my moisturizer (here) and SPF primer (here) and it adds a nice glow to my face and makes my makeup go on so smoothly. Also smells wonderful and is made with all clean ingredients you can trust. 
Volumizing Mascara & Lengthening Mascara: I've slowly been trying to make the switch to more clean beauty options and these under $25 clean mascaras are seriously the best mascara I've ever used. I like to wear both, using the volumizing first with lengthening layered on top, but can use each on their own, too. Great stocking stuffer!
Pearl Studs: These classic pearl studs are so beautiful and under $100. I received mine for Christmas two years ago and wear them multiple times a week. Whenever I wear them on Instagram, you all ask me about them. I wear the large size, and recommend those. Currently for pre-order on the Julie Vos site (they're worth the wait!), but it looks like they may also be available on this site now.
Scalloped Napkins: I also ordered a set of these for our Thanksgiving meal and picked a very fall pattern. Had I known our celebration was going to shrink, I would have ordered this pink set instead that would be beautiful for tables year-round. These come from India, so you may have to pay to rush shipping. The seller was wonderful to work with and customized an order for me. I want one of everything!
Candle: I'm incredibly picky about candles. I only like clean, subtle scents (with the exception made for the Nest Holiday candle this time of year), and this one smells lovely. In fact, Bryce says it's the best smelling candle we've ever had. This small size would make a great stocking stuffer or teacher gift.
Pajamas: I believe the best gifts are those that someone would want and love but not buy oneself and Lake Pajamas totally fit that bill. I bought my first set on major sale and while I love them, I don't think I'd pay full price if shopping for myself. I was, however, lucky enough to receive a  second set as a Christmas gift last year and wouldn't mind continuing to grow my collection. Not to mention, if there's ever a time for luxe pajamas, it's now while we're all at home spending a lot more time in our pajamas. Many say to size up in these, but I've found them to be true to size and take my usual small, though I do stretch them out a bit while they're still wet before putting in the dryer. If you're on the fence about sizing for yourself or a gift recipient, I'd say to size up, though, as there's never any harm in a looser, comfier pair of pajamas. Oh, and if you or your recipient are on the shorter side (I'm 5'3), I'd recommend getting the cropped if ordering a long pair. Also have a couple sets of these at a lower price point and wear them all the time.
Personalized Keychain: You'd never guess this personalized keychain was under $15! I love mine and think it would make an excellent stocking stuffer, or sweet 16 gift for a girl getting her driver's license. The strap is big enough to wear on your wrist for hands free shopping and errands. Do check the shipping options if purchasing for Christmas as this comes from out of the country. This similar option is more expensive, but equally chic and sure to arrive before Christmas if you order soon!
Blush Wine Glass Pair: These are a splurge, but it's a small woman-owned business with a story that will make you want to support her! Also love these amber smoke rocks glasses for the men in your life. If the price is too steep, especially if you're like me and have a preponderance for breaking glasses (as Bryce reminded me as I sent him these as a Christmas gift idea), check out these similar blush wine glasses that won't break the bank, or your heart if you break one.
Stationery Suite: This stationery suite is such a steal at under $50! I have it and can attest to the quality and timeless design. It comes with 25 each of embossed monogrammed flat cards, folded notecards, and small folded enclosure cards (which I use the most). 
Crescent Dish: This crescent dish is perfect for the grandmillennial in your life. While technically a salad plate, I'm dying for one myself as a jewelry and trinket dish. A perfect piece to bring a little luxury and poise into your everyday.
Fleece Jacket: Currently more than 50% off, but going fast! I'd been on the hunt for an elevated, more grown up fleece since last fall and was thrilled when I found this one! It is so chic and looks cute with athleisure and also jeans and boots. True to size with a roomy fit. I took my normal small and can comfortably wear it over a chunky sweater or puffy vest.
Tortoise Glass: A set of tortoise glasses have been on my own wish list for quite some time and I'm crossing my fingers and toes I may get them under the Christmas tree this year. What I love about these is that they could also double as vases. How pretty would a line of them be with flowers down a table? Currently on backorder, but worth the wait, and at $10.95 each you can cater the size of the set you gift to your budget.
Butter Ornament: I can't resist including a Christmas ornament in the guides each year, and this year butter felt apropos, especially for those of you who have done as much quarantine baking as I have. I opted to link it through Biscuit Home to shop small, where I had a blast browsing ornaments at their flagship when in Houston last December. 
Wedge Sneaker: At under $40 these wedge sneakers are perfect for these days when the only outings on our social calendars are outings to the grocery store. Super comfortable, and I'd say they run slightly large. I am a small size 8 and was able to fit in both the 7.5 and 8, but opted for the 8 in case I want to wear them with socks. Also, don't be fooled by the Out of Stock...the link directs you to Size 5, but once you click the dropdown, you'll see they're still in stock in nearly every size.
Pink Bracelet: Currently on sale for just $16, and also comes in two other colorways including a tortoise and turquoise I also love. I ordered a handful of these to gift myself and others this season.
Hand Cream: This $6 drugstore hand cream might be the discovery of the season! My hands get so incredibly dry this time of year, and I found this in our skincare basket under the sink after running out of the tried and true (and much more expensive) L'Occitane hand cream I've used for years. Bryce must have bought it at some point, and I grabbed it to tide me over until replacing my L'Occitane. Well friends, that won't be happening! This stuff is amazing! My hands are softer than ever! I will say it is very thick, though, so I only put it on at bedtime. Perfect stocking stuffer, or would be cute paired with a fun pair of gloves as a teacher or mail carrier gift.  
Personalized Journal: I ordered one of these journals for myself on my birthday and can't wait for it to arrive. Everything on this website is gorgeous, and I love that in addition to classic leather journals with gold foil monograms, they have styles like this one that are just a bit whimsy. I will note that this is coming from England and shipping was pricy, and may be even more so if you're trying to rush it to arrive by Christmas.
Slippers: I believe these have been on my gift guides every single year since my first ever gift guides in 2013. They're water resistant and have a great rubber sole that makes them sturdy enough to wear outside...and they just might be the one Christmas gift I've given my mom (who is incredibly hard to shop for) that has knocked it out of the park. You also can't go wrong with these forever classics or this monogrammed option under $40.
Rose Lip Balm: This lip balm has also been featured nearly every year on my guides. I've been using it now for 12 years and can't go to sleep without it on my lips, and probably apply it at least 4 or 5 other times throughout the day. I always have a jar at my bedside, and like the tube option for my purse to keep germs at bay. Great stocking stuffer...and my dad actually loves too!