Hello hello HELLO my friends!
It is that time of the year – between finals and Christmas – that we are all scrambling to put together a last minute gift that doesn’t look so “last minute”.
If you are ANYTHING like me, you’re behind schedule… I’ve been studying 24/7 for finals and working every second in between my studies, so I haven’t had much time to put together a present for my GFs. I’m really banking on amazon prime this year.
What else is new??
My mom always taught me that practical gifts are the best kind of gifts, so I built a list of adorable & **PRACTICAL gifts ahead of time in preparation for this busy time of year.
One of the 5 love languages is receiving gifts. I believe that there is a sub category for that love language – receiving PRACTICAL gifts. The pressure is on ( especially during the holiday szn ) to come up with gifts that your friends will actually use…
White elephants are a FREAKIN’ blast, but you always leave with a useless CD that will collect dust in the back of your closet until the next year’s white elephant.
Doesn’t Cousin Eddy know that CDs are sooo 2005??
I developed a list of practical gifts to reduce the pressure of last minute shopping… OH – and a lot of them are available on amazon prime so you KNOW that box will be under the tree before Christmas. 😉
Gingerbread Chocolate
HOLY WOWZA. This Lily’s Gingerbread Chocolate not only is the taste of Christmas, but is a fabulous, healthier chocolate option because it has a higher fiber and lower sugar content than many other chocolate brands. I tried this flavor and let’s just say that it was my motivation during finals week… ( it’s gone. )
11/10 would recommend.
The Obstacle Is the Way
I read this book a couple years ago and recently let my brother borrow it. He returned the book to me with a lot more ink than before… It’s just that good – you will want to annotate it ( unlike that 30 page finals study guide )!!
The Obstacle is the Way draws its inspiration from stoicism, the ancient Greek philosophy of enduring pain or adversity with perseverance and resilience. The Stoics focus on what you can control and how to turn every new obstacle into an opportunity to get better, stronger, and tougher.
I applied various principles from this books Junior year while I really honed in on my goals and ended up landing my two dream internships in NYC. ( Read more HERE ).
This gift is perfect for anyone who is seeking inspiration and this is VERY practical as 2019 New Years resolutions emerge.
Kopari Coconut Body Glow
You all know that I’m OBSESSED with this Kopari Body Glow ( more info HERE ). This body glow will moisturize your skin with high quality ingredients, like coconut oil and make your whole bod look dewey and glowey!! Let’s not forget that sparkles are a New Years Eve STAPLE !!
Diva Selfie Ring
Every girl knows that lighting ( & angle ) is what will make or break a selfie. This Diva Selfie Ring will give you the best light in any situation – from the yellow ambiance to a bar in NYC.
( YES. I may have whipped out my Diva light in the middle of a NY speakeasy last summer… it was a hit and great convo starter 😉 )
Donut Flask
While we are on the subject of EXPENSIVE bars… This Donut Flask is one practical way of saving $ – #BYOF…
Allure Selfie Light iPhone Case
An iPhone case that will protect your phone, give you perfect light for a selfie on NYE, and that has a ring for stablity? YAS PLEASE !! If you want to splurge, go for Kim K’s Selfie Light Case.
Meyer’s Clean Day Lavender Candle
Don’t tell me that I’m the only one whose cortisol levels are still through the roof from finals?? After my late night library benders, I’d light my room up like a Christmas tree to relax with my collection of Meyer’s Clean Day Lavender Candles. Studies show that the smell of lavender reduces anxiety… So why not stock up?
Hempz Blushing Grapefruit & Raspberry Creme Lotion
I want to gift this to everyone and their mother. I only use coconut oil and Hempz Blushing Grapefruit & Raspberry Creme Lotion because every other moisturizer stings my cracked, dry, winter skin.
I stole a travel sized Hempz from my mom when I was home for Thanksgiving break then immediately amazon prime-d one to my address at school. This stuff works so well, the color of this product is so Instagrammy, and OHMIGOD don’t get me started. They are out of this world.
OH – and no, it will not get you high…
Essential Oils
Along with the Lavender candles, I’ve been using my diffusor and essential oils like its nobody’s business… This set includes Peppermint ( HOW FESTIVE !! ) and a few of my other ride-or-die scents: lavender ( for relaxing ), tea tree ( supports clear skin ), sweet orange ( lifts mood ), and lemon grass ( ward off germs ). I like to mix and match my essential oils. The lavender-sweet orange combo is MUST!
Barefoot Dreams Cheetah Blanket
This is another product I may or may not have stolen from my mom…
This Barefoot Dreams Cheetah Blanket is SO chic and buttery. It also stretches so it hugs you as well as a memory foam mattress. Oh, and did I mention that it is a Kardashian fave??
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones
These Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones have saved my life ~1,000x during finals… Some kids like to bring crunchy snacks to the library and as a self-diagnosed Misophonia and actually diagnose ADHD gal, I can’t stand the sound of noise when I’m studying for my classes. I bought a silver pair ( which also matches my laptop and phone case 😉 ), but they also have black!
Charolette Tilbury Lipstick
The Charolette Tilbury Pillowtalk Lipstick the ONLY lipstick I wear!! The color is so flattering and even though it’s matte ( SO in right now ), it’s moisturizing! WINNER!
And don’t forget, this list is for you too! #TREAT👏🏻YO👏🏻SELF
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND I HOPE YOU HAVE A VERY, MERRY ( practical ) CHRISTMAS !
