The truth is, gifts are not everyone's love language. If you're reading this post, you've likely already decided that you would like to gift something to show how much you appreciate the leading lady in your life. Be comforted in knowing that gifts can include many different gestures, from experiences to physical items. Below are ideas to help point you in the right direction to ensure she feels appreciated for all she does throughout the year. (Please know that I do not utilize affiliate programming; all links in this post are included because they are items that I truly believe to be beautiful gifting options.)
Experiences
Give her the gift of easing the mental burden of motherhood/wifehood/womanhood.
As a wardrobe consultant, you might find it surprising to know that the number one gift wish I hear from clients is for experiences. These vary — under ideal circumstances, some women want a full family vacation while others would love a quiet afternoon to herself at the spa. It’s thoughtful to ask her the type of experience she would want and what her version of a break looks like. Do your best to stick to just a few of questions about types of experiences to point you in the right direction and avoid asking so many questions that she feels like she is planning her own gift.
Examples: Do you want to have a girls’ weekend in the new year after all of your hard work with the holidays? We haven’t had a date since baby arrived, would you feel comfortable spending the night away or should I plan a date night where we come home?
Avoid: Can you see if the babysitter is available on Saturday night?
Whatever the experience is, plan it. And by plan it, I mean plan all of it. For example:
If you’re planning a date night out, arrange the childcare from booking to payment.
If you’re scheduling a weekend away as a family, don’t just stop at accommodations. Pack the kids (the way that she would), book family-friendly activities that she will enjoy with everyone in tow, and be the family photographer throughout the weekend, making sure photos are taken with her and the kids, just her, and all of you together.
If you’re sending her away for a weekend or day with girlfriends, don’t just occupy the kids in her absence, ensure she comes home to a house where toys are put away and dishes are done. The last thing anyone wants to do is come home to deferred chores or feel like she needs to spend a week catching up after a day away.
You also can't go wrong with finally taking care of something she just hasn't had the time to get to. One of my favorite gifts to date was when my husband had all of my watches' batteries replaced. It was like a drawer full of new, working accessories because I had deferred maintenance for so long.
Subscription Services
Subscription services are such a great way to make a gift last a couple of months or even throughout the year.
Adopt an Olive Tree in Italy ($79 to $290) || The steep terrain in the Liguria region of Italy makes it one of the most difficult places to grow and harvest olives but also produces some of the best olive oil available. Nudo sends the recipient olive oil from their adopted tree. You can also visit the tree if you're vacationing in the area. ||
Charcuterie ($75 plus) || Perfect for the ultimate foodie or entertainer, D'Artagnan offers a huge variety of high-quality meat selections, from butchery items to charcuterie. ||
Switch Subscription ($29 to $69/month or $348/year to $828/year) || Gift her designer jewelry all year round with Switch jewelry. She can select up to 3 pieces a month, depending on the plan, giving her the opportunity to always have fresh accessories and the chance to test-drive items she may have her eye on for permanent investment later. ||
Timeless Gifts
If you’d like to gift her with a token of gratitude for all she does, these ideas are all classic and compliment any woman's personal style.
Less than $400
kate spade Earrings ($58)
Loeffler Randall Twisted Hoop Earrings (Small $90, large $150). || One of the chicest under-the-radar shoe and handbag companies around recently expanded to jewelry and other accessories. ||
Sézane Earrings ($105) || If she idolizes French style, Sézane offers beautifully classic pieces that pair well with most any outfit. They also disclose where all of their items are produced and are committed to ethical manufacturing. ||
Jo Malone Travel Set ($115) || One of the most luxurious fragrance companies around, this set is only available at the holidays and is such a fun, elegant opportunity for creating her own signature fragrance by combining the scents. ||
Tory Burch Enamel Bangle ($148)
Sézane Shell Cuff ($160)
Michael Kors Bracelet ($250)
Tory Burch Flats ($268)
Alexander McQueen Scarf ($345)
Michael Kors Shoulder Bag ($348)
Michael Kors Cross Body ($358)
Repetto Flats ($365) || The original ballet flats, Repetto started by supplying French dancers with their ballet shoes and eventually produced the streetwear version that quickly became quintessential French style. ||
kate spade Satchel ($398)
$400 to $1,000
Tiffany Hardware Bracelet ($550)
Tory Burch Knee High Boots ($598 retail, currently on sale for $419)
Tiffany Diamonds by the Yard Pendant (starting at $625) || You cannot go wrong with Tiffany diamonds. The nice thing about this style is the diamond is intended to be a small glimmer, creating the same effect for any size diamond.||
Hermes Clic H Bracelet ($640)
Mansur Gavriel Tote ($675)
Christian Louboutin Shoes ($695) || The iconic red soles are absolute classics and while well-admired by many women, very few will actually spend the money for these shoes on themselves. Stick with a classic shape in black, nude, leopard or red. Look at her size in a pair of shoes that she already owns, and let the sales associate know the brand and size that you referenced. ||
Louis Vuitton Wallet ($700) || A wallet is such a great designer option because she will get a ton of mileage out of it. This one is extremely durable.||
Polene Handbag ($420) || Classic and clean, French designed and handmade in Spain.||
Tory Burch Handbag ($798) || The newest shape has a beautiful vintage feel while the clean lines keep it modern.||
$1,000 to $1,500
Chanel Boy Wallet ($1,075)
Cartier LOVE Ring (starting at $1,140, depending on material and size)
Tiffany T Bangle ($1,350)
Louis Vuitton Neverfull ($1,300-$1470, depending on the size). || I was floored by the number of women who wrote Louis Vuitton Neverfull as an answer to an open-ended response question of: If money weren't a consideration, what is one item you would want for a gift? Many respondents stated that they love it, they just can't cost justify it to themselves. If it's in the budget and she doesn't have a designer bag, and is remotely interested in one at some point, you can't really go wrong with this tote. It's big enough for her to fit all of the every day items and the coated canvas material is durable and easy to clean.||
Celine Cross Body Bag ($1,450)
Comments