: best holiday gift guide curated by friends and past guests of the blog :
BEST HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2015
1. “WATERSHIP DOWN” by RICHARD ADAMS :: as suggested by TOM MORELLO (Grammy Award Winning musician (Rage Against the Machine), activist, father)
+ It’s my favorite book. A breathtaking story of courage, heroism and friendship.
2. JOSIE MARAN – 100% Pure Argan Oil, Pure Argan Milk Intensive Hydrating Treatment, Whipped Argan Oil Butter Butter :: as suggested by MARY KLIMEK (celebrity makeup artist)
+ It’s affordable skincare that is actually good for your skin!
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3. BONSAI TREES BY THE BONSAI OUTLET :: as suggested by MIKE JONES (ex-MYSPACE CEO, current tech king)
+ This year I became facilitated with the ancient tradition and proceeds of growing Bonsai trees. So far it is the only gardening exercise I have that has not resulted in dead plants in under two weeks. I am starting small, reading a lot – and enjoying the time and process it takes to learn how to grow and care for these treasures.
4. SUBSCRIPTION TO KINFOLK MAGAZINE :: as suggested by SYDNEY POITIER (actress, mother)
+ It has amazing recipes and design features. They only put out 4 a year and it is completely AD free. They call it “slow living” – but it basically is extolling the virtues of a simpler life. The styling and photography are spot on (though it’s awfully white and needs more diversity, my only complaint). But it’s an indulgence for anyone who loves food and design, particularly of the simple clean variety. It’s something I think a lot of people wouldn’t think to get for themselves, but would love it if they received it.
5. VALLEYBRINK ROAD GIFT BASKETS :: as suggested by AMANDA RENO (Celebrity stylist)
+ I love the beauty box from Valleybrink Road as it comes hand delivered with fresh flowers and the coolest products!
6. Pacifica “Persian Rose” all natural perfume :: as suggested by Christina Simon (writer, blogger, brain behind Beyond The Brochure)
+ I recently discovered this when a friend dabbed it on my wrist. It’s Pacifica “Persian Rose” all natural perfume. They sell the roll-on for $12 at Whole Foods and it smells amazing…happy and fresh.
PRICE: $12.00 at Whole Foods
7. N.E.C.K. Control By Amino Genesis :: as suggested by Stacy Cox (beauty and style expert for Dr. Oz, The View, E! News, KTLA)
+ WHY IT’S MY HOLIDAY BEAUTY RX: If you weren’t blown away by your appearance in your Thanksgiving family photos… I’m vibing ya because neither was I. But let’s not mope over what’s now “rear view mirror” and lets figure out what to do with the next 29 days leading up to New Years Eve. I’ve been on the hunt for a face lift treatment revealing dramatic results in under 30 days that WON’T require any surgery, chemical peels or major down time. PLUS I want us all to have money left over to buy holiday gifts. N.E.C.K. Control By Amino Genesis helps the surface ‘stressed out’ appearance of the entire neck area resulting in a younger more rested appearance if used religiously, 2x daily. It tightens and lifts the sagging skin under your chin AND smooths the appearance of wrinkles and creped skin on your entire neck.
PRICE: $49.95
SAVE: 10% OFF Using CODE: SEATTLE10 when you shop on web site…
8. 2016 HAIKUS WITH HOTTIES CALENDAR (featuring Daniel Henney, Eugene Lee Yang, Godfrey Gao, Randall Park) :: as suggested by Anna Park (blogger/founder of StyleUnderPressure.com / former Editor in Chief of Audrey Magazine)
+ You can never have enough reminders that Asian American guys aren’t just sharp, they’re hot.
9. RTM PROJECTS BRASS BANGLES by artist Molly McGiver :: as suggested by Lauri Firstenberg (UTA curator, LAXART founder, RTM PROJECTS owner)
PRICE: $250.00 | PURCHASE VIA: [email protected]
10. The Millennium Falcon from Star Wars :: as suggested by Mike Bresnahan (LAKERS beat writer for the L.A. TIMES.)
+ Star Wars is back! And it’s going to be good this time (we all hope). I couldn’t help but notice the Millennium Falcon at Toys’R’Us while doing some holiday shopping. “Yep,” I said to myself, keenly aware of fun childhood flashbacks. “I want that.”
11. THE LOVE ART EXPERIENCE :: as suggested by Ponti Lambros (artist, painter for Lee Daniels’ Empire, former i-banker, owner of Art Rebel)
+ For those looking to give something truly unique and different over the holidays, where couples create a work of art together with champagne, chocolates, and quality time.
12. “THE FOUR AGREEMENTS” by Don Miguel Ruiz :: as suggested by TJ JACKSON (multi-platinum selling musician, businessman, father)
13. TOMOKO SPA GIFT CERTIFICATE OR NANOARCADE MINI ARCADE MACHINE :: as suggested by Maurissa Tancharoen Whedon (Showrunner / Creator of Marvel’s AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.)
+ A gift certificate to Tomoko Spa. Any treatment. You’re transported to Japan in this modern day spa in Beverly Hills. For couples, the Japanese Experience is amazing. Your own room with a Japanese soaking tub — and when you’re done with your treatments, you’re treated to sushi and Japanese desserts.
+ For men who are still boys at heart. So basically all men. A mini arcade machine by NANOARCADE. It’s a toy that has downloadable old video games like Frogger, Pac-Man, etc.
14. 2 WEEKS OF PALETA FOOD DELIVERY OR 6 WEEKS TO SCULPTED DVD (voted #1 by FITNESS Magazine) :: as suggested by Ashley Borden (celebrity trainer, lifestyle guru, author)
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15. HIMALAYAN SALT COOKING BLOCK :: as suggested by Thayana Sco Jackson (singer, songwriter, star of upcoming Garry Marshall television show)
+ Not only will the food taste delicious — but it’s the best salt you can get. It’s filled with all the minerals. Healthy and yummy!
16. 100% MULBERRY SILK CHARME– USE BEDDING SET :: as suggested by Thaina Sco (singer, songwriter, star of upcoming Garry Marshall television show)
+ It will do more than you could ever imagine for your hair, skin and even improves your sleep. You can also get the pajamas to sleep in full pure silk. It’ll do wonders.
17. VITA FRESH VITAMIN C SHOWER FILTER :: as suggested by Thaisa Sco (singer, songwriter, star of upcoming Garry Marshall television show)
AND LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST……
18. PRICELESS GIFT ITEMS :: as suggested by Dr. Harry Edwards (Spiritual Adviser to the SF 49ers, UC Berkeley Professor Emeritus, father, grandfather, activist)
+ My gift guide items:
- A warm and welcoming smile;
- An extended 2-handed handshake;
- A hug, accompanied by a back pat to all in need of that “I care” gesture;
- A sincerely spoken “I Wish You All the Best!”
+ If each of us would pledge to give these 4 gifts to each other throughout the Holiday Season and the coming New Year – WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD IT COULD BE, ESPECIALLY IN THESE TROUBLED TIMES!
That’s it! Have fun with it, be safe and HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS! Thanks for reading the BEST HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE!
++ FEATURED PHOTO COURTESY OF SMITTY IMAGING LTD.
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Elaine, I’m so honored to be included in this list! Love all the suggestions. Seriously awesome gift guide. –Christina
What an eclectic, fascinating collection of gift ideas, from some amazing people! (I gotta get me that Vita Shower! And the silk charmeuse bedding set.) Love it, Elaine!
Thank you so much!! Thank you for participating!!! You’re the curator of all things cool.
The honor was all mine. Thank you so much!! You always have the best advice..with respect to everything!
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