I've always loved gems and minerals, leaves, flowers, the woods and anything from nature, candles and essential oils... and even things that seemed to come from another, more magical realm: sparkles and fairies and objects and other things that looked a little bit like they came from a fairy tale. The funny thing is, I didn't really embrace this aesthetic until recently, in the past couple of years, when I have slowly integrated these elements into my decor, fashion choices and life. I just always was a little bit afraid of it, I suppose. It all can seem a bit powerful and intimidating. Luckily, I have since embraced the joys of surrounding myself with beautiful things that seem to have just a touch of fantasy and magic in them.
In fact, you might say I have been a little too drawn to beautiful minerals and wonderful-smelling oils recently, and so I have had to put myself on a bit of a shopping hiatus during the expensive holiday months so that I can focus on giving gifts. This is also a joy for me, as I have always enjoyed thinking of the perfect holiday gift for friends and loved ones. (Okay, admittedly, I have always enjoyed and stressed about it. But mostly enjoyed, I promise!)
I like to keep a running shopping list (using an app installed on my browser) so when I am tempted to buy something, I can instead save it to my list and think about it. It keeps my spending in check, and as an added bonus, actually gives me a huge pool of items to draw from for the days when I realize I need to buy a friend or family member a gift, and I'm not quite sure what to give them. Something always pops out from that list - which is fun to realize, because I think sometimes I am drawn to items that are not necessarily for me, but are destined for others who I know!
With the gift giving fast approaching, I thought I would pull together a list of some of my favorite things that I have seen (and a few that I have even bought) over the past couple of months, in hopes that they may inspire you if you are still in need of ideas for giving gifts to loved ones. These ideas are especially amazing for anyone who loves gemstones and minerals, natural oils and scents, nature-themed gifts, or anyone who is just drawn to a little bit of magic in their life. Or, you can pick up something for yourself... I won't tell!
1. Sage Goddess "Vanilla Moon" Perfume
A few days ago, I was in a pub and a waitress came up to me, clearly eager to talk to me. She asked me what perfume I was wearing because she thought it smelled amazing. The truth was, I wasn't wearing a perfume, or so I thought... but I had put on a sweater over my blouse and realized that the perfume I'd worn last time I had that sweater on still clung to it. It was Vanilla Moon from Sage Goddess. Aside from Sage Goddess' jaw-dropping collection of gems and jewelry, her perfumes are, in my opinion, the true treasures found in her shop. The proprietor claims she creates every scent herself, and each one is made with intention and purpose. They are unlike anything I've ever smelled. Most are blended with essential oils, and I find the scents seem clear and distinct, unlike store-bought perfumes which are normally a hazy fog of a hundred different, indeterminate smells. By far my favorite scent is this one. It's a true vanilla cologne: deep, silky and sultry. When I first put this scent on, it was sweet and warm and buttery, but it quickly settles into a deep, almost woodsy scent that clings (in a good way, because I never want this scent to fade). I have never found a "non-fake" smelling vanilla until this one. It is truly amazing, although its richness and strength is not for the faint of heart. (Side note: it also blends beautifully with her Magica Rosa perfume!)
2. Glass Essential Oil Diffuser
I am in love with my essential oil diffuser. Actually, I'm on my second one, because my first one stopped working for no apparent reason and I was devastated. I had absolutely started to depend on it every day. Blending essential oils and diffusing them into my home office has helped me tremendously: it helps me relax or feel energized, depending on my mood and the essential oils I use. This essential oil diffuser is not the one that broke on me - it's the one I recently purchased as a replacement, and I love its beautiful glass body and shape.
3. Anthropologie Geode Coaster
I love that rocks and minerals are so trendy right now - they are popping up in all kinds of home decor settings! Every time I step into Anthropologie, I lust over these sliced mineral coasters. My favorite is the amethyst. I can't justify the splurge on myself, but these would be a beautiful gift for any gemstone lover or host/hostess.
4. New Look Star Tights
Okay, I'll admit something, I love patterned tights and leggings. Just because 90% of the time I wear black ones, doesn't mean I don't have a deep appreciation for (and small collection of) patterned leg garments. These tights with a little star pattern are so darling. I would love these in my Christmas stocking!
5. Thermal Winter Dress by Elven Forest
I have been lusting over the dresses, tunics and tops in this Etsy store for a while now. Even though an all-out fantasy/folkloric fashion aesthetic isn't completely me (though I love it on others), I would love to own at least one or two pieces from this shop because they look like they are beautifully made and very uniquely and creatively designed. My favorite piece by far is this thermal winter dress that looks cozy, practical and stylish for tossing over leggings for a cold, snowy day. Winter fashion is hard to pull off in a beautiful and creative AND practical way (and that's so important when you're like me and live in a climate where it's winter at least 6 full months of the year), but this shop seems to have managed it. I'm saving my pennies for this one!
6. Nails Inc. Unicorn Nail Polish Duo
This nail polish has been basically sold out ever since its release, and was definitely all the rage this past spring and summer. It is still going to be difficult to find as it is frequently sold out on Sephora, but it's worth being on a waitlist for. I received my duo in September after waiting for it for months, and I've enjoyed it so much. There's a shimmery golden sparkle polish that is gorgeous on its own (and would be great for the holidays and winter), as well as a soft rainbow iridescent color that is great layered over a pastel base. They will definitely make anyone's nails magical!
What are you hoping to give (and maybe receive) this season?
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