If you haven’t visited the day 1 post yet and entered the contest, don’t miss out!
The holiday season is one of my favorite times of year — for obvious reasons. Each year though I find myself continuously stumped about what gifts to get for some of my friends and family. From now til that magical morning, Effortless Anthropologie will be featuring gift ideas to help inspire. And because this is the season of giving you’ll have a chance to win a few gifts for yourself too.
So you got talked into the white elephant gift exchange at work. Maybe you’re participating in a yankee swap with your book club. Or perhaps a co-worker or not-so-close friend surprised you with a gift and now you’re on the hook to return the gesture. Eep!
Before you run out and grab one of those word magnet poetry sets let’s think practically. It’s winter for half the Earth. That means it’s cold. Who likes cold? I mean besides crazy January babies like me. This post features gifts that will warm your recipient’s darling little hearts.
Fair isle is back in a big way this year and I couldn’t be happier. We mostly think of this pattern in sweaters but it’s making its way onto many items this year. If knitting sweaters isn’t exactly your forte why not splurge on a nice pair of fair isle gloves for someone instead? These particular gloves from Anthropologie come in three shades and believe me, they’re warm. The length on this set guarantees no wrist exposure and make your giftee think happy thoughts of you every time they see their hands. Or wait, I’ll do you one better…
…for anyone who works in a cold office environment, how about a pair of fingerless fair isle gloves? Now we’re talking. Your giftee will be able to type on their keyboard and preserve their delicate phalanx bones. This beautiful pair above from Lands’ End Canvas is nearly sold out online but I’ve seen them in Sears stores, some of which carry the line.
Fair-Isle-Formal Gloves ($48) from Anthropologie, top
Women’s Fairisle Convertible Gloves ($35) at Canvas by Lands End, above
I can’t say I really get why but people go NUTS over the Starbucks cups. For whatever reason these clear acrylic tumblers seem to be the most popular. Personally I’d be afraid of accidentally throwing this out like any clear drink cup. Several of my friends swear by these though so the cup clearly makes a great general purpose gift. I know it’s not exactly the season for iced drinks. But right now there’s a version in-store with a striped straw that the kids are going crazy for. Far be it from me to deny anyone their logo-emblazed acrylic tumbler. The one above is grande sized but venti is also available. And if you’re truly concerned for season-appropriateness get them one of those thermoses instead. I have one. I love it.
Starbucks Acrylic Tumbler in grande ($28) and venti ($34) sizes
Silver Bullet Coffee Thermos ($25)
Nothing drives me crazier in the winter than my dry, cracked lips. I suppose you could just drop some good old Chapstick into the secret Santa box. But do you really want to face the dirty looks you’ll get when someone opens that disappointing surprise? Stretch your purse strings for something a bit more delicious.
Fresh makes some fantastic lip protectants. Their sugar line is free of those nasty chemicals of many makeup products and in my experience it works really well. It tastes good too which is admittedly dangerous for the longevity of the product. Still this set is perfect for a thoughtful but inexpensive gift. Sephora is carrying two Fresh gift sets right now. The one above has both the basic clear formula and a lip tint that’s just about universally flattering. I tried it at a Club Monaco/Fresh event last week and while I feared the look of the rosé stick it looked great on my lips. The other set? You have a chance to win it below.
Sephora Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Duo ($23)
Sephora Fresh Sugar Rush Set ($28)
Sephora’s other Fresh gift set includes selections from the Sugar line, including the lip treatment, Sugar body cream and a small bottle of eau de parfum. What can I say? I’m a sucker for variety. What I like about this set is that you’re almost certain to have at least one item in here your recipient likes. For someone you don’t know too well your bases should be covered — unless they’re allergic.
One lucky community member will win the Fresh Sugar Rush Set!
Here’s how to enter:
Just leave a comment on this post or via email to the EA contest inbox to enter. You must follow Effortless Anthropologie to enter. To become a follower click the “FOLLOW” button in the Kindred Spirits section of the sidebar.
The not-so fine print: You are entering to win one (1) Fresh Sugar Rush Set. This contest is not sponsored by, endorsed by or affiliated with Sephora, Fresh, Anthropologie or Urban Outfitters. This contest is void where prohibited. This prize is not transferable. This prize may not be exchanged for cash. Once contacted, the winner has 72 hours to claim the prize. International entrants welcome!
The contest will close on Sunday, December 12, 2010, at 5 PM ET. The winner will be announced on Monday, December 13, 2010. Good luck to all!
