'TIS THE SEASON ~ HOLIDAY GIFTING GUIDE

It’s that time of year when our thoughts turn to generosity and gifting those in our family, circle of friends, coworkers, volunteers, service providers, etc.  It’s also nice to consider being generous by gifting ourselves with something special.  For this year’s gifting guide, I’ve included some of my favorite gift items for you to consider.  Is this a definitive list?  No, but it’s a great start for getting inspired.  Enjoy!

~ My Top Gifting Picks ~

Crabtree & Evelyn ~ I love the holidays and I absolutely adore Crabtree & Evelyn, their products and festive packaging.  This year, I had the pleasure of experiencing their Noël Fragranced Candle (a classic seasonal aroma), a decorative tin filled with travel sizes of deeply hydrating Avocado, Olive & Basil Hand Therapy; a festive see-through tin with travel sizes of seasonally scented moisturizing Hand Therapy in Frosted Fruits, Iced Rose, and Spiced Ginger; and, a Victorian-era inspired decorative box of full sizes of Rosewater Bath & Shower Gel and Body Lotion; Rosewater is one of my all-time-favorite aromas.  Each beautiful Victorian-era inspired gift container is reusable.  http://www.crabtree-evelyn.com

Das Boom Everything Bar, Everything Wash, and Everywhere Lotion ~ For the guy on your list, consider this line of male-centric, gentle personal care products that are naturally scented in manly aromas like Bourbon & Leather, Yuzu, Shiso & Saffron, and Bay Rum, Smoke & Dirt; the scents are definitely a guy-thing that'll make personal care time enjoyable.  http://dasboomind.com/home

Jurlique Nutri-Define with Biosome5, Multi-Correcting Day Cream, Superior Retexturising Facial Serum, and Rejuvenating Overnight Cream are the latest anti-aging products from this iconic all-natural skincare line that are perfect for those concerned with, or dealing with, age-challenged skin.  Biosome5 is a proprietary formula of five ingredients that target specific age-challenged skin issues; ingredients include Rosemary, Horseradish, Mulberry, Peppermint and Glycogen, which penetrates the skin’s layers; additional key ingredients include rapeseed oil (essential fatty acids, high Omega 3,6 and 9), Squalane oil (water loss inhibitor), peach extract, Vitamin E, licorice root extract, ginseng root extract, and shea butter.  Overall, my skin performed better with noticeable signs of improvement in dry-prone areas, firmness, and suppleness, while diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; products were non-greasy and absorbed well; hydration levels remained consistent throughout the day.  The Nutri-Define products also improved circulation, making for a healthier appearance of my skin.  Jurlique consistently delivers beautiful results with beautiful skincare solutions.  http://www.jurlique.com

 

Jane Iredale ~ It wouldn’t be the holidays without this iconic and eponymous brand of original mineral makeup and new gift solutions that deliver beauty, healthy skin, and glamour.  This year, I had the pleasure of experiencing Jane’s Signature Gilded Collection, which consists of three 24-Karat Gold Dust in Gold, Bronze, and Silver perfectly suited for a dusting of shimmer to eyes, hair, face, nails, or body; a beautiful be-jeweled refillable compact in deep orchid, Electric, which includes a protective pouch; and, a real stunning eye shadow collection box, Smoke & Mirrors Smoky Eyes, which consists of eight beautiful colors, a mirror, and double tipped applicator; best of all, there’s also a detailed booklet with diagrams and directions on how to achieve different looks.  https://janeiredale.com

LA Indulgence ~ These darling bathing caps not only keep the tresses dry and protect the fragile hair from damaging salt, or chlorine while you indulging in the seawater or pool, they also add a nice touch of himsical fashion.  http://www.laindulgence.com

Paddywax Soy Candle in Woodland ~ I love this candle’s aromas of fir, mistletoe and mint, all evocative of the best of the season.  This line offers an extensive array of gift ideas.  http://www.paddywax.com

World Vision Catalog ~ This is gifting with a heart, since all purchases go to worthwhile causes throughout the world.  Whether it’s food, shelter, water, educational, individuals all over the world benefit from these catalog purchases.  This exquisite Royal Silk Scarf is hand-spun and dyed by Vietnamese artisans; the brilliant colors are sure to accentuate any outfit, adding a fashionable accent and pop of color to any outfit.  http://donate.worldvision.org/ways-to-give/gift-catalog  http://donate.worldvision.org/royal-silk-scarf-1

~ More to Consider ~

Darphin ~ Gifts for that special someone on your list who identifies with being a bit extravagant with their skin and body care products.  http://www.darphin.com/index.tmpl

Kat Burki Tubéreuse Essential Eau de Parfum is an elegant and heady scent, which elevates the aroma of rose to new levels; the scent is fresh, sophisticated, and never cloying.  http://katburki.com

La Bella Donna ~ This is another beautiful line of mineral makeup that’s healthy for the skin; product colors go from natural to glam all year long, without fading or caking.  http://www.labelladonna.com

Gift Cards ~ These are great for personal care items, spa treatments at a local day spa, salon services, etc.  Use your imagination to come up with the perfect gift that gives the recipient the option to select whatever they want the most or will enjoy the most.  Personally, I love gift cards because it gives me limitless options in getting what I really need.

~ In Closing ~

Whatever the reason, whatever the season, give generously from the heart to those who have meant the most to you…family, friends, etc.  Don’t forget the simplest of gifts, either ~ like an utterance of gratitude, volunteering, donating to a local or other charitable cause, spending time with loved ones, or giving a huge hug and kiss to a loved one, or someone special in your life. 

~ To you and yours, Merry Christmas and Happiest of Holidays ~

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to take care of yourself and those you love.

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN is a recognized expert in the industry, and regularly covers issues that include business, management, operations, customer care, treatments, products, and trends. In the 1990s, she authored an extensive "Glossary of Spa Terminologies" and holds two copyright registrations.  Consumer and trade publications have also interviewed her as an expert.  She also conducted an extensive nationally broadcasted interview tour on aspects of creating an at-home spa, interior design, music, stress and time management.  Her work has been published extensively in print and digital in both consumer and trade publications.  In addition to writing, reviewing and being interviewed as an expert, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker.  She also served on the International Advisory Board for the former EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness; the Advisory Board was comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and spa.  She also served as a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz.  Her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Tripatini.  Be sure to read her food, wine and culinary digital magazine, TERRY’S SECOND HELPINGS.  You can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com, or terry.herman@gmail.com.

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(Introductory photo from brandthunder.com; all other photo credits as represented by the specific brand.)