gift guide 2019

This year has flown by. It’s insane. I think, of all the years I’ve been alive, this is the year that has consisted of the most change. For better or worse, everything has changed. If you asked me a year ago where I’d be I would have stared at you like you were the devil. It was a question that freaked me out. I had no idea where I’d be or what I’d be doing or who I’d still be in touch with. In the past year I’ve graduated college, began and ended friendships and relationships, moved to Alabama to live with my grandfather, started, ended, and searched for jobs. I’ve cried, I’ve laughed, and I’ve cried while laughing. It’s been a lot, but mostly in the best way possible. Not to get cheesy or dramatic but I think the holidays are so special because it’s the time of year where we reflect upon the past and make goals for the future. It’s kind of like a reset and a revamp if you will. Plus, it’s nice to be surrounded by family and friends.
I really love the holiday season if you can’t tell.

That being said, the holidays can be stressful when it comes to gifts. I know we all like to believe that the holidays aren’t just about giving and receiving gifts, but we all know deep down that they are a big part of it. It’s how we show our appreciation and thanks to those that we love. And, I don’t know about you, but I love to give people the most perfect present ever. I’ve compiled a set of gifts that I think would be perfect to give any woman in your life. Whether it be for your mom, sister, cousin, aunt, grandma, etc. There’s a range of prices and reasons in this guide, but I hope that they can at least inspire a gift for someone that you love + maybe make it a little easier on you as well.

Happy shopping!
chloe

College Gift Guide

I feel like all I ever write about these days is college related. But you know what? It’s pretty relevant to my life as a, wait for it, wait for it…. college student. 

So, that being said, here’s yet another college related post. However, this one has a holiday spin to it. 

I think one of the best parts of the holiday season is gift giving. It’s so fun to pick out that special gift for that special friend that you know they’re just going to love. It screams “them” to you. And when they love it as much as you think they will, ugh, it’s just so rewarding. 

I also think one of the worst parts of the holiday season is gift giving. As much as I want to buy every single one of my friends the most perfect and dazzling present, I can barely afford a hamburger for myself. 

How do you show someone you care about them without spending your entire life savings? I’m not really sure to be honest. If you want that question answered, I’m sorry, I won’t be the person who does that for you. 

But, don’t you worry. I have a solution. There’s this dope website called UncommonGoods that’s essentially an online marketplace for artists to sell their products. Not only do you purchase a product, but you’re supporting an artist and buying a story. They also were created in harmony with the environment without harm to animals or people and have non-profit organizations. I think the one I’m most passionate about is RAIN which is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. Pretty cool if you ask this college student. 

That being said, they sent me a few of their products from their already created (amazing) gift guides and I decided to go with the college student theme: alcohol and home decor. Obviously fitting for a 21 year old. 

Whether you're in a house, apartment, or a dorm, there's nothing quite like having a doormat to make you feel like you're back in your childhood home. I know that might sound so wacky but for real, they really make your place cozier (and cleaner if you actually use it to wipe your feet and not just as decoration.)

My friends and I drink a lot of wine. A lot. A lot. Hence the empty bottles -- it's hard to find a closed bottle left so excuse the photographs. That being said, this wine rack is phenomenal. It can be used as a holder for pretty much any number of bottles. Definitely a great gift for the college gal (or guy) if you ask me. 

My friends always poke fun at me for being the "rainbows and unicorns" kind of happiness. I see the positives of every situation almost to a fault. But I thought this stamp was a great way to liven up any piece of paper. It's just so cute and I haven't had anything like it since I was much younger. I feel like it's a great stocking stuffer or a gift for a basket type deal. That pink tho. Amazing. 

Home decor is tricky in college, especially when you live with other people. I have five other roommates and while we all get along, we definitely have very different styles (clothes, music, home decor, etc.) However, this light box is super cool because it changes color (aka aesthetic) and you can constantly change out what it says, Having a holiday party? Perfect, change the words. Someones birthday? Perfect, change the words. Inspirational quote? Yeah, you know, change the words. 

If you're struggling with the holiday gift scene, definitely be sure to checkout Uncommon Good's remade guides. They have one for pretty much any occasion you can think of.

What are you giving to your friends this year?

Thanks for reading! 
xox,
Chloe

gift guide : on a college student budget

When I was in high school I never believed the whole “college budget” thing. The thing was, I didn’t understand college finances. I mean, there’s a Starbucks five minutes walking from my dorm. There’s a huge fancy mall just a short bus ride away. And don’t even get me started on all of the delicious restaurants that can be delivered thanks to an on campus delivery service. College life is easy, but I’m spending way more money than I ever expected. Next year I’m sure to be a broke college student.

However, with the holidays coming up, it’s time to buy gifts for all of my friends. I have always been the kind of person that is obsessed with gift giving. I love brainstorming what to give who and then finding that perfect item. It’s somewhat of a scavenger hunt with such a rewarding ending. I’ve compiled a list of gifts that I want to get my friends and they all happen to be under $25 which is awesome. 

Let me know in the comments below what you’re giving and/or what’s on your list! I’d love to know! 

mug / candle / socks / banner / earrings / pouch / iphone charger

Thanks for reading.
xox
chloe