Holiday Gift Guide

As the weather gets colder and colder and we flip the pages of our calendars, it's time to start thinking about gift giving. It can be overwhelming to come up with something for each and every person on your list (or even coming up with who to put on that list! Do I need to buy something for my brother's girlfriend? Are they even still together?). But before you resort to buying 30 Starbucks gift cards, check out some of our suggestions for cute, personal and (mostly) easy holiday gift ideas.

Socks

No one, I mean no one, can resist the allure of a cashmere sock. Warm and luxurious, they are perfect for lounging around on cozy mornings with family and friends, and look fantastic peaking out from the top of a boot. For the young and adventurous, try an over-the-knee style, but for Dad or Grandma, stick with a classic crew style. We have some awesome options available online.

 Food

This is a gift that is guaranteed to be enjoyed (and won't sit around in a drawer gathering dust). We especially love food gifts with a personal touch. The Food Network  and Buzzfeed have some great "in a jar" recipes that you can personalize with what's inside, and how you decorate the outside (By Stephanie Lynn has some good decorating ideas if you're stuck). If you're not the best cook, making a personalized gift basket is easy and fun (and less likely to cause a fire). Buy a basket at Goodwill, fill it with some tissue paper or rafia, and fill it up with foods that meet a theme. One year, I made a spicy basket with hot sauce, salsa, spicy dried sausage and chili peppers, though the possibilities are endless: sweet, savory, salty, chocolate, boozy. Have fun with it!

Scarves/Gloves/Hats

Although it helps to have some sense of a person's style before giving these keep-warm gifts, they tend to be one-size-fits-most, and going with a simple solid or a kitch-y holiday pattern will go over well with almost anyone. Scarves are my go-to last minute gift for those distant relatives I wasn't expecting.We carry some cute ones here at Village for both men and women, though if you're feeling adventurous (and crafty!) you could always try and make some!

Jewelry

This gift requires a little more finesse. Does the lady (or gentleman) in question like big, or smaller pieces? Simple, or more ornate? Do they wear earrings, or necklaces more often? If you think you can swing it, jewelry is the type of gift that can really wow. If you're around Ashland, drop by and check out some of the local and semi local artists we have in stock, if not, check on Etsy for beautiful handmade pieces that will set you apart from the Zales and Kay Jeweler's crowd.

Bags

Like jewelry, bags require a little more thought. When giving a bag, think about the other bags the person owns. Do they carry huge purses all the time (guilty!), or are they more of a clutch person? Are they the type that needs a pocket for everything, or are they more dump-and-go (also guilty)? For the gentlemen in your life, perhaps they could use a new briefcase or messenger bag. Bags are particularly good gifts for students of any age, as they need something to carry all those books and papers around in (but can't always afford something that the handles won't tear off of every 6 months).

Books

Although I have a terrible time picking out book for myself at bookstores (or online), I love receiving books as gifts. If you have even the vaguest notion of that person's interests, you can do a quick online search for books about "_____". Gardening, painting, farming, finance...you'll find libraries about any of them. Pick out one that seems particularly relevant, or, if you're unsure, just pick one that got good reviews. Of course, the New York Time Best-Sellers List is a safe bet as well. If you're out on the town and willing to spend a little more time shopping, head to your local bookstore and ask for suggestions. Supporting your local economy and getting a super personal present, now that is spreading the holiday spirit.

Good luck out there!

Love,

Jessie + The Village Shoes Team

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Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is coming up, as always, it's the perfect opportunity to make our moms feel as special as they truly are. If you happen to be short on ideas for a great gift for mom, look no further! I found cool items from Anthropologie, Target, Uncommon Goods, and other online stores that are totally mom (and budget) friendly. Check it out:

Plan a picnic for your mom and surprise her with this nifty Picnic Beverage Stake! No more worrying about setting your glass down on uneven ground. (Pottery Barn $19)

 What mom wouldn't love these Kiran Luster Loungers? Perfect for enjoying tea on the patio. (Anthropologie $68)

Look! It's a giant outdoor bowl stand thingie! It's for chips! Okay, okay, it's a Canterbury Stake Planter. Get mom a couple of sets and some flowers, and line a walkway with them! (Target 2 for $37.19)

Help mom organize her favorite lipstick colors with the Vestige Lipstick Holder. Help yourself while you're at it! To take this gift to the next level, pick out 6 colors from her favorite make-up line that you know she'll love. (Anthropologie $28)

Make your mom feel extra pretty while getting ready in this Blushed Rosebed Robe. (Anthropologie $88)

This one of a kind pendant features hand an antique watch face with a mini painting of blooming purple flowers! (Village Shoes Apoidea Projects $129)

Your mom will love this stoneware Farmers Market Basket that's perfect for serving fruits and veggies when entertaining! (Anthropologie $20)

This merino wool/cashmere blend Sweater Cape will keep your mom warm on a cool summer night. (Garnet Hill $188)

This lightweight Gauzy Cotton Blanket by Eillen Fisher is a "fabulous lite weight blanket that will be perfect when the temps of summer finally arrive. Perfect for those of us that just like to have something over us on those warm summer nights." (Garnet Hill $98-$198)

Help turn your mom's yard into a Moroccan paradise with these fun Casablanca Lanterns! The design will make for a pretty shadow play as well! (Z Gallerie $7.95-$45.95)

How pretty is this Jellyfish Necklace? "Enchanting and unexpected, this elegant recycled sterling silver jellyfish is hand cast from a tiny sea urchin shell and accented by a cluster of 23 tranquil apatite stones. Handmade in Hawaii by artist Catherine Weitzman." (Uncommon Goods $85)

Help mom eat comfortably anywhere with this cool Ooma Bowl! (Uncommon Goods $25)

Wine Pairing Towels? Mom will love knowing what works with what in a flash! Two towels- one for red wine and the other for white. (Uncommon Goods $25)

Which item do you think your mom would like? You know your mom best, so pick something out that's her style, unique, and perhaps something fun she'd never think to buy for herself. If purchasing a gift isn't an option, a pretty card works too. Oh, and of course a Village Shoes gift certificate makes an awesome gift as well.


Happy Mother's Day!

post by Amanda

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Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Him and Her

Valentine's Day doesn't have to be all roses and chocolates, ya know? Skip going overboard on the romance this year, and choose a gift that's practical and playful. Here's what I came up with...

Gift Ideas for Her:

This Spreading Landscape Throw from Anthropologie will add a fun pop of color to your home decor, and will be perfect for a snuggle session on a cold night. $168

A VS Gift Certificate is ALWAYS a fantastic gift!

How cute are these Dining Room Measuring Spoons? These would make for an adorable gift for a woman who loves to bake or likes tiny spoons. $24

Gift Ideas for Him:

Chances are your fella can use a new pair of shoes. The James Crepe Chukka by Frye is perfect for everyday casual wear. $248

This leather cardholder from Tanner Goods is perfect for business cards, or a few credit cards and some cash. The high quality leather will only get more interesting as it ages from handling. $65

"A swashbuckling Bourbon that requires a whip and a chair." Uh, sounds like any man (or woman!) could use a glass of Booker's Bourbon on a boring day. $50

Bonus Treats:

Custom made chopsticks make for a unique gift, huh? You don't have to go with engraved initials...maybe choose a risqué message instead! $20

If you truly love someone, you'd make sure their pizza leftovers have safe transportation. This Collapsible Pizza-To-Go Box ensures your honey's pizza slices remain unmangled, and un-fused by the time they're ready to enjoy it! $14

I had no idea highlighter pencils exist, but apparently they do. These Eco Highlighters come in a variety of colors and look...well, fun! Oh, and you can annoy your lover by writing them notes with them...strain their eyes like they (at times) strain your heart. $9

For the love of God, do not send your child to school with boxes of these Risqué Valentine Hearts to pass out to their classmates!! These hearts have messages like 'cute butt, beg 4 it, and strip 4 me,' which makes them, as advertised, shamefully delicious! $3

post by Amanda

 

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Holiday Gift Ideas for a Manly Man

I came across a website a while ago called Uncrate.com that prides itself on providing info about ‘The Best Gear for Guys.’ This website is AWESOME! It features outdoor gear, technology, style tips, grooming products, and pretty much anything else you can think of. They even provide you with a link that directs you to a site where you can purchase the item.

I mean, a Wave Cave?! Some of this stuff I doubt I’d ever come across in real life (or on the internet) if it weren’t for this site. I also love the furniture they post. What man doesn’t want an Aviator Chair to sit on while sipping on some Woodford Reserve?

One of my favorite things that I discovered through Uncrate is Moonshine: A Gentleman’s Cologne. Having “a woodsy aroma with hints of spice: including notes of black pepper, tobacco, leather, gin, and patchouli,” this cologne seems like the perfect gift for any man. To be honest, who doesn’t want their man smelling like a very relaxed James Bond while vacationing at his cabin?

Now ladies, on Twitter, I asked one of the founders, Charlie Holderness, if he has heard of any women wearing his cologne, and he responded, “Yes, we’ve actually had several women buy it for themselves. It’s a very subtle scent, not too overpowering, but it smells fantastic.” If Moonshine sounds like something you’d want to wear, GO FOR IT…I think I just might.

So, seriously, if you’re on the hunt for a cool, unique gift for any man in your life, definitely check out Uncrate.com for loads of inspiration. If anything, the website is fun to browse through when you’re bored.

UPDATE: I forgot to acknowledge the fellas that read our blog! If you guys are looking for gift ideas for the ladies in your life, just stop by Village Shoes. Chances are, she already has the next pair of shoes she wants picked out.

photo courtesy of uncrate.com

post by Amanda

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