20+ gifts for the hard to shop for but dying for a treat men on your list...

Native Union USB Cable, Daniel Wellington Watch, Land By Land Travel Candle, Tivoli Audio Speaker, J.W. Hulme Co. Key Fob, Marshall Speaker, Etude Studio Hat & Mr. Kim Beanie via East Dane

NPW Dominoes Set, Wallace & Barnes Wool Blanket, Graf & Lantz Pouches, J.Crew Leather Flask, J.Crew Woodsman Sweater, Mast Brothers Vanilla & Smoke Chocolate Bar, Izola Handkerchief Set, J.Crew Lambswool Scarf (30% off with code HOLIDAYTREAT), J.Crew Leather Work Gloves (30% off with code HOLIDAYTREAT), Rochester Shoe Tree Co. Leather Care Kit, Los Poblanos Gift Set, The Hill-Side Card Holder & Montague Leather Satchel

Aren't men the hardest on your list to shop for? I always have the most trouble picking out gifts that Mr. Jackson won't return (oops... that's happened on a few separate occasions). Add a father, brother, grandpa and bro-friends to the list and it starts to get a little overwhelming! My strategy when tackling the choosier sex is usually the same. Splurge on good-quality necessities (like a sweater, gloves and personal care items) that he might otherwise save on. Men will almost always choose practicality over frivolity (unless we're talking gadgets, then all bets are off) and why not beat him to the punch with styles you can actually stand?

p.s. Check out my 2013 gift guide for the fellas here.

shop gifts for him

other festive posts:
the holiday edit
how to survive the holidays
holiday gift guide: decor
holiday gift guide: littles
holiday gift guide: for her

shop all of my holiday picks via pinterest

p.p.s. I am participating in an ongoing partnership with Shopbop & East Dane, however, all opinions and words are my own. It is my policy to only select goods and companies that I truly believe in and wish to share with you. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Chelsea & The City possible.

bungalow play home, hoodie, julia child, little women, cubebot, ankle boots,
wooden blocks, moose hat, crown, moccasins, buffalo print, little lamb

Holiday shopping for little ones (Lorelai included) is so much fun! For some reason, everything is sweeter in tiny sizes and Christmas is just so magical when seen through the eyes of a child tearing through paper and tossing aside ribbon. Since Santa will be dropping off all of the show-stopping presents this year, it's up to me to package up the quirky trinkets and cold-weather gear. I'm always looking for excuses to pass on the princesses and incorporate a few more design-y toys (like that incredible play house and beautifully illustrated classic novels!) into our home. After all, if they're going to litter the floor 24/7, they'd better be cute. Right?!

p.s. Check out my 2013 gift guide for tots here.

shop children's favorites

other festive posts:
the holiday edit
how to survive the holidays
gift guide: decor

shop all of my holiday picks via pinterest

handwoven basket, stocking, brush tree farm, felt mistletoe, candle, wreath, leather ribbon, throw, mistletoe card, mug

Happy holidays! For me, Christmas shopping and decorating for the season are my favorite parts of the year. Since no occasion would be complete without a gift guide or two, I'm beyond excited to kick off the next few weeks of present picks with my favorite ways to deck the halls!

There is nothing like having a little greenery around the house and this year I've decided "real tree or nothing!". The scent of sap and spruce wafting through the air on Christmas morning, mingling with whiffs of cinnamon rolls and scotch tape  is one of those memories you just shouldn't go without (sorry plastic trees, you're not for me). A graphic basket instead of a tree skirt, cozy throws & stockings and a few rustic touches will be rounding out our holiday decor this year.

p.s. Check out my holiday decor guide from 2013 here!

shop holiday decor

other festive posts:
the holiday edit
how to survive the holidays

shop all of my holiday picks via pinterest