Ah the stress of finding the perfect gift for loved ones. 
I am sure we can all relate when I say that gift giving is the most stressful part of the holidays. Why? Well I think it is the amount of pressure we put on ourselves for finding the perfect gift. When you find a gift for someone and give it to them that is beyond perfect you are setting the bar high for the following year. For example, last year we went to Ireland on a family vacation so I surprised my family with a book that I did of all our favorite pictures. It was a lot of work however it meant the world to my parents (they cried!) and this year I’m like great, nothing will ever compare to that.
Let’s stay focus Elle. Back to the point of this post, I wanted to share with you all my favorite gifts that I’ve received over the years and hopes that it gives you some gift ideas for your parents, friends, siblings, you name it! And stay tuned at the end of this post where I will be sharing my wishlist for this year.
Favorites:
By far my favorite gift that I’ve ever received was my MacBook Pro that I received in high school. And I think the best part was how it was given to me. My dad put an apple in my stocking and I had no clue what it meant. He told me to open up the TV console because he saw something (reference to the Christmas Story) and it was my MacBook. Computers make such great gifts and since my old MacBook died, last year for a birthday/Christmas gift, I received MacBook Air which I love just as much. Tech gifts can be expensive but they last 4+ years so it is definitely a good investment.
Last year my parents surprised me with a new watch. I’ve been asking for a watch for about a year because my previous watch broke. I was devastated and surprised how much I relied on my watch to tell time. All my friends make fun of me for checking the time on my watch instead of my phone but who cares. Watches are such classic pieces and this piece will last me for 20+ years.
Another great gift is a package to your favorite workout studio. Last year (or was it the year before?) my parents got me a pack of classes at Soul Cycle. They know how much I love going and the best part was that the package doesn’t expire for a year so there is plenty of time to use the classes. Makes such a good gift for a friend or sibling!
I go through makeup phases where I’m really into new products. Makeup is so expensive so I tend to add some items on my list that I’m running out of. For instance my staples are this primer, CC cream, and favorite lipstick. These make great stocking stuffers! Speaking of stocking stuffers I always buy my mom a nail polish and a face mask at the local CVS since I’m usually scrambling last minute to find things. She loves it and it is something that we do together when I’m visiting them.
Okay this is a weird one but my mom always wraps up a pack of socks from Costco and tights. I am notorious for ripping my tights after wearing them once so there never are enough tights in the world for me. My socks always get brown as the year goes on so a new pack always comes in handy and I can throw out my pairs from the year.
I’ve never been someone who asked for clothing for Christmas. I’ve always been pretty picky about people buying clothes for me so if I do add it to my list it is usually a piece that I already own but in a different color. Think like a cashmere sweater, a button down, or a pair of leggings. Am I the only one who is like this? I’m pretty sure that I am.
Wishlist:
As you get older, you realize your wishlist becomes smaller and smaller. It is so hard to think of things that I “want” because since I have a career where I get paid I feel like I can buy my own things. I can’t believe I just typed that. Anyways, now I am asking for just practical pieces. For example, I need a new bra. I added this bra to my wishlist because I’ve heard such great things. I’ve asked for another Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s gift card because who doesn’t love free groceries. I added a silk pillowcase because #needtostopthewrinkles and a jade roller which I’m pretty certain I will not be getting as my parents do not shop on Amazon (weird I know). As a loyal Reese Witherspoon fan (she’s my idol), you bet I added her new book. What I also threw on the list was the new apple watch. I know I was just talking about last year receiving my actual watch however I feel like I need the apple watch. I don’t know what it is but I’m fully drinking the Apple Kool-Aid right now. My favorite feature is that it can track your heart rate and you can send the EKG results to your doctor. Long story short but I had an abnormal heart rate and tend to faint when it beats so fast. It would be great to capture that “episode” and send it to my doctor to review. I also got accepted into the NYC Half Marathon in March (found out last night!) so this will definitely keep me accountable. TBD on if that is a good enough reason for Santa.
What are your favorite gifts that you’ve received? What are you asking for this year?
Thanks for reading Elle’s Edit. If you have any topics that you would like for me to discuss, feel free to email me at elizabeth.lane.dooley@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you! xo
