Currently No. 4

My 26th birthday is this Friday and I'm finding that my taste is generally getting more expensive. I tend to need to budget for multiple months to buy anything I bookmark and obsess over. But in general, I'm also finding that the best presents for your birthday are experiences, dinner with my parents or a movie with my sister. It's just nice to spend time together.

So, without further ado, here is my ultimate birthday wishlist:

(1) Eyeko Alexa Chung Eye Do Mascara Liquid Eyeliner Set (2) Wilfred Élision Dress

(3) Miele S2121 Olympus Canister Vacuum Cleaner (4) AllSaints Cargo Leather Biker Jacket

(5) Cocktail Kingdom Ice Tapper (6) Comme des Garçons Long Zip Wallet

10 Experiences to Give

Instead of gift guides this year, I thought it would be fun to think of 10 experiences to give.  Material things are great and this blog is mostly filled with them, but experiences create lasting memories, perfect to share for the holiday season.

1. Tickets to a Ballet or Show
Sometimes tickets to a nice ballet or play can be pricey, but the quality of the show and the experience usually outweigh the cost.  Seeing Broadway shows in NYC with my mom was a highlight of the trip.

(Artists of Ballet West in George Balanchine's "Serenade" // Photo by Luke Isley)

2. Movie Date
I love seeing movies with my sister or my mom.  It's nice to spend some time together and you'll be able to discuss the movie while catching up.

3. Gift Certificate for a Class
A Tai Chi class, a jewelry making class, or a cooking class. Sign someone up for a class they have been meaning to take, or a skill they have been wanting to learn.  It's an easy way to show support; it's even better if you are able to take with them and share the experience.

(Tai Chi Class)

4. Skydiving
If you have a friend with an adventurous spirit, there is nothing more exciting than leaping out of a plane, maybe a tandem dive to start though. . .

5. Dinner at a Nice Restaurant
There may be a foodie hiding in your budget-conscious friend.  A lot of people don't splurge on food and what better way to make memories than over a nice dinner.

(The Salt Lake Tribune - Pago)

6. Tickets to an Art Gallery
When a favorite artist or an interesting show comes to a nearby gallery, don't miss it.  Grab a friend and get some inspiration together.

7. Drybar
It's a definite splurge to pay for a good blowout, but the results are amazing and they get to pick from a menu that includes: the Straight Up, the Manhattan, the Cosmo, or the Mai Tai.  It would be a great pick-me-up.

(Drybar)

8. Organize a Hike or Picnic
A lot of people like to get outdoors, but they don't like to do the planning.  A little research to find a good trail or taking the time to pack a picnic can make for a great day with friends or family.

9. Go to the Flea Market
Getting up early and making the trek to a flea market is not for the weak.  Gear up with a friend and find some treasures together.  My mom and I are definitely planning a trip to the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena.

(15 Flea Market Tips // Emily Henderson)

10. Weekend Trip
While long vacations can be luxurious, a short stay can be exhilarating  hop in the car, or snag cheap airfare and get away.  A quick trip allow for spontaneity and experiences are usually more fun when unplanned.

via Oh Happy Day

Gift Guide: Under $100

Here is the last installment of gift guides for the year.  This one is for the big spenders.  (This coming from someone without a job at the moment.)


I hope you all have fun finding presents for your loved ones.  It's one of my favorite things about the season.

Row 1:

Fjällräven Classic Kanken Backpack, $65

Zara Knit Clutch Wallet, $89.90

Terrain Antiqued Bird Mirror, $98

Row 2:

Stone & Honey Isosceles Necklace, $64

Crate & Barrel Astoria Candleholder Set, $54.95

Max & Chloe Belargo Stacking Ring, $64

Row 3:

Le Creuset Stonewear, $72

CB2 Knitted Pouf, $89.95

de Buyer Mandoline, $99.95

Row 4:

Cognac Leather Notebook, $88

UGG 'Dakota' Moccasin Slippers, $100

Banana Republic Leopard Gloves, $79.50

Gift Guide: Under $50

Gifts that are a bit of a splurge.  I tried to find a nice mix of luxury and practicality.

Row 1:

Terrain Candy Cane Pitcher, $38

Zara Basic Handbag, $35.90

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, $38

Row 2:

Gorjana Tear Cluster Necklace, $50

Midori Brass Pen, $31.24

Bodum Bistro Juicer, $32.41

Row 3:

Vivo Square Bento Box, $36

Madewell Suede Skinny Belt, $39.50

Row 4:

CLEAN Eau de Parfum Spray, $38

CB2 Linus Throw, $49.95

Williams-Sonoma Cocktail Shaker, $32

Gift Guide: Under $25

I thought it would be fun to sort the gift guides by price this year.

Gifts don't need to be expensive to  be meaningful.  It is really about knowing the recipient and what you think would make them happiest. I love gifts that are useful, but still whimsical.

You can also check out my previous gift guides.

Row 1:

Campo Marzio Mini Ballpoint Pens, $18

365 Calendar from CB2, $19.95

La Cafetiere 8-Cup Rainbow French Press, $21.89

Row 2:

Decorate by Holly Becker from decor8, $23.10 

NARS Lipstick in Heat Wave, $24

Pantone Bone China Mug, $13

Row 3:

Topshop Button Tab Gloves, $20

J.Crew Thin Enameled Bangle, $20

Postalco Notebook, $14-$26

Row 4:

Progressive Lime Squeezer, $8.06

Midnight in Paris DVD, $17.99

Chicken Kitchen Timer, $13.50

Gift Guide #7: What I'm Wishing For...

Bus in the Snow print from abbytrysagain, $11

The Living and the Dead [Vinyl], $12.95

Blackbird Fly Twin Lens Reflex Camera, $140

 Urbanears Plattan, $60

SimonandRuby Asymetrical Necklace, $92

Strapped Woodgrain Sketchbook from 29olives, $12.50

 

Apartment Therapy's Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces, $19.80

Gift Guide #6: Fashionista Friend Still Stuck in Architecture School

French Connection Vogue Knit Scarf, so fun with pom poms and a zigzag print, $79.10

Fallingwater Lego Set because it's just so cool, $99.99

 

 A fun Forever 21 Military Tipped Cardigan, $32

MIRTA necklace that's simple but with great lines, $30

 Topshop Nail Varnish in Kiss and Tell and Remember my Name, $15.82

Another snobby architecture book: Questions of Perception: Phenomenology of Architecture, $59

Zumba Fitness for when there isn't time for the gym, $69.99

Gift Guide #5: A Meditative Dad with a Low Laughing Threshold

Three Stooges: Soitenly Stooges 6 DVD Collection for laughs, $22.49

A Fossil Decker Black Chronograph Dial Watch is a classy touch, $95

Modern Chess Strategy because his game just keeps on improving, $9.32


Kindle Wireless Reading Device to read all his crazy finance books, $139

Clinique All About Eyes Serum for his sensitive eyes, $25.50 

Sur La Table's Cooking Classes: Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Basics (more for Mom really), $69/session

Homemade Black-Bottom Coconut Bars because this is what he won't buy for himself

Gift Guide #4: The Kindest Mom who has a Thing for Brian Williams

Gorjana Arc Hoops for some pizazz, $60

Cinderella because she loves all the different versions..., $7.99

Taylor Digital Measuring Cup and Scale because this is her definition of cool ;-), $24.96

A wrapping station to keep her organized, $155.05

A Haan HS-20 Deluxe Steam Cleaner so she can give back her daughter's, $47.44

 Chaps Winter Garden Plaid Pajama Set for cozy winter nights, $52

See's Candies (because you can't go wrong with chocolate), $18.60

Gift Guide #3: Computer Savy Brother that's a Soon-to-Be Father of Three Under Three

Totally Bamboo Banana Hanger (by request), $9.99

 A Flip UltraHD Video Camera, so much fun with kids, $170.99

Kiel Mead Rope Tie Clip for looking spiffy at church, $60

Jack Black Core Collection Shave and Skincare Set to potentially 

cure his hatred of shaving, $52

Atomix that can create thousands of fractal patterns for his desk at work, $48

 

Not that I should encourage his farming ambitions, but...

The Backyard Homestead: Produce all the food you need on just a quarter acre!, $12.89

Heritage Down on the Farm Playing Cards to become a snazzy card shark, $6.50