Gift Ideas Archives | Helena Alkhas

Gift Ideas For Her

We all have a special lady in our lives. Be it our moms or mothers-in-law, a BFF or our sisters, coming up with gift ideas for the women in your life can become a challenge.

It can be even harder if she loves to shop and is always looking sharp. To get you inspired and hopefully end your quest for the perfect gift, I’ll share with you some of my favorite things.

Some of these items are on my wishlist, others are permanent staples in my closet and daily self-care routine.

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Keep in mind that I’m not a fashionista. I believe in the classics as the bones of my closet and in letting the accessories be the highlights of my outfits.

I also believe in quality over quantity which means I’ll pay more for something that will last decades. And, finally, I believe in getting dressed, from shower + makeup to being dressed by the door in 20 minutes. Really!

Gift Idea #1 – The Perfect Winter Coat

Since we moved from San Diego to Chicago, I had to step up my game in both winter gear and skin care. The intense cold is not friendly to our skin, and it’s not easy to be stylish and stay warm when it’s -20 F outside. I love the daily comforts of the combo legging + sweaters + boots but when it came time to dress up for gatherings, parties, and functions, I had a really hard time figuring out what to wear.

I searched high and low for the perfect dress coat and found my perfect match in this double-cloth wool J.Crew coat with Thinsulate®. It’s the ideal coat to wear for a more formal event, goes great with a dress, skirts + sweater or slacks and a beautiful blouse. This one comes in beautiful colors, like all J.Crew coats, but I stuck to a classic cream color that suits my skin color and breaks a bit the black-on-black addiction I have.

Gift Idea #2 – Polarized Sunglasses

I bought my very favorite sunglasses years ago, back in sunny San Diego, after my eye doctor scared the life out of me by showing me pictures of eyes that had suffered sun damage. He made it clear: if you’re not using polarized sunglasses, you’re not only not protecting your eyes, you’re hurting them.

With a small frame face, it was hard to find something I loved to be my go-to sunglasses until I found a Kate Spade polarized aviator one. It has a more square and smaller frame than your traditional aviator which is perfect if you have a face on the smaller side, like me. I purchased it 4 years ago and with proper care, it still is my daily use sunglasses.

Gift Idea #3 – A Classy Scarf

A scarf that can be used with almost everything you have in your winter closet is a great addition to anyone’s wardrobe. I picked this one for its neutral colors and the modern twist on plaid, plus it matches both my daily use winter coat and my “party” coat, making it easy to assemble a great looking outfit in no time.

Gift Idea #4 – A Keep Me Warm & Look Good Jacket

Moving to Illinois only made me realize how I’m *always* on the cold side. When everyone is wearing their short-sleeve dresses and blouses, I’m already packing up on a light jacket. So I’m always looking for a light and beautiful jacket that I can wear inside. This one is a great choice if you’re looking for a gift for a woman that can pull both a modern and a classic look, not to mention how it will go well with so many outfits. From Fall to Spring, it will sure be worth the investment.

Another great option is a traditional blazer, in a fun color, like this one from Boden – one of my favorite brands.

Gift Idea #5 – An Easy To Find Key Holder

I have been using this leather tassel keyring for years now, and mine is actually red, to make it even easier to find in my handbag. The gold metal hook is strong and wide enough to hook to an internal pocket, making it super easy to find my keys.

Gift Idea # 6 – A Classy Watch

This is definitely an item that has been on my wishlist for quite some time now and I’ll make sure, I’ll let Santa hears about it.

I started using a FitBit this year in my efforts to become healthier and more active. It has been really great but I miss having a nicer watch to wear and this one is just darrrrling!

Gift Idea #7 – The “Make You Glow” Primer

Just like I love easy to match items in my closet to make it simple to get dressed in the morning, I keep my makeup routine equally simple and I found on this primer by The Body Shop the perfect one-step solution to my daily routine. After I apply my sunscreen, I apply this primer that is slightly tinted and gives my skin a soft glow. Want to make it into a nicer gift? Create a small makeup bag with the essentials for a daily routine.

Gift Idea # 8 – A Beautiful Journal

I have had diaries since I was a little girl. My favorite ones had a little lock and key and I kept all my notes about the day, school, friends, family events, you name it. Then, as I grew busy with college and then work, I stopped journaling on a daily basis. Sometimes I will find a long letter to myself or to the Universe, which I always enjoy reading. After I got married, I started journaling again, registering events and the boys’ growth, but nothing consistent. Now that the boys are older and I have more quiet time, I find myself journaling more often and truly enjoying it again.

As I recently started taking classes on hand-lettering, my journal became a great space to safely practice some beautiful titles, banners, and flowering details.

Include with your gift a beautiful set of coloring pens and a zippered case to safely hold everything.

Gift Idea #9 – Color That Smile

I know very few women who won’t use or appreciate a beautiful, neutral color lipstick. Yes, red is neutral and so is nude. These are the only lipstick colors in my makeup bag and I don’t miss trying new ones, ever.

Have a no-lipstick woman in your life? Gift her with this amazing lip balm by Glossier. I don’t live without it!

Gift Idea #10 – Light Up The Room

No matter the season, there will be a candle lit in my office by the end of the day. Nothing says the day is ending and it’s time to slow down than the flickering of a candle.

I have tried several brands and I love any by Danielle LaPorte, Esteban, and Diptyque.

Gift Idea #11 – Black Boots

These black boots are extremely comfortable and can be used with so many outfits that makes it a no-brainer when it’s time to dress up or pack for a trip.

From jeans to slacks, dresses or skirts, they simply look good and will take you anywhere.

Gift Idea #12 – A Good Carry On

I’m a complete believer in traveling light and with luggage fees going as high as the altitude of our planes, I’ll stick to my short and practical packing list any day of the week.

By all means select a hard shell, full spinning wheels and a bright color your loved one can spot from afar.

And there you have it! A list of gifts that hopefully will help you in pleasing the women in your life.

Gift Ideas for Kids & Little Ones

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, and I’m sure buying presents for your children or other special kids in your life is on your mind and that’s why I enjoy creating the gift ideas guide! Because while they may write out their Christmas wish list, “Santa” could still use a little help to find the fun and unique types of gifts that bring a huge smile to a child’s face.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about holiday shopping for your favorite young ones, take a look at some of these fun holiday finds for kids. I’ve included some classic toys, as well as innovative modern gems, for kids of all ages and genders.

Baby Alive Super Snacks Snackin’ Lily

A baby doll to hold and love is the dream of many a child. And one that eats and makes messes in her diaper never goes out of style! Your little one, three years or older, will enjoy holding Lily, making her special food and feeding her, in addition to changing her diapers. Just like a real baby! Lily also comes with accessories, including two containers of reusable doll food, an outfit, a diaper and her spoon.

Tickle Me Elmo

The iconic classic is back for a new generation of kids to enjoy. Children from 18 months to four years will love to squeeze Elmo’s foot or press his belly to hear his well-known giggle. You can’t help but laugh along. Elmo also shakes and says funny phrases.

Lego Boost Creative Toolbox 17101 Building and Coding Kit

Lego’s gone high tech with this kit for kids ages seven to 12. Your older child will never get bored because, with the Lego Boost app, they can build and code five different models.

There a robot, a rover, a guitar, an automated cat and an auto builder that builds real LEGO models. The app gives complete instructions for each and shows kids just what each model’s capabilities are. Be sure to check LEGO.com/device to ensure the kit is compatible with your device.

Rory’s Story Cubes

Most grownups get a bit of secret pleasure when they’re able to deliver a gift that’s both fun and educational. You’ll find exactly that in Rory’s Story Cubes, a story generator game for kids eight to 15 years old. This game is super fun and incredibly versatile. Kids can play either alone or together. Your child will gain literacy development, creative inspiration, listening skills speaking confidence and problem solving, not to mention the chance to stretch the imagination. Give the cubes a roll and let the story-telling begin!

Ravensburger Deco Mandala-Designer Drawing Machine

Artistic kids and kids-at-heart, ages six and up, will spend hours with the Mandala-Designer Drawing machine that lets them make countless intricate creations. It’s relaxing and fun to draw mandala designs and then color them with the pre-inked stamps provided. The 3D butterfly punch will allow the art to stand on its own, and the drawing machine is portable. So you can take it anywhere.

Barbie Hello Dreamhouse Playset

The Barbie Dreamhouse of our youth has gone high-tech. Now known as the Barbie Hello Dreamhouse Playset, this mansion is now a wi-fi enabled smart-house with more features than you imagine. There are sensors in the floor that recognize when Barbie is home. Embedded speech recognition, a motorized elevator, and a roaring fire are additions that kids of my generation never dreamed of. There are even stairs that turn into a slide for another fun way to get from floor to floor. Themed backdrops and a glam chandelier let you personalize the chic abode in lots of different ways.

While there is practically an infinite amount of new and traditional gifts for kids on the market these days, I hope this list provides you with some ideas for getting started on your holiday shopping. Anyone of these toys is sure to bring a thrill to a great kid in your life.

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Holiday Gift Guide – Gifts For Her