Everyone’s doing gift guides this time of year – and all I can think is – what do I want? I’ve been spending a lot of time with moms (and non-moms) lately, and I’ve been secretly listening to their inner needs. So if you’re wondering what the ladies are looking for this year- I’ve done the work for you:
The photographer
This one is for myself too. I recently bought a new DSLR, and it’s expensive and time consuming to try and get all the add-ons. I know I beat mine up a little more than I should because I don’t have a bag, or lens protectors yet (GAH!), but one thing I really want and have been looking for is a freaking awesome camera strap. I’ve been watching online and around the city, and this apparently can define you as a photographer. Bloom Theory has some of the coolest straps I’ve seen, AND they even have the cutest little toy cameras so your little assistant can look the part as well!
Favorite: Bloom Theory it’s all about the “beaus” $130
The we’ve been fighting a lot couple
I am not pointing fingers, but really, lets be honest – kids are HARD on marriage. Heck marriage is hard on marriage. I don’t think I have talked to one mom lately who hasn’t at one point had a bad fight. I mean the sleeping on the couch kind of fight – or worse. If you really love your hubs, why not try something different. He obviously loves you, and wouldn’t have married you if he didn’t think you were sexy. So – why not give him a boudoir shoot to spice it up? Don’t wait till Valentine’s Day like all the others and wrap up a sexy photo under the tree. I see you rolling your eyes, but listen I tried it and it was AMAZING – it makes you feel sexy no matter what size you are or how much baby weight you need to lose. And it’s empowering. Plus, it’s all about the photographer – someone who can capture your image and make you feel comfortable at the same time. Lori is probably the best in NYC – just saying. Give her a try.
Favorite: Lori Berkowitz photography
The Planner
Maybe I should call this the un-planner. A lot of people comment on my planner – it’s big and holds a lot of info, to-do lists and few scribbles from Max. Even though I work in technology all day long, I find it a lot easier to have things written down in front of me, and to actually cross them off when completed. Seriously – it’s liberating. And I must be doing something right because it’s rare for me to miss an event, a deadline, or a request from a client. Gigi New York makes these AMAZINGLY beautiful python planners to boot, so it really becomes a piece of art on your desk or to carry around with you. The even cooler part about Gigi New York? They monogram your items. Win-win.
Favorite: Gigi New York Datebook in White Python $110
The Bride-to-be
I have some friends getting married, and I see them constantly scouring the Internet, Etsy, and Pinterest for ideas on how to make their wedding the most amazing night of their lives. All that internet cruising can kill your battery, so she’s going to need this ultra-sleek Mophie charger. Plus, this is really going to come in handy so her and her hubby’s phones don’t die at the wedding AND while traveling on their honeymoon. Personally I love the white one, but they come in an array of colors that might even match her wedding!
Favorite: Mophie Powerstation in white, $79
The Mom-to-be
Moms don’t exactly realize that they will never carry a purse again for the next one to two years, so help them invest in a beautiful diaper bag or bag that can double as one. I LOVE my Kate Spade all-black bag because it doubles as a work bag still to this day. (You can see it here, along with my other favorite baby registry items). This Classic Adaira Kate Spade bag is gorgeous, and will double as a carry-on for her first kid-free getaway with the girls.
Favorite: Kate Spade Classic Spade Adaira Baby Bag in Black & Cream $229
The Sports Lover
Being the big Steelers fan that I am, I already pretty much own every item that comes in black and gold. So instead of just another Target t-shirt, why not give them something really effin cool like this wood serving plate/cutting board with your favorite team. I am in LOVE with this – it’s the perfect fall/football season staple for any home. And the best part? The kids can’t break it!
Favorite: NFL Homegating Quarterback Cutting Board (Steelers), $60
The Chef
I love to bake, and I can cook, but I am, well, still learning about presentation. I think the trick to getting anyone to eat your food is to make it look pretty first. Seriously – you can throw a slop mess of whatever is left in your fridge into this casserole dish and it’s going to look effin beautiful. If you know someone who loves to cook – from novice to professional – this is your gift. The Le Creuset comes in a variety of colors (my kitchen has red accents so of course, this is my favorite), and the dutch oven can be used on the stovetop or in the oven. Wonder what to make? Think you can boil water, make rice, bake a casserole, bake veggies – you name it, this pot can do it and make you look like the love child of Martha Stewart and Julia Childs.
Favorite: Le Creuset Dutch Oven, $263
The Baker
Ok so I am the baker. I could bake all day if I had nothing better to do because well, baking is an art and it takes a LOT of time. One thing I cannot be without, and also serves as artwork on my counter is my KitchenAid Mixer. They come in pretty much any color you can imagine. And she’ll find herself using for more reasons that first thought (like mashed potatoes) – plus, it might just encourage her to bake more for you!
Great list! I LOVE that camera strap. Is it bad that I want one for myself? haha
haha absolutely not! I want one too that’s why it’s on the list 🙂