November 2, 2021
Holiday Gift Guide 2021
By Annie Chambers
I’m sending out my holiday guide early this year due to shipping delays. I’m really excited this year to feature female-owned businesses, businesses that give back, or are made in the USA. Happy gifting! And per usual, here’s my reminder that the gift of travel lasts forever, so let’s start planning your next trip!
Travel Ideas
Assouline Books -founded by Martine Assouline, happen to be some of my favorite coffee table travel books featuring locations like Amalfi, Mykonos, Provence, Tulum, Hamptons, Marrakech.
*women-owned*
Lo and Sons– I have their weekender bag and love it. This chic convertible bag can be worn four ways. Wear it as a crossbody, wristlet, shoulder bag, and even as a belt bag (aka fanny pack).
*Women-Owned*
Gray Malin Prints– I’ve had this one in year’s past, but it’s too good to not repeat. Find a print from one of your favorite trips and bring the magic home! SO many of my clients have returned from trips and purchased for their houses. I’ve given the puzzles and coffee table books as gifts before, too.
*USA-based*
Clare V Passport Case- You can customize this sleek passport case with initials. Looks great and super functional.
*Women-Owned*
Around the home ideas
Vitruvi diffuser– transport yourself to summer in the middle of winter or deep into a calming forest. I have had several diffusers over the years but love this one. The color options are gorgeous, and the matte ceramic vs. clunky plastic make it home decor.
*Women-Owned*
Saje Wellness- I love every single one of their essential oil blends. They create 100% natural products. Their sample packs are great gifts, and a nice way to try a few different options. I like that you can shop by concern: stress, energy, gut, colds, hormone, sleep, etc.
*Women-Owned*
Art work like Ewen Fine Art
My sister discovered Anne-Louise Ewen, a California based artist. I recently purchased two of her cheetahs for my new home and am in love! There’s something so fun about collecting art. It feels special knowing someone poured their energy and creativity into the project.
*Women-owned *
Pomelo Casa– I am obsessed with their bowls and pitchers! Each piece is handmade in southern Spain by a small, family-run workshop, who have been practicing the same traditional techniques and designs for over five centuries.
*Women-owned *
Jo Malone Perfume Set– A selection of Jo Malone London favorites in 9ml. Includes zesty Lime Basil & Mandarin, mellow English Pear & Freesia, Wild Bluebell, luscious Fig & Lotus Flower, and Wood Sage & Sea Salt.
*Women-owned *
Clayton & Crume rocks glass– Men are impossible to shop for, but I’m a sucker for a good monogram. My husband is a bourbon drinker, so this rocks class is the best of both worlds! Easy to remove the leather cover. Handmade in Kentucky!
*USA-made*
Biscuit Cocktail Napkins– I love giving fun cocktail napkins as hostess gifts. They have some really cute ones and funny ones, perfect for holidays! While you’re on the site, go ahead and buy all of the yummy bedding!! Bailey and I went to high school together and she has such a fun design eye!
*Women-Owned*
Kitchen Ideas
Zambezi Joy Society textiles- One of my beautiful Relais & Chateaux hotels in Zambia, Royal Chundu, has started an online store with the local Chitenge fabric. All proceeds go back to the local community The lodge manager Aggie, hosted me and some other agents last month with a wreath making class. During our class she said, “For me, color means life!” Their tablecloths and napkin sets are gorgeous, vibrant, and great way to bring Africa into your home. They currently have stock in the states, shipping from TX.
*Women-owned, sustainable, community*
Kosterina Olive Oil– my sister got me onto this company. I just ordered 8 bottles for holiday gifts. It’s a husband-wife team, creating delicious Greek olive oils and vinegars. Seriously gourmet, high-end product, and affordable pricing. Did you know most EVOO in the states is mislabeled? This is the real deal.
Discount Code: Caroline15
*Women-Owned*
Hunter Bell Apron- we know her for her amazing fashion designs, and this apron is no exception. Great hostess gift or for the chef in your life!
*Women-owned *
Callie’s Biscuits– founded with love in my favorite city, Charleston, SC. These biscuits are the real deal. Believe me, I’ve tried enough southern biscuits to be an expert! The frozen ones come out perfectly fluffy! I love the sharp cheddar and buttermilk. The gift basket bundles are perfect for presents.
*Women-Owned*
Local Palate is my favorite magazine celebrated all things southern! They created an online store last year- you can send friends shrimp & grits bundles, your favorite hot sauces, and so much more. I sampled the Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon- Barrel Aged syrup, bitters, Charleston gold rice, bourbon smoked sea salt, Virginia peanuts, and Griff’s coffee toffee. The gift basket bundles are perfect for holiday presents.
*USA-made, many products women-owned*
Skincare Ideas
Tata Harper resurfacing mask- I absolutely love this and it’s worth the cost for your face to shine!
*Women-owned *
Wildling – Empress Stone Gua Sha Tool- The facial gua sha method works by releasing tension in the muscles of the face, smoothing out the fascia, and circulating blood and lymph through the tissues. It’s incredibly soothing, and they have loads of tutorials on how to use it all over your body, not just face! The result is deeply hydrated, plump, toned, and sculpted skin with a radiant glow.
*Women-owned *
Haldi -you know how so many people rave about skincare products, and you try them and they’re not quite right? Or maybe you don’t know what your face needs, or which brands to trust? Enter, Haldi. They sift through hundreds of skincare products, and based on a survey you fill out, they chose the right products for your skin type. Best of all, they’ll work in existing products you already have.
I’m obsessed with my skincare routine so far and love all the products. My skin looks amazing, and they chose pregnancy-safe options for me!
*Women-owned *
Jewelry Ideas
Louisa Guild – – my cousin raves about this local store in Tennessee, and every time I see her she has a fun new piece. I love her branches and vines line.
*Women-Owned*
Manta Bands– I got these as a present for my birthday and haven’t taken them off since! I love daily reminders (mantras) on them. They come in different metals and the mantras can be on the outside or inside. They look just like a bangle, but have special meaning. Fun little gifts!
*Women-Owned*
Parla for customized cute stocking stuffer name bracelets!
*Women-Owned*
Closet Ideas
Lake pajamas -comfy, cozy, and cute.
*Women-owned *
Tecovas Cowboy Boots- spice up your wardrobe with these beautiful boots. Made in Texas, so you know it’s the real deal. My Texas cousins swear by them!
*USA-made*
Zilker Argentinian belts – born in Argentina, raised in Austin. Absolutely love their designs and we purchased one for my dad, husband, and brother-in-law for Father’s Day this year. So many great choices and they stand by the quality and support the local community.
Bombas Slippers– We all know their socks are amazing. Now they have a fun line of slippers for men, women and toddlers. I bought my son and I a matching pair. We have slippery woods floors so the grippers on the bottom are perfect, and their sherpa-lined for warmth. Bombas donates one pair of socks for every pair bought.
