While Christmas is not just about gifts, gift giving within the context of happy and healthy relationships, is one of life’s Happy little perks,be it among family, friends,partners, or colleagues. And shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. This list is comprised of my top 9 gift recommendations based on items that I know and love, and that I think would make recipients feel valued and appreciated. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualified purchases.

Smashbox Cali Contour Palette & Real Techniques Brush set. When I say you cannot go wrong giving this curated palette and brush set, I mean you cannot go wrong. It is perfect for both makeup beginners and longtime makeup lovers alike. If you are a man shopping for a female, I can almost guarantee that it is a gift your recipient will not just appreciate, but may also be impressed that you chose so well in terms of brand name, quality, and thoughtfulness. The palette is perfect for a quick easy, everyday polished look on a wide range of light to medium dark skin tones. The Real Techniques brush set is high quality, durable, and the brushes themselves are versatile for face and eyes. For easy, day-to-day make up, this set has everything. The crease brush makes it especially easy to apply eyeshadow. This set is simply practical, user friendly, and versatile.

The Vitamix is King of my kitchen. I have had mine for 10 years and it is going strong as ever. The Vitamix is an indispensable part of any healthy kitchen, and gifting one will likely earn the giver a lifetime supply of appreciation (and possibly even a few extra get out of jail free cards). There are other high quality blenders available on the market but for my money, I’m #TeamVitamix forever. Vitamix has expanded their line to include hand helds, food processors, and other items. Check them all out here at the Vitamix Store on Amazon

Amazing Grace Bath & Body Butter Set. Amazing Grace by Philosophy lives up to its name in how amazing it smells; it really is absolutely heavenly. It is fresh, clean, soft, feminine, with a slight touch of musk and sweetness. Between a the body wash and the creamy body butter (a little goes a long way), whoever wears this is likely to garner compliments and questions about what she’s wearing. Like the makeup and brush set, this is almost a guarantee cannot go wrong gift. PRO TIP: throw in a bottle of Amazing Grace eau de toilette.

Glass Food Storage Container Set Food storage containers aren’t terribly glamourous as gifts but for someone who appreciates practical and useful gifts, this is a winner. They come in three sizes of each in square, round, and rectangle. They are sturdy, seal really well and do not absorb flavors or odors. They’re perfect for everything from storing family sized portions down to the smaller sizes for snacks or single servings. Food keeps fresh much longer than in plastic containers. This set will likely make almost anyone’s kitchen work much easier and help reduce food and storage costs.

Love in Black Few things live up to their price point, and Love in Black by Creed is one that does. This women’s fragrance is absolutely amazing, unlike any other perfume I’ve tried, yet familiar and wearable. It “reeks” of prestige but in a clean, classy, fresh, low-key way, not at all gaudy or flashy. It shines best on a night out but a dab or two whilst running errands also works well. If your curiosity has been piqued, check out the rest of the Creed line here, which also includes men’s fragrances. Other women’s fragrance recommendations: Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana and Miracle by Lancome are two of my personal all time favorites.

Neck & Shoulder Heating Pad I have not tried this item but it’s on my own personal wishlist for my mom, and maybe even one for myself. As my mom has older (almost 82) she’s become more sensitive to the cold, even indoors and often says that her neck area feels cold. This is what I’ll be giving her for Christmas. For someone who appreciates practical, pampering, or self-care type gifts, this heating pad would be very well received.

LIving Proof Haircare Travel Set I cannot say enough good things about Living Proof. A few years ago after my hair underwent significant damage, I thought my hair was beyond repair. I happened to be gifted a deluxe sample size set of the Restore formula and I was blown away by how well it did just that. Living Proof is hands down the best shampoo and conditioner I’ve ever used. PRO TIP: You can buy several as appreciation gifts for the women in your office. This affordable travel set is a great way for them to try out the products before buying full size. You can also check out the Restore formula gift set.

Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present This vintage children’s book was first published in 1977. It was one of the first of several books that my mom checked out for me from the public library that instilled in me a love of reading at a very young age, as well as fostering a creative imagination. This book would be a perfect gift for kids, or for adults who appreciate unique, vintage, or literary gifts, and/or as a secondary gift part of a bigger gift.

PRO TIP: Check several names off your list by batch giving. beauty, hair, and bath & body items are common items that can purchased in multiples to give to several people at once, rather than a different item for each and every person.This tip works especially well for larger friend or office groups that may not require incredibly personal gifts. (PRO TIP 2.0: Probably not a good idea to include significant others in batch giving.)

For more gifting inspo check out these curated idea lists with many other items. Visit the Shop Simply Cynth One-Stop Gift Recommendation page

Happy shopping!

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