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The Part Time Enthusiast Holiday Gift Guide 2016

The Part Time Enthusiast Holiday Gift Guide 2016

As a both a full-time holiday and shopping enthusiast, finding the perfect gift for people during the holidays is one of my favorite pastimes. This year, I have expanded the annual gift guide to cover all the best of things that travel, fashion, cooking, adventure, animal, music, and leisure enthusiasts want, even if they don't know it. Plus, I have rounded up the best gifts for those people or situations that are a challenge to gift - like the your boyfriend's parents or your office secret santa. It may pay to be a part time enthusiast other times of the year, but during the holidays, we don't mess around. From stock stuffers to statement gifts, we've got you covered this Christmas. 

For The Last Minute Gift: Gloves. To quote the classic film 'Confessions of A Shopaholic', "Well, these cashmere gloves I need, as it's Winter and I have....hands." But do that person in your life one better and get them some fabulous gloves this year, because it's true, we do all need them but that doesn't mean they shouldn't bring some flair to your outfit. Whether you need something else for your sister to open under the tree (because you agreed to get each other one gift this year but you saw that she actually got you two), or because your brother-in-law is impossible to shop for.

For him, stick to the classics by the classic British haberdasher, Drake's, like these cashmere-lined, suede gloves handmade in Northern Italy. And lucky for you this season, Drakes has a US pop-up right in the heart of Soho (120 Prince Street) so don't have to order online from the UK.

For her, another British designer, Gushlow and Cole, which makes amazing shearling products from coats to accessories. Their Toscana Mini Mittens are the perfect gift (and thing that most wouldn't buy for themselves but will love to have) at $120 and you can order them direct from the website or pick them up at your local Intermix

For That Person Who Looks Good Even At The Gym: You know that type - they manage to look good even after a 90 minute hot yoga class - or the type that wears cool spandex and a workout top to lunch and still looks cooler than you and your $500 suede booties. Whether it's your longtime bestie or your SoulCycle buddy, surprise them with the yoga pants that make even a gym avoider like me want to work out. At $125 and in a variety of prints, CK Bradley makes the perfect printed yoga pants that any athleisure enthusiast or professional lounger will love. 

 

For The Wanderlust-er: This cork globe from CB2 is not only great for someone who loves to travel but great for someone who fancies that in a few years time their full time occupation will be jetsetting (think: your uncle who is about to retire or your friend who is a part time "travel blogger"). At only $129 (with free shipping), it's the perfect gift for someone who takes pride in collecting passport stamps and provides a better platform to show off all the places they've been, right on their desk. 

For The Constant Beach Dweller: Whether it's your aunt or your assistant, we all know that at no point would they not rather want to be basking in the sand and surf (and are not good at pretending they can even stand being anywhere else). They live for sunsets, maybe even surfing, or in your aunt's case, a strong Southside at the beach club. Not even the threat of Zika will keep them away from their Caribbean vacation this Winter so treat them with the ultimate beach accessory, a Roundie from the Australian company, The Beach People. They come in a variety of great prints and are perfect for sunning solo or sharing with friends over beers. These towels look good everywhere from Montauk to Mustique. And at $110 they are the perfect gift for someone you want to get something thoughtful but only spend around one hundred dollars on. 

For The Person You Don't Want to Spend Too Much on but Want Your Gift To Seem Really Nice: Whether it's your boss who writes everything down in his old-school spiral notebook or your cousin who never even gets you anything, give them a gift that looks like you spent a lot more on them than you actually did. The softcover notebooks from Sloane Stationery come in luxe lizard textured-covers with gold embossed designs that say everything from "World Domination" (a personal favorite that I use every day to keep notes), to "Lab Notes". They also come in sets of three and can be customized to say whatever that hostess, colleague or distant relative desires. Single notebooks start at $16. 

For The Adventurist: Give them the gift of adrenaline thanks to SkyDive Newport. Let them free fall from over 10,000 feet above beautiful Narragansett Bay in Newport, RI. Whether it's your significant other who needs to get out of their comfort zone or your youngest sibling that loves a good rush - this is the perfect experience for them (I would know, I am said younger sibling and have done it twice at SkyDive Newport). SkyDive Newport offers tandem jumps (don't worry, Mom, it's completely safe) starting at $220 with gift certificates available.

For The Person Who Likes Their Dog More Than They Like Their Children: Not naming any names but we all know them. Their dog is just as much apart of their family as their middle child is. This year, get them something that they will not only love but also use - every day. The customized leather leashes from Kiel James Patrick are made right in New England and are just as practical for house dogs as they are for field dogs as they are durable and American-made. At $88, they're a great gift for any dog lover or maybe even your own dog, if you're like me and like to give your dogs presents on Christmas too.

For The Gourmet: Sometimes the hardest to shop for, they are incredibly picky (with an "elevated palette") and already have every kitchen accessory and gadget you can think of. This year, stick with something classic that any gourmet or bon vivant would want: caviar. From your girlfriend's parents to your great-aunt Beatrice, caviar never fails to delight. Sturia Caviar, one of the oldest sustainable caviar companies in France, is now available direct to consumer in the US after their launch in America this Fall. The offer a wide range of variety, quantities and prices and ship directly to you or your great-aunt's door. 

For The Consummate Netflix-and-Chiller: Everyone needs a good throw blanket, especially one who values their Friday night couch time. The perfect gift for someone who is hosting you at their house overnight or your roommate who enjoys eating Seamless in her sweatpants more than eating out, this blanket from Sferra is one of the best priced and coziest options out there (I would know, someone gave it to me a few years back and it remains my favorite throw blanket). At a reasonable $99, this brushed-cotton, herringbone Celine Throw blanket will make anyone's Netflix and Chill dreams come true. You can purchase it online or at your local Bloomingdales

For The Beauty Product Junkie: Either you know one or you are one, some people can't walk past a Sephora without spending less than $300 on products. They are always on the look out for great products to pamper themselves with so this year pamper your skin-care obsessed bestie with the newest body serum from luxury skincare line 111Skin. Their new line is based off of the same benefits that have had celebrities and those in the know flocking to cryotherapy, which submerses your body in below zero temperatures for short periods of time to promote circulation, tighten and smooth skin and reduce inflammation (and yes, it does actually work, I've tried it). 111Skin's formula allows you to take those benefits home and avoid freezing temperatures by using Pephatight in their recently launched Cryo Line (which I now use almost every day). Their luxurious Cryo Energising Body Serum starts at $150 and is available on Net-A-Porter or at Barney's

For The Fashionista: Treat a stylish lady in your life to one of the utterly fabulous handcrafted headpieces and fascinators by the London-based millinery, Sophie Beale. Whether you have a sister-in-law who owns already owns every piece of designer clothing ever made or you want to give a gift to your chic Mom that will make statement, anyone who appreciates couture and has a flair for the dramatics will love something from Sophie Beale (I myself am wearing one of her headpieces for my holiday shopping jaunt, pictured above). The fur and feather adorned fascinator below is perfect for winter-outings and is $555. And after all, one can never have too many hats. 

For The Person Who Fancies Themselves A Little Town and A Little Country: From one of my perennial favorites for a gift comes a new collection inspired by town v. country life (and appropriately done in collaboration with Town and Country Magazine). Nantucket Vs Hamptons makes witty and well-priced, whimsical wall art that liven up any dull space (I have a gallery of them in my powder room). Perfect for that person who loves life in the city as much as they live for weekends in the country (perhaps someone who is hosting you for a weekend at their Millbrook home), remind them that they can immortalize all of their favorite moments right on their wall. Town Vs. Country prints like the Taxi vs. Bicycle starting at $110 or single prints like the Martini starting at $75. Find a print to fit to virtually anyone's taste in pastimes, also making these the perfect gift for that person who you don't know too well, but know they love a stiff martini (like your office secret santa). 

For The Person Who Needs The Latest Gadgets: If your brother always tries to one up you on getting a cooler gadget for your parents than you, you'll have something on him this year. Give your gadget-loving relatives and friends the thing that they want the most by making them one of the first people to get a sleek (and practical) new gadget. Preorder them the Spinn Coffee Maker, the first ever bean to cup single serve coffee and espresso machines (read: no more K-cups). Not only is it practical, but it is also suitable for even the most demanding coffee connoisseur and caffeine addict: it's technology alerts you directly on your smart phone when you need to order more coffee beans and can even order said beans for you. Preorder theirs (and maybe even yours) now, as availability it limited. Starting at $299.

For The Man Who Has Everything: They already have every Loro Piana cashmere sweater and Turnbull and Asser oxford shirt ever made and definitely don't need any more gadgets or cufflinks. But you don't want to spend that much on the new watch they want. So what next? Well no modern gentleman can have enough interesting socks if you ask me. This year get them a box of handpicked socks from Nice Laundry. Custom boxes start at $59 and for a gift that keeps on giving, give them a subscription to keep their sock drawer perpetually fresh starting at only $49. They'll thank you when everyone in the office comments on their great sock collection. 

For The Ski Bunny: For those who would never let the cold weather get in the way of looking fabulous, treat them to the ultimate fur ear muffs. Perfect for your sister or anyone who doesn't support PETA. These Eugenia Kim fox fur ear muffs are as warm and they are chic and look perfect during apres ski beers and champagne. Not to mention they are a much more exciting take on the basic ear muff so even your impossible to shop for sister will be pleased with them. Purchase them online at Eugenia Kim for $245. 

 

For The Person Who Always Like To Put Their Best Dressed Foot Forward: Whether it's a man or a woman, Duende's luxurious tuxedo loafers are the perfect gift who loves to look good at all times. As comfortable and debonair as they are well-crafted, the customizable smoking slippers come with tassels, whimsical designs or the always-in-style monogram. Perfect for your brother who lives to dress his dapper best or the your college roommate that needs to have everything in her life embroidered with her initials, these make for a truly fabulous gift. Loafers starting at $345.

For The Itinerant Traveler: Whether they travel for work or play, take that special person in your life back the golden age of travel, when good luggage was just as essential as a plane ticket itself. Steamline Luggage harkens back to the days of steamships across the Atlantic but suits even the most disciplined of modern travelers. Treat your dad or your sister to that special luggage that will make travel glamorous again - so even if they don't Instagram all their trips, they will always feel photo-ready when on the move. Luggage separates from $375. 

For The Homebody: Light up their favorite place with a candle from the recently released collection of luxury candles from boutique luxury fragrance house, Vilhelm Parfumerie. Each luscious candle scent is based on a memory and will be sure to have them creating a scent memory of their own that will evoke lounging in their favorite cashmere robe and slippers after a bubble bath for years to come. Perfect for any leisurist in your life or, say, your client, who should take the hint to take a few days off and enjoy some peace and quiet (and stop emailing you). 

For The Perfect Stocking Stuffer: Uncovering all the hidden goodies in my stocking was one of my favorite parts of Christmas morning growing up because my parents (errr, Santa) were so good at stuffing it to the brim with specialty goodies and knickknacks. Just because I'm adult now doesn't mean I can't still appreciate those little things, like candies from the luxury candy maker, Sugarfina. Their Champagne Bears (made with Dom Perignon) are just as perfect for your coworker with a sweet tooth as they are for your best friend who seems to always be "celebrating" something (namely, by ordering champagne). They also have a great selection of speciality holiday sweets. Good things can come in small packages. Candies starting at $6.

Happy shopping! And if you need a fab holiday shopping look, you can find the details on mine below. I also highly recommend throwing on a comfy pair of Eberjey PJs and ordering all these gifts online. (Said PJs also make a great gift and are available on Shopbop in a variety of colors for $120)

Headpiece by Sophie Beale

Coat by MSGM

Fur Shoes by Maje

Fur Muff is custom made

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