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So before the big weekend started I posted my strategy for how I was going to shop. Here’s how I fared. I came, I saw and I conquered! This past weekend was great for jump-starting the season of giving! I made a list and checked it twice and found great gifts, for those who were nice! Here's where I went: Target: Things I planned to get that I crossed off my list: Basket for my niece: After going to two separate Target stores, both were out of stock, as was the website, I ended up purchasing this really cute basket from Pottery Barn Kids. It was on sale for $28.99 and they had an additional 25% off with free shipping! Basket for Mom: Success! Purchased this basket at Target. My mom will love it, she is obsessed with owls! Faux Tree: I ended up getting a new tree from Amazon instead of target. Magazines: I stocked up on magazines. I love getting the December issues for extra gift ideas! Stockings: I have stockings for our home, but I like to get the small cheap ones and fill them up for my assistants at work. I got really cute sequin stockings at Target from their seasonal discount section! Things I didn’t get: There's nothing I didn't get at Target, I got everything I needed on my Target Run! Additional Items that I got: Wrapping Paper and Ribbon Malls: Things I planned to get that I crossed off my list: Stocking Stuffers: While I can’t say the I am completely done shopping for stocking stuffers, I did get really cute items at Nordstrom including fancy chocolate bars and lipstick chocolates! Michael's for boxes and box stuffing I got this book for my basketball and sneaker obsessed nephew. Things I didn’t get: I’m still looking for a gift/gift ideas for my mother in law, niece, brother in laws and my sister Additional Items that I got: YSL lipsticks for one of my assistants Small Business Saturday: On SBS I focus on smaller, independent boutiques. Things I planned to get that I crossed off my list: Stocking Stuffers: I got a few more little treats for stockings Things I didn’t get: Gift for my Mother in Law Additional Items that I got: Little gifts for my youngest niece Sunday: Flea Markets are a great place to find unique ideas for tough recipients Things I planned to get that I crossed off my list: Gift for the company CEO Gift for the company President Stocking Stuffers Antique fishing lures for my Father Things I didn’t get: Gift for the company CEO Gift for the company President Additional Items that I got: While it's not a specific item, a flea market around Christmastime gives me so many ideas for Christmas decorating! Vintage ornaments and a boho-chic Christmas--Yes Please! Cyber Monday: This is a great day to double check your list and snatch up any online deals for any remaining recipients. Blanket for my Mother: I got this blanket for my mother, she will love the message on the tag! Pie dish for my Mother: She has been eyeing this pie dish, so I'm throwing in a little pie ornament as well. There's still more on my list, I'll keep you posted as I shop, share ideas with me as you cross people off your list as well. VHM

Every year I set out with a plan on how to tackle Black Friday and the subsequent days. Generally I hit the larger stores and malls on Black Friday, then I make way through the small town main streets on Small Business Saturday, and flea markets on Sunday. All this really gets me into the holiday spirit! This year, here is my Grey Week shopping plan: Monday – Wednesday: A girl’s gotta work! I’ve got to pay for all of these gifts somehow! Thursday: A girl’s gotta eat! BLACK FRIDAY: On Black Friday I focus on big retailers & malls TARGET: Basket for niece Basket for Mom Faux Tree Magazines Stockings MALLS: Stocking Stuffers Gift for my Mother in Law/Looking for Ideas Michael's for boxes and box stuffing Gift for my Brother in Law/Looking for Ideas Gift for my Sister/Looking for Ideas Gift for my niece and nephew/Looking for Ideas SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY: On S.B.S. I focus on smaller boutiques, around the Los Angeles Area I will be checking out Abbot Kinney, Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach. At smaller boutiques you can find unexpected treasures, so it's important to keep an open mind and a thorough gift list. Stocking Stuffers Looking for Ideas Gift for my boss, the company CEO Sunday: Flea Market Funday! I use this Sunday to shop for unique gifts at flea markets for those on your gift list that need something extra special. Gift for my boss, the company CEO Gift for my other boss, the company Owner Stocking Stuffers Antique fishing lures for my Father Cyber Monday: On Cyber Monday I focus on the online retailer that do not have a brick and mortar location. This is a great day to double check your list and snatch up any online deals for any remaining recipients. Blanket for my Mother Pie dish for my Mother Skillet for my Father I hope my quick list of shopping destinations helps you kick off your season of shopping giving. VHM

When it comes down to it, the decision to shop online or in store can be a hard one. For ease and convenience, online shopping usually has the upper hand. But which is better for gift shopping-well, both have their merits. Here are some tips to help you decide when and where to shop in store or online. Wandering through stores and getting inspiration from widow displays and the curated selection of a great retail store always helps get the creative juices flowing and the gift ideas coming. When searching for the perfect gifts I get a lot of ideas from stores and take pictures of great gift ideas. I also save links to great gift ideas from online sites as well. Then I look through all of my pictures and links to decide on the best option. So if you’ve decided on a gift, how do you decide where to make you’re purchase? Online Shopping: Pros: Coupon research: do a little googling to see if there are applicable coupons to save you a few dollars. Competitive price research: different online retailers sell items for different pricing. Fast shipping: Items can arrive as soon as the next day depending on the retailer. Unlimited selection: The world is at your fingertips as far as selection, you can find almost everything online if you’re having trouble finding the perfect gift. Cons: You don’t know exactly what you’re getting: a picture is worth 1,000 words but until you get it in person you can easily misjudge the quality. Endless searching: You can easily get overwhelmed with the amount of choices offered online, which can lead to decision fatigue. In store shopping: Pros: Touch and feel: you can see and hold any item you’re contemplating before you make a purchase. Curated collection: Each store has a curated selection of items that helps you understand the type of items you’ll find within the store, even before entering Instant purchases: Purchasing in store removes any time delay between the purchase and receiving the item, which can be great for last minute shopping. No shipping: Free shipping! Since you’re there in person you are avoiding shipping charges or at least combining them with other errands. Which is great for the environment as well—less packaging and less gas transportation. Cons: Limited Inventory: If something is not in stock in the store you are restricted to their current items. Location: For in store shopping, you are restricted to the stores closest to you or within driving distance. Tips: Buy the gift where you find it: Unless the gift is out of your price range you and you need to do more research, don’t waste time looking online for an item you found in store or vice versa. The additional back and forth will just waste time and energy. Don’t be afraid to shop in store: Even though we’re used to online shopping for everything, don’t be afraid to find those little gems at a store near you. Save your ideas: If you’re not ready to make a decision, take pictures of items in stores that you like and save online links to your bookmarks or pin things that you like on your Pinterest Board. Despite the pros and cons above, don’t be afraid to shop both online and in store, your gifts will be better for it! VHM

There are a few ways to think about gift wrap. I think of it as the best part! Crafting the shell that holds your well thought out gift is just as important as the gift inside! Neutral Colors I love neutral colors, so generally my go-to is craft paper in natural, black or white. I find that you can make a great statement with solid neutral gift wrap when all the other packages have ornate patterns and shapes. I also find that I can go over the top with ways to decorate these simple papers that still looks fun and elegant. These neutral papers also mean that you can add different ribbons for different occasions, all with the same color papers. Consistent Palette Regardless of the color, a consistent color palette can look lovely under a Christmas tree or on a gift table. Going for a “white Christmas” theme? Then using the same colors of white papers with a few white patterned papers and silver bows and accents will really create the esthetic you’re going for. Gift by Color Another method is to wrap the presents based on the recipient. Does your niece love purple? Then you can give her a theme of her very own! She will get different kinds of purple wrapping paper for Christmas, Birthdays, Graduations etc. This will add to the excitement when she sees all the gifts in her color paper or ribbon and know that they belong to her. If you're going to go with a personalized theme, I suggest noting this in a way that you will remember as the years and occasions go by. Any of these methods also help maximize your ever dwindling roll of wallpaper! How do you choose the perfect gift wrap? VHM

Find enlightening gifts for the ladies in you life at your favorite bookstore. One of the best resources when it comes to brick and mortar shopping is a book store! If you’re looking for a one stop shop for everyone on your list; go to a bookstore! I love pairing a good book with a little something extra, either an extra gift or a gift card! This is the perfect combination of thinking about your recipient and adding a little something extra. Check out some paring suggestions below: FOR MOM: Great Book Gift Combination: I love the idea of getting any Mom that’s interested in art or museums a beautiful art book like The Art of Movement for her to read and display on her coffee table and then pairing it with tickets to the art museum, local art classes or a paint set for her to dabble in her own artistic abilities. Great Stand Alone Book: In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs by Grace Bonney is a lovely gift to give with a card from the heart. What mother wouldn’t get a little choked up from opening this book and reading a card that says how she is in the company of great women that inspire you and if you were writing this book, she’d be on page one! SISTER: Great Book Gift Combination: It’s hard to find a girl that doesn’t love some form of makeup. Whether she’s a natural beauty or loves a full glam face, you can give her some tips on how to achieve her perfect look! A book full of makeup tips and tricks paired with a set of makeup brushes or a makeover or a Sephora gift card will put a perfectly glossed smile on any girl’s face! NIECE: Great Book Gift Combination: If your niece is a voracious young adult fiction reader, then it’s time to be the coolest aunt/uncle out there! Get her the latest teen book that will soon be turned into a movie, along with a theater gift card, and your gift will be the one she tells all of her friends about. WIFE: Great Book Gift Combination: Does your wife deserve the best? I think you know the answer to that question! My great gift suggestion for any wife is jewelry, of course. A book that details anything about these accessories that we decorate ourselves with is sure to win her heart, especially paired with ACTUAL jewelry. At any price point, this dynamic duo will definitely put stars in her eyes. So you get the picture, find a topic that you know your recipient is passionate about and find a book that explores that interest. Then pair it with a way for them to actually get out there and do or see what they are interested in. While there are some great links to books and gifts above, I love grabbing a coffee and walking the aisles of my local bookstore for gift inspiration! The icing on the cake is wrapping these presents! If you’ve purchased a book and a gift card, I love tucking the gift card into the pages of the book for an extra surprise–what a great bookmark! If you can do this with some of the other larger gift suggestions, go for it. Or wrap them in separate boxes tied together with a bow. VHM

Find enlightening gifts for everyone at your favorite bookstore. One of the best resources when it comes to brick and mortar shopping is a book store! If you’re looking for a one stop shop for everyone on your list; go to a bookstore! I love pairing a good book with a little something extra, either an extra gift or a gift card! This is the perfect combination of thinking about your recipient and adding a little something extra. Check out some paring suggestions below: FOR DAD: Great Book Gift Combination: A great idea for the tough to shop for, or even impossible to shop for Dad is a fishing, camping or general outdoors-man book. There are several stunning photography books dedicated to the outdoors, paired with a Bass Pro Shops or a REI gift card. If you know what specific gear he uses, add that to the gift! A word of caution here, if you don't know the specific brand or exact product that he uses, steer clear of getting him gear. Die-hard outdoors-men can be very particular about what they use, in the end, at least give them a gift receipt! A national parks photography book and a national parks annual pass also make a great pair for any Dad with a RV or loves road trips! Great Stand Alone Book: Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, by Neil deGrasse Tyson is a great book to show your Dad (and his ego) that he can conquer such complex topics as astrophysics! While in reality Tyson’s book is approachable and simplifies complex topics like black holes and dark matter so your Dad, or anyone, for that matter can understand them and more importantly explain them to their friends. BROTHER: Great Book Gift Combination: Depending how old your brother is, he could use a dose of your style and etiquette. A style book paired with a clothing store gift card that reinforces all of the great style tips, go great together! This gives him the knowledge and the funds to put it into action. NEPHEW: Great Book Gift Combination: Do you have a nephew that is glued to ESPN? What’s his favorite sport? His favorite team? His favorite player? A book that goes into detail of the history of any of these topics would be a great gift. Pair it with a couple of tickets to see his favorite team in action and you’ll really knock it out of the park! HUSBAND: Great Book Gift Combination: If your husband enjoys a little whiskey to ease him into his nightly routine or weekend, giving him a book that lets him dive a little deeper into his vice is a delicious way to show you care. Pair the book with a bottle of whiskey that is discussed in the book and he’ll be drunk with excitement! This can also be done with any beverage he enjoys. Coffee, beer, scotch, wine, smoothies etc. would all work well with a book and bottle gift combination. So you get the picture, find a topic that you know your recipient is passionate about and find a book that explores that interest. Then pair it with a way for them to actually get out there and do or see what they are interested in. While there are some great links to books and gifts above, I love grabbing a coffee and walking the aisles of my local bookstore for gift inspiration! The icing on the cake is wrapping these presents! If you’ve purchased a book and a gift card, I love tucking the gift card into the pages of the book for an extra surprise–what a great bookmark! If you can do this with some of the other larger gift suggestions, go for it. Or wrap them in separate boxes tied together with a bow. VHM

Find enlightening gifts for everyone at your favorite bookstore. One of the best resources when it comes to brick and mortar shopping is a book store! If you’re looking for a one stop shop for everyone on your list; go to a bookstore! I love pairing a good book with a little something extra, either an extra gift or a gift card! This is the perfect combination of thinking about your recipient and adding a little something extra. Check out some paring suggestions below: FOR MOM: Great Book Gift Combination: I love the idea of getting any Mom that’s interested in art or museums a beautiful art book like The Art of Movement for her to read and display on her coffee table and then pairing it with tickets to the art museum, local art classes or a paint set for her to dabble in her own artistic abilities. Great Stand Alone Book: In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs by Grace Bonney is a lovely gift to give with a card from the heart. What mother wouldn’t get a little choked up from opening this book and reading a card that says how she is in the company of great women that inspire you and if you were writing this book, she’d be on page one! FOR DAD: Great Book Gift Combination: A great idea for the tough to shop for, or even impossible to shop for Dad is a fishing, camping or general outdoors-man book. There are several stunning photography books dedicated to the outdoors, paired with a Bass Pro Shops or a REI gift card. If you know what specific gear he uses, add that to the gift! A word of caution here, if you don't know the specific brand or exact product that he uses, steer clear of getting him gear. Die-hard outdoors-men can be very particular about what they use, in the end, at least give them a gift receipt! A national parks photography book and a national parks annual pass also make a great pair for any Dad with a RV or loves road trips! Great Stand Alone Book: Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, by Neil deGrasse Tyson is a great book to show your Dad (and his ego) that he can conquer such complex topics as astrophysics! While in reality Tyson’s book is approachable and simplifies complex topics like black holes and dark matter so your Dad, or anyone, for that matter can understand them and more importantly explain them to their friends. BROTHER: Great Book Gift Combination: Depending how old your brother is, he could use a dose of your style and etiquette. A style book paired with a clothing store gift card that reinforces all of the great style tips, go great together! This gives him the knowledge and the funds to put it into action. NEPHEW: Great Book Gift Combination: Do you have a nephew that is glued to ESPN? What’s his favorite sport? His favorite team? His favorite player? A book that goes into detail of the history of any of these topics would be a great gift. Pair it with a couple of tickets to see his favorite team in action and you’ll really knock it out of the park! SISTER: Great Book Gift Combination: It’s hard to find a girl that doesn’t love some form of makeup. Whether she’s a natural beauty or loves a full glam face, you can give her some tips on how to achieve her perfect look! A book full of makeup tips and tricks paired with a set of makeup brushes or a makeover or a Sephora gift card will put a perfectly glossed smile on any girl’s face! NIECE: Great Book Gift Combination: If your niece is a voracious young adult fiction reader, then it’s time to be the coolest aunt/uncle out there! Get her the latest teen book that will soon be turned into a movie, along with a theater gift card, and your gift will be the one she tells all of her friends about. HUSBAND: Great Book Gift Combination: If your husband enjoys a little whiskey to ease him into his nightly routine or weekend, giving him a book that lets him dive a little deeper into his vice is a delicious way to show you care. Pair the book with a bottle of whiskey that is discussed in the book and he’ll be drunk with excitement! This can also be done with any beverage he enjoys. Coffee, beer, scotch, wine, smoothies etc. would all work well with a book and bottle gift combination. WIFE: Great Book Gift Combination: Does your wife deserve the best? I think you know the answer to that question! My great gift suggestion for any wife is jewelry, of course. A book that details anything about these accessories that we decorate ourselves with is sure to win her heart, especially paired with ACTUAL jewelry. At any price point, this dynamic duo will definitely put stars in her eyes. So you get the picture, find a topic that you know your recipient is passionate about and find a book that explores that interest. Then pair it with a way for them to actually get out there and do or see what they are interested in. While there are some great links to books and gifts above, I love grabbing a coffee and walking the aisles of my local bookstore for gift inspiration! The icing on the cake is wrapping these presents! If you’ve purchased a book and a gift card, I love tucking the gift card into the pages of the book for an extra surprise–what a great bookmark! If you can do this with some of the other larger gift suggestions, go for it. Or wrap them in separate boxes tied together with a bow. VHM

I love to find, give and wrap everything myself but at times even the best of us could use some help, or even some inspiration. These are great resources for sites that put everything together for you in a stunning presentation! Website: Simone LeBlanc Price Range: $75 - $300 per box Great For: Ladies you Love: Moms, Sisters, Bosses and ladies that need pampering. VHM Pick: Simone LeBlanc's Staycation Deluxe ($248) I love this for a new mom or any mom that needs pampering and relaxing. Just spoil her rotten! This is also great for any homebody that loves taking baths and relaxing. Cherry on Top: Add a gift certificate to a local spa for a massage, manicure or pedicure so she can she can completely relax. ... Website: Valley Brink Road Price Range: $100 - 250 per box Great For: The Hostess, Mother in Law, and ladies that have a sweet tooth. VHM Pick: Valley Brink Road's Small Sweet Box ($150) This box is a cute collection of flowers (fresh or dried depending on delivery location) and a few sweet treats. This is a beautiful gift for someone you don't know very well but need to give a gift. Perfect for a hostess-with-the-mostess or meeting a mother in law for the first time. Cherry on Top: Grab a yummy chocolate bar and print your own label to say very, happy, merry... whatever the occasion! ... Website: Barbona Gifts Price Range: $30 - $200 Great For: New Moms and Babies, Minimalists, Girly-Girls VHM Pick: Baby Abigail Box ($136) This box is so cute for a new born baby girl and the new mom you're trying to impress! Are they having a boy? Check out the Baby George Box! Cherry on Top: Add a personalized pacifier on top as a bow with the new baby's name engraved or printed on it. ... Website: Box Fox Price Range: $20 - $200 Great For: The modern girl, assistants, sisters. VHM Pick: Gourmand box This box is perfect for the budding chef, single girl who likes to cook and couples that like to cook together. Cherry on Top: Package this beautiful box in a lovely serving dish or add to the box with a super chic apron. ... VHM

I love to find, give and wrap everything myself but at times even the best of us could use some help, or even some inspiration. These are great resources for sites that put everything together for you in a stunning presentation! Website: Simone LeBlanc Great For: Ladies you Love: Moms, Sisters, Bosses and ladies that need pampering. VHM Pick: Simone LeBlanc's Staycation Deluxe ($248) I love this for a new mom or any mom that needs pampering and relaxing. Just spoil her rotten! This is also great for any homebody that loves taking baths and relaxing. Cherry on Top: Add a gift certificate to a local spa for a massage, manicure or pedicure so she can she can completely relax. ... Website: Valley Brink Road Great For: The Hostess, Mother in Law, and ladies that have a sweet tooth. VHM Pick: Valley Brink Road's Small Sweet Box ($150) This box is a cute collection of flowers (fresh or dried depending on delivery location) and a few sweet treats. This is a beautiful gift for someone you don't know very well but need to give a gift. Perfect for a hostess-with-the-mostess or meeting a mother in law for the first time. Cherry on Top: Grab a yummy chocolate bar and print your own label to say very, happy, merry... whatever the occasion! ... Website: Barbona Gifts Great For: New Moms and Babies, Minimalists, Girly-Girls VHM Pick: Baby Abigail Box ($136) This box is so cute for a new born baby girl and the new mom you're trying to impress! Are they having a boy? Check out the Baby George Box! Cherry on Top: Add a personalized pacifier on top as a bow with the new baby's name engraved or printed on it. ... Website: Box Fox Great For: The modern girl, assistants, sisters. VHM Pick: Gourmand box This box is perfect for the budding chef, single girl who likes to cook and couples that like to cook together. Cherry on Top: Package this beautiful box in a lovely serving dish or add to the box with a super chic apron. ... VHM