The Joy of Gift Giving

I LOVE giving gifts- the magic of seeing someone open a gift that they truly love is like my own Christmas miracle. I absolutely love it. It makes me feel so special.

 

Now, I know some of you out there are still scrambling to get those last minute gifts- and I am too! I don’t know how this always happens. I’m even that person who buys gifts throughout the year and I still get caught off guard. So, what to do? Here are some ideas!

 

Gift Cards: 

I’m honestly not a fan of gift cards but for some people they really work, especially when it comes to food! Restaurant gift cards are pretty damn awesome, especially for that person who loves to explore or even that parent who can never seem to get out of the house. If you’re giving them to parents, may I also suggest you add your own “gift card” for free babysitting? Otherwise, you’re giving them a gift which also requires them to spend more money. #whoops

If you’re foodie friends are up to drive a little bit, I would recommend getting something out of town. Savannah always is a great destination. If you have someone in your life who loves chocolates, be sure to check out Wright Square Cafe!

Some of my Atlanta favorites are Empire State South and South City Kitchen. Athens, I always opt for 5&10. Beer fans? Try the Peach State Ale Trail passport! Macon friends, oh this is easy: Dovetail, The Rookery, Tic Toc Room, Circa, The Back Burner, Just Tap’d (formerly Lazy Dog Growler), Roasted Cafe, Harpin’s, and Grow. In Savannah my all time favorite place is the ulta-hipster-cool Foxy Loxy Cafe.

 

What about for the person who loves to cook at home? Check out Robinson Home for everything they could think of!

 

 

 

Gift boxes:

Ok, gift boxes are another great way to go for someone who you need something a little more than a gift card. Ocmulgee Traders can put together a gift box for you, or you can even order sets from Georgia Crafted.

 

 

 

If you’re ok with not shopping local for gift boxes, I truly love my Birchbox subscription. It’s a really good option for that guy or lady in your life who loves the fancy things, and it’s not expensive.

 

Books:

BOOKS! Books are always an amazing option, and if you have the faintest idea of what the recipient is interested in you can get a lovely coffee table book. Photography or design books are always a cool idea, or even cook books! Avid Bookshop in Athens is a really cool, locally owned book nook. In Macon, check out the Golden Bough or any of the house museum gift shops such as Historic Macon/Sidney Lanier Cottage, The Hay House, or even the Cannonball House.

 

 

 

Clothing and Jewelry:

The person who can pick out clothing and jewelry for me will always have a special place in my heart. In Athens I always make sure to stop in Flirt, Cheeky Peach, Encore, and Entourage. Really, all you have to do in Athens in park in the College Street deck and walk. And you can also grab and amazing lunch while downtown 😉

In Savannah? No problem! Zia Boutique has amazing jewelry designed in house, and BleuBelle has the best selection of Tory Burch bags and enough dresses to even make my heart content. Custard Boutique has a wide range from the elegant to the funky and functional. And Red Clover has you set for all of the latest trends.

Macon is easy: Rumor, Karats and Keepsakes, Jack & Darcy, Sorella- honestly, the hard part of shopping in Macon is narrowing down where to go! And each of those places also carries some of my favorite jewelry designers. At Karats, you can grab some of my favorite stud earrings by Diana Warner. She makes everything from the most demure studs, to the teardrop shared Sarah sparkle stud, to the outstanding Disco Ball Swarovski Crystal Stud. Rumor carries my favorite necklaces by North Carolina based Moon & Lola, these make a really cool gift for the lady of any age. Sorella has Macon-based Knot & Bow Designs, and Jack & Darcy carries Betsy Pittard Designs. Got a lady who loves shoes? Be sure to stop by Head Over Heels, who’s owner Ashley was recently named to the University of Georgia’s list of outstanding alums. Congrats Ashley!

One jewelry designer I have recently discovered is Parson Made: co-owner Emmy Brooks is originally from Macon and is now based Charleston, South Carolina. They make beautiful jewelry and I predict you will see even more of their items soon!

 

 

Kids toys:

 

There’s really only one place I go for my kids toys, and that’s William’s Fun Smart Toys. They have a wide array of babies developmental toys, to dolls, to building blocks, to scooters and so much more. And Steve and Florence are a dream to work with! They truly love to watch “their” kids grow up and develop and they also stay on top of what is up and coming in the toy world. (Note: I’m so glad my kids aren’t old enough to read this site yet!)

 

 

 

Teacher presents:

 

Oh holy cow, I swear I feel like this gets more and more competitive each year. And I think it’s more of an inward competition than anything else! I always want to find a way to say “thank you” to the people who work so hard to lead my babies education, and nothing ever quite seems adequate for what they do.

This year, I stocked up on Bath & Body Works items over the year as I would find good deals on them. And I packaged them with the lovely macaron sampler from The Macon Baking Company! It’s not really nearly enough, but then again, what is???

 

 

Spa and Pampering:

 

Did you know that Spa Medical in Macon has a VIP program?! It’s just $249 per year, which is the cost of like… 2 facials, and you get one Latisse or Clarisonic with that ($175.00 value- and I can attest to the value of the Clarisonic, I can’t live without mine), one Signature Facial, a VIP Birthday Gift Card, reward points for every dollar spent, access to evening appointments, access to Spa Saturdays with VIP treatment, and other exclusive offers! So this would be a perfect gift for the person who is always stressed, or just deserves to be pampered.

If you live in Savannah, be sure to check out Glow. They have a range of services that’s sure to please, and they even have the Novalashes that I love so much. I seriously swear by them for lash extensions.

In Athens? Go to Model Citizen Salon, Stephanie has this amazing facial which can be a substitute for a laser peel. It provides damn near immediate results, too.

 

Well, this ends the first part of my gift guide- I’m sure there are some items I’ll decide to add later!

 

 

Love to all y’all,

 

Molly