Pictured above: Laura Ashley Cressida Heart Basket and Tool Set, Hunters Original British Rain Boots and Burberry Belted Leather Rain Boots

Creating an Unforgettable Mother’s Day

Still looking for that perfect gift to show your mom how much she means to you? Here’s my winning tip for you: try to think what your mom is passionate about and go for that theme – and make it a truly a day of celebration, rather than just a present and flowers delivered via web or a quick lunch in a restaurant.

Her ideal present might not be anything tangible in terms of goods, but maybe an experience, or a surprise visit from you if you haven’t seen her for a long time – after all time is the most valuable asset we have – and once it’s gone we can’t get it back… The key is to give it from the heart, and not just by opening your wallet and picking up some fancy presents. Make it a day with loved ones, doing things that mom would love to do.

If you are now thinking that your mom has no passions or hobbies that you are aware of it gets a bit trickier. It is possible that your mom has no interests whatsoever, or it could be that she’s still at that stage where she’s dreaming about something, but hasn’t gotten the courage or time (or what ever the reason might be) to get started. Try to think about what she’s told you before, directly or just hinted subtly, and something’s got to come on top. Then just go for that idea even if it ends up being a spring clean of the garage together and a champagne picnic between the boxes. She’ll so pleasantly surprised and happy!

My English Garden Dream Mother’s Day

Personally I have been pining for an opportunity to work in a garden for the past four years when we didn’t really have one, and this is what my perfect day would be like (hint for the husband as I know he reads my articles). No, it’ now a few diamond bracelet or Jimmy Choos, although the latter will be included, sort of, as I’d love the Jimmy Choos of the gardening world – aka a really fancy pair of rain boots (or wellies as I call them) suitable even for trotting the puddled streets of London! If I ever had a lawn as perfect as the Queen has in front of Buckingham Palace I’d be really happy.

So my perfect mother’s day would have a few of these elements – and I would’t turn down all of them taking place in the very same time, but that just might be plain greedy:

• A lovely breakfast in bed (what can I say, just a family-long tradition and i have nothing against keeping up with traditions – especially when there is a home-made cake too)
• A little family project in garden (this year, my dear husband, I’d like a couple of raised beds so we could plant some herbs and lettuce – and strawberries for the kids)
• Family BBQ in the garden (ribs, English sausages, asparagus and potatoes, need I say more!)
• A lovely afternoon stroll in a nearby castle and it’s blooming gardens – great for the body and mind and also gives me some garden ideas. And since it’s likely to be an afternoon it would the perfect time for a proper cream tea in the castle
• A pair of fabulous wellies, or maybe even two: Classic Hunter’s boots for muddy school runs and forest walks (and music festivals, just think of Glastonbury) and Burberry ones for glamming up (and I keep my old butterfly boots for the garden). Wellies are the must-have item item of the year and they are like sandals last year – no shame of owning more than one pair for different occasions
• And finally: there is always a need yet for another garden tool – so a fancy clippers or cute bird feeder will do (and this year a moss-killing set for the lawn might be hot commodity too!)

Castles, gardens and cream teas is what I dream of!

All this would make me eternally grateful and feel so cherished, at least until next year when I’d hope to have a lovely day again. And yes, for next Father’s day I am planning to follow the same format for my great husband too!

Gifts that give twice

Mother’s Day this year is on May 12th in many countries, including USA. This year I collected 7 gift caring ideas that give twice. Many of these products support a charity, are made from recycled materials or are made with all natural ingredients. Great gift ideas for granola and fashionista moms alike!

1. Jonathan Adler Retro Floral On The Go Coffee Mug ($14)
The Jonathan Adler porcelain coffee mug with a coordinating silicone sleeve and lid isn’t just any pretty new coffee to-go-mug when you purchase it from Gifts that Give. $2.80 of the price goes to any cause of your choice, easily with a click of a button. Perfect for the soccer mom-on-the-go!

2. Patent Foundation Double Wrap Logo Stud Bracelet by Tory Burch ($95)
Patent Foundation Double Wrap Logo Stud Bracelet by Tory Burch is gorgeous and perfect for the trendy fashionista mom. All profits from the purchase of this item benefit the Tory Burch Foundation, committed to providing economic opportunities to women and their families in the United States

3. Smart Traveler Makeup Bag Set by Cuyana ($85)
Smart Traveler Set by Cuyana comes with two makeup bags, perfectly sized for traveling. The large one for toiletries and the smaller one to fit inside a carry-on or a purse for daily essentials. This set comes in several colors but the trendy emerald green is my favorite. The bags are Handmade in Argentina and Cuyana donates a percentage of profits to charity:water.

4. TOM’S Shoes ($53.95)
The ‘Classic – Circle’ Slip-On by TOMS shoes comes in cute new prints. And like for years now… With every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS gives a new pair of shoes to a child in need.

5. FEED India Bag in Flame Navy ($75)
This colorful block printed FEED India Bag is handmade by artisans working in India. Each FEED India Bag will provide 50 school meals for children in India, and in ADDITION 15.00 goes to any cause of your choice when you purchase it from Gifts that Give. The do-good bag also looks good and it’s perfect summer, for beach days or farmer’s market runs.

6. Mereset scarf from fashionABLE ($36)
The soft 100% cotton Mereset scarf from fashionABLE is handmade in Ethiopia and allows women in Ethiopia to have a way of living. This thin scarf is perfect even for summer.

7. Pure Natural Diva Botanicals Perfume ($100)
Pure Natural Diva Botanicals Perfumes are a perfect a gift for an eco savvy mom. Made with natural ingredients and scent from heaven. May we recommend? Try the Natural from the four different varieties. It is fresh and inviting, with notes including a hint of clary sage, exalting pink grapefruit, Moroccan rose, and soothing ylang ylang. Calming yet luxurious, just what mom wants. 1.69 oz bottle $100.

Hooked on handmade soaps

Handmade soaps are our everyday luxury item.

Nomadic lifestyle makes you really reconsider what everyday luxury means. Last year when we moved from New York to Sweden we had to sell about 80% of everything we owned and while our home now feels “full” of new things, we still don’t have curtains in the windows and half of our glassware is from flea markets (because we won’t be using them in two years anyways), and I am tired of buying new things just to either try to get rid off or pack them shortly again. Everything I buy has to be heirloom quality for the keep-forever pile, or easily resold or recycled when we move again or something that can be consumed. This is where the luxury comes in… My bathroom is very minimalistic, or call it bare if you like, and my everyday luxury comes from products like soaps, not from the plush new bathroom accessories.

It was my daughter who got us all hooked on handmade soaps, and we have been shopping for them from Tuscany to Sweden this past year. A few weeks ago we finally took the plunge and tried making some soaps at home. What do you think of our lavender soaps? I think they turned out great!

What you have to know about handmade soaps

Soap is made from lye and oils through a chemical process that can be messy and even dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing. It also takes a long time for handmade soap to harden and be ready to use. I have no experience making handmade soaps from the scratch, so we took a shortcut – we bought ready made base that we just melted in the microwave oven and it was easy to even do with my 11-year old daughter. You can also use crockpot if you have one.

Easy DIY soaps using the microwave oven

I am not an expert in soap making but if I was able to make these soaps with the first try, I can only imagine what kind of soaps you are able to create! We bought all of the soap making supplies just from a regular craft store. You can purchase special soap molds from the craft store, but we also used cupcake molds (not shown in the pictures). Any silicone molds will do.

You will need:
For the soaps:
Melt and pour soap base
Dye
Fragrance
Additional ingredients such as herbs or flower petals, we used dried lavender

Supplies needed:
Chopping block & knife
Plastic bowl to melt the soap in (in the microwave oven)
soap molds (and stamps if wanted)

Instructions how to make melt and pour soap bars.
1. Cut the block of soap in about one inch cubes and put it inside a microwavable bowl. Melt in high for 2 minutes and check how melted the soap is and add more time as needed until the soap base is completely melted.

2. Stir the soap to make sure it has melted completely, but be careful not to mix too much or you will get bubbles to the mix. You can carefully remove the bubbles from the top if wanted and discard the top foam. Add coloring a drop at a time, we used about 4-5 drops, but it’s better to go slowly so you won’t accidentally add too much. Stirring until well combined.

3. Add the essential oil or fragrance and stir well.

4. Add other ingredients, like flower petals, herbs, or oatmeal and stir but again remember to go slowly so you won’t get the foam on the top.

5. Pour the soap mixture into soap molds and allow to cool and set for 24 hours.

6. Take the soaps off the molds and let air dry before wrapping (if used for gifts).

This is how my daughter packed her soaps to give to her friends for the Valentine’s Day.

Last minute Valentine’s Day Gift Tips

This Valentine’s Day give gifts that you and your loved one can share and enjoy together. Valentine’s Day is, after all, about celebrating and enjoying the love and connection you share with another. I have put together a list of gifts that can turn the ordinary breakfast in bed to something special and make that next trip even more exciting.

Nespresso Latissima+

Who says a man can’t enjoy breakfast in bed every now and then. Give the gift of Nespresso this Valentine’s Day and enjoy a lovely addition to breakfast with your loved one. The Latissima+ is perfect for coffee lovers as it brings the exceptional quality of the signature Nespresso beverages into the home. I am a coffee lover and have personally tried the Latissima+ myself thanks to our friends at Nespresso. It creates everything from traditional espressos to Americanos and Lattes with the included milk frother. It truly brings the European coffee experience home. Check out Nespresso’s Ultimate Coffee Creations  for new ways to enjoy Nespresso. Available at Nesresso Boutiques and Nespresso.com ($399)

Luxe City Guide

Here at Skimbaco we love to travel, and traveling to a new destination is always exciting, especially when you know the best places to dine, shop, and visit. The Luxe City Guide is the perfect way to prepare for an upcoming trip with your loved one. The Bespoke Box set allows you to hand select 5 city guides which is perfect for 2013 travel plans that have been made. Get to know your destination cities with your loved one inside and out with the Luxe City guides which are curated from recommendations of locals and refined by a resident editor. Available at Luxe City Guides. Bespoke City Guide Bookset ($55).

Cooking Lesson at the International Culinary Center

Spend some quality time with your significant other while picking up a new skill at the same time. Learn to make authentic Italian pastas and sauces by hand in the 4 hour “Homemade Pasta” class. If you find yourself to be a natural, transfer your skills from classroom to kitchen that evening and enjoy a wonderful homemade dinner. Available at the International Culinary Institute, New York. ($195).

Moët & Chandon Valentine’s Day Gift Bag

Nothing says “I love you” quite like a wonderful bottle of rosé. This year, Moët & Chandon, one of my personal favorites, is offering special Valentine’s Day bottle which invites you to customize the bottle via an array of stickers to decorate the bottle with your own message.

Moët & Chandon is a favorite of Hollywood A-list couples such as John Hamm & Jen Westfeldt and George Clooney & Stacy Kiebler. The Rosé Impérial distinguished by its bright fruitiness and elegant maturity. Notes of intensity include strawberry, raspberry, and redcurrant. You and your loved one can enjoy this bottle paired with dishes such as beef carpaccio, ratatouille, and fruit salad of berries. Available at Sherry-Lehman  ($52.99)

Disclosure: I received a Nespresso coffee maker to review, but all of my opinions are my own.

This post brought to you by Selfridges & Co. (with video provided by GoViral). All opinions are 100% mine.

Gift ideas from the Best Department Store in the World

Today I'm virtually shopping in the world's best department store, the Selfridges in London. Selfidges contacted me to pick some of my personal favorites from their luxury Holiday Gift Guides. Selfridges was recently voted the "Best Department Store in the World" at the Global Department Store Summit in New York. In my recent trip to London I did some shopping at the Oxford Street, let these pictures take you to London and get the feel of shopping on the Oxford Street, walking towards the Selfridges London store, which is a national institution with the most famous shop windows on Oxford Street. Selfridges is known for opening the world's first ground floor beauty department in 1910, which revolutionized department stores. You might also know Selfridges from one of my personal favorite Christmas movies Love Actually (I just watched it last night!), the shopping scenes were filmed in the Oxford Street store in 2003. Across every single department, from food to fashion, home to beauty, Selfridges sets the standard for up-to-the-minute style, lasting quality and exceptional customer service.

This Holiday season Selfridges created this fun video and created awesome “Not Your Usual Christmas” Holiday Gift Guides to help their customers to find luxurious gifts for anyone in their list. What I love about their Holiday Gift Lists – they have picked classic products that stand the test of time and some very trendy products that are a hit this year to make it easy to pick gifts. The gift guides are named not your usual way, or can you imagine many gift guides for "silver foxes" or "eroticists"? While I found my all time expensive dream gift from the lists (it's been in my dream list for years), the guides also had luxury for less options, so you can get the luxury  feeling of shopping at Selfridges without spending a fortune.

Editor's Picks from Selfridges

Here are my favorite Holiday gift ideas from Selfridges.

1. Mulberry Bayswater This bag has been in my dream list forever… And if I can have one regret it's that I didn't buy it when I still worked for Mulberry and got an employee discount. I know, what was I thinking? Any woman would love the classic Bayswater.

2. NESPRESSO Magimix Gran Maestria coffee machine The most popular thing in coffee in Europe is Nespresso. Nespresso coffee machine is everyday luxury any coffee lover in your life would love.

3. Diptyque candles When you are looking for a luxurious gift for less, you can't go wring with Diptyque candles.

4. Lancôme Christmas cracker gift set. Lancôme gift sets are on my wish list every single year, and if I don't get one – I usually go and gift myself one. This Lancôme gift set it includes six beauty-filled Christmas crackers. Including; Hypnôse Mascara 2ml, Bi-Facil 30ml, Mini Juicy Tube – Fraise 17, Visionnaire 7ml, Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate 7ml, Mini L'Absolu Rouge ßx Lipstick 06.

5. ALEXANDER MCQUEEN skull scarf The Alexander McQueen skull-print modal and cashmere-blend pashmina is a must have for any fashionista. Got a picky teenager? This will impress.

6. MARC BY MARC JACOBS Rock Chrono rose gold-plated watch This year I am really into rose gold-plated watches. The rose gold gives a nice hint of pink to the masculine chrono watch, and I just love it!

7. Loimu glögg by Lignell & Piispanen When in doubt – buy a bottle. Whether it's a good bottle of cognac or whiskey, a bottle is a good gift idea in my book. For wine lovers it's difficult to get a gift especially if you are not a wine expert yourself, although bubbly is always a good idea. My gift pick from Selfridges is Loimu glögi, Scandic mulled wine, mixture of Merlot, the arctic bramble and a touch of cinnamon and cloves, perfect for the Holidays and my Scandinavian Christmas wouldn't be complete without some glögi.

Check out the Holiday Gift Guides at Selfridges and watch the Holiday video by Bruce Weber, shot in the Selfridges Oxford Street store.

Cheap gift ideas for fashionista from Hollywood stylist

When it comes to your personal style I believe in investing in good quality, but when it comes to fashion and trends, my advice is that if you are not going to wear it for longer than a few seasons, don’t waste much money on it. Thankfully being trendy on a budget can be easy. If you are looking for fashion accessories to spark up your Holiday outfits or to gift for your friend or yourself, Hollywood stylist Ali Levine of Ali Levine Design™ presents you her top 7 Holiday glam gift ideas. Both Ali and I want the leather studded gloves.. Hello Santa!

7 glam gifts for fashionista on a budget

1. Glitter ballet flats by J.Crew $138
Lula glitter ballet flats from J.Crew are the perfect glittery shoes to bring some sparkle to your holiday.

I love these flats from J.Crew, put them with a pair of denim, or your favorite little black dress.

says Ali Levine.

2. Glitter bow belt by Kate Spade ($98)
Kate Spade glitter bow belt and for around 100 bucks you can instantly turn her old outfit into something completely new. Perfect for Holiday and New Year’s parties.

I love this belt for a little glitter sass, recently styled on one of my clients for her holiday party, the perfect touch of sparkle!

says Ali Levine.

3. ASOS Leather All Over Stud Gloves ($45.73)
ASOS Leather All Over Stud Gloves is probably your BEST best for fashionable, high quality gift under 50 bucks. If your fashionable friend is like me and she’s been eyeballing the Burberry Prorsum Studded Gloves ($650) in every fashion magazine this fall, she will be thrilled to get these gloves as a gift.

Looking for some studs and edge for your winter look dolls? I love these gloves, personally on my “must have, Santa pls send me”-list!

Ali says.

4. Lauren Conrad Polka-Dot Scarf ($5)
Kohl’s Cares® LC Lauren Conrad Polka-Dot Scarf is a steal for 5 bucks! If you’ve been mesmerized and dreaming of the polka dots at Louis Vuitton, this is the budget fashionista’s way to sport the spots.

Loving this scarf from Lauren Conrad, sold at Kohl’s so festive and affordable for the holidays!

says Ali.

5. Sequin Stripe Sweater by Pim + Larkin ($69)
Sequin Stripe Sweater by Pim + Larkin is a perfect go anywhere-sweater, mix it with jeans or glitter skirt!

Is this not the cutest? Piperlime style, warm yourself up in this minty candy cane! I just adore!

says Ali.

6. Ashley shoes by Mia ($59)
Ashley
by Mia are cute and inexpensive, and come in variety of fashionable colors/prints too.

You’ve got the blues? Blue Suede shoes, yes pls. Put these on and head to your office holiday party!

Ali Levine recommends.

7. Rhinestone Fringe Necklace by Sabine ($38)
Rhinestone Fringe Necklace is über-trendy and will make your old LBD transform into something new.

Add this fringe to your neck for the holidays.

says Ali.

Make sure to follow our stylist on call Ali Levine on Twitter @alilevinedesign and check out her site Ali Levine Design™ and connect at Facebook as well.

Read all of the Holiday Gift Guide posts and stay tuned for more from all of our writers.

Fashion Friday

I’m linking up with Blonde Episodes and Jo-Lynne Shane’s Musings of a Housewife for Fashion Friday.

Ultimate Gifts for Snow Bunny

I know Leigh said in her Holiday Gift Guide post that diamonds are girls best friend and in a way it is true.. but there are also girls who wish not to have the Tiffany box under the tree, and who prefer the black diamonds on the mountains instead. I may not be as much into the outdoor sports as Satu, but I do prefer the diamonds in the slopes more than on my fingers. To me nothing you can give in a box compares to what the glittery snowy mountains offer. If you know a woman to whom “luxury” is defined by the quality of snow, the altitude of the mountain and the distance between the slope and the ski lodge, these gift ideas might be on her list for the Holidays. This is what I sent for Santa.

1. Lone Tree Ski Jacket by Marmot ($289.95)
The Lone Tree Ski Jacket by Marmot is one of my favorite new ski jackets for the 2012-13 ski season. It has all of the technical aspects you’d expect from a high tech ski jacket, yet it looks simple and good enough for street use too making it a multi-function jacket for those who don’t get 30 days or more of skiing each season.

2. Völkl Kenja Women’s Skis ($649)
I saw the Völkl Kenja skis in a local ski shop this weekend and my husband had to peel me off from them. Nice fat double tips, perfect for Utah or Colorado powder, yet they are sturdy for packed snow in Finland or Vermot. Ready to take on any mountain, just like she is. This ski gets Ski Magazine Gold Medal and is Skiing Magazine Official Selection for 2013.

3. Airwave Snow Goggles by Oakley ($599.95) (THE MOST POPULAR!)
While at first you might wonder why Oakley Airwave Ski Goggles come with a 600 dollar price tag, but once you get to know these luxury snow goggles a little bit better, you get it. They don’t just give her a perfect visibility on the slopes with crystal clear vision but she will be able to have preloaded maps available for many resorts, abd can find her location and even track others in your group. Additional sensor information includes altitude, speed and vertical descent data. Bluetooth connectivity allows pairing with a compatible smartphone for immediate viewing of incoming calls and text messages, and if your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone has music, playlists can be accessed and controlled. And if this is enough to wow you – the Oakley Airwave goggles allow you to view jump analytics that show distance, height and airtime. I’d say these are a must have for a slope snob who wants to have the latest and the greatest. No wonder that these have been flying off the shelves this Holiday shopping season.

4. Osprey Karve Backpack ($79)
I don’t go on any ski trips without at least one Osprey bag with me. The Osprey Karve 6 Backpack is great for skiing and snowboarding, and comfortable to wear even on the ski lift. She can even strap her skis or snowboard to the Karve for back-country mountain climbing.

5. European Ski vacation: Gstaad, Switzerland
Surprise her with a romantic getaway to Switzerland, but instead of strolling the streets of Venice, you know she will like more holding hands in the ski lift and then racing down the mountain side. Gstaad in Switzerland is like a fairytale ski town with several ski resorts close by. Stay at The Alpina Gstaad, it is the first five-star hotel to be newly built in Gstaad in 100 years. The Alpina Gstaad overlooks the village which is nestled in Saanenland in the heart of the Bernese Alps. The hotel is designed in the style of a luxurious private chalet, and has a luxurious spa as well. Rates from $756.

6. American Ski Vacation: Park City, Utah
For a whole family ski gift idea: book a ski vacation in Park City, Utah. Salt Lake City airport is close by and the town gives you the feel of being in the Alps, and Park City Mountain resort is the perfect resort for skiers of all levels. My favorite place to stay at is Silver Star in Park City. Their ski lodges are right under a ski lift, and come with several fire places, chef-quality kitchens and balcony hot tubs. Relaxed luxury.

7. POC Receptor + Helmet $220
Get your wild snowbunny a helmet that looks cool, but more importantly protects her. The POC Receptor + Helmet fits the bill perfectly. Don’t forget the Communication Neck Roll with powerful Beats by Dre™ speakers and microphone for listening to tunes on the slope.

Read all of the Holiday Gift Guide posts and stay tuned for more from all of our writers.

Christmas DIY Ideas from Sweden

I feel like I have a new hobby: it’s scouting for different Christmas markets every weekend. The first Christmas markets opened here in Sweden already three weeks ago, and it’s been market after market ever since. It’s been quite inspiring more than anything else. I love handmade things.. but feel like I should be making them myself, and not buying them. So the good news is that kids and I finally put the new sewing machine in good use, and have been making our own Christmas gifts and decorations. The Christmas markets have been great for inspiration, and they have really sparked the craft side of us. I might share some of the things we have been making – after Christmas – but here is some crafty inspiration for you too from the Swedish Christmas markets.

It’s dark and cold… Christmas decorating is all about the candles and making them pretty. We also light up a candle for each advent, each week in December, leading to Christmas, so seeing the 4-candle settings is pretty common here.

If you want a better idea how to make these decorated candles… here are some pictures of homemade craft supplies like dried apples and limes.

Christmas Pillows

Pillows are probably the easiest thing to make if you want to start sewing. Or I’m not going to tell anyone if you cheat and buy a store-bought pillow and use some of these pillow DIY-tricks to give a handmade touch to your pillows.

If you can do needle point – do a Holiday inspired text on a pillow to instantly make it a cuddly Holiday decoration or a gift. The next one is even easier… wrap a solid-colored pillow like a gift with some ribbon and you have a “Christmas gift” pillow.

Gifts from Kitchen

Another gift idea anyone can do – a recipe in a bottle or jar. Measure + add a lid on it and create a pretty card with the recipe and the instructions. If recipe is too much – hot cocoa and marshmallows always works too. The entire idea here is that you are making something with love. It doesn’t have to be rocket science nor take days for you to make it.

Read all of the Holiday Gift Guide posts and stay tuned for more from all of our writers.

Winter Wonderland gifts for her under $60

These après-ski style Holiday gifts are perfect for skiers or non-skiers alike. Even if she isn’t the snowboarding queen nor the belle of black diamonds, it’s OK. These après-ski lifestyle gift ideas just say “Winter Wonderland,” and work great for gifts for friends, as stocking stuffers or even for teen girls, or college students. And this snowmama would be happy to have any of these as a present.

1. Jet set coasters by Jonathan Adler ($48)
The Jet Set Part Trois ski resort inspired coasters by Jonathan Adler could also be my “ski travel wish list” with four dreamy ski destinations in the coaster pictures. Great for ski lodge, home or even to protect the office desk.

2. Solstice artisan New Zealand wool socks, two pairs ($48)
The solstice artisan socks from Sundance Catalog are great for ski chalets and beyond to keep her toes warm during cold winter months. These wool socks come in twos and you can even slip them to gift socks for two. Handknit in New Zealand.

3. Snow Village hand lotion set by Philosophy ($20)
Snow Village hand lotion set by Philosophy is a perfect stocking stuffer for any woman. No parabens, no sulfates, no phthalates, just the good stuff and yummy scents to keep her hands soft during the dry winter months. The three scents in the set are Candy Cane, Spiced Cider and Sweetly Fallen Snow.

4. Fairisle Pom Pom Toque hat by Roots ($45)
The Fairisle Pom Pom Toque hat will keep her warm outdoors, but who are we kidding here.. she’d love it because it’s cute! Perfect winter accessory that combined practical and cute. Plus she will really love it for après-ski, it’ll cover her helmet hair after a day of skiing.

5. Shearling Cuff Gloves by Ralph Lauren ($59.99)
Shearling gloves are a classic winter accessory that never goes out of style, and I have owned several pairs of them. They tend to be pricey, and if you love snow as much as I do… they do take some damage when they get wet. I’ve found that Timberland and Ralph Lauren gloves give the best bang for your buck, good quality, but not super expensive. Shearling Cuff Glove by Ralph Lauren would make a perfect gift for any woman who likes classic style.

6. Peppermint bark from Williams-Sonoma ($26.95)
Hot chocolate gift would be a perfect too for a snowbunny gift, but my personal favorite is peppermint bark, it just says winter to me. It’s easy to make at home but my favorite store-bought peppermint bark comes from Williams-Sonoma.

7. Uniqlo Heattech Leggings ($14.90)
If practical is what you are looking for for the skier girl in your life, there is nothing better than Uniqlo heattech leggings. I swear by these, and own these in several colors. They are ultra light (but warm) and pack perfectly in small for ski trips and go from under layer for snow fun to warming leggings under skirts for après-ski fun. That’s why she needs them in every color for each occasion.

Read all of the Holiday Gift Guide posts and stay tuned for more from all of our writers.

Luxury gifts for women under $200

Oh, yes! It’s true. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. And a signature blue box under the tree is sure to get a squeal of delight from any luxury-loving wife, as would a fabulous designer handbag. Oh, Louis! How I love thee! I really envy those women whose husbands take them outside with their eyes covered only to reveal a new Lexus or Mercedes wrapped in a huge red bow. How do they find a bow so big?

Not all luxury items have huge price tags. Here are some great ideas for under $200 that would make anyone squeal with delight, and you don’t even need a big bow.

1. Waffle-Weave Monogrammed Resort Robe  ($100)
Spa robes are the perfect weight. Every time I’m at a spa, I always wish I had the same comfy robe at home. This robe from Pottery Barn is ideal for year-round wear and great to slip on in the afternoon as you’re getting ready for a dinner date. Having it monogrammed takes it up a notch as an ideal, personalized lux gift just for her.

2. UGG Ansley Shearling Moccasins ($100)
You can’t go wrong with UGGs when it comes to luxury and comfort. Truthfully, it’s one of the best gifts I’ve ever received. These Ansley Shearling Moccasins in eggplant are sure to please that special someone on your list. The indoor/outdoor soles are great for that run to the mailbox, too. Just don’t forget to take them off. Shhh!! I’ve been known to wear my slippers to pick up my son from school. They are that comfortable! Available at Garnet Hill.

3. Cuccio Spa to Go: Milk and Honey ($38)
A Raleigh spa recommended the Cuccio Milk and Honey blend for my dry hands, skin, and feet several years ago. It’s a true gem and smells delightful. This “Spa to Go” kit is the perfect take-home spa treatment for any lucky lady in your life. Available at BeBeautiful.com.

4. The Tory Burch Sintra Scarf ($155)
This lux scarf would be great for adding a little layer of warmth when traveling on planes, trains, or in the car. Besides, any woman would feel ultra-stylish with a Tory Burch scarf around her neck. When in doubt, buy Tory! Available at Tory Burch.

5. Lilly Pulitzer Resort Travel Bag ($148)
The Lilly Pulitzer Resort Travel Bag. Need I say more? This brightly colored print will be a sunny accent for the next holiday getaway in style. Whether it is a long plane ride or a quick getaway in the car, this resort tote is sure to please the luxury traveler. Available at Lilly Pulitzer.

6. Kate Spade Seaport Watch ($195)
Kate Spade has an assortment of luxury watches that won’t break the piggy bank this holiday. This is especially good for women who like to change watches as quickly as the time passes. I tend to wear the same watch over and over. As a result, I’m drawn to the Kate Spade Seaport watch for its timeless, classic style, but if your lux lover likes to wear a watch as a fashion accessory, then Kate’s watches are a good bet, and all are priced under $300.

7. Luxury Hotel Gift Cards (Any value)
A luxury lover loves a five-star hotel. What’s not to love? There’s the spa, gorgeous décor, and delicious cuisine. Hello. When can I leave? Most every luxury hotel chain offers gift cards these days. Be a good Santa, and surprise your special someone with a gift card. Ritz-Carlton accepts gift card amounts from $25 to $2,000.

Psst! I have an idea. Buy the Lilly Pulitzer resort bag, and put the gift card in it. Now, she’ll have somewhere to take her bag. I sure do wish I had the bag for my Ritz-Carlton Charlotte visit in December. Or better yet, the Kate Spade watch, then I would definitely be on time for my afternoon tea reservation.

Have fun shopping!

Get more gift ideas from the Skimbaco team in the following days and weeks leading up to Christmas.

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