This year more than ever… I’m thinking about thoughtful holiday gifts versus just checking a box. Don’t get me wrong, the goal is always to pick out the best gifts, but I usually get so busy that I wind up… checking boxes. I’m sure you can relate.
It’s different now. Everything feels different now. I am really making the time to contemplate what gifts I want to give… from the heart.
Allow me if you will… to share this year’s gift for my sister, Cathy.
Cathy and I in the Bahamas
My older sister, Cathy, is a wife (married 20+ years), mother of 2, grandmother of 2, and THE WORLD’S BEST nurse!
She is the kind of nurse you are psyched to have caring for your loved ones. Relief washes over you because you KNOW you are in THE BEST hands. Several years ago, Cathy decided to transition from being a home healthcare nurse where she saw patients in their homes… to a communicable disease nurse.
Whenever I talked to her, she was practically giddy about her new role. She would investigate and handle any outbreak. Kind of like a medical Private investigator!
And, then COVID happened. I don’t think anything could have prepared her or the team for the Coronavirus.
Every single day, Cathy has to contract trace. She calls people and tells them they’ve been exposed. It’s not the kind of news you are excited to hear. “Oh, hey… guess what, You’ve been exposed to a potentially deadly virus and now you have to quarantine for the next 14 days!” These are tough calls and even though I know she is emotionally beat down, she keeps at it, day after day after day.
She’s not making more money or winning awards or titles. She’s just doing her job and it’s emotionally draining.
Cathy’s Gift
This year I want to get her something special. I want her to know how proud I am of her, her work… and what an incredible person she is… so I picked out this beautiful diamond star pendant necklace. My hope is… that no matter how tough her day is going, she’ll look down and remember that her family, her VIP’s think she is a SUPERSTAR!
I know things are SO weird right now. Many of you are angry, tired… over it. But, perhaps that indomitable spirit of giving; showing those we love, why we love them, and why they are so important in our lives and to the world… maybe that will restore a bit of peace and joy this holiday season.
This necklace is 50% off until 11/15.
Shop more affordable diamonds here. Everything is under $500.
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NECKLACE | SWEATER | JEANS | SOREL BOOTS
More Thoughtful Gift Ideas
The Gift of Warmth
Everyone…. globally… has experienced loss this year. Weddings and other hallmark events in our lives and exciting bucket list trips have been cancelled. We haven’t seen our families. We’ve lost loved ones. Everyone deserves something a little extra special this year… something to bring them JOY.
One of my go-to gifts each holiday season are the cashmere sweaters at Bloomingdale’s. I share more about why I love them so much here. Aqua cashmere sweaters are on sale now until Monday. This one has puff shoulders, making it a great, elevated basic! And, when you send this, remember, it’s NOT just a sweater…it’s the gift of warmth and luxury, enabling you to be closer to your loved ones’ heart.
More Aqua cashmere here.
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The Gift of Protection
I love the idea of giving someone a gift that is also very functional… and perhaps something they haven’t budgeted to buy on their own. These Sorel boots will not only protect the ladies in your life …they are also quite fashionable! They have a manageable wedge that adds height, but the tread is amazing. Plus, they’re warm and waterproof!
Be sure to wear wool socks for maximum warmth. These socks would be perfect a stocking stuffer.
Shop all my favorite winter boot brands here.
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The Jeans
With the sweater and black Sorel snow boots, I’m wearing high rise Agolde jeans. The jeans have an edgy gray/black wash that’s versatile for fall and winter. They are also slightly cropped and an ideal length for petites. (For more styling ideas with these jeans, you can visit this post, outfit pictured above… or this post.)
Shop more jeans & denim here.
The Gift of Glamour
I think another amazing gift idea is to give the women in your life, the gift of glamour. Something they can get excited about and oooh and aahhhh over.
These croc-embossed boots by Schutz are STUNNING. Real showstoppers. They personally give me life. And, I dream of the day I can bust these out on a special trip. I also wear them here every chance I get, but obviously they are not great in the snow. A couple of notes about these fabulous boots, they are WAY MORE COMFORTABLE than you think they are. Trust me. And, they run true to size. I love them so much, I have the black and python pairs.
Shop more glamorous boots here.
Holiday Sales at Bloomingdale’s
Bloomingdale’s has some amazing deals happening this month. Plus, they’re gift selection is SO good! You can shop their gift guides here.
Sales Info:
Gift Card Event
*On items labeled Gift Card Offer*
Get a $20 gift card when you spend $100
$50 when you spend $200
$100 when you spend $400
$125 when you spend $500
Home Offer: $50 off every $200
If you’re looking for more from Bloomingdale’s check out these posts:
Want To Level Up Your Style Over 40…? Try A Cargo Jacket
These are *The Best* Affordable Cashmere Sweaters For Women
What’s are some thoughtful gifts you like to give? We all need ideas so, please, please, please share in the comments below!
Huge thank you to Bloomingdale’s for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Be sure to subscribe to my weekly newsletter to receive some awesome freebies.
Hi Erin, first of all, I was sorry to see what happened to you. I know the ladies missed your meaning. Second, I am a 68 year old lady who loves fashion and I don’t want to look like a frumpy grandmother but I don’t want to look like someone who doesn’t now her age either, so your channel/website is so helpful to me. It is tough to navigate style as you get older. I enjoyed your gift ideas, and you are right….it feels like this year there should be thought behind the gift. It has been a terrible year, probably more than I know, or you or us that are blessed. Speaking of blessings, you are one so thank you!!!
Aw, thanks so much! I am most grateful to have amazing women like you in my corner. I appreciate YOU.
Dear Erin-I can”t count how many of your tips/ideas I have followed, but I want you to know, although I am 70, I adore your platform.
I am a big shopper too, and petite, so I greatly appreciate your ideas. Right now I am wearing the Moussy baggy jeans you wore in a video from the summer!
I do the Tracy Anderson mat class,take collagen supplements, and follow many of your other wonderful, uplifting ideas. You are all about helping women be better in so many ways. Thank you for all you have given to so many!
I am thrilled you are taking a break from social media-it is too filled with haters. You deserve better-we all do.
I really hope your husband is on the mend-what a tough thing to go through, for him and your family.
We live not far from Telluride, and hike in the Summers and fall. You are one more lovely part of that beautiful area.
thanks for being you!
Pam
Hi Pamela! Your comment means a lot to me!! Glad I can help you in some small way… I hope you are enjoying the Moussy jeans!