Gift Guides – Investment Piece

Sunday Chronicles: Gift Guides 2022

A woman in plaid shirt and black pants standing by a Christmas Tree

Every year I struggle with gift guides. Do I post them? Do I ignore them? It’s not that I don’t like gifts (I do!) and ironically I feel as if I’m a good to great gift giver (more on my gift giving philosophy in a moment), yet I don’t know that I’ve mastered gift guides. Or how and when to post them. Part of the gift thing is (for me- my gift giving philosophy) that gifts are personal. We all want to be seen and heard by the people in our lives, and gifts are a way to do that. As good as I am at shopping, ask me for general gift ideas for “him” or “for your uncle” and I freeze like a deer in headlights. But tell me your hubby loves craft cocktails and smoky flavors, or that your uncle loves the opera, bow ties, and to entertain. Tell me your aunt loves crochet and football and yet hates the color pink. Those are details that I can work with- those are details that make gifts personal and appreciated. That’s the kind of gift giving I love shopping for and wrapping!

(Note: Look, we all ask for money for gifts. I do- mainly as I know most people would rather give me a bit towards my huge shopping goals rather than splurge on one huge gift for me. And I think that’s thoughtful. I give gift cards to all service workers in my life (usually with cookies!) and I hope that’s thoughtful. This is not about disparaging those gifts. This is about personal and thoughtful gift guides that won’t suggest yet another impersonal tie, whiskey rock, tea towel, etc! Money is great! Gift Cards are great! I write yearly in defense of them, see here! This is moving us beyond those!)

So. If I’m only really great at doing specific gifts, or gifts for people who have specific tastes, and/or suggesting things that I would like, how do I go about gift guides? And do gift guides take away from any fashion or outfit conversation we have here? These are the questions I’ve been battling with since I started Investment Piece. This year? I think I finally have some answers that I love- and I hope you will too!

Starting this year I’m not doing gift guides on the blog. We’ll chat holiday dressing (of course!) and what I’m wearing through the season, but this is the post about gift guides (ironically without a true gift guide!). If you’re subscribed to our email list (and if you’re not I suggest you do! I’m updating our investment piece guide today!), every week (on Wednesdays) you’ll get an email with a specific gift guide (from Advent Calendars to hostess gifts to beauty to his and hers). I’m planning on being detailed (culling from research on not only what I would like but based upon people in my life and what they have asked for!), specific, and I hope helpful!

(Need more! For one on one suggestions or more details options feel free to email me at racheladelicia@investmentpiece.com and we’ll go holiday shopping!Also, check the shopping apps, both ShopStyle and LTK for weekly updates. I will be posting gift guides there throughout the season!)

To recap- sign up for our email lists and check my shopping apps. Email me for help. In general? Gifts should be so personal- that’s what makes them thoughtful, so if you’re seeing your people I know you’re doing a great job shopping for your people!

Wishing us all a week of great shopping and amazing shoes! XO RA

I am breaking this rule and linking to a general gift guide here! It is an affiliate link, which means though it does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from it! Thank you for your support!

https://www.shopltk.com/explore/racheladelicia/giftguides/11ed3ebc37974905a0150242ac110003

10% OFF SITE-WIDE; HEBEPE MATCHA SKINCARE; USE COUPON CODE “HBP2022” UPON CHECKOUT

Hostess Gifts

Investment Piece: Hostess Gifts

Starting this week, you may be attending (or hosting) holiday meals and events with your friends, family, and co-workers. As a child my mom instilled in me the importance of a hostess gift (and a thank you), and now that I’ve hosted my fair share of events, I have OPINIONS about them.

This isn’t about what side or drink you may have been asked to contribute (of course take that!), but rather a small (or big) token to let the host know how much you appreciate being in their home. Hostess gifts do make a difference and are a great way to thank the person who may have deep cleaned and been cooking for days.

While there’s nothing wrong with a bottle of wine, flowers, a plant, etc as I’ve gotten older (and hosted) I’m more touched by a hostess gift that has some thought behind it. Hostess gifts that meant that my friends and family really paid attention to my needs, decor, hobbies have stayed in the front of my mind for years.

Of course, you know your loved ones best, but I can’t imagine any host not loving a gift that was personal, thoughtful, tailored to their interests. I’m thinking personalized serving ware or linens. Games that they love. The weighted throw they’ve been wanting. Any of those I think would be such a thoughtful gift (though again, they may also love a bottle of wine to share with you!).

Below, I’ve rounded up some things I would love if I were hosting! I would love to know- what’s your go-to hostess gift?

Xo RA

Note: This post does contain afflilate links. While the does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Luxe Gift Guide

I know, I know. Sometimes our holiday wish lists that we give to our family and friends are full of things we need, things we want within budget, and things that don’t reach too far. Yes, I get it- budgets are important, we don’t ever to burden our loved ones, and getting things you need is fantastic.

But there are times when that’s not the most fun thing. Why not wish for things completely out of reach? Why not dream about pie-in-the-sky beautiful and unique things? Maybe it’s because I’m a shopper or a dreamer or can’t help myself from wanting, but especially after the years we have, I have been dreaming of luxe gifts. There’s a huge chance that we won’t get any of these, but it doesn’t hurt to dream or to ask.

And if you’re wondering, yes, having my eye on expensive things is part of why I’m always such a big fan of
gift cards.

Below, I’ve linked some of the luxe gifts on my list- from the semi-reasonable to complete fantasy. This holiday lets dream a little and give a little luxe 😉

Awake Mode
This British designer is a bit, edgy,a bit classic, and a bit within reache. On my Wishlist?
Investment Piece: Luxe Gfit Guide
I love how these gloves have a manicure! SO chic and just the right amount of cheeky!
You can buy your own pair (or a pair to give) here

Investment Piece: Luxe Gift Guide
I also love the fringe on these shoes! Perfect for making the holidays special, and will even keep away the January blahs. Shop them here

Lipstick
Investment Piece: Luxe Gift Guide

I know, lipstick doesn’t seem luxe, but this lipstick from Carolina Herrera is! You can chose your shade, add a tassel, add charms, make it an ACCESSORY! And I’m all about little neccesities that become luxuries! I’ve picked matte red but you can customize your own here

Of course, it wouldn’t be a luxe gift guide without some REAL luxe items, so from Cartier watches to gowns to shoes, I’ve rounded up some things I LOVE that are a bit out of reach (because we might as well dream!)

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

I would love to know: what’s on your luxe Wishlist? We all have things that we would love that are a bit- big, for lack of a better word. I want to hear about yours- after all this is a safe space! And who knows, maybe one day we’ll get them!

Xo RA

Gift Guide: Friends and Family

In my effort to update how I do gift guides, and make them much more personal (the best kind of gifts IMO) I took some time to ask the people I love not only what’s on their current wish lists, but what type of gifts they love. The answers were a bit surprising, especially with my girlfriends. The past few years most of my friends and I have stopped exchanging gifts, instead opting for a big night out and calling it our gift to each other. (Obviously the pandemic changed that) Learning what things my friends might love has not only been eye-opening, it’s been fun. I clearly love shopping, but I also love shopping for other people as I feel there is nothing quite as satisfying as finding something someone you care about will love- and being right! Below, I’ve rounded up suggestions from my family and friends, what they love and what they need. I hope that these suggestions help you shop for people you love!

The best gifts, in my opinion, are those that make the receiver feel seen and loved. If there is nothing here to spark ideas for your friends and family, my best advice is to ask them- maybe their answers will be eye-opening and fun too!

Xo RA

Note: this post does contain afflilate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Family
Am I the only one who thinks that shopping for your parents is difficult? My parents seem to have everything they need, and in the past few years have asked my sister and I to hold off on most gifts as they’re at the stage where they are thinking of downsizing. In other words, getting gift ideas out of them was hard! But I did it- my mom is looking for cozy robes (and loves stripes!), my dad wants to add to his baking collection (a hobby he’s taken up in retirement), and they both love fancy mop vacs! Here are some things they love:

My sister and I are alike, and vastly different. She also loves clothes and shoes, but also loves to bake (like my dad) and LOVES bags (I love bags but she puts me to shame). From cookbooks to Kate Spade Bags, these are a few things on her list:

Friends
As I mentioned, before the pandemic most of my “gifts” to friends were nice dinners where we got to spend time together and had an excuse to treat ourselves! Things have changed, and what I’m sending my friends (and what they want!) have changed too! Below are a few things I’m gifting, and a few things on various friend’s lists!

Investment Piece: Estelle Colored Glass

I got a pair of the most beautiful colored glass champagne coupes- and I’ve been obsessed with the company ever since! These are Estelle Colored Glass (inspired by the founder’s grandma and oh-so-chic). There a ton of colors and styles, and these have become my go-to gifts!
Shop my picks: here

Investment Piece: Holiday Ornaments
One of my girlfriends collects Starbucks mugs from every place she travels too, and while she loves doing that herself, she let me know that a special gift to her is an ornament. She loves having something to remember each year, friend, event. Knowing what your friends love may help in your ornament shopping, but I love these gilded ones with a little something for everyone.
Shop my picks here

Of course friends let me know that they love things like lipsticks and FaceMasks, nice scarfs and gloves; but something that lasted with me is how many friends told me they love getting things that they wouldn’t buy for themselves. Not in the “it’s too expensive way”, but more in the “I wouldn’t think of how this piece would change my life” way. Things in that category varied from pjs to kitchen appliances to beauty tools, but more that one person told me that luggage was on the list. That so many of us don’t think of updating our luggage, but it makes for a great gift!

Investment Piece: for the traveler
Keeping that in mind, I rounded up some luggage and travel accersories I love! Shop them here

Over on the ShopLTK app (follow me @racheladelicia) I have so many more ideas- beauty and lipsticks, jewelry and accessories, for him and her- and I’m adding more gift guides daily. I hope that these ideas have helped you shop for the people you love!
Xo RA

Sunday Chronicles: My Wishlist

Investment Piece: Let's Get In Formation

As I mentioned here, this year holiday shopping is starting early due to supply chain issues. I don’t know that I’ve perfected how to handle gifts guides here on the blog. Gifts, I think, are best when they’re personal, when they mean something, when they’re a way to let the reciever know that they’re seen and love. Generic lists have just never done it for me.

So, my big idea is that I would profile me and people in my life in the hope that something on one of our wish lists would inspire you, help you think of things that may be perfect for people with similar intesrests, or give you great things to buy. I wanted to start with me, but it’s been so much more difficult than I thought it would be!

It’s not that I don’t want things (I want things ALL the time). And it’s not that I don’t know who I am or what I like (I manage to find things I like all the time and can spot things that are “me” from anywhere. I have a running list of bookmarked items on my phone that serves as part of my wishlist). However, the process of making a list (that constantly changes) with all of my interests (that can often be contradictory) to give to others has been a bit overwhelming, and I’m not sure that I have “it” yet. In fact, every year I struggle with telling my family and friends what I want (I am the reason I advocate for gift cards).

But, if you’re here, you either like what I like or know someone who does-so I thought I would tell you a bit about my current wishlist, what I’m shopping for, and what I’m loving right now (and yes, if you shop for you, that’s a gift too!)

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

I love fashion (obviously) and while I can be a bit all over the place I love Classic pieces and a bit of sass. We all know that I can’t say no to any party dress or standout pieces. I’m thinking of this gold set for NYE and love the cutouts in a dress!

Speaking of classics, I also am loving the new revamp of Banana Republic- chic work and safari inspired looks. Here are some of my favorites:

Lately, I have been loving workout jumpsuits (unitards? bodysuits?). And I currently love all of these:

I also LOVE Mother jeans (they have a high rise cut that flatters me!) Mother released 2 new fits this week and I’m already in love with them!

Another item I keep looking at? A sweater dress (I just love how comfy and classic they are!) These are some I’m currently loving:

As we know, I love vintage. But vintage can be difficult to shop for other people (if you’re shopping for a vintage lover make sure you have their wishlist, measurements, and know return policies). That’s why I often just let people know about the vintage bags I love (and ask for gift cards for any other vintage!). This Coach bag is just so yummy!

Of course, there are books I want, and very randomly I want the Schitt’s Creek Monopoly game (I’m usually not a fan of board games). It’s the time of year to began thinking about what you want, and what you want to get others; I hope that this glimpse into what I’m currently wanting helped you find something for someone you love (or you!)

What’s on your wishlist this year?
Wishing us all a week of getting our wants and amazing shoes!
xo RA

Investment Piece Gift Guide

Loves!
I’m going to be honest- I have mixed feelings about gift guides. I love shopping, and love gifts, but often feel that gift guides are a bit impersonal. The best gifts (to me) are the ones that are so personal and thoughtful- and it can be hard for a gift guide to know everyone’s taste (said from someone who has put together many gift guides). Added to all of that, this year is this year- budgets, holiday plans, everything has changed. Maybe you’re not doing big gift exchanges this year (my family isn’t) or maybe you need suggestions for everyone you know (gift cards are also great for that!)

If you follow me on the LikeotKnowit or ShopStyle apps, you know that I’ve been posting gift suggestions for weeks (the looks are also shoppable in the site menu here!), but instead of posting a ton of gift guides on site this year I’ve decided to do just this big one. A mix of things I have and have made my life better during 2020, things on my personal Wishlist, and things loved ones of mine like (which means maybe you or someone you know may love/want them too!). I’ve done my best to include small businesses, ones I love and work with and ones I’m learning about.

I hope that this list includes things that will make wonderful gifts for you or someone in your life! I hope that this inspires you or reminds you of something personal to gift. I hope that you don’t forget yourself when you’re gift giving (even if that gift is simply a day off!)

And with all of that, here are some of the things I’m loving and gifting!

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

1. Velvet PJs
Investment Piece: Gift Guide
This year we’re staying in more, and this time of year always makes me long for things cozy. But who says cozy can’t be chic? I’m longing for more pairs of velvet pjs (note you could also wear them out!) Here are some of my faves!

2. Mrs. Emily Circle Bag
Investment Piece: Gift Guide
We know that I love a Mrs. Emily skirt (see here). This season, she introduced her first bag- a circle belt bag that’s as chic as it is functional! Shop it here

3. Beauty Sets
Investment Piece: Gift Guide
I say this every holiday, but I love a good beauty set. Makeup. Skincare. It’s a way to try things out, and give the gift of self care. Shop some of my favorite sets here

4. Sweet Laurel CookBook
Investment Piece: Gift Guide
I’ve been gluten free for years, and this cookbook is one of the few I can use to make goodies for me- and the members of my family who love gluten love these treats too (and can’t tell they’re GF!). We had some of their pumpkin blondies this am for breakfast!
Buy the cookbook here

5. Vintage
The list of vintage shops I love is long (and I’ll be shouting out as many as I can on IG today so make sure to follow me-@racheladelicia- so that you can see what’s new in their shops!), but I know that shopping vintage for gifts can be daunting. My tips? If you’re buying for others make sure that you know what they want and their measurements! When in doubt give a gift card! However, there are so many options- from scarves to belts to bags to costume jewelry (vintage costume jewelry is so good!) that you may be able to find great gifts (or a gift for you!) with ease.

6. Little Gifts
Investment Piece: Gift Guide
From fashion playing cards to jade rollers to candles and more. As a stocking stuffer or as the gift, these little gifts pack a big punch!

7. La Luer Facial Device
Investment Piece: Gift Guide
My Nu Face gave out a few months ago and I’ve been looking for a replacement! I think I’m in love with the La Luer-it combines 4 different treatments, and the before and after pics are just stunning. Try this with me here.

8. Fitness Gifts
Investment Piece: Gift Guide
We know I love my fitness, and while there a ton of BIG gifts to give the fitness lover in your life (and I have ideas for those, too!), these are small things that the person you love who loves to work out will appreciate. Shop for them (or you) here
Note: a subscription to their fave online class is also great. I love to spin so the Peleton or the Variis app is a hit- but if they love barre my fave is MBody Online

9. Hair Turban
Investment Piece: Gift Guide
Anything that lets me lounge, look chic, and keeps my hair frizz free is a thing I love. From out of the shower to trips out, these hair turbans are on my list!

And beloveds, there is so much more. Gift cards. Homemade gifts. Date night. I’m still posting ideas for things to buy, and I’m here if you want to talk out ideas. I love to shop, and I think that our shopping is powerful, here’s to us all using that to give great gifts!

Xo RA

Valentine Gift Guide

I’ve been honest that I have a love/hate relationship with Valentine’s Day. I LOVE love, but don’t love a forced “I Love You”. I love a great night out, but some of the over priced menus make me long for pizza at home. The Valentine’s Days from elementary school? Where we were all in the day together, got some candy, gave everyone a card? I did really love those. My candy tastes may have changed. And I may love a more private night at home than a huge party, there is one thing I can really get behind. Presents. (I am a HUGE fan of telling people we care-any day of the year.) From your SO to your parents to your BFF to yourself, there’s a gift out there that’s just perfect. And I may have reservations about Valentine’s, I have absolutely none about shopping these gifts!

I’ve grouped my favorite gift guides below. Shall we give love?

Note: these are affiliate links, and while that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Valentine Gift Guide
A little gift to say “I love you”. Socks for all the special ladies in your life.

Investment Piece: Valentine Gift Guides
Gifts for the men in your life that are much more exciting than ties.

Or the men in your life might love these.

Investment Piece: Valentine Gift Guide
Everyone loves a little beauty gift. These are some of my faves!

I also love these sets.

Investment Piece: Valentine Gift Guide
Say “I love you” with a bag

These also say it!

Investment Piece: Valentine Gift Guide
For you, your BFF, and all your ladies. The perfect Galentine.

How do you like to celebrate Valentine’s? Most importantly, what are you gifting? (Yes, I am a big fan of you gifting you!)

If you haven’t heard it lately, I love you!
And I’m wishing us all a week of love and amazing shoes!
Xo RA

Last Minute Gift Guide

Loves, the countdown is on. There’s a great chance that you’ve already finished your shopping, and I hope, are getting some time to relax and enjoy the season! If not, you’re not alone. In my family it was legend that my grandfather wait till the last minute to get gifts. He was known to rush through the mall on Christmas Eve–hopefully you don’t have to do the same. There are still many stores that will let you rush shipping today to get your gifts in time. And while there are reasons to get your shopping done early, I like to think waiting till the last minute gives you the chance to be really creative in what you give!

These are some of my “last-minute” ideas. I like to think that they are still thoughtful, and still let you give your loved ones what they want!

Investment Piece: Last Minute Gift Guide — I found this on Facebook! And while I’m not concerned with the clutter, I love some of these ideas- they are close to my own!

The above list has incredibly thoughtful gifts, that are also very easy to give at the last minute. I have all sorts of thoughts and ideas for gifts like these that you can pick up at the last minute, but they tend to fall into two main categories!

Cash/Gift Cards
Who doesn’t want cash and who wasn’t raised to think that giving cash might be a little tacky? (Please don’t let me be the only one with my hand up!) Yes, cash can come off as an afterthought. However, as someone who’s Wishlist is often very expensive, when I’ve been given help towards the big items (yes, shoes, but we all have a thing) I’ve wanted, it’s always meant a lot and made me feel seen. And anything from coffee to spin classes (though a love note: DO NOT GIVE ANY SORT OF GYM MEMBERSHIPS TO SOMEONE WHO HASN’T ASKED FOR IT) are lovely ways to support what your loved ones love to do. Or help get them what they want.

Classes and Experiences
Gym. Art. Acting. We all have a thing we love or want to try, and a class is a great way to encourage that passion. I’m also a big lover of experiences. There are quite a few girlfriends with whom I don’t exchange gifts, we just meet for a nice dinner, girls trip, or day out. Presence is often the best present and anything from a day just spent together to lavish meals are a great way to show how you care.

What do you give at the last minute? I’d love to know!

And if you are counting on 2 day shipping I have a ton of ideas (check the LiketoKnowit App, the pictures in the menu, as well as here, here, and here).

Happy Gifting!

And a note about the holiday: tomorrow and Wednesday we will be off enjoying time with our family! We are so grateful to be a part of your life and hope that you have a wonderful holiday! We’ll be back Friday and active on IG (@racheladelicia) all week! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays!

Xo RA

Gift Guide: Kids

Loves, I don’t have kids. (This is where I make a joke that I have shoes instead. It’s supposed to be charming) BUT I do consider myself a great “fun aunt” and godmother. I’m known for giving books and red boots (they’re a thing) and asking a LOT of questions so I can get the kids EXACTLY what they want.

I also like to think that being good at shopping makes up for not knowing what the “in” thing is for kids. (Though in my experience you can never go wrong with dinosaurs!) The following are things I would give to the kids in my life (and maybe even me!)

If you know what the cool kids like, feel free to let us know!

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Investment Piece: Gift Guides Kids
I love these picks for the little girls in your life.

Investment Piece: Gift Guides Kids
And these are perfect for the little boy in your life!

Investment Piece: Gift Guide Kids
These are not toys. In fact, they aren’t necessarily for kids. BUT, one of my favorite memories is learning to cook with my grandmas and mom, and these Star Wars kitchen items are perfect for anyone in your life who loves both the Force and cooking. Kids come in all ages!

I also picked out some really cool toys:

And books:

I hope these ideas help you pick out the perfect gift for the kids in your life!
Xo RA

Gift Guide: Her

I’ll be honest: my biggest issue with buying for the women in my life is that I want to buy for me. So, a part of me for the gift guide for women wants to tell you all about the fashion that I want. And on that note, all the looks I have are always up for sale, and I have a ton of ideas- from books to jewelry, and of course, shoes. However, in interest of presenting what may be best and most inclusive of all the women in your life, these are my top choices.

What do the women in your life want? What kind of gifts are you into getting?

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that may not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Beauty
I love breaking apart beauty sets and using them as stocking stuffers, though a beauty set on its own is a great gift! It’s also a time to gift beauty that the women in your life may not buy for themselves.
Investment Piece: Gift Guide: For Her
I love these sets

Investment Piece: Gift Guides: For Her
I’ve fallen in love with the company Tatcha, Japanese beauty. I use their silk canvas daily (it blurs my pores), and their masks are luxurious! For the holiday season, they offer special prices on smaller sizes of their most popular products. Shop my picks here.

Classic
A gift idea I love for the classic woman in your life? A Hermes scarf. But, you don’t have to blow your budget for it! Shop designer resale, and make her and you happy!
Investment Piece: Gift Guide For Her
Shop my picks here.

Investment Piece: Gift Guide: For Her
Though not vintage, I also love these capes and bags!

Bags and the Like
A little of this, a little of that:
Investment Piece: Gift Guide For Her
Shop these picks here

Again, on the @liketoknowitapp I post all the things I love from shoes to sweaters to party dresses, any of them would be a great gift!
Want more? Email me at racheladelicia@investment.com!

Happy gifting!
Xo RA