Gift Guide Guest Post - Lara Sorokolit

Today we have a guest post from none other than my younger sister Lara. She lives in Dallas and is a gift-giving pro. I always e-mail her for ideas when I'm in the need for a unique gift. So I asked her to put together a list of must-haves for the ladies in your life. Here are her suggestions for gifts under $50 that she will be giving (or hopefully getting) this year:

Jack & Lulu Calendar - $48
Not only is this calendar functional but it would look stylish in any home or office. Each month brings you a different gold foil embossed image letter-pressed on a colored paper card stock to be displayed on a golf-tone easel.

Also if you aren't familiar with Jack & Lulu, their Gold Collection ($18) is one of my personal favorites for multi-purpose cards and stationary. May top picks include the orange pineapple, cobalt crab (pictured), and turquoise starfish.)

My Custom Yoga Mat - $35

Thanks to my sister's influence I've become an avid yoga practitioner and am a firm believed of sharing this incredible overall body workout regimen with everyone I know! I stumbled across these yoga mats that could be personalized and had to share! Not only would these make great Christmas gifts but also birthday, bridesmaid or even baby shower gifts for the mom-t0-be.

Candles

Perfect for stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, or just a special something for those near and dear to you! You definitely can't go wrong with this gift. Some of my current favorite scents include:

Bellini by Calypso - $15
This is a fun a flirty scent and I must say I can't resist the pop of hot pink (I already know the perfume's version is safely secure under my tree this year thanks to my boyfriend :) )

Island 3-Wick Candle - Oscar De La Renta - $50

This candle has a great scent, a distinct appearance as it is three-wicked and the brown glass jar it comes in is neutral so it goes well with almost all decor styles. I use the beautiful blue & white box it comes packaged in as a match holder or (or any knick-knack holder) as it looks elegant on a desk or shelf as a decor accessory.

Bonus, use code OCC10 for FREE SHIPPING!

Another option in the same scent is the Island Votive Trio - $39

Essie Nail Polish 4-Pack from J.Crew - $20

I'll definitely be stocking up on these for white elephant, stocking stuffers and last minute giofts for all the ladies on my list. Honestly, who doesn't love Essie Nail polish and I think the packaging is precious.

Available in a few different color combinations from J.Crew and Crewcuts.

Java Java Trays - $22

A happy graphic pattern for a chic bedside, bathroom or dresser tray.

Blue Matches (set of 2), Iomi - $12

An elegant match box set to light those candles.

Set of 14 pens/pencils, also from Iomi - $22

Help your favorite lady keep her work space looking clean and crisp with matching pens and pencils. (Swirl Yellow, Zig Zag Gold & Zig Zag Pink show)

Ikat Mini Bowl - $8

(I suggest gifting a set of 3)

You can use these small bowls both in the kitchen (think party snacks/nuts/candy-I used mine on a long white serving tray to provide three assortments of snacks) or throughout the house (think doubling as a key holder or jewelry holder) to store those little things you never can find a good place for. Believe me, I've gotten creative with them.

Thank you to Lara for your guest post today! Looking forward for you ideas this week for the men in our lives! Can you please start a gift-giving blog??