Dearest readers,

Happy holiday season!  Though the temperatures are freezing, it’s arguably the warmest month for the heart.  The bSmart elves have put together a holiday gift guide guaranteed to make hearts happy and smiles sparkle.  Read below for some of our favorite picks, aimed to satisfy your special pals.  So put on your Santa hat, you’ll get your shopping list checked off in no time with these shimmery suggestions.

The bSmart elves have put together a holiday gift guide guaranteed to make hearts happy and smiles sparkle.

1) For Your Cool Friend Who’s Basically In the Band

Headphones.  These babies are so effortlessly cool, I instantly think anyone who's wearing them is some sort of music mogul (also constantly wishing I was one, too).  For some reason, I think people who wear big headphones need to HEAR the beat better, because they like, do music professionally.  (Anyway, I digress.)  These headphones are totally chic, and a great investment for the friend who lives for music.  They might be in a band, or they might just take you to all of the cool concerts in Williamsburg that you wouldn’t otherwise know about.

My pick: FRENDS Taylor Headphones, $200

2) For the Friend Who Loves a Good Cocktail

Accent pillow.  Home accents are always a great go-to for gift giving.  This pillow, in it’s white and gold hue, makes it easy to match in any apartment.  And we love the fun glittery lettering that has us grabbing our dancing shoes.  Pair the pillow with this adorable shaker from C. Wonder (engraved with celebratory phrases for a festive feel) for a totally fun and fabulous packaged gift.  Cheers!

My pick: Levtex 'Trust Me' Accent Pillow, $39

3) For Your Fashion Blogger Friend

Gloves.  Aside from the sheer function and versatility of this gift, these trendy gloves are perfect for the fashion-forward friend this winter.  The leather glove with the knit overlay gives this gift the extra pow that will have your friend gleaming with delight!  I’m sure she already has an amazing pair of oversized sunglasses and a leather jacket to rock with this gift.

My pick: Carolina Amato, Gloves, $160

Option #2 for the fashion-forward friend:

4) For Any One of your Fabulous Gal Pals

Did you really think a piece of jewelry wasn’t going to make our gift guide?  Opt for a funky but versatile jewelry option for her this year.  I like cuffs, as they’re easy to pair with anything that your fashionable friend will be rocking this season.  I’m loving this Kristen Elspeth piece, as the LA-based designer sources her materials from Los Angeles and New York, and works with local metal-smiths to perfect each design. Unique designs with a local flare?  I say yes.

My pick: Kristen Elspeth Cuff Bracelet , $152

5) For your BFF

The purse.  We all know the BFF gift is the hardest.  It has to be thoughtful, yet practical, yet creative and amazing, much like your BFF.  This year, I'm opting for a versatile gift for my best gal - enter the black messenger bag.  I’m in love with this Clare Vivier bag.  The Clare Vivier look is classic with a twist - beautiful and functional.  Bonus, Clare Vivier products are made in the good ol’ U.S. of A (p.s. Ms. V has a great story of how she came to be a bag designer).  Shopping local feels good, my friends.

This corporate but chic carry all will have your BFF gallivanting around town like the #GIRLBOSS she is.  Include some fun accessories inside for her to use (cue a fabulous nail polish, I love this NARS color in Gold Viper, and some midi rings) and maybe even a framed pic of the two of you.  A black bag is timeless, much like your friendship.

My pick: Clare Vivier Messenger Bag, $380

6) For Your Boyfriend’s Parents

Wine stopper.  It’s pretty safe to say that most people will enjoy some beverages around the holiday time, and these festive bottle stoppers are great gifts for the host and hostess of your next holiday party!  And bonus, they’re monogrammed.  Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Jones!

My Pick: C. Wonder Monogram Bottle Stopper, $34

7) For Your Awesome Boss

A Candle.  You really can’t ever go wrong with a candle.  It’s relaxing.  It’s pretty.  It’s all-around lovely.  That said, know your audience, not everyone likes scented…

I’m loving this Charcoal candle from Joya.  Each Joya item is free of additives or chemical processing and is handmade start to finish in Brooklyn, New York from an ethically sourced soy-wax blend, essential oils and fragrance.  Smells good to me.

My pick: Joya Charcoal Candle, $25

Pick #2 for Boss or Coworker:

Notebook.  I also say you can’t go wrong with a nice notebook for a gift in the workplace.  This Michigan-made Black Hard Cover Notebook was created in one of America’s oldest manufacturing towns - Detroit. T he journals are made with the highest quality acid-free paper, and is sustainably sourced from North American forests.  Who is making meetings more fun and environmentally conscious? Yeah, you are.

My pick: Black Hard Cover Notebook, Shinola, $18

8) For The Friend Who Has the Best Instagram

Polaroid Camera.  For those of you know know me (and even those of you who don’t), know that I love taking a good picture.  And am obsessed with all things vintage (excluding two-day old leftovers).  Last year, I impulse purchased a polaroid camera when buying jeans at UO, and I never looked back.  SERIOUSLY AWESOME INVESTMENT.  This is a super fun gift for you and all of your pals to enjoy.  I mean, polaroids look just SO cool on Instagram, amiright?

My pick: Fujifilm X UO Custom Colored Mini 8 Instax Camera, $100

9) For the Him In Your Life

Whatever him that may be - dad, boyfriend, best friend, or grandfather - most likely he enjoys a cocktail every once in a while.  And a nice book on the artistry of mixing drinks will have him reading on Christmas morning, with enough time to prepare some fabulous sips for New Year’s Eve.

My pick: Barneys New York Python American Bar: The Artistry of Mixing Drinks, $95

10) For the Friend Who is Tracking their Steps

I really do love my FitBit (well I have a Jawbone, but still, same idea).  I love knowing how many steps I’m taking, how many more I need to reach my goal, how much good sleep vs. bad sleep I’m getting.  But what I don’t always love is how it sticks out like a clunky handcuff on my wrist.  Especially when I’m trying to go to a classy affair and people are like, 'what’s that big plastic thing next to your gold bracelet?'  Well, fear no more, walking women of New York!  Tory Burch has found an elegant way to conceal your Fitbit® when you're on the go (of course she has, that classy lady).  This polished Tory Burch cuff is detailed with geometric cutout stripes at the front, and has a hinged door to offer easy installation of the Fitbit® Flex™.  Voila! May you walk to your hearts content!

My pick: Tory Burch for FitBit Bracelet in Shiny Gold, $195 

11) For Yourself

Thank you notes.  Get a gift for yourself.  Well sort of.  Pick up a package of thank you notes, because if there’s one thing I believe in life, it’s that the best thing we can practice is gratitude.  Thank your loved ones for not only gifts, but for being in your life. Every day is perfect time to remind your loved ones how you feel.

My pick are these gold beauties from zady.com.  Why do we love Zady?  Socially conscious shopping, my people!  My pick for thank you notes are from Smock, as Smock makes all of its sustainable bamboo paper in Syracuse, New York, in an entirely wind-powered workshop.  Wooooosh, there it is (get it?).

My pick: Smock, Gold Thank You Notes, $16.50 for pack of six

May your holiday be as merry and bright as the people in your life!

x

SJB