Women's Gift Guide 2020
This year has been a toughie no doubt. We have all had to pivot, let go of expectations and re-prioritize what is truly important. And I think women, especially, have had to do this throughout this crazy year. Meaning, I think women were probably more inclined to let go of jobs/careers to stay home and teach or watch their children, I think the teaching profession is primarily made up of women (much like nursing) so therefore many women were not only teaching their class but also their kids (FROM HOME!), and I think many women owned businesses I'm aware of either closed or had to make drastic changes to their business plans. Many grandmas were asked to step it up in the time of duty (after appropriate quarantine of course) and many MANY moms across the world have had to up their game and dig real deep to get through the day to day. Not that dads are not great - my kids have an awesome dad, but I do think there has been an unprecedented burden on the ladies this year. So with that said, I've put together a Women's Gift Guide primarily made up of women owned businesses for all your favorite gals- teachers, daughters, grandmas, etc. Check it out - off all the years, they deserve it.
Vivi Et Margot apron - perfect for your gal that loves to cook and bake. This apron is classic, looks chic hung up in your kitchen and is cute enough to wear if you're hosting a dinner party (In the future). This is definitely on the top of my list year.
Dana Rebecca x Liz Adams Collaboration - a perfect addition to any gals jewelry collection. Subtle and tastefully done with a more than fair price point, as well as pieces any lady can wear at home all day or to the office and everywhere in between. So so pretty. Love everything they designed together, especially the studs and necklace.
Art Accent Custom Watercolor - a wonderful gift with significant meaning. Meant for someone special like a grandma that probably has all she wants and more. And now that I'm in a more permanent home that we will live in for a long period of time, pieces of art like this are what I'm after - things with sentimental value that are high quality and tell part of our story. Would make a great hostess or new home gift as well.
Cashmere Sweater - the only thing on the gift guide that is made in mass production, but I really feel like for the quality, nothing beats JCrew Cashmere. You really can't beat the price either and it feels so luxurious on your body. Perfect for your sister, DIL or even a grandma/mom that has it all. I would wear this on repeat and it is actually on my wish list as well.
Defined Dish Cookbook - perfect for your health conscious at home cook. The recipes are easy, approachable and FULL of flavor. We have yet to make something we do not like. It's the first cookbook we reach for while meal planning and that has everything to do with that fact we have never been disappointed. Our personal favorites are the Enchilladas and the meat loaf meatballs (trust me!) + mashed potatoes and lemon/garlic green beans. Yummy stuff. And Alex is just so lovely to follow on Instagram I can barely stand it.
Abby Alley Crossbody - one of my favorite things about starting this blog is the wonderful women I've come to (virtually) know, and Abby is one of those women. The bags and jewelry she sells are made by women in Tanzania, Africa and the craftsmanship totally shows. Each item is individually made by hand with love and care and then carefully packaged and shipped to the states. If you're wondering how she was connected to women in Africa, head to her site and read her story - pretty profound. This bag would make an excellent gift for women of all ages and is something I've been eyeing since the beginning of this year. She has kindly given us a code as well - use "marketandmodish" for 10% off your purchase!
Live What You Love Collection - my friend Shan from Houseofshan.com started this super cute and colorful collection exactly a year ago. I own way too may pieces but everything she touches is cute, cozy and fashionable IMO. You cannot go wrong with anything in this line, but my personal favorites are her Women's Live What You Love sweatshirts and her Unisex Live What You Love Sweatshirts. This would make a great gift for any teacher (Kenny's teachers loved theirs). And for all the teenagers out there needing boyfriend/girlfriend gifts, this would also be perfect IMO. There is honestly something for everyone and items with varying price points. Not only that, a certain percentage of each purchase is donated to a cause of her choosing - right now it's going to House of Good Shepard - a home benefiting women and children that have been affected by domestic violence. Use code: marketmodishgivefor $5 off your order. Fun Fact: I know about Abby Alley because of Shan - she introduced me to the brand.
Farmhouse Pottery - now this is ideal for the premiere chef/host/hostess in your life. The price point of each item reflects the time and uniqueness each product possesses. All hand made and all made in America, this brand is built on authenticity and attention to detail. I've given a few gifts made by Farmhouse Pottery and let's just say they were well received and coveted from that day forward. I'm personally hoping for a bowl from the Pantry Bowls to add to my collection. Something I know I will have and love for years and years to come.
Sh*tthatiknit - these hand knitted warm weather items make the best gifts. This woman owned and women employed company is one of my faves. Their items are cute, warm and functional. And if that isn't enough all their items are made by women in Peru making a living wage for the work they do. Not only that they donate knit kits to young adults and teenagers undergoing cancer treatments to teach them how to knit. I mean seriously, there is not a more noble business to support right now than this one!
WKND WYFR - this contemporary accessories brand is a must know! WKND WYFR offers the cutest clutches, bags, sunglasses and so much more. The fabrics and patterns are beyond adorable and the perfect pop for any outfit and any occasion. Seriously, it's worth a look and will only make your WKND that much more exciting. ;)
Red Lark: Red Lark is a little boutique full of curated gifts and goods for the home, for the kiddos and for functional living. It was originally founded in Denver in one of my favorite little neighborhoods, but with all things 2020, had to let go of the brick + mortar space and transitioned fully to online. If you remember this is where I hosted my cookie party last holiday season and it's the first place I go if I need a thoughtful gift for someone special. Her gift boxes (of all categories) are hard to top and her packaging cannot be beat. With shopping at a distance being a focus of 2020, make sure to check out Red Lark.
Happy shopping.
AFK