Happy Holidays! I probably should have made this post earlier this month so that the shopping window wasn’t so tight, but most places are pretty quick about shipping these days so it shouldn’t be a problem. As I would recommend any of the fragrances that are listed as 5 Bones on this site, I’m going to mix it up a bit with some fragrant and not so fragrant offerings.
1. Penhaligon’s Mini Coffret Set. Penhaligon’s offers two sets, one for him and one for her. The packaging is exquisite and with five bottles in each box, this gift allows you to test out their wonderful collection of fragrances. Each set has 5 5ml bottles:
For her: Artemisia, Gardenia, Malabah, Lily of the Valley and Ellenisia
For him: Quercus, Blenheim Bouquet, Endymion, Sartorial and Opus 1870
You can get these via the Penhaligon website or other wonderful online shops like Penny Lane Perfumes. Cost: $50 per set.
2. George Sand Perfume by Nicolas de Barry. Earlier this year, I ranted and raved about not being able to find what I have to say is my favorite fragrance find this year, George Sand. But great news, It is now once again available, exclusively from Nicolas de Barry as part of his new atelier line along with his other historical perfumes. If you want an exclusive one of a kind perfume, you can’t do any better than this. I’m so glad this fragrance is back! Check out his new website where you can order online for 129 Euros.
3. Lafco Soaps. Lafco has the most wonderful collection of beautiful soaps in such fragrant offerings like, Lime Basil, Grapefruit Fig, and Tobacco Blossom. And each is wrapped in the most vibrantly colored classic packaging. You can buy the soap as single bars or in multiple gift sets. These soaps last a long time and smell like heaven. Check them out at the Lafco website. Prices vary per soap.
4. Shiseido Men Total Revitalizer. For the man in your life, this cream is a lifesaver. Just a few dabs in the morning and evening help to keep your skin moisturized and wrinkle free. The great thing about this cream is that it’s not greasy and you can see the benefits immediately as your skin looks instantly refreshed. I never go a day without using this no matter the time of year! You can find this online or at your favorite department store for around $50 to $60.
5. Guerlain Terracotta Men’s Bronzing Powder. I admit it. In the winter I get extremely pale and need a little color on my skin. Guerlain’s men’s bronzing powder is the perfect solution to just give a dash of color to that winter pallor. Getting your man to try this might be difficult, but once they do, they’ll never turn back. You can find this online for around $50.
6. Jonathan Adler. Probably the most prolific designer of everything of housewares, furniture and decorative items, you can’t go wrong with any of his whimsical designs. My favorite is his “Dolls” container. He has made Neely O’Hara proud. Check out all of his offerings on his website.
7. Archie McPhee. The perfect place to get cheap, unusual and fun stocking stuffers is Archie McPhee. For under $10 you can buy some crazy items. My favorite item this year is the tin of Abraham Lincoln band aids. Check out all of the silliness on their website.
These are just a few gift ideas for the Holidays. I hope that Santa is good to each and every one of you this year!
December 12, 2012 at 2:52 pm
Great minds think alike! I bought the Penhaligon’s mini set for Men for my best friend. He is just getting into fragrance so it is a fun way for him to sample this house! All of these ideas are perfect!
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December 12, 2012 at 2:55 pm
Thanks. You’re friend is a lucky guy for sure Lanier. And btw… the Neely reference was just for you as our younger audience members will not know what of I speak 🙂
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December 12, 2012 at 3:00 pm
“The song goes and the kid with it!” Helen Lawson, Valley of the Dolls. I love it!!
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December 12, 2012 at 3:56 pm
teehee
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December 12, 2012 at 2:54 pm
Those Abraham Lincoln bandages are fabulous!!! “I will heal your wound as I healed a nation”… almost made me choke on my coffee. I love the whimsy behind it.
The George Sand bottle and box look incredibly chic. Do you happen to know if it was named after *the* George Sand, Chopin’s lover?
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December 12, 2012 at 3:58 pm
You are correct about George Sand…it really is a wonderful perfume.
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December 12, 2012 at 3:08 pm
You made my day with your #7 🙂 Thank you.
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December 12, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Archie McPhee is a gem that not many people know about! Glad you like #7. My employees are each getting a tin!
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December 12, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Great picks!
I wonder what the free prize is in the bandage tin . . .
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December 12, 2012 at 3:57 pm
I am hoping it has something to do with crazy Mary Todd!
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December 12, 2012 at 10:34 pm
I read somewhere that because certain artificial dyes were introduced around that time, they were very fashionable to have in home interiors. They were also very garish. And since Mary Todd was one trend following woman, Abe Lincoln lived in a home that was candy apple red, bright green, and all kinds of tacky.
Changes your perspective, doesn’t it 🙂
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December 13, 2012 at 5:52 am
LOL. I’ll be curious to see the new Lincoln movie. Because I heard they tried very hard to be historically accurate in everything. Maybe the White House will look like a painted tree…and probably a muddy and dirty one a well.
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December 13, 2012 at 9:01 pm
We can only hope for some Civil War-era tackiness 🙂
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December 12, 2012 at 3:42 pm
YAY! Abe plasters, that’s awesome :’)
A charming post Houndy. And that Penhaligons boxset is a bargain! Shame i’m not head over heels for Penhaligons, but still, that’s a beauty of a gift.
As for the soaps – straight from the hands of Andy I got a bar of his Tuberose soap – it’s b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l !
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December 12, 2012 at 3:58 pm
Boy, you already have had your Christmas with your wonderful trip and all the goodies you have no doubt accumulated. I hope you brought an empty suitcase with you.
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December 12, 2012 at 4:00 pm
😛 I’m not THAT rich Houndy the holiday alone cost me a bomb! I think I’ll be leaving with about… 7 bottles… which I think is very reasonable 🙂 Still – that’s nothing compared to a box of Abe plasters D: ! I need them Steve… You’ll have me cutting the webbings of my fingers just to use one.
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December 12, 2012 at 4:04 pm
7 bottles???!!! Wow, that’s a motherload! I can’t wait to hear about what all you bought. They also have Jane Austen bandages… perfect for you Brits!
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December 12, 2012 at 4:08 pm
Really?! I guess it is I dunno haha. They’re lovely though 😀 To be honest, I don’t buy that much – my collection isn’t huge so it is a lot for me to buy over two weeks but I’ve saved for months and months to spoil myself for this so I think it’s fair 😛
*Googles Jane Austen*
OH! Yeh Jane 🙂 – she’s a babe. No I prefer the Abe. He would heal things quicker I think.
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December 12, 2012 at 5:45 pm
Straight to the bandage site. Awesome!!
Portia xx
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December 12, 2012 at 5:48 pm
AAAAARRGGHH!! They on send US
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December 12, 2012 at 6:19 pm
That sucks!!!
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December 12, 2012 at 9:30 pm
Great gift ideas! The band aids are nice. I’m going to have to check out the website. I love practical and fun gifts like that.
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December 13, 2012 at 5:50 am
And their cheap too…which always makes you feel less guilty on spending money on silly stuff.
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December 13, 2012 at 4:03 am
Those band-aids are so funny!
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December 13, 2012 at 5:53 am
They have Jane Austen band aids too!
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December 13, 2012 at 7:47 am
One for boys and one for girls 😉 lovely.
Yesterday when I was in shopping center I saw some mugs wearing knitted jumpers in art deco & home shop
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December 14, 2012 at 9:03 pm
Looks like I found my Christmas gifts for this year. I might have to get some of those Lafco soaps for myself too! 🙂
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December 15, 2012 at 11:29 am
I’m printing this and handing it to my husband! xox, V
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December 15, 2012 at 11:41 am
🙂
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