The Gift of Giving

I don't know about you but finding and giving the most perfect gift for that perfect someone gives me an abnormal kind of high. I adore seeing the looks on faces of friends and family when they open gifts they actually like and want. This would also explain why I start my Christmas shopping every year in September. Picking out the perfect gift is time consuming!

Not to mention, when you start in September, it spreads out the spending so you don't drop your entire bank account in one month.

My #1 rule when it comes to giving gifts: give them something they would want, and give them something you would want.

#2 gift giving rule: refuse to buy something just to "buy it".

I truly believe gift-giving is an art form. You either got it, or you don't. You know the people I'm talking about...

While I know Christmas isn't about the gifts, it is a little added bonus to the holidays. Wouldn't you agree?

Here are a few gifts I absolutely LOVED buying and giving:

Kate Spade Bangle: I LOVE giving these for gifts because A) what girl doesn't love a little KS? and B) there are so many unique options. I have the Bridesmaid idiom bangle, the bow bangle and the hand in hand bangle and am equally obsessed with ALL of them!

Fit Bit Zip: This was actually given in our family gift exchange and my sister-in-law, Julie, was the lucky winner of it. This tiny little thing tracks steps, calories and distance and syncs automatically with your smartphone. Beau gave me the Fit Bit Force and it's safe to say I have been obsessed with it ever since so I figured anyone would love having this little gem! (Full review on the Fit Bit Force coming soon. Besides my iPhone, I'm not sure I've ever been more in love with a piece of technology!)

Pottery Barn Austin Throw: I saw this baby and knew instantly it would be given to one of my best girl friends. New house..new marriage...I mean, sure we all have plenty of blankets but I'm a firm believer that you can never have enough good blankets.

Carter's Footie PJs: Hmmm I wonder who these went to?! I may not have kids of my own but with the triplets around now, I have truly began to LOVE me some Carter's! Great prices, the cutest outfits you ever did see AND they have a large variety to choose from! Trying to find three similar, but not matching, outfits for my precious nieces is rather challenging at times but luckily, Carter's usually has me covered! P.S.- I've decided baby footie pj's are just about the most adorable piece of clothing to ever grace this planet. I dare you to disagree.

iPad Air: No explanation needed.

Starbuck's K-Cups: Sure, we buy ourselves K-Cups all the time but rarely do we spoil ourselves with the Starbucks variety. Who wouldn't want to be their own personal barista every morning?

Monogrammed Copper Mugs: I found these babies at William Sonoma and knew instantly they'd be a hit for the person on my list who already had pretty much everything. Plus, the etched monogram added such a classy touch!

Under Armour Golf Polos: I don't think any guy can ever have too many golf polos and from testing out every brand under the sun, Under Armour definitely takes the cake. I'm pretty sure Beau has just about every color they offer by now. These are my go-to when I'm lost for gift ideas and he LOVES them. Win/win.

Nylabone Treats: Also referred to in our house as "Dog Crack". It was all I could do to keep these in Oakley's stocking and keep her from pulling it off the mantle every single day for the entire month of December. Sister LOVES her some Nylabone treats. And the fact that they aren't raw hide makes me love them, too!

Lilly Pulitzer Agenda: For the busiest person I know...my triplet-birthing sister-in-law! I have LOVED my Lilly jumbo agenda SO much and between feeding babies, feeding herself, doctors appointments and everything else, I knew my sister-in-law would probably appreciate this more than anyone.

Keurig K75 Platinum: I gave one to my mom and one to my brother and future sister-in-law because after we received ours earlier this year, I knew instantly I'd be buying a couple as gifts. I still can't believe I went as long as I did without purchasing this precious, precious kitchen gadget we so love and cherish. Seriously...this was probably the gift I was most excited about giving because it does the one thing money technically can't buy...simplification.

It's safe to say I like giving gifts that I have and would love for others to have, too. Stay tuned...tomorrow I'll be posting my favorite gifts I received this Christmas. I must have been a really good girl because my family spoiled me this year! ;)

What were some of your favorite gifts to give?!