2020 GIFT GUIDE: Alle's Favorite Things
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SWEATER DRESS: New Show me your mumu (it’s so comfy!) & office decor and deets - click here
In true copy cat fashion, I’ve decided to make my own version of “Oprah’s Favorite Things” this year and bombard you with ALL of my must have items that I think would make for great gifts for friends, family, co-workers, and most importantly yourself (lol).
It was incredibly important to me that this list include not only my favorite things but also recommendations from small, female, Black, LGTBQ and minority owned businesses. You’ll find a mix of both in this guide but if you’re looking to only shop small this year (GO YOU!), make sure to check out my Small Biz Holiday Shopping Guide.
Every single item on this list is something that I own and adore so know that each of these items has been vetted by yours truly. AND you’ll find discount codes sprinkled throughout the guide to make sure to keep an eye out for those! Trying to save you some $$$ wherever I can boo boo! ENJOY!
PS If you like this style of post, make sure to let me know and I’ll bring it back around for next year!
ALLE’S FAVORITE TRAVEL GOODIES
Brevitē Jumper Camera Backpack
I have been searching high and low for a colorful and cute camera gear bag that’s also functional for YEARS! And then thanks to a well timed and actually helpful Instagram Ad {yes there are some of those} I discovered the Brevitē Jumper Photo Backpack! For any traveler who loves to take photos & hates dull colors, you need to check out this backpack. PLUS it’s on sale & it can fit my DJI Mavic Pro!
kk lume candles
I was recently introduced to this local Chicago candle company founded by the wives of two pilots, and launched during COVID! {YOU GO GIRLS!} kk lume makes small batch, hand poured candles inspired by some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Aspen and Notting Hill are my favs! Make sure to check out their On Holiday Flight gift set that comes with 3 votives, matches, boarding pass {if only it was real lol} and is under $40!
Bucket List Book
The idea of crafting your bucket list can feel totally overwhelming, which is why many of us never even start one. That’s where this book comes in! The Bucket List book is filled with 1,000 adventures stretching across the globe and includes everything from walking along the Great Wall of China & truffle hunting with pigs in Italy.
I’ve taken to opening this book each day and randomly picking 1 experience to read about. If it sounds interesting, I add it to my Bucket List Journal!
Scorby Travel Gift Certificate
If there’s someone in your life {maybe you} who is itching to plan their next trip, but overwhelmed by the task, let me suggest purchasing a gift certificate to my mom’s travel agency, Scorby Travel & Cruise.
You can totally customize the amount and can be put towards any adventure in the future! Email scorbytravel@gmail.com to purchase your gift certificate!
Click here to read about why I think hiring a travel advisor to plan your next adventure is essential {especially during COVID}
Stoney Clover Lane
I am OBSESSED with this colorful, customizable accessories brand! Their pouches, passport cases, luggage tags and backpacks make for totally unique gifts for the jet setter in your life! This is the company I used to make my Alle Abroad backpack!
MORE STONEY CLOVER LANE GOODIES
Airbnb Online Experiences
Airbnb experiences are my secret weapon on any trip. From booking tours, photographers, bar crawls, Airbnb has the most unique experiences. In 2020 they launched online experiences which means you can have an international experiences from anywhere in the world! A great group gift idea for the family!
Use this link for $50 off a stay & $15 off an experience of $50 or more.
An actually cute scratch map
I’ll admit it, I wasn’t a huge fan of scratch maps {kinda thought they were lame} until I found this one! You can choose between gold and silver and there’s a few options when it comes to the scratch off design!
TOPTOTE Hat & Luggage tag
You guys know I love my hats, but traveling with them can sometimes be a pain. But when you’ve got a TOPTOTE all your travel hat woes are solved. The powerful magnet clips onto the brim of the hat and attaches to your bag or suitcase. I have both the luggage tag and the classic design!
Around the World in 80 Cocktails
This has quickly become my go to “thank you” or hostess gift for fellow travel lovers! And since it’s just over $15 I think it makes for a fantastically affordable gift! But if you want to take it over the top, it would be fun to pick a cocktail from the book and gift all the ingredients you need to make the cocktail + the book!
Bandolier Phone Case
Bandolier cases have changed the way I travel and honestly made my life so much easier. I know it seems weird to carry your phone cross body like a purse but it’s INCREDIBLY convenient, especially when traveling. Whether you’re juggling a bunch of bags at the airport or trying to balance taking photos on your camera & iphone, having your phone handy around your shoulders is such a game changer.
These cases come in tons of styles, colors and even have handy little purse, pouch and airpod case attachments so that you essentially never have to use a purse again if you don’t want to lol.
My Bucket List Journal
I am a firm believer that if you don’t make a plan to achieve your goals, you never will. The same can be said about items on your bucket list.
This journal helps you do exactly that. The pages are organized to help you plan out 100 of your biggest bucket list dreams & journal about the experience when you complete them. This would be the perfect gift for a newly retired parent or anyone looking to plot out their dreams.
Uma Backpack
If you’re looking to invest in a quality, stylish travel backpack that you will have for the rest of your life, this is your backpack. Tumi always has top of the line travel luggage and this backpack is no exception. This is my carry on personal item {when I’m not traveling with a ton of gear}. There’s plenty of space for your in flight essentials, a laptop sleeve and a strap on the back so that it fits perfectly on top of your rolling suitcase.
Cashmere Blanket Scarf
I never go on any trip without one of these blanket scarfs. They are the softest, coziest thing to wrap around your shoulders on a plane, train or in the car. I also wear mine A LOT more at home at the moment…when I’m working in my office or just watching TV.
The last time I was in India I brought a BUNCH of these to give as gifts and have a few left over that I would LOVE to sell!
They come in a bunch of neutral colors and patterns and are 100% cashmere.
ALLE’S FAVORITE FASHION GOODIES
Rent the Runway Subscription
You all know I cannot live without my Rent the Runway subscription {even in COVID}. I love that this service allows me to constantly swap in and out new clothes without the buyers remorse or skyrocketing credit card debt, lolz. Not to mention this is a sustainable way to enjoy the fashion industry.
Gifting a subscription to someone would be the BEST gift ever. PLUS I have a code that takes 40% off 2 months of an 8 or 16 item plan. Click here and use code: RTRALLEP to snag this deal!
Pop on and off pom pom beanie
Why have one hat when you can have a bajillion?! Trust anthro to come up with this great idea! A beanie that has a pom pom that snaps on and off so that you can switch them in and out depending on your mood and lewk of the day! Oh and they also have a beret version for all my Emily in Paris gals out there!
PEEP SOME OF THE ANTHRO POM POMS
Alice & Wonder Chicago Sweatshirt
My love affair with this female owned, Lincoln Park boutique goes wayyyy back and it’s easily my favorite place to shop in Chicago. This is the spot to find fun, feminine, & cheeky gifts that are for the most part under $100. Make sure to check out their Mad Hatter & Chicago collections which are made in house (great gifts for guys & little ones).
This colorful Chicago sweatshirt is one of my favorite recent purchases but it’s a close tie with their holiday collection of comfy sweaters!
SOME OF MY OTHER ALICE & WONDER FAVS
Lack of Color Pink Rancher Hat
There is absolutely no comparison to the Lack of Color Rancher hat. I own it in three colors that’s how much I love it lol. I recently snagged it in pink and if you follow me on IG {I hope you do ;)} you can definitely attest to just how often I’ve been wearing it LOL.
***Quick Lack of Color hack is to order it from Show Me Your Mumu so that you can skip the brutal shipping prices from Australia if you were to order directly from the site.
Nordic Beach
I AM USING ALL CAPS BECAUSE THIS IS MY FAVORITE PURCHASE I HAVE MADE IN 2020. The Nordic Beach wrap is hands down the softest, cuddliest, wrap I have ever owned. It’s like wearing a cloud around your shoulders.
These come in a bunch of colors and I’m not joking when I say that this is the first thing I put on in the morning when I wake up and many times never take it off during the day.
UGG Short Boots
I love shuffling around the house in my UGGS lol. I have always been a massive fan and I think these are a great gift for anyone who is WFH and looking for a cozy comfy shoe to get them through the rest of 2020.
I toss these on for the occasional trip to the grocery store or if I’m feeling fancy I wear them to the UPS store. GASP!
Spanx Faux Leather Leggings
I AM PUTTING THIS OUT THERE NOW AND CLAIMING THESE AS THE “PANT” OF 2020. I’ve had these leggings for a while now and I can honestly say they are one of the most flattering, leveled up leggings on the market.
And since they’re designed by Spanx you know they’re going to suck in all your 2020 woes lol. I wear a size medium in these and they fit like a glove.
Electric Picks Cast Vintage Necklace
If something has a great origin story, or interesting fact, I’M SOLD. This small, female owned jewelry company makes these necklaces that are cast from vintage coins, keys, charms and tokens found around the world (some dating back hundreds of years!).
I recently snagged this Dahlia necklace (pictured) which is a 1943 coin from the Netherlands. The flowers found in the center symbolize happiness and abundance. HOW FUN IS THAT?!
MY OTHER ELECTRIC PICKS NECKLACES
Nasty Gal Lounge Sets {all of them}
As someone who has purchased WAY too many lounge sets from Nasty Gal, I can say that this is one of my favorite places to score affordable loungewear that’s cute and will hopefully not be our uniform for much longer. But while we wait for that day, might as well look cute. Oh an Nasty Gal ALWAYS seems to have a sale.
I love this short set because sometimes I get hot in my office.
I also LOVE this chenille set & tie dye set {because what is 2020 without tie-dye}
REVELLE
This jewelry line was created by my sweet friend Ali Stone & her mom (we love a mom daughter duo!). Their gorgeous, delicate necklaces make for the perfect heartfelt gift and pair perfectly with some of your favorite necklaces you have at home.
Their jewelry is high quality & comes in a range of prices and styles which makes them SUPER giftable (and you won’t feel guilty when you snag a few for yourself too!)
Mongolian Cashmere Wrap
I recently discovered Quince which is this company that has ridiculously low prices on 100% cashmere. Basically they cut out the middle man, deliver straight from the factory and cut down on packaging. Which means amazing cashmere goodies at prices you actually don’t mind paying.
I snagged this cashmere wrap in black and I’m also eyeballing this cashmere zip up & jogger set because…2020…
Vintage Royalty
For me, this holiday shopping season has been all about supporting small, local, female, Black, POC, LGBTQ businesses {a habit I plan to carry beyond just holiday shopping}.
I learned about Vintage Royalty while shopping at my favorite vintage store Lost Girls Vintage and quickly became obsessed with it colorful, geometric designs. This Black owned biz was also recently featured on People.com!
Sleeper Feather PJs
If you are looking to splurge on a fancy pair of PJS (now might just be the perfect year) I cannot reccomend these Sleeper PJS enough. I own them in pink but honestly this black set might just get you further as both a fun pair of PJs for home and a "going out” look. And by going out I mean wearing this to the grocery store with a full face of makeup & a mask.
ALLE’S FAVORITE FACE MASKS
Julia Clancey Pom Pom Mask
I’m not exaggerating that when I wear this mask, I can expect easily 10-20 compliments depending on how many people I pass on the street. Julia Clancey’s masks are one of a kind, fun, functional and just the right amount of extra.
Ahida Correale ‘Oh Hey’ Mask
Finding a comfortable mask that matches your style, vibe and outfit is one of the most important fashion purchases you can make these days. Not only are these masks comfortable they’re also totally customizable.
You can get pre-made designs like this one OR you can customize your mask with your own saying! I’m thinking about getting one that says WEAR IT!
Fofas Reversible Mask
A REVERSIBLE MASK?! Say what???? YUP This small female founded accessories company has created grandmillennial style face masks that come in patterns you might find in your grandma’s closet (in a good way!). They also sell the cutest mask chains which pair perfectly with your 2020 accessory of the year.
Roopa Pemmaraju embroidered mask
This is by far the most beautiful mask I own and what’s even more incredible is that buying this mask gives back to the Indian artisans who make them. All the funds made from the sales of Roopa Pemmaraju masks go directly back to the artisans to support them and their families during this crisis.
It’s a win win and investment in your health and the health of others around the world.
ALLE’S HOME PICKS
The Adventure Awaits Bouquet
This summer I had the opportunity to co-design a travel inspired floral arrangement for FTD! The bouquet represents the first trip I took to India with my mom after I launched Alle Abroad.
The warm tones and textures represent the colors we saw at each spice market and the pink daises represent my favorite pink sari I wore in one of my favorite photos with Linda from the trip!
I wanted this bouquet to be a way for travel lovers to send the world to those who miss traveling it. Click the link below to automatically get 10% off your order ;)
In Emily’s Kitchen
You know what everyone needs?! A quality spice blend (or two, or 10)! My girl Emily has created her own line of signature spice blends that will save you so much time and stress in the kitchen. PLUS she has so many yummy recipes on her site that pair perfectly with each of her blends. AND she’s currently offering a limited edition holiday spice set featuring 3 blends you absolutely need for your festive feasts.
LUXE B PAMPAS GRASS
I was a little late to jump on the Pampas train but when I arrived OMG! There is something so beautiful with decorating your office, family room or whatever room your please with these fluffy stems!
I of course own the pink pampas but Luxe B carries a variety of colors and styles + it’s another bad ass female owned biz!
OOOO and they’ve still got lots of pampas on sale on their Etsy site so run there right now!
Amped Fleece Throw Blanket
Listen, idk what is more 2020 than a fuzzy, cuddly, colorful blanket. These fleece blankets from Urban Outfitters are on sale for $44 right now and come in a bajillion colors. Snag yourself one or buy them for a loved one and then steal it from them from time to time. Whatever floats your boat lol
Bouffants & Broken Hearts
I discovered this EPIC Black, female artist this summer and quickly ran to her Society6 page to buy 6 of her prints to decorate my office with. To say I’m in love is an understatement. Her sassy, colorful prints are reasonably priced and would make for a great gift for the color lover in your life!
Type League Press
Nothing brings me more joy than receiving a fun and festive mug (especially if it says something funny on it). You have to check out this female owned, Chicago based biz on Etsy! She has so many mugs with funny sayings and can do custom orders if you’re looking to put your loved ones name or faces on the side LOL.
Agate Cheese Board
I have wanted one of these Anthro agate cheese boards for YEARS. This year I finally pulled the trigger lol. And I can say that these are 100% worth the annoying Anthro price tag.
It looks beautiful on my bar cart and I just cant wait to design my first cheese & charcuterie board!
This would be a fabulous gift for your mum, gal pals or anyone else who loves entertaining {when that was a thing}.
Alice & Wonder Beer Glasses
I HATE beer but I love these glasses lol. So these are my fancy water glasses because why drink water from a plain cup.
Gilded Rim Wine Glasses
I just snagged these blush pink, 24 karat gold rimmed glasses over cyber weekend and they are now my fancy drinking glasses for when I have guests {whenever that may be}. Until that time, they will decorate my bar cart ;)
ALLE’S FAVORTIE GADGET GIFTS
Sony ZV-1
THIS IS NOT A DRILL: if you are thinking about getting into videography, starting a YouTube channel or just looking to upgrade your camera, you NEED this camera. Sony designed it specifically with vloggers in mind and I LOVE how reliable this camera is. It also has this CRAZY fast autofocus and a product focus feature that makes showcasing products crystal clear!
Apple Airpods
I honestly don’t know how I existed without airpods…The thought of using headphones with a cord is the most foreign concept to me now (lol Apple does us so dirty…). But truly these are a worthwhile investment for travel, quick trips to the store or just listening to a podcast while you work.
iPhone Tripod
If you have an aspiring content creator in your life, you need to snag them this tripod! I use this guy all the time for IG lives, quick shoots & when I was solo traveling and needed to snap some photos of myself and didn’t have the balls to ask a stranger LOL. Plus it’s only $22 so it’s a total steal!
ALLE’S ESSENTIALS {TO GIFT YOURSELF}
Half Gallon Time Management Water Bottle
If drinking your daily water intake is a goal of yours, then there is no better way to achieve that goal than by ordering this water bottle. I know it seems SO silly but I honestly drink more water when it comes from a straw {I feel like there’s a stat out there that proves that}
Blue Light Blocking Glasses
The amount of time we stare at screens is horrifying…So I snagged a pair of these off of Amazon in the hopes that they somewhat curb the unknown effects of screen addiction lol…They are under $17 and come in a TON of colors!
The 5 Minute Journal
If you’ve been wanting to start a gratitude practice but are unsure of where to start or what to write this journal will be your new best friend. This is the exact journal I write in every day and I love how it has quick and simple prompts to keep you grateful, focused and centered on what you want to accomplish.
I honestly feel a little off if I don’t start and end my day writing in mine…and I NEVER thought I’d be the kind of person who would say that…
Apple Watch
Another Apple product that should be a gift you give yourself. If working off the COVID-19 is one of your goals in the new year (me too boo) then having a gadget that tracks your steps will be a game changer for you. I also love how I can go on runs with my watch in lieu of my phone & the watch reminds me to stand and to breathe. Two things you might not think you need reminders for but when we’re all hunched over our WHF desks all day these reminders are essential.
CONGRATULATIONS! YOU MADE IT TO THE END LOL!
I hope this guide was helpful to you! And if you’re looking for some small businesses to support this holiday season, make sure to check out my Small Biz Holiday Shopping Guide!
