Gifty Nifty Gift Guide

by Mikka Padua December 03, 2015

My team mates and I, we've been having quite a ball putting together these yearly gift guides. This time 'round, we thought of (nut) cracking the code to the niftiest gifts we'd be giving and would absolutely not mind receiving.

Vanessa's picks are naturally beauty-inclined. She's our resident beauty guru and so her recommendations are taken seriously around here. When we wake up with a zit on our foreheads, top-of-mind to reach out to is, you guessed right, Vanessa! Oh and we sort of smell all the same too. Because, one afternoon, Vanessa came to the office smelling absolutely divine! It's no surprise Fille et Fils' Olivia Scent is always sold-out. To STU insiders alone, this scent is getting very good sell through! On to Vanessa's picks:

1. BENEFIT Bathina Body Mist -

"Love this dual purpose after shower spray that works both as a fragrance and moisturizer."

2 & 13. GRACE HOME Candle & Room Fragrance -

"Beautiful artisan scents to get your home ready for Christmas parties."

3 & 4. FAE Miniature Votive Candles -

"The perfect gift for friends who bring light and joy to your life."

5 & 8. GUERLAIN Coq D' Or and Meteorites Shimmer Balls -

"All you need for a luxurious radiant glow for the holidays."

6. PHINA's FROST SET Soaps -

"Gorgeous hand carved soaps that are classy accents for any powder room."

7. La Plancha Tassel Necklace-

"A simple sexy punch to spruce up your favorite little black dress."

9 & 11. CADENTIA Nature Anti-Mosquito Colognes -

"We are giving this to all the kids' friends this year. The best of freshness and protection."

10. ARANAZ TU Lobster Box -

"Fun and festive keepsake box for my accessory loving friends."

12. Hand Painted Milano Coasters -

"For the host with the most, these coasters will think of you as the guest with the most."

14. CADENTIA "Figue" EDC -

"The newest scent that is both warm and inviting."

15. Taja Gingham Pompom Scarf - "Pop in your bag and stay comfy & stylish in our unpredictable weather."

16. LAISEVEN Cinnamon Hand Soap - "The scent of Christmas in a bottle."

17. Everyday Notebook -

"I still keep a diary that I write in everyday. And one can never really have enough notebooks, right?"

When it comes to all things home and personalized, Mariel is our go-to. She has a knack for turning ideas into beautiful things. Think hand painted coasters, monogrammed placemats, down to waste baskets with fringe benefits! Here are her top picks.

2. Urban Happiness Take Control Healing Oils –

"A great pick me up for my office mates after a long day."

3. Marilyn Ring Holder –

"A space-saving tray for all your trinkets. The perfect gift for all your girlfriends."

4. Santorini Placemate & Napkin Set -

"Get personal with your loved ones in shades of blue and white."

5. Langosta Tray –

"A chic tray to store your candles and whatnots."

6. Aranaz Memo Pad –

"Tropical inspired prints add fun to jotting down your daily agenda."

8 & 12. Round Trays –

"Vibrant prints to organize clutter will surely be a hit to nesting girlfriends."

9. Joyce Makitalo 1969 Necklace -

"Add a punch of Makitalo to your daily wardrobe."

10. Fiona Wastebin

"Waste bins can be functional and pretty at the same time. One your boho friend will surely appreciate."

11. Aeropress –

"The perfect brew to start your mornings."

13. Barwani Throw Pillow –

"Add a touch of India to your comfy sofa."

Here's mine!

1. Bungalow 300 Pink Grapefruit -

Fills up the whole room with a scent that reminds you of summer in the tropics. Who wouldn't want that?

2. YOGALOVE All Around Spray -

Yogi friends can attest to how handy this anti-bacterial spray is. Not to mention, it smells particularly light and fresh.

3. Phina's Christmas Tree Soap Set -

Perfect stocking stuffer, I think.

4. Joyce Makitalo 1969 Pendant -

Every chic woman would love to see a Joyce Makitalo piece under her tree.

5. Tali Handmade -

I'm crazy about this line of oversized totes and clutches. It just makes perfect sense to have it available for seeking. It would make a perfect gift to the women in your life with very discerning taste, too.

6. Ritual Massage Therapy Set -

Old-school apothecary goodness, bottled up nicely.

7. Luxe Travel Guides -

Ah, just the perfect little gift for wanderlusting girlfriends.

8. Bungalow Bathroom Set -

Spruces up a powder room in an instant!

9. Kamala Paper Machè Decorative Plates -

We picked these up from our last India trip. I'm totally keeping a set for myself to hang on a lackluster wall. Still searching for that wall around our house though.

10. Rimba Basket Tote -

I have a crazy collection of basket totes. The Rimba is the one of heaviest rotation.

11. Love Life Style by Garance Dore -

There are coffee table books that look good on the coffee table. There are those that look good and are better reads. This is one of those. I've perused my copy in a few days and I still like going back to it.

12. Todos Santos Handblock Caftan -

I practically live in them. They're cotton, roomy, and cinches at your most flattering waist. A fail safe gift as its free size.

There you have it. Boat loads of gift ideas from STU insiders, who are always happy to do the leg work for you. Like we always say, we do the seeking, you do the gifting.

Happy holidays!

Your Purveyor of the Uniq,