When I was a teenager and just getting into fashion, I wanted the craziest pieces in my wardrobe I could find. I looked to celebrities for fashion inspiration and went thrifting all the time to replicate their style. The biggest designers I could afford were Rebecca Minkoff, and only when she was on a 60% off sale. Even though I can afford what I want these days, I still like to find unexpected pieces in my stocking that are a little flashier or glitzier than I'd normally go for—receiving fashion pieces from friends or family gives me a little reminder to have fun with my style, especially during the holiday season. Here's to keeping things merry and bright.
 

1. Embellished beanie | $9
2. Rebecca Minkoff Julian backpack | $275
3. BaubleBar tassel earring gift set | $58
4. Rent the Runway gift card | varied
5. New York: Through a Fashion Eye | $25
6. Zac Posen handbag | $160
7. Jeffrey Campbell flats | $135
8. Leopard-print mittens | $15
9. Fossil hybrid smartwatch | $155

MORE IDEAS:

A $50 budget is a pretty common amount decided upon between very good friends—and in that case, you want to get something that gets a lot of bang for your buck. Something particularly striking or particularly useful that I can get in the top bracket of my budget usually wins the day. A few of the items below allow some wiggle room in the budget to compile a little gift basket, like the champagne gummy bear cocktail kit just waiting to be tied up with a bottle of bubbly and a couple of cute flutes. Others are ready to hit the road. Just be sure to pick out the perfect card, because nothing says 'merry Christmas' to your bestie like letting her know you love her.
 

1. Geometric planters | $40
2. Striped marble cheese plate | $35
3. Iron & glass lanterns, large and small | $27 and $20
4. Fleece throw | $40
5. Pendleton umbrella | $30
6. UGG slipper socks | $50
7. Lolli and Pops gift set | $49
8. Ultrasonic diffuser | $40
9. Canvas backpack | $29

MORE IDEAS:

Whether you're a casual, "Oh, bears are my favorite animal" kind of person, or the kind that thinks of their dogs as their first-born and most treasured children and cries at the sight of a baby anything, the holidays are a great time to indulge your creature cravings. My Christmas list usually includes things I've wanted for a long time, but couldn't justify buying myself. However, this list includes lots of pet products that are simply necessary to make yours pets' lives a little better (check out Do Until Animals by Tracey Stewart), but also some home and life items for the person that wants a touch of the animal kingdom in every aspect of their life. Dalmatian pillow and whale bookends? Don't mind if I do.

1. The Illustrated Compendium of Amazing Animal Facts | $15
2. Tuxedo Dalmatian pillow | $40
3. Whale bookends | $42
4. Natural Pet Company cat toys | $15
5. Giraffe tie | $20
6. Cat neon | $30
7. Hand-carved peacock trivet | $29
8. Lady Gaga bunny portrait | $30
9. Flutterby phone case | $35

MORE IDEAS: