Ultimate Last Minute Christmas + Holiday Gift Guide
You’ve left your shopping until the absolute last minute like always, but don’t worry we’re here to help. It could be worse this could be Christmas Eve and you could be in a department store. With five days until Christmas and three until Hanukkah, we have the best Christmas and Holiday gift guide to make you look like a thought out pro.
For the active friends in your life consider giving them this incredible set from Avocado, which is a local active wear brand right here in southern California. You can run over to their store located on Abbott Kinney and check out all of their new selections which makes for the perfect gift for your active friend or family. If you can’t make the drive down to Abbott Kinney in Venice, head over to their website now for expedited shipping. You can follow this link HERE. To make things fast we’ve selected our favorite design from their newest collection which is perfect because of it’s long sleeves for anyone who does Aerial Silks or AcoYoga. Having your skin covered is a great benefit when doing those workouts, as the rope and body contact can hurt your skin, and fabric is a much needed layer of protection. We love this festive mulled wine color, and the patterns make us swoon. Just looking at it makes us want to workout, not to mention the fabric absorbs your sweat incredibly well, and the material is of the highest quality. Feel free to search their full inventory or take our selection and snag their “Fair IsleLayered Mock Neck” in vintage açaí alongside their “Fair Isle leggings”. Besides supporting local brands, Avocado is also a brand designed by women for women, which we can’t advocate enough. Skip the big labels this year and check out how well made and durable their workout collections are.
Stop stressing over what to get the beauty lover in your life. We are obsessed with Fresh Beauty’s Holiday Hydration Kit. The kit comes with their immensely popular rose lip balm, along with their rose deep hydration toner, rose face mask (one of our absolute favorites here at PPLA), and their rose deep hydration face cream. With winter in full effect the cold can have extremely drying effects on your skin. Fight back and give your skin the love it deserves with this incredible kit. You can pick it up right from your local Fresh Beauty store, or snag yourself a deal. Nordstrom has the entire kit on sale right now for only $50, and they even have Christmas Eve delivery available. We told you we had you covered. Your beauty lover can’t help but be elated.
Looking for a gift for the music lover in your life? Sci-fi lover? We have an epic choice for you! The Star Wars soundtrack is now available on vinyl. That’s right, imagine with the final installment now out presenting your Star Wars loving friend or loved one’s this surprise. Not only is the soundtrack on vinyl, you can also choose the disc’s color… choose red for siding with the Sith, make your fate true Jedi in blue or green, the choice is yours young padawan.
Book lover in your life leaving you in shambles? So many books in 2019, how can you decide? Don’t worry we’ve done all the foot work for you. And the best part? If you can’t run out to your local Barnes & Nobles (which you absolutely should, always support your book sellers!) head to Amazon, as a Prime member you’ll enjoy next day shipping. Our first choice on your book lovers guide has to be Margaret Atwood’s “The Testaments”. If that name sounds familiar it is because she is the author of “The Handmaids Tale” which has riveted viewers for years on Hulu now. “The Testaments” follows three women who’ve grown up under the oppressive regime in power, in all different walks of life. Hulu has already bought the rights, so don’t miss out on what is sure to be a riveting holiday read. You can snag your copy HERE. Hachette books gave us a stunning look into the hard working lower class of American society. Try gifting “Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive” to the civic minded book lover in your life. The story follows a young woman whose reach for higher education is stifled when an unexpected pregnancy derails her original goals. Dive into a world where feeding yourself and your child is a struggle despite government assistance. This is an unflinching account of what it’s like to survive in a much overlooked aspect of society. Fans of “Eat, Pray Love” will love Elizabeth Gilbert’s latest novel: “City of Girls”. Escape into a non traditional love story set in the flashy theater world of the 1940’s. The protagonist reflects on her life in showbiz with both regret and nostalgia. Learn what it means when a woman of her time steps into her sexual power, and the consequences of living her truth.
Make Christmas fun and get a present for everyone! Give an all around family or friends gift by bringing “Rise of the Tribes”. With everyone gathered around for Christmas dinner, turn off the tv and create a game night everyone can enjoy. “Rise of the Tribes” is available exclusively at Walmart which means you still have time to order or pick up your game before Christmas. The game is a blast, where players lead their prehistoric tribes to explore new lands, gather resources, and discover new tools in an attempt to rise to greatness. “Rise of the Tribes” is a strategy type, so remember, may the best civilization win.
Christmasing with friends? More and more with people living all around the globe friends are gathering with the tradition of bringing a gift to “White Elephant” on Christmas together. The act of sharing gifts is sweet and brings us all together. Here are some great examples of friendly Christmas gifts for any gathering this year.
If your friends are into a healthy and active lifestyle check out Barry’s Bootcamp. You can give gift card’s and decide how many classes you’d like to include in your gift. This lets you set the bar high or low depending on your price range for holiday exchanges. Barry’s prices never change, and they have an amazing assortment of classes with locations all around the world. There is a reason Barry’s is one of the longest running workouts, they work! Not to mention their facilities are fantastic and their trainers are some of the best in the biz. We love their location by Hollywood and Vine, but let us know which your go to spot is at Barry’s. The Venice location is large and airy, which makes it another top spot. Nothing like getting a workout in and then hitting the beach. Barry’s makes for an amazing White Elephant gift because you can customize it to whatever pre-arranged monetary amount the group has decided. It’s also a straight forward workout which might be a nice surprise for any of your friends who’ve wanted to get into fitness but might be discouraged, Barry’s is for everyone. Check out their selections HERE. The best part? You can buy this gift instantly at any of their locations or online.
Give a game! Turn your White Elephant night into a blast with “Swear Jar” by Breaking Games. Yes, this is a real game and you can really test your swear word knowledge against your friends. With a price tag of only $20, it is affordable and fun. Each card found in the game contains real words taken from slang and urban dictionaries. Players will try to bluff one another out with incorrect definitions versus the real one. How well do you know your swear words? Best of luck.
Nothing goes better with games then alcohol! For the craft liquor lover in your life or the friend looking to expand their palette, we recommend Shots Box. Shots Box is an online subscription box and retail store (they also have a brick and mortar location in SoCal) offering the best craft spirits from around the country. Their monthly box comes with 10 minis and recipe cards so you can try the spirits with friends and then order the full size bottles you love best. They also have a ton of great membership options like the Craft Club, brining you 3-full size bottles a month! Our personal FAV right now is what we think of as a “Gift and get,” where you gift someone a Shots Box subscription box and get a mini sampler box (5 liquors) FREE for yourself. Order that HERE. There’s no reason you shouldn’t celebrate too and a few shots can make the awkward family dinner table less painful! One of our favorite holiday spirits we recommend trying is the Skewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, you won’t be disappointed. Visit ShotsBox.com to order.
Beauty lovers in your circle? Again, we’ve got you! Give the gift of a perfectly blown out mane or make up by buying a gift certificate to your favorite local blow dry or beauty bar. Ours is Pout in Studio City. We love supporting local businesses, and Pout is a full inclusive makeup and hair studio designed to leave you feeling and looking your best. With those New Year’s parties just around the corner, you’ll be happy to have this gift card in your back pocket. After all, it’s not just a new year, but a new decade!
Last but not least, an American classic. We love shopping Nautica for the holidays because there is something for everyone. For stocking stuffers, you can’t go wrong with their scarfs, hats & glove sets, or even a new watch or pair of sunnies!
They have great matching PJs perfect for the whole family on Christmas morning and we suggest pairing them with their Terra Cable knit slippers. For men, we love their cable knit cardigans and their Voyage Heritage fragrance. For the ladies, the Heritage Drawstring Hoodie should be a staple in your closet because it’s chic and comfy. We also love the Signature Colorblock Rainbreaker jacket and the Bosun Boots. These are great items even for LA winters where we don’t get the severe cold of the East but still need to stay warm and dry. For those in the colder weather, opt for one of the packable puffers jackets– easy to travel home with!
Happy Holidays from the entire Press Pass LA team. We wish you a fast and painless holiday shopping experience.
