This year, I spent months curating this gift guide for you all - I wanted only brands I truly love and believe in and want under my Christmas tree! It's easy to get sucked into what's cool on Instagram, but in a world of sponsored posts, here's what's really on my shopping list this year! (PS, don't miss out on the giveaways at the end!)
For the SENTIMENTAL...
Made by Mary with love
“Your beautiful story, handmade in gold, and worn close to your heart”
Of all the stamped jewelry brands, this is the one I go back to time and time again. The quality is superior, and the heart behind the company wins me over! Their brand values include supporting your story, integrity at work, and complementing your life.
My current favorites are their layering necklaces - I have the Moonstone Necklace, a Mama disc necklace, and the Evie charm stacker disc necklace with all four of my kids initials! I searched forever for a necklace that could represent each of my kids, but with FOUR it was hard to find something as delicate and not too overwhelming like I wanted. Needless to say, as soon as I saw the Evie charms I fell in love!
For my sister, I got the Zoe necklace personalized for something meaningful between the two of us, and for my best friend I got the stackable Peak and Laurel rings! Our Peak ring is the perfect symbol of how each rhythm of peaks and valleys come together to make a beautiful life. And the Laurel is a celebration of our growth into who we’ve become as a person, with each of life’s moments intertwined into one. Worn together, separately or however best fits your style! This is the perfect gift at the end of a trying 2019!
Letterfolk Journals
We all know and love Letterfolk for their premium quality letter boards - but they keep coming out with more incredible products, and I stumbled upon their Passport Journals a couple weeks ago! These little journals come in tons of options, and even options for kids! Whether you want an easy way to document your travels, bucket list, or hikes, there’s something for everyone! I got my husband a “Golf Journal” for his stocking, and got each of my kids one based on their interest! Nico and Lyanna got a drawing passport, and Brian and Aiden got book passports! They’re the perfect stocking stuffers!
For the Kids...
Flexa USA
I visited the physical Flexa store in San Francisco the weekend of their grand opening, and I was truly blown away by the intentional design and quality of these products. I’ve never seen better wooden toys, and I love that all paints are 100% non-toxic!
We’re in the process of transitioning Lyanna to a big girl room, so she’ll get her new bed in the new year so we transition after the busy holiday season… but I’m snagging her some fun play food toys, as well as crossing a few other kids off my list with Flexa toys! I’m even eying their little play kitchen!!
Black Friday Deal: They have an incredible MYSTERY SURPRISE for Black Friday that you don’t want to miss… check back on Thanksgiving, that’s when I can share the detail!!
GB Watches
My boys are always trying to take my husband’s watches, and so I told them to ask for their own watches! But my 5 year old told me he didn’t want “kid watches”, he wants real ones like his Papa. So needless to say, I was delighted to find these STUNNING watches for kids! GB Watches are the only watches out there with genuine style that are made to withstand a child wearing them… there will be one of these in each of my boy’s stockings this year!! Plus... in December pre-sale starts on this ROSE GOLD girls watch!!
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS: On Black Friday, they’ll have a ONE DAY incredible sale - use code BLACKFRI29 for 40% OFF your entire purchase!
Freshly Picked
This will be the SIXTH year in a row that I have shopped the Freshly Picked Black Friday sale - and this year will be their biggest EVER! Shop early on Monday, November 25, starting at 10am MST and ending December 3 at 10am MST! The WHOLE site is 30% off, PLUS Fringe members stack their 20% off on top of the discounted prices!!!
I'm getting their crossbody bag for a new mom friend of mine, and getting some mini-soles for Lyanna in her current size and the next size up! It's the perfect time to stock up!
I have been a Fringe member since they started the program - you pay $10/month and that goes toward a monthly $10 credit, and you’re rewarded with 20% OFF everything, every day. Plus, you get early access and special deals that no one else does!
BONUS CODE: Use code FPxCarolinaAndes to get your first month of Fringe FREE - you will still get the $10 Fringe credit for the month!
Things can go fast during this sale, so sign up for the Fringe with and be ready to shop!
RAGS
I have watched this brand grow from their OG easy rompers to the company they are today! I’ve been a fan of Rags for over 5 years, and I especially love their Star Wars, Marvel, and Disney collections! We always get their Mickey shirts for Disneyland, and this year my boys “something to wear” gift will be Star Wars + Spider-Man sweatshirts!
BLACK FRIDAY DEALS: NOW through Dec 2, Rags has 25% off their entire site, plus new styles and bonus daily deals added every day!
Lego Sets
This year, my 9 year-old and 5 year-old both want Lego sets! TARGET has them 20% OFF through Wednesday, Nov 27, only! It's nearly impossible to Lego sets on sale, so don't miss out on this deal!
Gathre
These mats are worth every penny - from play-doh activities to picnics to beach days, out Gathre mats have gone everywhere and survived everything our kids throw at them! Any mom who is on social media knows this brand and would LOVE anything from them - this year I have my eyes on the floor cushions and the ABC Mat for Lyanna’s room upgrade!
BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL: 25% OFF SITEWIDE! RUN!!
Easy Stocking Stuffers
Melissa and Doug Mini Notebooks
Colored Pencils - pro tip, colored pencils don’t make a mess like markers or crayons!
Games - Spot It, Uno, or Flash Cards
For the your best girlfriend...
Winged CBD
For the modern woman who appreciates tools that help her take on everything on her plate - I ONLY recommend Winged CBD! I’ve had plenty of other companies offer to pay me to promote their brands - but I genuinely stand behind this company and their products! I wouldn’t share THIS type of product if I didn’t truly endorse it!
From their Happiness capsules that support my hormones and irritability, to their Sleepy gummies that help me slow down and enjoy restful sleep, these products have truly been a life changer for me. As I’ve battled anxiety, depression, and PMDD, this has been the best tool to support me when I need it - no prescriptions, no chemicals, I never feel under an influence, and I appreciate the quality and integrity of the product. 100% chemical free and only organic hemp, you can trust what you’re buying.
PLUS…. I may or may not have had the privilege to see a sneak peek of SKIN CARE PRODUCTS that are coming in a few weeks… imagine a CBD infused, nourishing and rejuvenating face mask 😱 Check my Insta in a few weeks for a full review!
BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL: Enjoy 10% OFF your purchase with code CAROLINA10
FabFitFun
I’ve been getting FabFitFun boxes for a year now, and I’ve never once been disappointed! The quality of the full size products is incredible, and its always such a treat to get a big box with things I wouldn’t normally splurge on for myself! Whether you order one for yourself or get it as a gift, its the perfect holiday present!
CODE: Use code CAROLINA10 for $10 off your first box - that makes your box of over $200 worth of product only $39.99! See here for what’s in the Winter box!
For the person with WANDERLUST...
Axel and Ash
Got someone with a bit of Wanderlust on your list? I recently came across this brand and am OBSESSED. Axel and Ash offer beautifully designed journals with prompt themes ranging from Roadtrip to Wanderlust to Pause. I brought the Pause journal on my Singapore trip, and it was the perfect way to slow down and live in the moment!
Their “Let’s See It All” world map instantly became a favorite for me too - and it was the first big decor piece that my husband saw and said he wanted too! I’ve been trying to hang a world map in our house for years, but he always vetoed the ones I found! Now we have this one in our room, and the whole family loves it!
Gentle Fawn
This brand has become a favorite of mine this past year! Gentle Fawn's sweaters are all timeless and exceptionally made - I’ve bought sweaters for myself this year, and then I have their “First Class Scarf” Travel Wrap for my Tia who travels all the time! It’s the softest scarf and perfect for snuggling up on a plane, wearing as a shawl, or wrapping around as a scarf!
For Unique Gift Giving...
23andme
In September I decided to try 23andme’s Health + Ancestry Service, and I was genuinely blown away by how easy and comprehensive it was! The breakdown of my heritage, as well as the automatic family tree and trait reports were incredible! My aunts have all ordered their kits now, and its been so fun to compare our DNA and see each other pop up in each other's family tree!
NOVEMBER SPECIAL: ALL MONTH LONG you can get up to 50% off your Kit - the Health + Ancestry Kit I got is usually $199, but this month its only $99! It’s black friday every day! A few of my family members have already ordered there’s, and I can’t wait to compare reports during holiday gatherings!
Hickory Farms
Okay, YES I’ve partnered with Hickory Farms for the holidays, but ONLY because I literally beg my husband to get me a gift set every single year! When I was a little girl my dad and I would go to our local mall and he’d let me pick one gift set for each of our neighbors, and some for us to snack while we wrapped presents together. Even after having fancy charcuterie boards, nothing tops their flavors! These gift sets are already packages beautifully, and whether you're bringing them as a dish to share for a party or your sending one to a coworker or neighbor, this gift will be very well received!
Black Friday: daily exclusive offers you don't want to miss! Their baskets are so reasonably priced!
FOR YOU!
Minted x Pottery Barn Kids Giveaway
I've partnered with two of my all-time favorite brands to bring you this amazing giveaway! From Nov 25-27, comment on this image on my Instagram and share in your stories for chances to win $300 to Minted and personalized Pottery Barn Kids stockings! Winner will be announced on Thanksgiving!
Made by Mary with Love
I mentioned above that Made by Mary is my absolute favorite jewelry brand, and I'm excited to be able to give away TWO $50 gift cards!! You can enter from Nov 27 - Dec 1, and I'll announce the winner on Monday, Dec 2!
$100 to Christmas Shop!
I want to personally give one of you $100 towards your Black Friday and Small Business Saturday Christmas shopping!! Enter from Nov 26 - Nov 30, and I'll announce a winner November 31!