I had a great time creating my Best Gifts for YOU! Gift Guide last month, keeping it all under $100. Today, I set out to create a second list of great gifts for you and me, but this time over $100. I had my list ready, but came to write the post and found that many of these products are under $100. Wow. Check out some of these sale prices. So, the list for over $100, soon became Great Gifts for YOU (and me) of all different prices.
Best Gifts for YOU, part 2
Kindle Paperwhite
The Kindle Paperwhite is the backlit Kindle e-reader from Amazon. For $20 you can elect the advertisement-free Kindle Paperwhite ($119 vs $139) or you can upgrade later by adjusting the settings on your Kindle. The ads are only shown when you’re Kindle is “off”, acting as a screensaver.
Julieverse says: Where would I be without my Kindle? A few years ago, I wasn’t sure that I’d really like reading paper-free. I feared it would be difficult to switch to electronic reading. After 3 years (and 2 Kindles–I’m on my second, and I upgraded to the Paperwhite which I really think my husband appreciates because I read well into the night sometimes, as well as on roadtrips), I borrowed a hard-cover book a few weeks ago and after two days realized that they no longer fit my lifestyle. Hard-covers don’t fit on the Elliptical or Treadmill ledges and I love reading when I work out, it keeps me going at least 5 minutes extra each workout. Books have also become harder to read in bed, when I’m used to just holding up a small tablet.
Watch my video of Kindle tips and secrets to learn more.
I love my tablets, but I’m still really glad I have a separate Kindle, just for reading. It lessens the distractions and lets me truly seep into the world that I’m reading.
UGG Women’s Dakota Slippers
Product Description UGG Australia brings you this brand new, moccasin style slipper this season. Surround your feet in luxury with a suede upper fully-lined in warm, plush fleece. Classy details like leather laces, precision stitching and an UGG Australia embossed logo grace this charming slipper to wear around your home or for a quick trip down to the coffeehouse. True to size. Wide feet need to go up one size.
Julieverse says: Well, would you look at that! Most of the UGG Dakota slippers are $99, and should be on my under $100 list. Okay… so if you want to spend a little more, pair up the slippers with a cuddly blanket. Or, the ultimate gift for me–the UGG slippers, the blanket and the Kindle!
But, really, I was never a fan of UGG boots. I have my fuggs and I laugh at myself every time I run out anywhere wearing them. Still, last year UGG Dakota slippers were at the tippy top of my list because, although I had about 5 pair of slippers already, none of them held a candle to the comfort of the Dakotas. Since last Christmas morning, I’ve probably worn them nearly 340 days, even in the summer, making them well worth the spendy near $100 price tag for, gasp!, slippers! They’re beyond comfortable. They’re heavenly. (and they’re the reason both my boys are being forced to put them on their holiday lists this year–they keep trying to steal mine!)
Tablet
Julieverse says: As I mentioned above, I do love my tablets–and I have plenty. You have a lot to choose from in this market, and highly recommend you go to a store (like Best Buy) and try your many options. Before going, try to decide if you’ll prefer an iOS, Android or Windows-based tablet, this way you’ll be more focused when you enter the store.
I love my Lenovo Yoga tablets (I’m a Lenovo Mom, so I am a little biased) but I’m truly enjoying the flexibility of them, and so are my kids. I just wish they had all of my favorite iOS apps available — and that the android approval system for apps was as strict and protective as iOS.
You have a lot of choices when it comes to Tablets–today I found one on Amazon for as low as $63.95 (on sale… this one has a listed retail of $199.) But most start around $150 and go up near $1000. So do your research and have a good idea of what you really want most out of a Tablet.
A class: Sign up to learn something!
I love learning. Love it. There is so much out there in the world I haven’t mastered, or don’t even pretend to understand yet. Taking the Clickin’ Moms class this fall opened my eyes up to an entire new world, seen through a lens. I learned to look at backgrounds and light differently. And, most of all, I learned to take beautiful pictures of my kids.
What’s your giftee interested in? Does she want to practice her voice? Sign her up for Voice Lessons! Is she artsy? Get her a gift card to a local art center. Maybe she wants to learn how to use that thousand-something dollar camera in the closet and take it out of Auto-mode–then by all means, enroll her in a Clickin’ Moms class, or a live one. I know I’m itching to join another improv class and hope to find one to join in the coming months. A friend recently took up Karate classes to try something new. A few years ago I took a basic class in Interior Design which was fascinating and helpful in my choices for my own home. There are so many opportunities to learn from online courses to your local college or gym.
Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System
Product Description: Mia is the new, go-anywhere Sonic Skin Cleansing System in a great compact size. The one-button, one-speed Mia fits your active lifestyle for beautiful, glowing skin wherever life’s adventures take you. All the great benefits of the Clarisonic Classic in a new, smaller size. The perfect compact cleansing system for use at home or on the go.
Julieverse says: The Clarisonic Mia is actually at the top of my list this year, and I’ve been quietly suggesting it to Santa for all fall. I’m
approaching
turning 40 next year and facial skin care has finally become routine for me. I’ve done a bit of research, tried many different skin regimes, and really like a few of them–which is great because I don’t want to become tied to any one routine, I feel changing it up is good for the skin. I’m excited to be hopeful that this will be under the tree to help me to really get in and clean the day off my face each night. Really hopeful, Santa.
Retails for $125. If you see this on sale, please let Santa know.
Digital Media Streamer
I actually had Apple TV (3rd generation) written in my notes, because–ooh! bright and shiny Apple! But then I looked into it and found that it’s not too different from a WD TV Live Media Player Wi-fi 1080p or a Roku 2 Streaming Player (Black) (Roku 2720R )and, once again, it’s all about the best choice for your family. If your family loads up on iTunes all the time, then, by all means, get the AppleTv. But if you’re not a big iTunes person (I’m not–I have very little faith in that branch of Apple due to poor customer services experiences in the past), then check out Roku and WD TV, as well as others.
For far less money, there’s Google Chromecast HDMI Streaming Media Player, Google’s streamer. I’m intrigued by this one, it’s small and costs only $35. A part of me is thinking, why get anything else? ChromeCast only streams what it finds on your computer, tablets and smartphones as it’s controlled by that.
Media Streaming prices range from $35 for the Chromecast to over $200 for the Belkin @TV Plus – Mobile Television Anywhere. I wish I could tell you which is best, but I haven’t experienced many of them yet (though I am definitely excited to see some of the newest ones soon to hit the market when I head to the Consumer Electronics Show in January. Hoping to learn enough more to be able to understand this Digital Media Streaming world better.) CNet just updated their comparison last month–hopefully it will help you in making a decision.
Michael Kors Jet Set MacBook Travel Tote
Julieverse says: I lust after this bag. I have a Lenovo Yoga Pro (again, Lenovo Mom) which is about the same size as a MacBook Air. So anything that fits the MacBook Air should fit my Yoga Pro, snuggly. Fingers crossed. Have I mentioned that I lust after this bag? It’s exclusive to the Michael Kors website and shops, with a beautiful red bag available only at the Apple Store.
Retail price: $299.95, free shipping with code HOLIDAY.
EmilieM Sheila Shoulder Bag
Julieverse says: As much as I l-o-v-e the MK Jet Set MacBook Travel Tote, I can’t really ask for it this year. Just this week, I won an EmilieM Bags Sheila which fits my laptop so very snuggly and perfectly and I absolutely love the style. (Video review to come.) The price is a whole lot more manageable, too, on sale for $74.99. So if you’re looking for a more reasonable, beautiful and practical satchel bag, this is the one for you.
An additional 40% Off with code XMAS40. 60% Off Clearance with code XMAS60.
Cole Haan Lafayette Small Satchel Cinnabar
Julieverse says: So what I’ve really realized is that I want (need?) a smaller bag that will fit my wallet, lipstick, phone and a small tablet (like my Kindle or my Lenovo Yoga 8) for when I’m running basic errands and don’t need to carry my laptop or a large tablet (now that I have an 8 inch, there’s less need for a large tote.) I’m still searching, but the Lafayette by Cole Haan seems like an excellent choice.
On sale today at ebags for $229, usually $328.
Fashion jewelry from Stella & Dot
I’ve been wearing a lot of gold, and last year bought the gold Vintage Stud earrings from Stella & Dot–I wear them all the time, finding they’re perfect with nearly all my statement pieces. But, recently, I purchased the Odette Link Pendant Necklace in silver ($59) and love wearing it. Ack! I need earrings! So I’m adding Hematite Studs ($29) to my list. Other recent Stella & Dot faves include the Monterey Necklace (perfect with a tunic), Sanibel Reversible Pendant (2 in one!), Calypso Coin Necklace, and the Limited Edition Escapade Earrings.
Through 12/31, earn $25 Stella & Dot Dollars for every $50 you spend.
© 2013, Julie Meyers Pron. All rights reserved.
