Page 9 – Love & Lavender

17 Best Housewarming Gifts To Celebrate The New Digs!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Whether your friends or family are moving into their first home or fourth, a great housewarming gift is always a thoughtful gesture.

A housewarming gift is a beautiful way to wish the new homeowners wellness and prosperity in the abode they’ve chosen to lay their head. It’s offering up something special for their new space to remind them that they have awesome people (that’s you) in their life.

Whether the newly minted homeowners host an official housewarming party or opt out of that tradition doesn’t matter. They’ll still appreciate a carefully-considered gift that suits their style and personalities and are sure to have you over for a games night or dinner when they’re properly settled in.

Not sure where to begin when it comes to finding the perfect housewarming gift? No problem, we’ve done the legwork because, well, we sort of kind of love all things went gift-related. We picked out our cream-of-the-crop gift ideas, including some that are awesome just because. And, some that are super practical — especially perfect for the first-time homeowner!

Best Housewarming Gifts

1. Personalized Rustic Serving Tray

Gorgeous stained pine and cast iron make a magnificent serving tray. Make especially exceptional gift when you personalize it with their newly acquired zip code! Add a round of their favourite cheese, some fancy crackers and hot pepper jelly, and they’ll be all set for those impromptu neighbour drop-ins that are bound to happen.

Get it from Uncommon Goods

2. Moscow Mule Set

Everyone deserves a gift this posh. Solid copper mule mugs hand-hammered by artisans in India are impressive enough. Add a solid copper shot glass and straws, throw in some mango wood coasters, put it all in a beautiful gift box, and *voila*. Your gift just went from “nice” to “wow!”

Get it from Amazon

3. Line-Drawn Home Portrait

If you have a friend moving into their “forever home,” have it immortalized in a drawing. These home portraits are so classy and unique.

Just choose the frame and style, upload a photo of the home, and the designers at Minted will sketch it, matte it, and frame it for gifting. It’s an excellent piece for passing on to grown children as they set out into the wide world and will serve as a comforting reminder of where they came from.

Get it from Minted

4. Map Blanket

This shop can turn a map of the new ‘hood into just about anything, but we liked this blanket in particular. A cozy fleece blanket for napping on the couch is just the thing to make anyone feel at home in their new abode.

Get it from DaisyMaeDesignsShop

5. Luxurious Candles

Luxuriously rich (without being overbearing), these candles will fill the whole house with a beautiful scent. Choose from aromas such as sandalwood, vanilla, winter, spruce, and rose (to name just some) and help make their new house smell welcoming and homey.

Get it from Anthropologie

6. Mason Jar Plaque

This plaque would look so cute in a kitchen or casual dining room. We’re not sure when mason jars became a symbol for ‘home’, but it just seems to make perfect sense to us. The plaques come in white with white-gold or green with gold- both are fantastic, so you really can’t go wrong.

Get it from Uncommon Goods

7. Custom Pillow

A throw pillow with their new address and a few sentiments about home is such a great gift for someone getting settled into a new place. This one is handmade from soft cotton with your choice of size and ink color.

Get it from FinchandCotter

8. Vase

Modern and classy were the first two words that came to mind when we found these earthenware vases from West Elm. Whether you give them as a set or solo, we think they’d look great just about anywhere. Add a fresh bouquet of flowers or stylish branches for an extra ‘wow’ factor.

9. Starburst Bowl

This bowl is so unique, it’s sure to draw plenty of compliments. Its design is described as being inspired by a mid-20th century antique and the clean lines in solid brass certainly reflect a modern 1950s aesthetic. The bowl also features a felt base to keep it in place without scratching table surfaces – practical AND posh!

10. Plant & Plant Pot

These pretty, multi-sized earthenware pots are a great gift! Especially if you include a philodendron or bromeliad to symbolize flourishing life and health in the new abode. We really like how the different sizes look better together. The neutral is such a flexible color, it’ll compliment any decor.

11. Record Doormat

Made from polyester and rubber, these personalized record doormats almost look real! Have their family name printed on the label for a meaningful housewarming present they’ll love for years to come.

Get it from Uncommon Goods

12. Tilted Wine Decanter

Wine decanters with ice pockets in the center are the best thing since, well, regular wine decanters! If you’ve got friends settling into a new home who prefer their wine chilled, they’ll get a lot of use out of this one. Just make sure they invite you to dinner to toast the new place!

Practical Gifts And Gift Ideas For The New Homeowner

13. The Martha Manual

Does Martha Stewart have no limits to the breadth and scope of her domestic knowledge? No. No, she does not. That’s why every new homeowner should have the Martha Manual – basically the bible of comfortable living. She can teach them how to build a fire in that new deckside fire pit, how to successfully fold fitted sheets (this alone makes it worthy of gifting!), how to organize like a closet like a BOSS, and much more. Get a copy for them, then get one for yourself. You won’t regret it.

Get it from Amazon

14. Grilling Tools

Hopefully, your newly-housed loved ones have a grill. If not, pool your bucks with a bunch of your mutual friends and get them one, then get them this excellent set of grilling tools! They come in a personalized laser-engraved bamboo box with a grilling spatula, fork, and tongs.

Get it from EngravedMemoriesEtc

15. Salvaged Wood Cookbook & Tablet Stand

This cookbook and tablet stand is rustic yet still so feminine. We loved the brass embellishments, and each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans in India from reclaimed mango wood. It’ll be a wonderful addition to the kitchen counter!

Get it from Uncommon Goods

16. Electric Wine Bottle Opener

An electric wine bottle opener may seem kind of frivolous. Still, it’s practical purposes are tried and true by a number of our staff members. They all attest they’re particularly handy when hosting dinner parties, and you’ve got to keep the wine flowing. It makes quick work of a sometimes awkward job.

17. Custom Kitchen Towel

Everyone needs a good set of dish towels, and these are better than your average set. Waffle woven out of a thirsty poly blend, they’re as useful as they are cute. Personalize them with the happy family’s name to make them extra show-worthy in the new kitchen.

Get it from CanaryRoadHome

Home Is Where The Heart Is

Cliche saying? Yes, but it’s also absolutely true. It’s such a great feeling to settle into a new place and make it your own. When you get thoughtful gifts from friends and family that contribute to that settling, it’s even better.

If you’re lucky, maybe they’ll take the hint from all that new kitchen stuff they’ve received and throw a dinner party to celebrate! Just remember to bring the wine. And cake – bring cake too. Everyone loves cake.

15 Healthy Gift Baskets to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

The time for resolutions of self-improvement is upon us once again. Of course, the most ubiquitous is the pledge to get healthier. Unfortunately, all too often, that’s the first one to bite the dust.

But what if there were incentives? A little extra “motivation” to make the idea sweeter? What’s a healthy gift that’ll spoil them without the guilt of wrecking their hard work?

Not to brag, but we think we’ve found the solution: healthy gift baskets!

Here are some of the best of 2021 (so far) for those health-conscious individuals out there.

Healthy Gift Baskets Full of Indulgence

1. Cravebox Healthy Care Package

Ok, so not necessarily raw and organic, but this gift basket is a healthier option than a care package full of candy and Twinkies.

Great for that special someone who still wants to enjoy their snacks while embracing healthier eating. It’s got a great mix of sweet and salty snacks, perfect for students stuck in a dorm without their fave munchies.

Get it from CraveBox

2. Fruit & Nuts Gift Box

No Snickers or barbeque chips here! This healthy gift box features a mix of heart-healthy nuts and antioxidant-rich dried fruits.

Healthy food packed with decadent flavor? Yes, please!

3. Healthy Gift Basket Deluxe

A beautiful, hand-woven basket with all kinds of goodies nestled right in makes a perfect gift for those who love healthy snacks. Gluten-free crackers, nut butters, kettle corn, and antioxidant-friendly snack mixes with cranberries and pomegranate are a few of the yummy treats waiting to be enjoyed.

Get it from Gourmet Gift Baskets

4. Bountiful Harvest Gift Box

For the healthy gourmet, this gorgeous gift crate features seasonal fresh fruit like oranges and apples, as well as an assortment of charcuterie staples like cheese, salami, fresh almonds, flatbreads, and more.

Get it from Gourmet Gift Baskets

5. Nut and Dried Fruit Gift Box

A rainbow of gorgeous dried fruits and wholesome nuts makes a fantastic healthy gift for the hostess with the mostess. It would also be a great care package for your favorite vegan or someone with gluten allergies. Or a little something for you, to reward yourself for practicing all of that self-restraint around the doughnuts. In other words, this gift box would suit anyone (except those with nut allergies).

Get it from Amazon

6. Deluxe Good Choice Snack Box

Another great care package for that special someone who’s looking for a healthier option for their Netflix noshing! This snack box borrows some old fruit basket favorites and adds in fresh nuts, a selection of granolas, and creamy nut butter for dunking those crunchy apples.

7. Keto, Paleo, Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free Gift Box

Nothing toxic in this delivery! Just cute little packages of wholesome, good-for-you treats for those of us with a serious sweet tooth. All of the cookies, muffins, and candied nuts included in this sweet gift box are keto-friendly, paleo-friendly, gluten-free, and sugar-free. Healthy through and through, while still being DEE-licious!

8. Heart-Healthy Low Sodium Snack Box

For some of us, dietary restrictions mean watching our sodium intake. If you have a friend, co-worker, or loved one who’s watching their salt intake have these sweet and savory snacks delivered to their doorstep for ultimate low sodium snacking!

This box features everything from fruit jerky to herbal tea to wholesome oatmeal – proof positive that you can enjoy flavourful foods without the salt!

9. High Protein Fitness Lovers Gift Box

Many doctors are recommending healthy snacks that are high in protein for those trying to lose weight. That’s because protein can help you feel more satiated in between meals.

Instead of mindlessly snacking on junk, your gift recipient can enjoy these high-protein cookies, muffins, and savory snacks like gourmet tuna salad with crackers. There are even skinny-dipped chocolate covered almonds for when they’re in the mood for a sweet treat. The best part – the box of goodies will last longer because each snack is so filling!

10. Healthy Vegan Snacks Care Package

A generously packed box full of non-GMO, vegan grab-and-go snacks is the perfect healthy gift for your favorite student, co-worker, or anyone that needs a boost of wholesome love.

They can feel good about noshing on savory pico de gallo chips, sweet dark chocolate brownies, and everything in-between. There’s something here for every craving!

Get it from The Good Grocer

11. Organic Banquet Box

No toxins in this healthy food gift! All of the treats featured in this organic gift basket are USDA-certified organic. That means snacks they can feel great about munching. If your friend or loved one has made a resolution to eat clean this year, there are all types of delicious treats to sample.

12. Gluten-Free Classic Basket

While there are some savory eats featured in this assortment of gluten-free goodies, we were drawn to those sumptuous sweet treats. Almond cashew clusters? Double chocolate chip cookies? Yum! Great for those with gluten allergies or just trying to keep a gluten-free diet.

Get it from GourmetGiftBaskets

13. Healthy Living Care Package

If you know someone who could really use a get-well basket right now, this one is perfect. It features a soothing soy candle to help them relax, a book on how to boost your immune system, and delicious raw honey from Vermont to drizzle in a steaming cup of therapeutic tea.

You can also include a lovely personalized note to communicate your well-wishes and let them know you care. It’s a great collaboration of sympathy gifts to help heal the soul and the body.

14. Yoga and Tea Essentials

Get it from Amazon

This basket overfloweth with all kinds of lovely items to help your favorite yoga aficionado (or soon-to-be aficionado) get centered and zen.

An instructional book and DVD will help them learn the proper way to master the asanas. After they’ve said namaste, they can enjoy a bath set complete with green tea bath fizzies, pear blossom bath gel, and more. Sounds like a great end to a long and hectic day to us!

15. For Cultivating Healthy Relationships: Date Night Gift Crate

Have you and your honey made a new year’s resolution to reconnect and nurture a healthy relationship? If so, we commend you!

Working on your health isn’t limited to a healthy body, it’s a holistic endeavor. One of the neatest ideas we’ve seen to get close and rekindle the fun is date night crates!

There are lots of themes on offer – everything from growing your own silicon valley startup together to a survival adventure in Yosemite. They’re great as a gift for your significant other or any couple who knows that a healthy relationship = happy campers.

Get it from Crated With Love

Now’s the Perfect Time to Care for Yourself and Those You Love

We wrote this article at the kick-off to 2021, but ANY time of year is a good time to commit to practicing healthy habits, inside and out. Giving healthy gifts is a great way to show you support your loved ones on their health journey, and you want them to feel fantastic all year round.

For those of you who have made a resolution to care for your health- we say well done. Here’s to a happier, healthier 2024!

Best Gifts for 11 Year Old Boys They’ll LOVE

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

If you want to live, DO NOT call him a tween. Or a child.

Other than that, and the outrageous sounds they can produce, 11-year-old boys can be somewhat unpredictable. That’s why finding gifts for 11-year-old boys can be a challenge.

But fear not! Yours truly is no stranger to the creatures, and I can say with relative confidence and an abundance of experience that I know what kinds of gifts make ‘em tick.

So have a look at my top ten list of tried-and-true gift ideas for 11-year-old boys. There’s plenty of stuff there that’ll make us look cool. Even though, clearly, we are not.

1. A Virtual Escape Game

I took my boys to one of the brick-and-mortar Escape Games for their 11th birthday, and OH MY GOSH, is it fun!

Now they offer a remote, online version of the escape room game, and it’s just as neat. Some of the activities might be a challenge for this age, but in a good way, and it’s a lot more fun when you do it together!

Get it from The Escape Game Remote Adventures

2. Dungeons and Dragons Starter Set

This was another gift for our 11 year-olds (this time for Christmas from Mom and Dad), and they really got into playing it together. It’s a classic for a reason, and the nostalgia hit me hard. I got a little teary just watching them.

Again, you may have to help them through some of the instructions, but well worth it for the hours of fun they’ll have playing with their friends.

Get it from Wizards of the Coast

3. The InterWorld Trilogy

I was at the library one gloomy winter day a couple of years ago with a couple of gloomy pre-teen boys who would’ve rather been home playing video games.

I was browsing the juvenile fiction section when what did I see? Why, a selection of books for malcontent, pre-hormonal preteens just like mine by none other than Neil Gaiman!

My boys ate this series UP before I finally got my hands on them, and I have to say, this old lady gives them two thumbs up too.

Get it from Amazon

4.Yamaha Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Bundle

Pricey, I know, but hear me out. I bought this for one of my boys for Christmas a few years back, and he barely touched it. In my despair, I almost put it up on eBay, but to my surprise (and a big sigh of relief), he picked it up about three months later and hasn’t but it down since.

Then his brother picked up the bass. And his other brother started playing the drums. Fast forward about three years, and I’ve got a full-blown indie band in my house. And an excellent set of noise-canceling headphones.

Every kid is different, but if you suspect yours might be a musically-creative guy, it’s well worth the investment.

5. Gamer Posters

Say it loud and proud: “My kid loves his video games!!”

Ok, you may not want a poster for your room declaring your love for gaming, but he will. These prints featuring game controllers, both new and vintage, are really neat, and you can select your size and game controller preferences if he has a favorite.

Get it from FindYourPrints

6. Victorinox Swiss Army Knife

This is the age when a classic Swiss Army knife isn’t just appropriate; it’s a rite of passage. At least, according to my husband. After getting my boys their own pocket knives a couple of years back, however, I do have to concur.

Instead of the carnage I had conjured in my over-active imagination, receiving their own multitools prompted them to be careful and mature with such a tool. Who knew?

They can’t carry it to school, of course, but you’ll be surprised how many times they’ll come to the rescue with it when you need a package opened, a screw tightened, or a bottle opened. It’s the perfect gift to instill a sense of responsibility in your child who’s not going to be a child much longer.

Get it from Amazon

7. The Dangerous Book For Boys

Speaking of the rites of passage for the animal that is the 11-year-old boy, The Dangerous Book for Boys has information on everything he’ll need to know, from decoding Navajo to making a go-cart, to trying to understand girls.

He may roll his eyes at his parents (that’s you) initially, but wait until he digs into all the good stuff this book has to serve up! It’s one of those non-toy gifts he’ll be referencing for years to come.

Get it from Amazon

8. Glow-In-The-Dark Capture the Flag

This one’s universal, whether your boy likes sports or is a little more bookish. Every kid loves to play games at night (flashlight tag being the most common), and glow-in-the-dark capture the flag will quickly become one of their faves.

Find a big grassy field, wait for the sun to go down, and invite a whole herd of your kid’s friends to come out and play. A guaranteed good time for all, this would make an excellent stocking stuffer!

Get it from Amazon

9. Bluetooth Beanie/Scarf/Drawstring Bag Set

Keep your little guy warm while he’s out being cool!

These knitted fleece Bluetooth hats are perfect for the boy who likes to take long walks and tune out to his tunes, or kids who like to run, play golf, ski; you name it. In fact, now that I’m thinking about it, this would be a good gift for all kinds of people on my list. Good thing they come in lots of colors.

10. Acer Nitro 5 Laptop

In addition to the responsibilities that accompany owning things like pocket knives, now might be an appropriate time to introduce big-time electronics into your 11-year-old’s gift list (if it’s practical and useful, of course).

TBH, we wouldn’t have bought our boys new laptops if it weren’t for COVID and home-schooling. In our neck of the woods, metro public schools tried their best, but at this rate, it looks like they’ll be home for the rest of the year.

So we invested in this particular laptop, and we haven’t been disappointed.

Between the laptop’s performance and having a hubby who knows a lot about computers, I’m very comfortable recommending it to you for school and light gaming. As far as laptops go, it’s pretty affordable (at least compared to laptops with similar features and functions). Our boys’ laptops have gotten a lot of use and so far, they’ve been stellar.

Will it be the right one for you? Dunno, that all depends, but I can at least let you know about what we’ve got going on in our little corner of the realm of chaos.

Get it from Acer

Embrace the Noise

Buying gifts for 11 year-olds, especially boys, is undoubtedly trickier than in years past. After all, they know way more than you do now, so how can you possibly expect to do it right? Miraculously, it always seems to come out in the wash when the holidays and birthdays roll around, and we’re right as rain—gifting heroes.

It’s all so worth it, though. I have to say, the amount of crazy that can come out of someone who’s only been on this planet for 11 years is astonishing. It’s made me take a step back and realize that, as adults, we don’t laugh and act goofy nearly as much as we should.

So take a deep breath, embrace the noise, and enjoy the show. If your 11-year-old is like most, he’ll undoubtedly make you laugh like a crazy person, too.

18 Best Gifts for Cyclists as Suggested by Amateur Cyclists!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

If you know anyone bitten by the cycling bug, you know how easily the hobby can spiral into an obsession.

Oh sure, it begins innocently enough with “I think I’m gonna start riding my bike on that trail in the park to get some exercise,” but we all know where that leads…

Races and riding gear and entire days on the open road! At least, that’s how it happened to my bestie.

So with her help, here’s a list of great gifts for cyclists we’ve curated to help you shamelessly support your favorite bike rider’s addiction!

Gifts for Cyclists of All Kinds

1. Cyclist Portrait Caricature

A cartoon portrait of your favorite cyclist doing their favorite thing is such a fun gift idea! Send a quality photo or two to the folks at the CartoonPortrait shop, and they’ll create a masterpiece featuring your giftee enjoying a relaxing ride on their beloved bike.

These are digital portraits, so no physical product will be delivered to you. Simply print the file on a t-shirt, mug, poster, or any other item you think would capture the sentiment best.

Get it from CartoonPortrait

2. Custom Cycling Jersey

The perfect gift for the serious road cyclist. Have their name and/or team number printed on the front and back of the jersey for a truly personalized gift they’ll love to wear for rides near and far. You can have it customized even further with additional text, logos, and specific color combos.

All jerseys are unisex and come in a huge variety of colors. Adult sizes range from small to 5XL, and children’s sizes from XS to Large.

Get it from 313Custom

3. Cycologist T-Shirt

When your keen cyclist isn’t on the road, they’ll love a great everyday t-shirt to show off their favorite hobby. We especially like the simple, clean design of the logo.

The shirts are 100% cotton, except for the heather colors which are a poly/cotton blend. All are super soft, comfortable, and made to last. They’re all unisex available in sizes S to 5XL, and they come in a variety of five colors.

Get it from StarkAmbition

4. Crankbrothers Multi-Tool For Mountain Bikers

In a world of multi-tools, this one was made with the mountain biker in mind. It’s suitable for any long-distance cyclist, of course, but its design is absolutely perfect for trail biking.

It features a whopping nineteen tools, including essential bike tools like a universal chain tool and spoke wrenches. It also contains seven hex-wrenches, two open-wrench sizes, and a variety of standard-sized flat and Phillips-head screwdrivers. The whole tool folds compactly enough to fit into the durable stainless tool flask included with the set.

Get it from Amazon

5. Bike Speedometer and Odometer For the Road Cyclist

This handy gadget uses a wireless sensor/monitor system to track speed, distance, and riding time- everything the serious cyclist uses to measure their performance. It’s waterproof for those rides in the rain and is backlit for night rides. The compact, lightweight design ensures it won’t get in the way.

While this system is compatible with common road bikes, mountain bikes, and folding bike designs, it isn’t designed for electric bikes.

Get it from Amazon

6. Personalized Cyclist-Themed Water Bottle

While it isn’t designed to attach to a bottle cage, your bike lover will get a kick out of this cute water bottle. We guarantee they’ll gladly show it off everywhere else.

One side features the text “Pardon me if I’m not listening” with the image of a cyclist at work, and the other says, “In my head, I’m training for Le Tour De (add name here)”. This quality product that will keep cold drinks cold for hours!

Get it from Littlepictureco

7. Handlebar Phone Mount

This would make a great gift for anyone who uses their bike to commute, run errands, and get around town. The clamp is adjustable to fit snugly on most handlebar sizes. The mount is designed to fit virtually every phone out there, and it’s made from a perfect combo of heavy plastic and silicone for extra durability.

A handlebar phone mount makes it super easy to use apps for GPS navigation and travel, listen to tunes with wireless earbuds, or even text back and forth while taking breaks on the road. (Though we don’t recommend texting while on a bike ride!)

Get it from Amazon

8. Silver Bicycle Necklace

A great gift for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, or no reason at all, we think this little bike necklace is just so cute! The adjustable chain and pendant are made from quality 925 solid sterling silver.

The necklace comes in a gift box featuring a personalized message. Your fave cycling fan will want to wear it every day as their new signature piece.

9. Cyclist Cufflinks

For the man of distinction who’d rather be biking! These shiny little cufflinks are silver-plated and feature tiny cyclists looking determined to stay in the peloton catbird-seat. They’d make an excellent retirement or anniversary gift.

Get it from Cufflinks Inc

10. Cycling Socks

Everyone loves socks in their stocking at Christmastime! (Getting socks in a sock at Christmas is ridiculously ironic. We’ve pointed this out before, but still, it never ceases to amuse.) Anyway, these specific socks would be perfect for the cyclist in your life.

From mountain biking to spin class, the repetitive motions of cycling are known for causing some nasty blisters. Tested extensively by professional athletes, these socks address friction issues and more with extra padding in those places where blisters most commonly pop up, breathable moisture-wicking fabric, and firm but flexible support.

Get it from Amazon

11. Bikes Graphic Tea Towel

We think the simple, modern style of these tea towels is super fresh! Handmade from 100% huck-style woven cotton, they’re soft, absorbent, and only get better with use. They come in color options of turquoise, red, goldenrod, and black. We think one in every color folded neatly and wrapped with a ribbon would make a fantastic housewarming gift for the avid cyclist!

12. Bicycle Cleaning Kit

A clean bike is a happy bike. Or perhaps, more importantly, a faster bike! A bike-cleaning kit is a perfect gift for the cycling enthusiast whose bikes are their prized possessions. With six tools designed specifically for cleaning a bike’s hard-to-reach areas, this one is sure to be a favorite gift.

This kit comes with a nubby cleaning mitt, a tire scrubber, gear cleaning brush and scraper, a tapered detailing brush, and a roulette mud hook to clean out gunk between the gears and chain.

Suitable for use on any bike, from the most compact folding to the most robust mountain bike.

Get it from Amazon

13. LED Bike Lights

Staying visible on night rides can be a challenge, but these LED lights were designed to solve that problem! They install onto the bike’s front and rear wheels to ensure maximum visibility from all sides and feature both regular and flashing modes.

The lights are waterproof for rain and puddles, and they feature a long battery life for hours and hours of exciting evening excursions.

Get it from Amazon

14. Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack

This pack is perfect for couriers, adventuring bikers on trail riding and camping excursions, or anyone who needs to take their gear with them and keep it dry. With inside and outside pockets, zippered pockets, a mesh compartment, and an interior key ring, it’s designed to carry plenty of stuff in an organized way.

The roll-top design keeps everything inside snug and dry, and the entire bag is completely waterproof. It’s also built to stay comfy no matter how heavy the load is with contoured padded shoulder straps, a padded back panel, and a sternum strap for those adventures when a little extra support is needed.

Get it from Amazon

15. Under the Seat Cycling Saddle Bag

This little waterproof bag features a shell design to keep everything inside protected even on the roughest rides. It attaches with a one-piece velcro strap guaranteed to support up to 4kg. Reflective detailing helps increase night visibility, and it’s even designed to attach a taillight for further safety.

This saddle bag is big enough to hold keys, phone, wallet, a multitool for roadside repairs, etc. A great gift for the recreational road cyclist.

Get it from Amazon

16. Bicycle Pizza Cutter

An awesome gift for a stocking stuffer or housewarming gift, this playful little pizza cutter would be a lot of fun to use on pizza night. Or for a bike-themed birthday party, or even better- a shindig for a cycling team. Whatever the occasion, it’s sure to bring smiles!

The dual stainless steel “bike wheel” blades are easy to clean and sharp enough to cut through thick pizza crust. And that cute little stand it comes will make your fave bike fan want to display it proudly on the kitchen counter.

Get it from Amazon

17. “Conquer” Art Print by Addison Welch

Featuring the quote: “It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves” by Sir Edmund Hillary, this is a piece of art for the introspective rider who loves to commune with nature. The inspirational message, soothing color theme, and contrasting mountainous design conjure images of crisp fall days on leafy bike trails.

Available in seven sizes and tons of moulding and framing options, the simple yet striking design of this cool print would look great on any wall where cycling addicts dwell.

Get it from Minted

18. Epic Bike Rides of the Americas Book by Lonely Planet

Fortunate is the person who travels the world for the Lonely Planet publications. Think about it. Your job description would include checking off stuff on your bucket list!

Hopefully, this must-have reference for the adventuring cycling enthusiast will inspire them to get out there and check off a few things, too.

Outlining 200 of the coolest routes in North, South, and Central America, each entry features detailed essentials like where to stay on their trip, how to get there, and the trail’s ingress and egress points. As if they need more enticement, the photo details of each ride are the stuff of daydreams.

Get it from Amazon

Your Favorite Cycling Enthusiast Will Thank You

Most fans of cycling aren’t just fans. They’re superfans. Gifts that reflect their passion for two-wheeled forms of pedaled transportation will always be appreciated.

Oh, and by the way, in my experience, most hardcore cyclists will attempt to recruit you as well. Call it peer pressure, call it a healthy influence, or call it a good time- riding bikes with a friend is just as much fun when you’re a grownup as it was when you were a kid on your ten-speed with the banana seat and handle tassels.

You’ll pick right back up where you left off. It’s just like riding a bike. (See what I did there? Yeah, wow. In case you’re wondering, both my Maillot Jaune and my Pulitzer Prize are in the mail.)

17 Gifts for Your Sister on Absolutely Any Occasion!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

When you’re searching for a gift for your sister, you want to get something that she can’t believe she lived all these years without it! After all, she’s your sister and you’ve undoubtedly been through tribulations and adventures in childhood, teenage life, and now adulthood.

Some may find it easy to choose a great present. Maybe she’s been dropping hints for months in the lead up to her birthday. Or, she just always makes gift-giving easy peasy on you.

On the other hand, if you’re not sure where to start the gift search, I’ve curated the very best gifts including those for a sister who is a wine lover, beauty addict, exercise fiend, fashionista, or one who loves to cozy up at night. There’s a gift on this list with her name on it — sometimes literally, when it’s personalized!

Gift Ideas for Your Sister

There’s a gift on this list for every personality like the mindful minimalist, the extravagant globetrotter, or the Type A go-getter that needs a little less stress in her life. Continue reading for my top gift ideas your sister is sure to love.

I’ve taken into account that some sisters are practical (let’s face it, it’s usually the big sisters that are), while others are a bit more dreamy. Keep reading for lots of sister gift inspo!

1. A Subscription Box

I absolutely love subscription boxes, and I know I’m not alone. The concept is brilliant: every month (or other time interval), you receive a box in the mail filled with a curated selection of goodies tailored to your interests, tastes, or passion. It’s truly the gift that keeps on giving. And if your sister loves surprises, she’s going to adore a thoughtfully-selected subscription box.

There are loads of subscription boxes to choose from so you’ll first want to narrow down the options by choosing something your sister is passionate about.

If she’s really into tea, she’ll treasure a monthly box of curated teas from Sips By. The options are really unlimited, so do some searching and find a box that’s perfectly suited to your sister.

Get it from Birchbox

2. Candle

You really can’t go wrong with a candle gift. Whether your sister is a true romantic who loves to fill her home with aromatic scents or on the practical side, she’ll surely appreciate a beautiful candle to create ambiance or serve as a light source during the next power outage!

3. Personalized Morse Code Necklace

You don’t need to be a Morse code expert to love the idea behind this fun, custom necklace. Gift your sister this unique piece of jewelry that features a word or message of up to 9 characters.

Whatever word or message you choose will be translated into Morse code to create a necklace that only you and your sister and a few Morse code nerds will understand the true meaning.

And you know what phrase is less than nine characters?

I love you!

4. Sister Sweatshirt

Cuddly. Cozy. Warm. If your sister loves all things leisurely and snuggly, she’s going to go gaga for this sweatshirt from GagaKidz.

Sometimes a word says it all and what better way to celebrate sisterhood than with a simple nod to the word ‘Sister’.

Get it from GagaKidz

5. Weighted Blanket

Does your sis lead a stress-filled life or have insomnia? A weighted blanket may help her get a better night’s sleep and relax – and what better gift could one ask for?

Weighted blankets (also known as gravity blankets) have been used in therapuetic applications for many years. They typically weigh between 5 and 30 pounds and work by simulating deep pressure stimulation. Research has found that they can help with anxiety, insomnia and a number of other conditions. In recent years, weighted blankets have gone mainstream and are enjoyed by many who simply love the sensation the blanket provides.

It’s a thoughtful, practical gift that will remind your sister how much you love her every time she wraps it around her.

6. Leather Journal

If your sister kept a diary as a teenager or she has a penchant for writing, she’ll love this gorgeous leather-bound journal. It’s the perfect place to keep track of life’s adventures, trials and inspirations. Or who knows? Maybe it’s where she’ll begin penning her best-selling novel. And when she’s a published author, she’ll have you to thank for encouraging her to pursue her writing.

Whatever the outcome, I love the promise a blank journal’s pages offer and no doubt your sister will too. Best of all, you can get her journal personalized with her initials for an extra special touch.

Get it from Lightning Design Store

7. Rose Quartz Serving Platter

I can’t get enough of this gorgeous, hand-hewn platter made with rose quartz and electroplated with metallic gold.

If your sister loves to entertain and is aesthetically-driven, she’ll fall head over heels for this unique, elegant tray. It’s big enough to hold plenty of cheeses, charcuterie, nuts and other nibbles for her next get together. Of course, you’ll be on the VIP invitee list.

Get it from TheTangerineStore

8. Sugar Lip Balms

One of my dear friends, who I like to think of as a sister from another mister, is a sugar addict. She also has big, beautiful lips that she’s constantly applying lip balm to. I already know what I’ll be getting her for her birthday – these decadent sugar lip balms and lip treatments that come in delicious ‘flavors’ such as Sugar Caramel, Sugar Honey, and Sugar Spice.

This three-piece gift set is what I like to call ‘affordable luxury’, because it won’t break the bank, but will add a little bit of luxury to your sister’s daily life.

Get it from Fresh

9. Water Bottle

OK, I know a water bottle may seem like an odd gift, especially for someone as close as your sister, but hear me out.

If your sister is an exercise fiend, eco-conscious, or always on the move, this high-quality water bottle could become her favourite functional accessory. And if she’s down-to-earth and likes practical gifts, she’ll appreciate this gift and the fact that you know her so well.

Get it from Amazon

10. Personalized Birth Flower Scarf

I love scarves as much as some people love shoes. If you have sister like me, she’s going to looooove this personalized birth flower pashmina.

To be honest, before I discovered this beautiful gift idea, I didn’t even know what my birth flower was. Turns out it’s marigold, which I simply love!

Besides personalizing the flower on her soon-to-be-favorite scarf, you can also choose to have your sister’s name or initials embroidered on the scarf. I can’t think of a better birthday gift for the sister in your life that loves accessorizing her look and staying warm.

Get it from Not on the High Street

11. Bamboo Sheets

Here’s another practical-yet-luxurious gift idea that your sister will love. Made from 100% bamboo, these sheets are soft, light and anti-piling.

What I love most about bamboo fabric is that it’s thermoregulating. When it’s cold, the sheets are warm and when it’s warm, the sheets stay cool. If your sister lives in a climate with four seasons she’ll surely appreciate this feature!

Get it from Amazon

12. Magazine Subscription

Celebrity gossip, photography, cooking, politics, cycling, or basically any other activity/topic has a magazine dedicated it.

No, really. There are so many speciailized magazines out there, it’s mind-boggling. As with subscription boxes, the monthly arrival of a magazine in the mail is akin to receiving a surprise gift over and over again. Find the perfect magazine subscription to suit your sister and give her the gift of knowledge and inspiration!

Get it from Magazines.com

13. Leather Tote

A quality leather tote is timeless. This gorgeous bag from Madewell features vegetable-tanned leather in one of three classic colors – True Black, Craft Blue or English Saddle. I love everything about this bag, and it’s one of those very special occassion gifts your sister will undoubtedly use for years.

Get it from Madewell

14. DNA Test

Tracing one’s family roots through genetic testing has become all the rage, but did you know you can also get health predisposition reports from some providers like 23andMe?

If your sister is obsessed with the family’s history or being healthy, this unique gift could be informative and fu. As an added bonus, you’ll get to learn about your family history as well!

Get it from Amazon

15. Cocktail Garden Kit

You mean you can plant seeds and cocktails will start growing out of the soil?!

OK, that’s not quite the idea here. However, if your sister likes making her own cocktails and has a green thumb, this garden kit was made for her.

Carefully-crafted by an award-winning mixologist, this kit includes everything you need to start growing a cockatil herb garden including:

Peat
Plant markers
Biodegradable pots
All-important seeds

Which herbs can your sister grow using this kit? It includes seed packets for cucamelon, blue borage, lime basil, mint, lemon balm and more. The best herbs to create fresh, delicious cocktails any night of the week!

Get it from Amazon

16. Wine Flask and Tumblers

I love that flasks have evolved to accommodate wine-drinkers, not just those that want to take a tipple of gin or whisky. While it may not be as easy to conceal as a classic flask, this travel-friendly, insulated alternative from Hyrdo Flask is the ideal way to carry wine without fear of breaking a bottle.

This flask is perfect for the wine-drinking sister who likes to combine camping, hiking, and other activities with her favorite vintage. It holds 25 ounces of wine, which is the equivalent of one standard bottle of wine.

This gift also pairs well with Hydro Flask’s durable stainless steel wine tumblers. Designed to hold 10 ounces, you and your sister will get through that flask in no time. Perhaps it’s wise to invest in a flask for yourself while you’re at it!

Get it from Amazon

17. Gourmet Chocolates

At first blush, a box of chocolates may seem a bit of an impersonal or hurried last-minute gift, but that’s not always the case. If your sister adores chocolate this big box of Godiva chocolates will be a welcome treat.

With 24 different chocolates, she can look forward to a different indulgence every day for almost a month. Or, you could pair the gift with a bottle of her favorite wine and encourage her to enjoy a luxurious night of treating herself to the good things in life.

Get it from Amazon

Now that you’ve got loads of gift ideas for your sister, I encourage you to scroll through the list again and perhaps put a few on your own list. If you’re anything like me, you were eyeing up a number of them and wishing your birthday was just around the corner!

7 End-of-Season Coach Gifts They Can Actually Use

Regardless of your preferred sport, for many young people (or people of all ages, actually), their coach is one of the most important influences, mentors, and friends.

When the season’s over and it’s time to celebrate, finding the right gift for your amazing coach is a great way to let them know how much you appreciate them for everything they do.

So let us show you a few unique gift ideas for coaches that go way beyond a “world’s best coach mug” or a boring old gift card. You’ll find some thoughtful gifts, useful gifts, and a bit of both on our list here. No matter which route you choose, they’re sure to love it.

Gifts Your Beloved Coach Will Cheer For!

1. Smart Ball Pump

The perfect gift for your football coach, soccer coach, basketball coach or even your kickball coach! Welcome to the future, guys—there’s no reason to use a lame hand pump anymore!

This smart pump does all the work. All coach has to do is input the correct PSI and hit start, and the pump will automatically stop itself when the ball is properly inflated. If they’re unsure what the appropriate PSI is, they can use the digital sensor to find it.

It’s small enough to fit in a bag or pocket- perfect for carrying to the field or court.

Get it from Amazon

2. Coach Clipboard

There’s no better keepsake to celebrate a great season than a clipboard with a pic of the team! This one holds all their practice plans snugly and is personalized with the coveted title of #1 coach and their name. All you need to do is send in a group picture, and you’ll have a wonderful gift from the whole team.

Fits standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper.

3. Engraved Whistle

What’s a coach without their whistle? Great for any important mentor from softball to baseball to cheer coaches—this whistle comes in a solid wood case with a thoughtful message inside. You have the lid engraved with your coach’s name, too.

Get it from Trophy Depot

4. Sideline Chair

Coaching is hard. Why not give the coach or assistant coach a place to rest. Whether it’s for regular weekday practices or weekend games, Football, baseball, cheer, and soccer coaches know that a comfy folding chair is one of the most valuable things a coach can own. (Not to mention lacrosse, rugby, and every other sport that requires long hours of outdoor shouting!)

This one is lightweight and small enough to carry around easily and has all the bells and whistles (pardon the pun) a coach could need for a long day on the field. It features mesh pockets, an oversized cup holder, and padded arms and comes with a carry bag and strap for easy transportation.

Get it from Amazon

5. Wrist Playbook

Football coaches know how awkward it can be to carry around a notebook for recording plays during a game or practice. This nifty little gift fits on the wrist and has three windows to easily reference up to 100 plays, even in the middle of the action.

It’s machine washable, fits all adult sizes, and the blank play card templates are free to download.

Get it from Dick’s Sporting Goods

6. Team Photo Collage

Get all those action shots together—this coach gift is the perfect way to display every notable moment of the season! This framed, glass front matboard comes in six colors so you can showcase the team color and can be laser cut to feature any team name. All you need to do is provide the pics!

Don’t forget the team mom! This would be a great gift for her, too.

Get it from Personalization Mall

7. Soccer Coach Organizer

For the soccer coach keeping it all together! The zippered case features a magnetic dry erase board with 25 magnets (12 yellow, 12 red, and one black) to stage plays, a play notepad, and a pen and dry erase marker.

At 8″ x 6″, it’s the perfect size to carry in a bag for on-the-go (or when kickin’ around a soccer ball) use.

Get it from Amazon

How To Choose The Perfect Coach Gift

When we consider the gifts that sports coaches love the most, it’s important to note that more than anything, they’ll want to celebrate the wins of the season as a team. Organizing an end-of-the-season party for your coach is a great way to gather together, relax, and reminisce over the great moments.

Take that time to acknowledge every coach, assistant coaches, team mom, and anyone else who played a vital role in the team’s success that year. Letting them know how much you appreciate their support is possibly the best gift a coach can receive.

Beyond that, the perfect gift for your coach depends upon your sport and their personality.

Pitching in for a team gift is a wonderful, memorable way to celebrate any coach with a lot of players to look after. Still, an individual gift may also be prudent depending upon the role your coach plays in your life or your child’s life.

For team gifts, practical may be the order of the day. In the case of an individual gift, you can never go wrong with a personalized keepsake.

Hail to the Chief

Sports, particularly team sports, are so beneficial to the growth and development of kids of all ages.

Sports build physical stamina, mental strength, and interpersonal skills. Often, they’re where a kid meets their closest lifelong friends. It’s where many also figure out how to deal with rejection and defeat- and come out on the other side a better, more well-rounded person.

It makes sense that the adult(s) who make it all happen are essential figures to growing, developing players. Hopefully, we’ve given you some ideas for gifts for coaches that’ll show them just how appreciated they are.

16 Gifts For Employees That They’ll Actually Love (AND Use)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Choosing gifts for you employees, regardless of the occasion, can be a bit of a stumper.

If you go overboard, it may make people uncomfortable. If you grab something last minute without giving it any thought, you might as well give them nothing but a note of thanks. Which is always appreciated, btw. In fact, people would usually rather have a heartfelt thanks over a thoughtless gift anyway. Just sayin’.

So leave the shopping to us! The gang here at L&L knows how to pick a good employee gift. Mainly because as employees, we know what we’d like to get.

Can you believe it? There are actual people who put together these shopping roundups for you! Picking gifts, drinking coffee, writing about them, drinking coffee, formatting the articles so they’re fun for you to read, then grabbing a cup of coffee!

Yep, us staffers have loads of fun putting together gifting lists – the endless mugs of coffee don’t hurt either.

Gifts Your Employees Will Love (No Jelly Of The Month Club Here!)

1. Water Bottle + Speaker

This just makes so much sense. Honestly, how much better can it get than a water bottle that’ll play your music via bluetooth while you’re getting in a workout or picnicking? It’s also perfect for getting enjoying a few tunes while at work. Your employees will appreciate the practicality of this gift, for sure!

Materials: Plastic, Stainless Steel

Dimensions: 9.75″ H x 3″ Diameter, Holds 17 fl. oz.

Get it from UncommonGoods

2. Nesting Food Bowls

These nesting food bowls are absolutely perfect for the daily lunch packer. The outer bowl is thermally insulated to keep meals cold or hot, and the inner prep-bowl is microwave, fridge, and freezer safe.

Close it all up with a leak proof lid, and you’ve got a compact, all-in-one meal prep system. The set comes in a large selection of styles and colors to choose from, and the whole thing is small enough to throw in a medium-sized bag or purse.

Get it from Amazon

3. Mini Speaker

This little bluetooth speaker is portable enough to take everywhere your staff might want to take their tunes. It’ll play for 2 hours on a 30 minute charge, and has a built-in mic for taking calls hands-free.

Maybe the coolest feature of this speaker is that it’s a selfie remote too. All they have to do is open the photos app on their phone and press the button on the bottom of the speaker. They’ll never miss another Instagrammable moment!

Get it from Amazon

4. Monogram Mug

At the risk of sounding dramatic, we think when you’re dealing with a long day at the office, savoring every second of that coffee break is vital for keeping your sanity.

As far as we’re concerned, drinking your brew out of a beautiful mug puts you at least ¼ of the way to coffee break nirvana.

These gorgeous stoneware tiled monogram mugs are just the ticket to making your employee’s coffee or tea experience therapeutic and rejuvenating. Fill them with candies or little treats, and you’ve got a gift everyone will love.

Get it from Anthropologie

5. Monogrammed Notebook

We often feature notebooks in our gift articles because we really do think they’re a great gift for anyone. Even if your recipient isn’t a journaler, a blank notebook is useful in so many ways.

They can use it as a planner, write down recipes, jot down reminders in it- whatever they use it for, it’s almost always a winner.

These notebooks are particularly pretty in our opinion, and you can customize it with their name in metallic script. They come in 6 lovely colors – perfect for giving to your whole team.

Get it from ModParty

6. Coffee Pour-Over Set

These ceramic coffee drippers are just the thing for the coffee lovers in your office. The ceramic keeps the coffee at just the right temperature while it brews, and the design allows the user to easily make stronger or milder coffee by controlling how quickly the water filters through. Its shape also allows the coffee to “breathe” during the brewing process, accentuating its unique flavor notes. Makes 1-4 cups.

Get it from Amazon

7. Air Plants

Air plants are so easy. It’s nearly impossible to kill them, so even your employees with a black thumb can enjoy them at their desk or at home without worrying about caring for them.

The plant is held gently by adorable, bendy little handmade wooden mini men to add a bit of whimsy. They come with magnets in their little hands and feet so you can pose them on their magnetic stand. They do yoga, handstands, hugs and more – really the only limit is your creativity!

11 ½ inches tall, made from natural pine.

Get it from AryPlants

8. Chia Pet

Chia pets always make great gifts and the unicorn is one of our faves.

They’re fun and fanciful! All you have to do is get him wet, stand the mythical creature in its drip tray, spread on the seeds, and wait for the fluffy green coat to sprout. Desktop magic.

Get it from Amazon

9. Book Gift Card

When in doubt, give gift cards! Literally, we can’t think of a single person who doesn’t love to get a gift card, particularly when it’s for somewhere (or something) that’s perfectly suited to their interests or style.

That’s why we suggest a gift card to Barnes & Noble – it’s great for anyone because B&N has something for everyone, even those who aren’t book lovers. Gift this with a heartfelt note of appreciation, and they’ll love it.

Get it from Barnes & Noble

10. Large Tote Bag

Much like journals and gift cards, we think tote bags are endlessly useful. The totes from the Oh, Little Rabbit shop at Etsy are especially swoon-worthy. With a massive number of design options, these organic cotton totes will get your employees plenty of compliments at the grocery store, farmers’ market, library, or wherever else they take their roomy tote bag.

Get it from ohlittlerabbit

11. Candle Set

With 8 exotic scents, you’re sure to find something everyone will love with these gorgeous handmade candles. They come in sets of three, and feature colorful, beautifully-designed tin containers.

Each candle is 3.5 oz, and 2.75″H, 2.75″ diameter.

12. Chocolate

Anyone who doesn’t like fancy chocolates can just drop them off here, because MAN they’re awesome. Especially the Godiva variety.

Each little truffle is like its own present just waiting to be unwrapped! This box has flavors like toasted nut truffle, salted almond, salted caramel, crunchy hazelnut, Aztec spice, dark chocolate, strawberry cream tarte, and many more.

Perfection. Rhymes with confection. Coincidence? Doubtful…

Get it from Amazon

13. Cute Hand Sanitizer Spray + Refill

Hand sanitizer doesn’t have to compromise on style, as Anthropologie proves. Your employees will get lots of compliments on these uniquely-designed sanitizer spray bottles every time they use it. Which, let’s face it, is a lot right now.

The bottle holds over 500 sprays, and the sanitizer is 65% alcohol fortified with glycerin and aloe to keep your hands from cracking and falling off, especially during the winter months! PLus it’s refillable.

14. Flowers

Like chocolates, we happen to think flowers are always a good gift, especially if they’re plantable. Bouqs has great selections all year-round that are perfect for saying ‘thanks’, as well as special occasion bouquets for birthdays, holidays, and other noteworthy moments.

Get it from Bouqs

15. Wall Art

With literally hundreds of unique, individually-designed pieces, you’re bound to find something for any employee’s tastes at Minted. We really love the fact that each work of art has been handcrafted and designed by an independent artist, not mass produced from a warehouse somewhere.

You can support an artist and thank your employees – a win/win.

Get it from Minted

16. Monogrammed Socks

Snuggly socks are always appreciated as a gift, and when you have them embroidered with your employee’s initials, they’re even better! These particular socks come in a set of five pairs, and are fitted for men, but we can’t think of any reason they wouldn’t be just as appropriate for women, too.

Get it from UncommonGoods

Happy Gifting!

As the boss, you’re the captain of the ship. The leader of the crew. The big cheese. One of the responsibilities of a role like that is knowing how to keep everyone happy and motivated.

So take notes about your folks and their tastes, then keep them in mind so when the holidays or birthdays roll around, you’ll be prepared with a thoughtful gift.

That’s where a good journal comes in handy (for your note taking).

And coffee.

See? Told you we know our stuff.

11 Of The Best Subscription Boxes For Women In 2024

Love & Lavender is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More

Whether you love clothes shopping and accessorizing, unwinding with some yoga and aromatherapy, or just cutting a little time off of dinner prep, it’s time to treat yourself!

In 2022, we all need a little something to celebrate. Why not pick one of the best subscription boxes to show up at your doorstep each month, or as a gift idea?

We’ve searched the internet extensively for the best subscription boxes for women. Whether you are shopping for the perfect gift idea or looking for something to keep all to yourself, prepare to want ALL the curated box things from this year’s best subscription boxes.

Jewelry & Fashion Subscription Box

1. Clothing Subscription Box – For The Woman Who Wants A Personal Stylist

How it works:

Sign up for an account and complete an in-depth questionnaire about your lifestyle, personal style preferences, and price range. You’ll also provide your measurements so they can send you pieces that will fit you the best, in the most accurate sizes.
Pay a $20 styling fee to receive your shipment of clothing. You can have as much or as little involvement in the process of choosing what you’ll receive. (If you’re anything like me, you’d rather leave it all up to the stylist.)
Try on what you get! If you decide to keep items in your shipments, the $20 fee goes toward those purchases. If you don’t want to keep an item, send it back and let them know why so they can reflect that on your profile. If you love it and need another size, they’ll swap it out for you.

Technically, no subscription is required for Stitchfix. You can choose to give it a one-time try or register to receive automatic deliveries. All shipping and return shipping is free.

What You Get:

In each box, you’ll receive five pieces of clothing, one to two pairs of shoes, and accessories to try on based upon your style profile. You’ll also find information and a note from your stylist on how to rock the outfit. They also send you a prepaid return envelope to send back what you don’t like.

Bottom Line:

Don’t get me wrong: I love to shop. Just not for clothes. As one of the original clothing subscription boxes, Stitchfix is an easy solution for those of us who dread updating our wardrobes.

It’ll also broaden your horizons if you find yourself in a fashion rut. For example, do you have ten kinds of black knit sweaters in your closet? If so, it may be time for a fashion reboot.

The stylists really do know what they’re talking about, but they’re not mind-readers. In the beginning, you may get some things you don’t love. But it doesn’t take long before you get more and more items you’ll want to keep forever. All without stepping foot in a department store. Huzzah!

Get it from Stitchfix

2. HandBag Subscription – For The Impeccably Accessorized Woman

How It Works:

Get started with a questionnaire about your personal style.
From there, you’ll choose the membership option that’s right for you. Subscriptions run seasonally at $54.75 every three months. Or you can opt for the prepaid annual subscription for $199.

Pausing or canceling your Bagamour membership is easy- just remember to do it before the first day of the next quarter.

What You Get:

Every three months, you’ll receive two bags and complimentary accessories valued at roughly $200 for $54.75. Not too shabby. Especially considering an average bag in their inventory runs in the ballpark of $80.00.

Bottom Line:

I love this subscription service. It’s easy to set your preferences, select your membership, and the bags are an amazing value for the price of the membership.

Each shipment comes with two gorgeous bags: one that every subscriber will receive, and one that caters to your specific style profile specifications. Each bag is sent in a protective storage pouch.

The accessories they send with each shipment are quality, not to mention super generous. You can expect items like sunglasses, rollerball perfumes, and lifestyle items too.

Get it from Bagamour

Makeup & Beauty Subscription Box

3. Hair Care Subscription Box – For The Woman Who Cares For Her Tresses

How It Works:

Get started by choosing your subscription preference. A monthly subscription box costs $39.99, a prepaid three-month plan runs $113.97, and the six-month prepaid plan is $221.94.
If you don’t want to rack up a box every month, you can also choose to receive one beauty box every three months for $39.99, two prepaid boxes over six months for $77.98, or four prepaid boxes for $151.96 per twelve-month period.
Once you’ve selected your plan, you’ll take a hair profile questionnaire about – you guessed it – your hair. Here’s where you let them know about any hair care issues you may have, and your style preferences.

Shipping is free, and you can cancel your subscription at any time.

What You Get:

Each Hairbox contains a full-sized shampoo, conditioner, and styling product like dry shampoos, hair serums, hairspray, gels, and more.

All the products you’ll receive are professionally recommended and carried in salons. You’ll recognize some names, like Bed Head, Biolage, and Paul Mitchell, while others are independent, less commonly known brands.

Bottom Line:

If you’ve been on the quest for decent haircare products for too long, ditch the guesswork and try Hairbox. They’ll send you quality products aimed at working miracles on your locks for an amazing value. The more feedback you give on the products you receive, the better it gets.

4. Makeup Subscription – For The Glam Gal Who Likes To Switch It Up

How It Works:

Click join on the website, and you’ll be prompted to take a quick quiz about your eye color, skin tone, hair color, beauty brand preferences, style preferences, and experience level using makeup.
From there, you’ll create an account and select your preferred membership plan: The Basic Glam Bag membership is $12 per month, the Glam Bag Plus membership costs $25 per month, and the Glam Bag Ultimate membership runs $50 per month. Pretty decent discounts apply to prepaid memberships.

Currently, the Ipsy Glam Bag ships free within the U.S. and ships to Canada for $2.95. The Glam Bag Plus and Ultimate are only available in the U.S.

Canceling, changing, or pausing your subscription is easy to do online.

What You Get:

What you receive depends on the membership you choose, but every plan is a great value for what you get.

The basic membership contains five deluxe samples of assorted beauty products valued at $50 total. The Glam Bag Plus includes five assorted full-sized beauty products valued at $120.00, and the Glam Bag Ultimate has four deluxe samples and eight full-sized products valued at $250.00.

That’s a lot of product! Items in the bags range from makeup, brushes, skin care products, fragrances, makeup bags, and more. Many are higher-end brand name products you’d find at stores like Ulta, Sephora, etc.

The bags are customizable at different levels, depending upon the tier of your membership.

Bottom Line:

If you’re a beauty junkie, the Ipsy monthly beauty subscription box will have you waiting by the mailbox every 30 days or so. Their flexibility and customization options give them a bit of a leg-up on some of the other beauty boxes out there.

Get it from Ipsy

Personal Wellness Subscription Boxes

5. Personal Growth Subscription – For The Lady Livin’ Her Best Life

How It Works:

Sign up on the website, and you’ll be automatically enrolled in a month-to-month subscription. You’ll also be prompted to create an account there to keep track of your subscription.
The subscription renews automatically, and each box ships around the 4th of each month.

You can cancel your subscription at any time, and shipping is free worldwide from the U.S.

What You Get:

In each crate, you’ll receive 4 to 5 items focused on personal development. This might include books, affirmations, motivational lifestyle products, and mood-boosting self-care items such as candles and bath bombs. In addition, you also get access to members-only events!

Bottom Line:

If you’ve resolved this year to embark on a journey of self-growth and awareness, Passion & Growth is a great box to help you accomplish that goal. Growth and personal betterment takes work, though, so be ready to put in some time and effort.

Most of the reviews we saw were glowing, and people who used the subscription reported feeling much more balanced and self-confident.

6. Yoga Enthusiasts Box – For The Spiritual Woman Who Practices Mindfulness

How It Works:

Sign up on the website, and pick your membership plan. Month-to-month options are available for $39.95 per month. You can opt for a prepaid three-month subscription for $109 or choose a prepaid six-month subscription plan for $219.
That’s it. Easy peasy. Shipment is free in the U.S., but you’ll have to pay $20 for shipping costs if you live in Canada. They also ship worldwide for an additional fee.

You can cancel or pause your membership at any time.

What You Get:

If you’re into yoga, meditation, and spiritual growth, you’ll appreciate many of the items in the Yogi Surprise box. Each month has its own theme (really more like an “intention”) based upon a specific practice. For instance, past boxes included Ojas, dedicated to cultivating and sharing vital energy.

You’ll receive products in the Yogi Surprise box that support each month’s practice. Typical items include healthy snacks, bath and body items, prayer beads, aromatherapy products, candles, and lots more. Some items are sample-sized, and some are full-sized, but each box has a value of over $85. In some boxes, one item is worth the cost of the whole box. (A prayer bowl, for instance. Those things can get pricey.)

Bottom Line:

I love this subscription because it’s easy to sign up and choose which membership you’d like, and you really do get amazing things in the box every month.

It doesn’t really matter if you don’t practice yoga or meditation yet; everything you’ll receive will help start you out gently. If you’re an accomplished practitioner, you’ll love the above-and-beyond extras.

Get it from Yogi Surprise

Home Decor Subscription Boxes

7. Candle Club – For The Woman Who Loves Some Ambience

How It Works:

Choose between the medium box, a month-to-month subscription of $29.99, or a large box, which runs $39.95 for a month-to-month plan. You can choose from prepaid plans for three months, six months, and yearly for a discounted rate.
After you’ve chosen the size and frequency of your subscription, you’re prompted to a screen offering 50% off extra items to add to your shipment, including stuff like posh candle snuffers, wick trimmers, and wick dippers.
From there, check out and complete your scent profile, where you’ll answer questions about your preferences. You’ll receive curated candles based upon your scent profile each month.

Shipping is $5 within the U.S. If you’re ordering outside the U.S., the rates adjust according to your location.

You can cancel or pause your subscription at any time.

What You Get:

In the medium Wickbox, you’ll receive one medium-sized luxury candle with a typical burn time of 30-60 hours. The candle you’ll receive in the large box has a regular burn time of 60-100 hours. They often send extra goodies, too.

Regardless of what size you order, each month’s candle is a surprise and is curated specifically to match your scent preferences.

Bottom Line:

The candles smell amazing, and they’re not playin’ around when they say they’re luxury-grade. Think celebrity gift bag from the Oscars luxury. The containers are trendy and beautiful enough that you’ll want to feature them front-and-center in any room of the house. Just sit back and soak in the compliments.

If you want to really treat yourself, this is a great subscription. Fancy-pants candles picked by an expert in gorgeous containers you’ll want to reuse? It’s like an indulgent birthday gift to yourself, every month!

Get it from Wickbox

8. Artisan Living – For The Woman With Eclectic Global Style

How It Works:

First, choose your preferred plan. Monthly plans cost $40, prepaid plans for three months are $114, six-month prepaid plans cost $210, and prepaid annual plans cost $396.
After signing up, you’ll get to choose between four (or more) themed boxes each month to have sent to your door. You also have the option to forego a choice and keep the box for the month a surprise.

Shipping is $10 per box in the U.S. and $22 to Canada.

You can cancel or pause your subscription at any time.

What You Get:

Each themed GlobeIn box contains between three and five handcrafted artisanal items including things like kitchenware, wearables, bath and body products, and more. The boxes are valued at $85 and up, so when taking into consideration that a month’s subscription costs $40, you’re getting a decent bang for your buck.

Bottom Line:

If you can’t get out of World Market or Anthropologie without taking home at least one thing, this is an ideal subscription box for you. You’ll get beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces from around the world, and you’ll be supporting the artisans who produce them.

Get it from Globein Artisan Gift Box

Food & Drink Subscription Boxes

9. Grocery Subscription – For the Gal Who Needs a Break from Meal Planning

How It Works:

Create an account online, then choose a plan (classic, family, and calorie-smart).
Select how many servings and recipes you’d like to receive. Choices include two and four servings with two, three, or four recipes sent weekly.
Select your meals personally, or you can let the service choose your meals based upon your preferences.
Plans begin at $39.96 for two people with two meals per week, with an average cost of $8.99 per serving.

Shipping isn’t free, but it is easy to change, pause, or cancel your subscription at any time.

Also, a handy app is available where you can add extra meals to your order (at a discounted rate, no less) and sync your meal deliveries with your calendar.

What You Get:

The amount of food you get obviously depends upon the plan and the meals you’ve chosen. Regardless, each box comes with everything you’ll need to prepare your meals and easy step-by-step.

You also have the option to choose add-ons and fancier ingredients within your orders. For instance, you can opt for the craft burger meal instead of regular old burger night.

Bottom Line:
Everyone’s busy these days, and if you can take one more thing off your plate (pun not intended!), we say do it. Especially things like dinner, which requires shopping, cooking, and cleaning. Chores requiring multiple steps? No thank you.

HelloFresh sends tasty recipes to your door. These meals are easy to make, particularly for those who want to cook with the whole fam. It’s an easy way to pare down your “have to” list and make room for your “want to” activities.

Get it from HelloFresh

10. Tea Lover’s Subscription – For the Woman Who Needs Her Daily Cuppa

How It Works:

Begin by creating your personalized taste profile where you’ll list your flavor and aromatic preferences.
From here, you’ll choose your subscription. A month-to-month subscription costs $15, and they also offer 3-month, 6-month, and yearly pre-paid subscriptions.
Shipping in the U.S. is free. Shipping to Canada typically costs $9.50 per box. You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time.

What You Get:

Each month you’ll receive a box of four teas curated from your taste profile, information materials about each of the teas you’ve gotten that month, a quality muslin drawstring bag containing disposable tea bags to use with your loose leaf tea samples.

Bottom Line:

Exotic teas are one of life’s great luxuries. Like a fine wine or a gourmet meal, a great cup of tea can leave you feeling like you’ve just been incredibly spoiled. If you love to experiment with new teas but aren’t brave enough to play the guessing game, Sipsby is a fantastic subscription to expand your tea palate.

Get it from Sipsby

11. Wine Lover’s Subscription – For the Lady With a Refined Palate

How It Works:

Sign up to take your palate profile quiz, where you’ll answer questions about your flavor preferences. They’ll ask you about how you prefer your coffee, how you feel about citrus fruits, and more.
Then, they’ll recommend wines based on your choices. You can opt to try their choices, pick your own, or a combination. At this point, you’ll give them your billing and shipping info to begin receiving your monthly membership orders.
Monthly memberships cost $59.95, and standard boxes contain four bottles of wine. (Shipping is included on orders of four or more bottles.)

What You Get:

What you get each month depends upon what you want. Each month’s charge acts as “credits,” so you can choose to have wines selected for you automatically and sent based on this amount, or you can wait until you’ve got some moolah saved up in your account to buy more expensive wines or place larger orders. There’s a lot of flexibility at play with this membership, so you can continually customize and change your orders to fit your preferences.

Bottom Line:

This one happens to be the wine subscription service I began receiving even before COVID took over our planet, and Winc hit my tasting preferences on the head. I’ve been getting bottles I love each month since the beginning.

Winc is one of the more affordable wine subscriptions. Whether you’re new to the wine world or know your way around a bottle or two, it’s a fantastic value for the quality of wines you’ll receive.

Go Ahead, Spoil Yourself

If you couldn’t tell by now, we’re into subscription boxes these days. These are the best subscription boxes for women that we could find, and each of us wants to subscribe to at least five of them!

After all, a subscription box is a gift to yourself. Oh sure, you might be paying for it, but it’s pure awesomeness to receive something fabulous in the mail every month, wrapped up all fancy just for you.

Happy subscription day to you!