This year, try not to get your tinsel in a tangle when it comes to shopping for everyone on your list. It can be a daunting task but that’s where we come in. In an effort to keep the season holly and jolly, we have curated a list of a few of our favorite items that include everything from genuinely thoughtful to luxuriously unique. So, cue the Christmas playlist, enjoy a sip of hot cocoa, sneak a peek at our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide, and be prepared to jingle all the way to checkout. Happy gifting!
PATTI’S PICKS
8 Hours of Organizing with The Olive Branch
November and December are packed with events and get-togethers, so it’s easy to understand why homes get so messy following the holiday season. With so many New Year’s resolutions revolving around organization and cleaning, offering a gift of professional organizing is sure to make people everywhere merry and bright.
“Receiving a gift like this would make my heart happy,” Patti said. “When all the excitement and the hustle and bustle of the holidays disappears, it is sometimes hard to feel motivated to clean and organize everything.”
Motivated by bringing peace to an otherwise chaotic space by creating an efficient, functional, and aesthetically pleasing space, The Olive Branch creates a personalized strategy for each client to prioritize their primary concern.
The Olive Branch Professional Organizing and Home Management
210-585-6939
Martini Shaker Kit from Williams Sonoma
A martini shaker kit might just be the easiest way to make spirits bright this year!
“Williams Sonoma offers some gorgeous and elegant pieces to elevate any home bar,” Patti said. “This particular set comes in antique bronze and stainless steel, so you should be able to match anyone’s style preferences.”
Exclusively designed to help anyone and everyone craft delightful cocktails, this shaker set includes a double-wall cocktail shaker, bottle opener, ice tongs, stirring spoon, double-sided jigger, and stand. The sleek lines and polished design are eye-catching, while the product’s construction is durable and ensures it will last for years.
Balsamic Vinegar from Texas Hill Country Olive Company
Help friends and family bring gourmet flavors to the dining room table by gifting a bottle of balsamic vinegar from the award-winning Texas Hill Country Olive Company!
“Though you may not have considered it, high-quality balsamic vinegar can truly elevate a dish,” Patti said. “Depending on the flavor, these are perfect for marinating grilled meat, utilizing as a salad dressing, or adding a splash to your favorite craft cocktail.”
Aside from the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, Olive’s most popular flavor that is exceptionally versatile, other options include Bourbon Reserve, Cranberry Pear, White Lemon, and their newest addition, Raspberry.
2530 W. Fitzhugh Road, Dripping Springs
Coffee from Black Rifle Coffee
Ideal for the coffee aficionado in anyone’s life, a bag (or case) of Black Rifle Coffee is sure to make each recipient happily caffeinated and fueled to take on the merriment and joy of the season.
“Not only does Black Rifle serve up high-quality brew, but they support our country’s veterans and first responders,” Patti said.
Founded in 2014 by former U.S. Army Green Beret Evan Hafer, Black Rifle Coffee Company serves up premium, small-batch roasts from light to extra dark. Did we mention that they also give back to our veterans, law enforcement, and first responders with each purchase?
Spa Day at Loma de Vida
Give the gift of relaxation and restoration during one of the most stressful seasons of the year.
“So often we forget to take care of ourselves, especially during the busiest seasons like December,” Patti said. “Loma de Vida is ideal for unwinding and recharging. I highly suggest the massages and cannot wait to try out their newest treatment: the JetPeel Facial.”
Secluded and situated on one of the highest points in San Antonio, Loma de Vida enjoys breathtaking views of the hill country and offers an extensive spa menu that includes massages, facials, couples services, as well as nail, hair and body treaments.
La Cantera Resort & Spa
16641 La Cantera Parkway
TANNER’S TIPS
Koda Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven
For the ultimate foodie or those who want to gift the perfect accessory for a well-stocked outdoor kitchen, the Koda Portable Outdoor Pizza Oven is one of the best options for convenience, even cooking, and efficiency.
“Everyone who knows me knows I love a good pizza,” Tanner said. “This is a fun and affordable way to make true brick-oven style pizza at home with the family!”
The larger 16-inch size allows for easy turning and manipulation of pies, while the smaller 12-inch model is lightweight, more affordable, and still delivers a professional-quality pizza.
Therabody Theragun PRO
The gift of relaxation and long-lasting pain relief is just a click away. As an all-in-one deep tissue massager, the Therabody Theragun PRO offers professional-grade durability and goes 60% deeper into muscles than its competitors.
“This is perfect for sore muscles, tight shoulders or just a little massage,” Tanner said. “I use this after most workouts or any physical activity, specifically basketball or skiing, because it helps me recover faster!”
Each feature was designed with performance and convenience in mind, from advanced ergonomics to its battery life. Purchasing the PRO includes a protective carrying case, six attachments with a travel pouch, two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, and a lithium-ion charger. Custom engraving is even an option!
The Psychology of Money
Help the people on your list get a jumpstart on their New Year’s resolution of saving, investing, and making better decisions overall when it comes to money with award-winning author Morgan Housel’s book, The Psychology of Money.
“This is one of my favorites of all time,” Tanner said. “My copy is highlighted, notated, and earmarked thoroughly. It’s one of those books you can end up re-reading every 3-4 years.”
Housel helps put investing, personal finance, and business decisions into perspective while providing a unique look at how people view and think about money.
Soho Ludlow Notebook
A luxuriously classic gift for the businessman or notetaker in the family, the Soho Ludlow Notebook offers iconic Burlington leather that is elegant yet hard-wearing.
"Call me old-fashioned, but I still love to take physical notes instead of doing everything on my computer or iPad, "Tanner said. "I have found that writing things down in a notebook tremendously helps my recall, general comprehension, and organization of my ideas. This notebook travels with me everywhere, and I use it daily.”
Handcrafted in England, this mid-size notebook is made from the finest leather and contains 192 leaves of Smythson's signature gilt-edged, pale blue featherweight paper. Personalize it with initials, a meaningful motif, or a witty inside joke.
Mirage Travel Watch Case
While a fancy timepiece might be your first thought regarding the dedicated watch enthusiast in your life, don’t forget that they have to take their favorite pieces with them when they travel. That’s where the Mirage Travel Watch Case comes in.
“Over the past few years, I have become incredibly interested in watches and horology in general,” Tanner said. “As such, I have collected an assortment of different brands and styles of watches. The Mirage Travel watch case allows me to bring a few different types of watches with me when I travel, and I can rest easy knowing they are protected.”
Made with espresso-finished leather, the case is sturdy, attractive and keeps the two watches from colliding. It is secure with its three snap fasteners, flexible cover, and unique flat base. While we suggest the Espresso Brown with Ivory White, the case comes in various colors, including Jade Black and Midnight Blue.