Ask An Expert: Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas
The holiday countdown has begun with little over a week left to spare. And though you planned to have all of the shopping finished by now, you've just discovered that there's still gifts left to buy. No worries, Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, lifestyle expert and Editor-at-Large for Southern Living Magazine, has come to the rescue with some clever last-minute gifting ideas that are sure to please everyone on your holiday shopping list.
Kimberly Schlegel Whitman
www.kimberlyschlegelwhitman.blogspot.comNo one gets more excited about the holidays than Kimberly Schlegel Whitman. And it's no wonder. She's created an entire entrepreneurial empire off of her unique take on party and holiday planning. When Whitman isn't busy with her position as Editor-at-Large of Southern Living Magazine, she's writing books on entertaining and making regular television appearances on shows such as Today and Access Hollywood. Plus, she also has a new monogrammed linen line, Halo Home by KSW and she maintains a comprehensive list of Dallas' most important charitable events on www.RSVPcalendar.com. Fortunately, she's taken some time out here to share some great holiday gift ideas for those of us who tend to wait until the last minute.
www.kimberlyschlegelwhitman.blogspot.comNo one gets more excited about the holidays than Kimberly Schlegel Whitman. And it's no wonder. She's created an entire entrepreneurial empire off of her unique take on party and holiday planning. When Whitman isn't busy with her position as Editor-at-Large of Southern Living Magazine, she's writing books on entertaining and making regular television appearances on shows such as Today and Access Hollywood. Plus, she also has a new monogrammed linen line, Halo Home by KSW and she maintains a comprehensive list of Dallas' most important charitable events on www.RSVPcalendar.com. Fortunately, she's taken some time out here to share some great holiday gift ideas for those of us who tend to wait until the last minute.
For The GentsHead over to St. Michael's Woman's Exchange in Highland Park Village and pick up the O-Boy Money Clip. The leather-clad clip is adjustable and comes in a nifty velvet bag with an enclosure card. Whitman liked the clip so much that she had the designer personally make one for her husband. The clip retails for $40.
For Your SisterWhen it comes to last minute gifts for the ladies, Whitman hits Elements, the hip Dallas women's boutique on Lovers Lane. "I love popping in here for last minute gifts because there's always such a great selection," she says. "The styling team is fabulous and they have a popular instagram feed that inspires me to put things together in ways I wouldn't have thought to. The store carries everything from coffee table books and candles to handbags and jewelry."
For Your neighborIf your neighbor has a taste for tipples, Whitman recommends skipping the usual bottle of wine and opting for a bottle of Austin Cocktails instead. These ready-to-serve craft cocktails are made with five-times distilled vodka, natural fruits, juices and organic agave. You can pick up a bottle for around $14.99 from stores like Spec's and Goody Goody Liquors.
For Your MotherWant to buy mom something extra special? Whitman suggests checking out the Lotus Shop at The Crow Collection of Asian Art. One of her favorite finds is a set of all-weather prayer bangles from local jewelry purveyor, BudahGirl. The bangles are sold as a set of nine for $110 and feature either a Christian, Buddhist or Serenity prayer bead in each bangle. Not only do the bracelets make a covetable fashion statement, the meaning behind them is beautiful as well. Museum gift shops are always a good place to buy last minute gifts, Whitman adds.
For Your GirlfriendsBooks always make excellent gifts— and most especially, the stunning books that Whitman herself has published. She's written books on everything from party and wedding planning to even a guide on throwing a posh dog soiree. Her latest book, Monograms for the Home, can be found locally at Barns & Noble or ordered on Amazon.
For The HostessOne can never have too many cocktail napkins, especially when it comes to entertaining at home. For the hostess with the mostess, Whitman proposes snagging a set of adorable emoji cocktail napkins from her new linen line, Halo Home by KSW— which is sold at Forty Five Ten on McKinney Avenue in Dallas.
Ilene Jacobs is a freelance writer living in Dallas, Texas. Ilene enjoys writing about a variety of topics, ranging from food, fitness and travel, to kids, pets and senior care. You can find some of her work at Examiner.com.
