Holiday Gift Guide 2019

It is that time of year again! The craziness of the holidays and holiday shopping had begun. Each year I put out a gift guide for you all of my favorites (check out last year’s here that has a few items I’m still hoping for). This year is no different, thanks to a resounding yes on my Instagram poll, so I am excited to present my 2019 Holiday Gift Guide.

However, as the holidays are a time that can run awry for even the most organized (raising my hand over here) I want to make sure I am not just providing yet another gift guide but thoughtful advice on how to stay organized this season and a list curated with the intention of adding value and function rather than clutter to the gift receiver’s home.

I have included below my top tips for staying organized during the holidays as well as a gift guide everyone in your life. Check back over the next couple weeks as I will continue to add more gift guides as we make our way through the holiday season.

I love hearing from you and how you stay organized and gift this time of year. Tag me on Instagram and use the hashtag #rachelorganizestheholidays so I can see what you are up to.

Holiday Organization Tips

• This year I have created a free download gift tracker (here) for you to use as you prepare your holiday gifting this year. Getting everything down on paper will help you stay organized and avoid the last minute spending at the store. Don’t forget to track what has shipped and arrive will avoid any last minute panic.

• Print out the list you use to send holiday cards and keep it handy. As you receive holiday cards double check the list for any address changes or additions to you need to make to your list to ensure next year’s list is starting off on the right foot.

• Use the time before gift giving starts to do a deep clean of toys and clothes around your home. Not only will this make space for the onslaught that is coming but will also give you the opportunity to talk with your kids about giving this time of year.

• It is no secret the holidays mean food (and no one is complaining). Before you host this year take an afternoon to deep clean your pantry and fridge). Take EVERYTHING out, check expiration dates, sort and organize (see more kitchen organization tips here and here). This will help avoid any over-shopping and eliminate some of the stress that comes with holiday hosting.

• Set up a gift wrapping station to streamline the holiday preparations. See our tips here on how to create a wrapping station.

Gifts for Her

Our “gifts for her” guide this year centers around high quality luxurious gifts that every woman will enjoy but no one will buy for themselves.

• The most beautiful and organized makeup bag ever created with a spot for everything including brushes to keep them safe during transit.

• A luxurious bottle of bath salts she would never purchase for herself.

• A silk pillowcase – no bedhead on your watch or wrinkles on your face.

• Chic and customizable phone case. I love the drop shadow in this design – it feels elevated and classy while still being personalized.

• Customizable gold letter necklace. This piece is truly a showstopper and can be customized for any name – I love the idea of customizing not just with the gift receivers name but perhaps MAMA or the name of her kiddo. We love both a higher end option as well as a more budget friendly option.

Gifts for Him

“Gifts for him” is a notoriously tricky category. This year I focused on gifts with just enough practicality to satisfy the sensible side of you but enough fun, luxury or tech to ensure they are a hit with all the men in your life.

• This Apple Watch stand is just plain gorgeous. Practical, yes, but also something you won’t mind taking a prominent place on your beau’s nightstand.

• A luxurious (and clean!) shaving cream is something you guy would never buy for himself but will love using day in and day out. Not to mention making him mistletoe ready.

• If despite your best organization efforts your man is always losing something these tracking stickers are perfect. They can be stuck to anything (the remote, his keys, your bikes) and help eliminate those “what did you lose now?” squabbles.

• Cozy? check. Affordable? check. These moccasin slippers are just the right fit for your budget and any man on your list.

• What man wouldn’t love this portable and ROCKING chair? Perfect for any soccer dad or your tailgating brother.

Gifts for Baby

We all know that “gifts for baby” really reads “gifts for mom and dad”. My 2019 picks for “baby” gifts are perfect for your eco-friendly, design loving tot.

• This silicone and wood teether is just as beautiful as it is healthy. From food safe silicone to a birch wood ring conditioned with organic olive oil and beeswax you can feel good about what you handing over to your little one.

• This acrylic book cart makes the organizer’s heart in me skip a beat. With so many possibilities (can you say rainbow book organization?) and keeping the books close at hand it is the perfect way to grow a little organized reader.

• This baby (ahem, mom) gift is stunning! Having a gorgeous and organized diaper bag is so crucial with your new little bundle and this one even is on my wish list without a baby.

• You can feel confident to let your little guys explore eating to their hearts’ desire with this feeding mat (without the risk of plate hitting you while you do the dishes). This mat has the added bonus of a sleek design made without all of those bad things we all try to avoid.

• When you are just not quite ready for primary colors to take over your whole house this neutral play gym is calling your name.

Gifts for Kids

Kid holiday gifts is 100% about balance. It is so easy to go overboard with kids during the holidays so making sure you do a big purge before a single gift is unwrapped, as I mention above, is critical. I also love to focus on gifts that are not one time use toys so they don’t get tossed in the playroom until next year’s December clean out.

• Start ‘em young with this planner designed just for kids. Your kids will love the stickers and colorful calendars and you will love the organization and time-management skills they’ll learn.

• This classic bowling set in a modern aesthetic will be a hit with your kiddos and your living room decor.

• Allow your kids to get creative and feel at ease with what they are playing when you gift this eco-friendly molding dough.

• Alexa, what should I get my kids for the holidays? This Echo Dot Kids Edition gives your kids all the fun and freedom of Alexa with the security of parental controls.

• Kinetic Sand is a huge hit in my house. It is so addictive to play with and keeps the kids away from their screens for a bit.

Gifts for Tweens

As a mom to twin tweens you know this category is my jam (is that what the kids say these days?).

• If you have a tween you know VSCO girls and that they can’t be seen without their Hydro Flasks.

• This bluetooth karaoke mic is going to be a total hit with my girls. I see some Taylor Swift sing-a-longs headed our way.

• My girls LOVE to paint their nails (and let’s be honest mom does too). I feel so good about giving them this vegan nail polish to get creative with.

• We have to have something for the boys, right? I know any tween boy (or girl) would love to receive this bluetooth speaker.

• It would be totally normal for me to put one of the tween items on my list too, right? Adding this cozy fleece pullover to all of our lists now.

The Organized One

I could go on and on about “the organized one.” These are some of my favorites for the most compulsive in your life (and you know I say compulsive truly out of love).

• The customizable bulletin boards are such a great way to create a family home base or showcase kids’ artwork. With more patterns that I can count there is something for everyone and every design.

• A TSA approved travel case way nicer than a baggie for the organized traveler in your life.

• Help your organized friend stay wrinkle-free in all areas of life with this tiny but mighty steamer – perfect for travel or everyday.

• This tech carryall is just right for staying organized on the go with a 13″ laptop sleeve and pockets for all the tech accessories.

• If you are like me your anxiety your rises as the percentage at the top of your phone drops. Give the gift of peace of mind with this high capacity portable charger.

Green Beauty Lover

This category will always hold a special place in my heart. Since being diagnosed with Hashimotos I have made huge strides to eliminate toxins from my life. Creating (and loving) a green beauty routine has helped me still feel like me while still helping and supporting my health.

• This hair turban allows me to toss up my hair while I am doing my makeup (or answering emails) and cuts my drying time in half. Hello time saver!

• This at home “facial” is killer. It provides professional quality that resurfaces skin to reveal greater clarity, improved skin texture and tone, and a more youthful-looking appearance (now, who couldn’t use that?).

• I can’t say enough good things about BeautyCounter and this Counter+ Skin Care Favorites Bundle is a such a great gift and the perfect way to help your friend dip their toes into the line.

• As I have been removing toxins from my life I have been looking for natural alternatives and this ice roller is such a treat. It helps reduce swelling and puffiness and just plain feels good.

• This mask provides so much hydration and I love it not just for travel but anytime I am feeling a little dry.