“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” – Calvin Coolidge

It’s been a heck of a few months as you all know. One up and down after another, a rollercoaster of sorts, the kind where you can’t quite see the next twist or turn, so you find yourself holding your breath a bit until the next drop and hope it’s not quite as steep as the last. But now, it’s the holidays. In our home we celebrate Christmas, but really, I also celebrate the season. The extra bit of joy that seems to pervade people all around me, the music I hear, the beautiful decorations that adorn the buildings and the magical white lights. There is a part of me that is certainly a romantic around the holidays, friends, laughter, mistletoe, twinkling everything…it’s pure happiness for me.

People often complain that “the holidays” have become too commercialized and there is some part of me when I see the decorations up in October that agrees, but come Thanksgiving, my eyes turn to magic, like moths to a flame. Everything is warmer, prettier and happier. I start thinking about the perfect gifts for the people I love. The things that will mean something to them. That they may have mentioned in passing. That might give them something beyond just the day. So, when I was chatting with the folks at Target and they asked me if I would be interested in blogging about the Target/Neiman Marcus Collection, I gave a very excited “Yes!” I don’t do this kind of stuff often but, after seeing the custom spots in “Revenge,” my very guilty pleasure, they captivated my business side and I couldn’t help but see what the collection had to offer and low and behold, I think I have found many very fabulous and perfect gifts for some very special people in my life.

I am going to list my faves and hopefully you too might take the time to check out this amazing collection of very fun and quite affordable items, whether it’s for your family, bestie, co-worker, or as a hostess gift for friends inviting you into their home for the holidays…seriously something for everyone!

Let’s get started and I may have thrown in one or two things for me:) Retail therapy is something I specialize in after all…(I always say know what you are good at:))

Here is the link so that you can see what I referring to…happy shopping! Target – Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection

Derek Lam Slippers – they are amazing, leopard print and can be worn as shoes, let’s be honest. Pair them with a any number of outfits (jeans, white button down or black and white striped shirt) and you are fab without even trying!

Marchesa Girl’s Beaded Dress – I bet you can all guess who would be true to form as my angel in this dress…little E.

Carolina Herrera Travel Bags – for any and all of my professional girlfriends and me too! Love these and can also function as a makeup bag at home.

Rag and Bone Shot Glasses – these are an awesome gift for friends that you have no idea what to get. They also make a lovely housewarming gift or hostess gift.

Marc Jacob’s Pouches in silver and gold – same as the Carolina Herrera Travel Bags but also for all my friends. These little gems can be clutches, or a smaller bag for our giant tote bags to keep all our our random things centralized, lipgloss, dental floss, you all know what I am talking about.

Thom Browne Women’s Blazer – unabashedly for me….can also be worn with the Derek Lam slippers…yay!

Proenza Schouler iPad sleeve – probably for me or any my more artistic friends, but I do find that technology casings are very personal, so this would have to be pretty specific.

Those are my top items but there were definitely a few others I would sneak into my shopping cart.

I hope you had some fun here with me today and that giving someone a little happiness, whether it be through a kind gesture, a compliment or a thoughtful gift can make every day this season and throughout the year ‘anewfavoriteday.’

Cover image shared from withoutwax.tv