The holiday season is officially here! It’s the season of giving, but sometimes it can be difficult to come up with new and unique gifts year after year. This is why I decided to share some of my personal favorite gift ideas for the season. This post is all about out-of-the-box gift ideas. They’re so inspired that you may just want to gift one of these special presents to yourself.
Photo Session
Family or Mommy + Me Photo Session with Hallie Duesenberg. Hallie is my favorite Chicago based photographer! Katya and I have worked with her, personally, many times and absolutely adore her. Her patience with kids, talent and creativity shows in the pictures she takes – you will want to have on your wall. After my first photoshoot with Hallie, I gained extra motivation to take my blog to the next level and we’ve been shooting pretty regularly for last 3 years! Family Photo sessions with Hallie start at $500.
I have also had the privilege of working with blogger and photographer Ali Stone. I can’t recommend Ali enough. She will make you feel like a star, and knows how to get the best out of you and family. Ali’s rate starting is $300. Pictures are a gift that keeps on giving and such a great way to capture special family moments.
For all my New York friends (or if you visit NY) please consider shooting with Maria Nicole! I love her work so much, I always look forward to capturing my NY adventures with Maria. There’s nothing like New York City, so whether you’re visiting or you live there, enlisting in a professional photographer to capture special images is such a great way to cherish memories that will last a lifetime.
Styling Session
Personalized and Fully Customizable Styling Session with Personal Stylist, Tali Kogan (me :)) Who doesn’t want to feel like a celebrity for a day? In my personalized styling sessions, I work with clients to help develop their personal style in a flattering, fashion-forward way. Maybe your special lady would like an expert eye to help her with her wardrobe or perhaps she’s got an event coming up for which she’d like to look extra special. First two-hour sessions starts at $300, and I’ll share my top styling secrets throughout the experience! Everything from outfits, day-to-night looks, special events, seasonal trends, accessories, shoes, hair, makeup, and even a personalized shopping list. Every appointment is personalized for the client to ensure they leave the appointment achieving their style goals.
Future designer’s dream
Know someone who has dreams of becoming a fashion designer? Chat with one of Chicago’s most talented designers, Nicole Paprosky founder of This Is The Order. This is a great opportunity for a future designer to learn from a professional, ask questions, and get inspired! One-on-one chats with Nicole start at $100. Nicole is such an inspiration, I’ve had the opportunity to watch her flourish as a fashion designer first hand and even did a special collaboration with her – you’ll have to check back to learn more about it! Not only is she talented, but one of the sweetest people you will meet. The perfect person to learn from for aspiring designers.
Spa
Spa treatments at The Langham. Honestly, The Langham has the best massage experience in the city of Chicago. I can’t get enough of the hotel and their spa is to die for. It’s a great gift for someone who needs a little self-love time, and a chance to relax. Let’s face it, we all could use a little extra relaxation in our lives especially after the holiday season. Any woman would love a chance to take a break and enjoy some spa time. The Langham is my favorite spa to head to when I need a little me time. Most recently, I took my sister to The Langham when she was in town visiting and we both felt rejuvenated after our out of this world spa day.
Hair makeover
Hair makeover with Lindsey at Arsova salon. If you follow me you know how much I love working with Lindsey. Let’s just say that I don’t ever remember getting so many compliments on my hair. She has special techniques to style my hair, and the style lasts for a week! Yes, yes sometimes I wash my hair once a week, usually at Arsova with Lindsey. If you want to get in with Lindsey, you’ll have to hurry because her books are getting completely full. Getting your hair done from one of the best hair stylists in the city is a treat for any woman. Lindsey is an expert at hair makeovers to give a new, fresh look – perfect to start the New Year. Hair makeovers with Lindsey start at $45. And please don’t forget to mention my name for 10% discount.
Life Coaching
Life coaching session with Andrea Levoff, starting at $125, this gift can be a life changing! Perfect to help a loved one who’s ready to make some positive life changes. She’s the creator of Dope Ass Mom so you know she has major talent with a great humor that we all need in our life! I’ve known Andrea personally for a while now and can confidently say she has the most infectious energy and attitude. Every time I meet with Andrea I feel recharged and ready to take on all that life has to offer. I couldn’t recommend her more.
Wellness
Private Yoga Session: As you may already know, I love yoga. Gifting your friend, colleague, sister, mother, or wife with a private yoga session will make her feel absolutely wonderful. What I love about private yoga sessions is that you get the special attention from your yoga instructor needed to really perfect – or at least work on – your individual practice. We all want to devote more time to mindfulness and wellness, so what could be better? Private yoga lessons start at $100 per hour, and I highly recommend Alexia Bauer. I came across her yoga photography and was instantly inspired to work with her. I’ll admit when I first saw the photos I wasn’t sure if I would be able to achieve the poses but after working with her 1:1 she’s been able to help me perfect my yoga poses (even while I was pregnant!).
Wellness consulting: After the Holiday season, many of us will be eager to get our health back on point and there’s no better way to do that than with a professional’s assistance along the way. Let’s face it, after the holidays we welcome the New Year and many of us (including myself) are ready to set new goals for ourselves. Achieving wellness can be an overwhelming road, and with so many different techniques and information available to us working with a professional is a great way to get started in the right direction. Carla Jian is a great wellness consultant! She is also an amazing yoga and fitness instructor. Private session with Carla stats at $100. What better way to start the New Year than with Carla to help achieve optimal wellness?
I try to gift others what I would want given. I can say wholeheartedly that each of these 6 inspired gift ideas are experiences that I enjoy, personally and know that anyone who receives them will do the same!
Great ideas, my dear!
thank you Luba 🙂