There is no better gift than creating memories. And getting creative with planning experiences is my specialty, especially with kids 🙂 I am really excited to share with you all my favorite literally out of the box gifts that everyone would love, including art, spa, photography, styling and more! I know you are excited so let’s dive in…
RELAX THE WORLD AT AIRE SPA
You guys know how committed I am to my daily workouts, but I took a day off and gave myself permission to embrace Aire’s new campaign, Relax the World. I woke up feeling sore and my mind was racing so fast, I though there is no way I can shut down my mind and relax my body… but guess what? 10 minutes into my massage with Mandy, I felt more relaxed than ever!!! Not to mention the baths and the spa that feel like I was transported to another world.
I had such an amazing experience that I decided to pick up another 2 Relax the World gift boxes, one for my assistant and another for my amazing client and friend Jessica Zweig. This gift box is a perfect idea for: Those friends that had a stressful 2020, the couple that showed love conquers all, the parents that took on homeschooling, the traveler who needs an escape to another world, or the special someone that brings you balance. The gift boxes include a tour of the ancient baths and a relaxing massage or exclusive ritual, book yours here.
RECORD A SONG
One out of the box gift idea is recording a song at a studio, like my kids did for my parents golden wedding. We found the original song on YouTube, and the kids worked really hard to memorize and perform the song. We recorded it at the studio with teachers that I met in Russian School, and even filmed a music video. By far the most original and touching gift!
CREATE CUSTOM ART
My whole family got very into art and painting over the pandemic, especially after working with Darlene at Palette and Chisel for my stepson Jaiden’s art-themed birthday this summer. We actually got so into it that my kids recently created giant canvas artwork for our new home, called Sunlight and Moonlight. We the help of Darlene at Palette and Chisel of course! It’s such fun activity to do with kids and have the ultimate studio experience. Darlene is available to help you learn how to create your own masterpiece and create memories that last a lifetime.
BE A CELEBRITY FOR A DAY IN THE JANET MANDELL SHOWROOM
Janet Mandell has a range of luxury-high end designer pieces you can rent to be the star of any special event, and her showroom itself is an absolutely mind-blowing experience. She has dressed huge celebrities like the Kardashians and Taylor Swift and can give you and your friends the same celebrity treatment with her gorgeous latest or vintage pieces. Her stylists are amazing, but if you prefer working with me, I can also personally style people at her showroom. Any way you do it, this will be such an amazing experience and a totally unexpected thing for your fashionista friends. Rentals start at $200.
HAVE YOUR CLOSE-UP MODEL MOMENT
There is nothing that boosts confidence and happiness like getting dolled up to have your close-up model moment. Book a session with some of my favorite Chicago photographers: Hallie Duesenberg, Jules Kennedy and Ali Stone. Get dolled up with my favorite people over at Pretty Convenient App or my go-to girl, SukyV! And, of course, you’ll need a stylist. Check out my styling services starting at $250 an hour and I’ll help your style dreams become reality 🙂
STYLE REFRESH WITH MY CLOSET CLEAN-UP SERVICE
There’s nothing that makes an impact like an amazing styling session! I am personally offering my styling services as a fun, unique, and super useful gift. Everyone in life needs a stylist (including myself) to open up your eyes to new styles and new silhouettes that you would never think of otherwise. I clean my closet pretty often, and I can say that it’s such a phenomenal feeling to refresh your wardrobe! I’m offering closet clean-ups and styling services starting at an hourly rate of $250. Contact me for more details and for a special closet clean up package.
THE SKINCARE MAGIC THAT CHANGED MY LIFE
People always ask me how I look so young at forty-three, and my secret is the endermologie treatments I have been doing for years. I do them consistently, almost every week, and it has tremendously reduced my cellulite and made my skin look amazing. I constantly get compliments from people who can’t believe my age, all thanks to my endermologie fairy Ulyana at Absolut Body! Single treatments start at $125, but I would recommend getting a package because this is a really special gift and can have amazing long-term results for the beautiful ladies in your life.
CONFIDENCE AND GLAM WITH A HAIR MAKEOVER + MANICURE
There’s nothing quite like the joy of looking at yourself in the mirror after a really good hair appointment. My go-to is Ambra European Salon, I always work with Mira. Getting a makeover is the perfect way to give yourself or anyone else some serious love and confidence. I also get my nails done there by Moza every two weeks, she gives the best manicures that last for over 3 weeks!
FIND YOUR ZEN WITH ASHTANGA
I have been working with my Ashtanga yoga teacher Alexia for almost 6 years and I can tell you, the experience is truly life changing. This year is the perfect time for some peace of mind and easy exercise with ashtanga yoga practice, not to mention supporting our local entrepreneurs and teachers. Right now Alexia is still doing home visits for yoga practice, and she is also offering amazing virtual programs if you prefer.
GIVE THE BEST WORKOUT EXPERIENCE
I’ve been working out at Lift Chicago twice a week for almost 2 years, and it’s the most efficient workout with the best results I’ve ever done. Memberships start from $200 a month. Their sessions are 30 minutes, which is so easy to find time for! They’ve done an amazing job at making everyone feel super safe, clean, and supported during the pandemic. Right now you can get 10% off your first sessions by mentioning my name or using promo code TALI_LIFTS!
HOST AN INDOOR PICNIC
I just recently had the chance to meet Alex + Theresa, two gorgeous event planners and stylists from The Lavender Scene, and OMG. If you are looking for an experience gift that is fun, boho chic, perfectly styled and ultimately COVID-safe, these are your girls! For this holiday season they are offering services to help you set up a gorgeous, intimate, extra-special indoor picnic perfect for your next date night, group outing, or girls gathering. With the winter season approaching, they offer heaters for an outdoor experience or they can bring the picnic indoors to your home. Outdoor add-ons include personal fire, s’mores board, and blankets. Pricing begins at $250. It’s a must! They also created a pop-up photo mini session with the prettiest holiday backdrops at City Hall for you and your family to take holiday card photos. Follow their Instagram for more details!
THE ULTIMATE STAYCATION
Langham Chicago has it all! My family and I love to take staycations to the hotel for a weekend away, especially in 2020 when we can’t travel out of the city! Over the years it has easily become our second home. The hotel has adapted to COVID guidelines, so you are assured to feel super safe and healthy. You can access the state-of-the-art pool and spa, and you can even book a private movie theatre for that intimate movie night experience. I would absolutely recommend this experience as the perfect gift for anyone super busy and want those little moments of vacation and luxury in their life.
These are some of my favorite experiences that make the best gifts for all the special people in your life. I always love getting gifts of experiences and supporting really amazing local businesses at the same time (really a win-win for everyone) I hope that at least one of these gift ideas will speak to you and you’ll be as excited as I am about it.
Please keep in mind that I am also offering 1:1 styling services, workshops and so much more. Click here for my full services and sign up for my newsletter to get on the list for my next gift shopping virtual event. You can also always shop my top picks on the Tel Aviv Couture Boutique, so many items are on sale right now!
Happy gifting and happy shopping!
