Still looking for an awesome last-minute gift? Well, 303‘s Lifestyle desk joined forces to share with you some of our favorite gifts to buy for others – and ourselves. Whether you’re shopping for a manly man or a girly girl, check out our go-to faves.

 

1.  Brazilets:  Lindsay Maynard, Lifestyle Editor

 

courtesy of Brazilets

My obsession started with Live Worldly about four years ago when I saw a tiny bracelet – that I had to have – featured in Cosmo Girl magazine. It was bright, it had words in Brazilian written all over it, and it helped a cause. Since then, I’ve been buying them constantly, and I’ve seen them in practically every magazine I have a subscription to. Lauren Conrad, Susan Serandon, Brooklyn Decker, and more have been spotted wearing them, and they’ve definitely caught on. Starting at only $5, stack these bracelets, make a wish, and help the people of Brazil. Head to www.liveworldly.com for more products.

2. Moleskin: Brittany Werges, travel

courtesy of artofmanliness.com

Almost every year I end up getting someone a Moleskin journal. It is the perfect gift because it’s unisex and inexpensive, yet thoughtful. They also come in a ton of different colors, varieties and sizes. So whether it’s a day planner, a travel notebook or a sketchpad, I can always find at least one person who needs a Moleskin. It’s my little signature gift that is a guaranteed success even when I have to buy for that one friend no one ever seems to know what to get them. Head to Barnes and Noble for the best variety.

 

3. AnyGlove: Mike Awada, technology

courtesy of AnyGlove

 Whether you work or play in Colorado, chances are you’re gonna get hit with some harsh conditions. Such are made bearable by having the right gear, but that gear can often get in the way. Here’s the solution: A company called AnyGlove has unleashed a liquid applicant that binds to the fibers of your gloves, enabling you to keep your hands warm while still operating touch screen devices. For just $14.95 on Amazon.com, AnyGlove makes for the perfect last minute gift for any of your Colorado comrades.

 

4.  2012 Celebrity Ornament Collection: Nicole Higgins, charity and travel

courtesy of Bloomingdale’s

 Want to class up your Christmas tree while giving to a good cause? Bloomingdales.com and your local Bloomingdale’s is featuring ornaments designed by celebrities such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Kellan Lutz, and Brooklyn Decker in the Child Mind Institute 2012 Celebrity Ornament Collection. The timeless gift costs $40 with 100% of the profit going to the Child Mind Institute, a charity working toward the improvement of mental healthcare for the world’s children.

 

 

 

 

5. Tarpestry: Marissa Armas, charity

courtesy of I Heart Denver Store

 

Whether you’re traveling to another country or just journeying through Colorado, a Tarpestry is the ideal gift for any traveler. When enjoying the outdoors, no one likes a soggy blanket. A Tarpestry takes care of that for you—it’s a blanket with a tarp attached to the bottom of it. It can be used on beach days, snow days or simply just for Colorado days.  Tarpestry can be found at the I Heart Denver Store, Experience Boutique, or Swoozies. You can buy this, made in Colorado product for under $100.

6. FlexSMART: Alissa Barry, cars

courtesy of amazon.com

One way to say I love you this holiday season is to offer the gift of safety with a wireless in-car bluetooth for iPhone or Android. The GOgroove FlexSMART is listed as the top-selling Bluetooth on Amazon with a 4+ star rating and 1,700 customer reviews. As of the time I’m writing this, the potential lifesaver is currently in stock and on sale for $49.99 on Amazon. It has on-board volume, phone controls and play settings, although the biggest attraction for me is being able to talk on your cell while listening to the call through your car’s speakers, instead of holding a phone to your head, or inserting a Bluetooth into your ear. More expensive in-car options are out there, but with raving reviews like this product has, it sounds like the GOgroove FlexSMART got it right for a respectable price.

 

courtesy of sanitas-skincare

 

7. Sanitas Skincare: Lindsy Hoganson, green

If we’re so focused about what we put in our bodies, why not what we put on it?  Skip the chemical laden frou-frou body lotions and sprays this season and share with your loved ones an all-natural, non-toxic alternative instead.  Located in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, Sanitas Skincare offers nutrient rich creams, cleansers and moisturizers that your skin can soak up – without the worry of toxic ingredients, with lines for both him and her. The Sanítas men’s gift set offers a daily grooming package to cleanse, shave and soothe. Or, the gift of glowing skin for anyone, with the holiday moisturizing gift set, free of parabens and harsh preservatives.  It’s a win-win, guilt-free gift that supports local business. Visit www.sanitas-skincare.com for local retailers.

 

8. Beads For Life: Allie Wall, charity

courtesy of Beads For Life

Beads for Life is a non-profit organization that is focused on battling poverty and providing opportunities for impoverished women in Uganda. The women of Uganda make beautiful, hand-made jewelry out of colorful recycled paper and cosmetics, and soap from local Shea butter. They’re crafted and sold as a means to bring world citizens and Africans together. Check out Ten Thousand Villages and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science in Denver for Beads for Life products, or visit their website – www.beadforlife.org. Give your loved ones a sustainable, beautiful, ethical and hand-made gift this year that will in turn provide food, medicine, schooling and light for the Ugandan community.

 

 

 

courtesy of Goldyn

9. Mildred and Bernice Criss Cross necklace: Lauren Mikus, travel

The most fortuitous vacation is the one sans heavy luggage.  Leave your jewelry collection at home and take one piece, a show stopper.  One of my favorite current trends is the cross necklace.  With a little, dainty detail on your collarbone, you’re sure to attract attention from a wide-eyed, handsome foreigner.  Sounds good, right?  Make this year’s essential accessory the Mildred and Bernice Criss Cross necklace from the revered boutique, Goldyn, in LoHi.  You can do no wrong with this basic beaut, and it won’t break the bank either.  Furthermore, you won’t have unhook this clasp for the security checkpoint.  Whether for you or your jet-setting bestie, this adornment will not disappoint.

Happy Holidays from our families to yours,
303 Magazine‘s Lifestyle team