Working Girl's Christmas Gift Guide 2013: Husband Edition

Back in 2010, I created some Christmas Gift Guides for the poor college girl. Now that I am in the real world, with real responsibilities like cable bills, car insurance, and student loan payments, I've decided to create some budget-friendly, grown-up gift guides for all of the wonderful people in your life!

First up, for that rugged, music-loving, technology-obsessed, sweet, caring husband of yours:

Restoration Hardware Leather iPad Cover
Nothing dresses up tech better than artisan leather (see what I did there?) and Restoration Hardware delivers in the rugged tech accessories category. For only $119, your man can protect his iPad in style, and use the built-in bluetooth keyboard to get some work done too.

Warby Parker Ames Glasses
I think there is no better present for your 4-eyed man than a dashing pair of spectacles from Warby Parker. If you're confident you know his taste, you can go ahead and order him the perfect pair, or give him a gift card and let him try on 5 pairs before he decides.

Chippewa for J. Crew Boots
My husband has been dreaming of these boots for a while now. For $268, these are the perfect versatile and stylish shoes he can wear to the office, out in the terrain, and, of course, on a date with me.

Dashboard Pedalboard 
For the musician in your life, this is the ultimate tool for his electric guitar. Each one is handmade with superior quality, starting at $199.

Engaged!

I'm engaged! Oh my goodness! It happened almost three weeks ago and I'm still filled with butterflies just thinking about it. Jordan did SUCH an incredible job. I've never felt so much love and support from family and friends. I am overwhelmed with excitement about getting to marry that wonderful boy.

How did it happen, you ask? Well, the boy and I planned an all day date one Friday in December. He was surprising me with a few fun activities and then we were meeting two friends of ours for dinner in the city that night. The magical day started with a beautiful 3 mile hike up Blood Mountain in Dahlonega, GA.

Followed by a delightful trip to Frogtown Cellars vineyard where we sipped some Cabernet Savignon overlooking the grapes.

After that we headed home, got dressed up all fancy and headed to dinner. When we were almost there, his friend called and said they were running late. So we parked our car near Centennial Park and decided to take a walk while we waited. We took our sweet time looking at all of the lights and sights, until we got to the gigantic 50-foot-tall lighted Christmas tree. "What do you want for Christmas?" he asked me sweetly, and then the wheels started turning in my head.

He told me that he loved me so much, and that he couldn't imagine spending the rest of his life with anyone else in the world. He got down on his knee, pulled something shiny out of his coat pocket, placed it on my finger and asked me if I would marry him. I was in complete hysteria at that moment, but somehow managed to squealed "YES!" and started hugging and kissing him like a madwoman.

A flood of happiness and disbelief erupted over me when a flash of light appeared! It turned out Jordan got two of my best friends to hide in the bushes to take pictures. The next ten minutes were a complete blur of emotion and joy, but we paused to admire the ring, kiss, and take dozens of pictures.

While I twirled in la-la land and admired my ring, we walked over to the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton hotel, where all of our friends and family were waiting for us. Everywhere I turned there was another person I loved, waiting to give me a hug and a good word. Jordan recounted the entire story in the heart-felt but hilarious way he always tells his infamous stories, and we got to spend time with everyone who means so much to us.

I didn't sleep for two nights afterward. I'm still floating on cloud nine a little. And starting to plan our wedding and our marriage together has really been amazing already. Needless to say, I am one happy and blessed woman.

College Girl's Christmas Gift Guide 2010: Boyfriend Edition

Finally the finals have finished! Huzzah! Christmas break can start (as soon as I finish work at 5pm, pack and clean my whole apartment, and drive 2 hours in traffic and snow to Atlanta)! It is a great feeling to be done with schoolwork on any kind for the next month (I'm trying to forget about the internship applications and paintings I do have to work on over break)!

Anyways, instead of complaining, I thought I'd do my own Christmas Gift Guide for the holiday season! I've seen a lot of blogs do these, and as a budget-conscious college girl I thought I could provide some insight of my own!

First up: For that cute, nerdy, adorable boyfriend of yours.


For the average wallet:

Karvt Natural Wood Skins

Okay, these are just incredibly cool. Karvt has a line of real wood skins for your iPhones, iPads, and Macbooks. There are a variety of wood types, and they are left raw, so they can be painted on, carved on,  or banged up. All the while keeping your electronics protected. The prices range from $15-35, so these are definitely affordable!

J. Crew Magic Wallet

I'm not exactly sure how the magic works, but J.Crew swears this is the best wallet around. And anything that help my disorganized college boy out is good with me! And since this baby runs for $24.50, you can surely call this a bargain.

Every Man Jack DIY Kit

Nothing says you love your man more than a manly toiletries bag. Ha. But really, this is far from the feminine Clinique set your mom gave you last Christmas. This is useful, masculine, and helps your man look and smell great, all for the low, low price of $25. 

Northface Denali Gloves

Whether your man love skiing, camping, or just intense snowball fights, these gloves will serve him well. These are warm, durable and just dripping with manliness for those moments when he doesn't need to look so dressed up. $25 very well spent.

And for when you're willing to spurge for those long-time bf's who deserve a little more (or the one whose birthday is so dang close you might as well combine the gifts!):

Bertucci Watch

Every man needs a watch. And this one is simple, rugged, and perfectly cute for everyday use. Originally $179.99, but I found it for as low as $55 on eBay! (Lesson: always shop around!)

Clarks Desert Boots

I love these boots. I think they're adorable. Hopefully your man will too. Perfect for school, for a date out with you, or for just hanging around being adorable. They come in a variety of colors, but my personal favorite is the beeswax leather. I found them on EddieBauer.com for $90.

Filson Field Bag

Your boy is old enough to graduate from that old NorthFace backpack and go for this attractive leather and canvas field bag by Filson. This is functional, stylish, and definitely made to last for years. This one sells for $220 on Filson, but again I found it for $198 on eBay! J. Crew also sells a slightly cheaper, but equally manly version for $98.

And there you have it! Shop on ladies, shop on!