Valentine's Day Gifts

I know that it is a little early to be posting about Valentines Day but if you want to avoid having to buy the last battered heart shaped box of chocolates and give a gift with meaning and thought it takes some preparation. Not to worry, your favorite brand's websites will offer endless gift idea lists and then there are bloggers like me who are here to help you out.

Trust me. I'm a pro. I online shop every single day, regardless of whether I actually purchase the things that I shop for or not. Some may call it an addiction. I just call it a way to stay on top of whats out there and in times like these compile a nice little list of gift ideas for your special someone!

1. Watch
You really can't go wrong with a nice watch. It's the perfect Valentine's gift because you can find a large variety of nice watches at any price point you are comfortable. For those of us that have a hard time shelling out some dough to buy a gift so soon after Christmas, a watch is a good idea.

For Her:

Get: Klassik Three Hand Leather Watch by Skagen

$115
It also comes in three other colors but I particularly like the coral. 

Splurge: The Monarch by Nixon Watches

At $300 this watch is a little more pricey but it certainly is stunning and the classic material combo will never go out of style.

For Him:

Get: Classic St. Andrews by Daniel Wellington

$229

Splurge: The Runwell 47mm by Shinola

At $550 this watch isn't cheap but coming from Shinola at least you know it is quality. 

2. Sunglasses

For Her:
Get:Shawna Sunglasses by Kate Spade

$138
The gold metal accents on the side really make these sunglasses.

Splurge: Panama Sunglasses by Tor Burch

$195
Actually not that much of a splurge, especially as far as Tory prices generally go.

For Him:

Get: The Clubmaster by Ray Ban

$145

Splurge: Canby Stone Blake Slate Grey Polarized by Shwood

$350
These are without a doubt some of the coolest sunglasses around. Go to the site and watch the crafting process. It's worth it. 

3. Perfume/Cologne
Since cologne or perfume rarely goes on sale there is really no need to differentiate between steal and splurge prices. You have to get what appeals to you.

For Her:

Get: Chance Eau Fraiche by Chanel

starting at $90
Go classy and get her Chanel. This one is light and fresh but still soft and romantic, perfect for day to date night.

For Him:

Get: L'Homme Eau de Toilette by YSL

starting at $48
This smells clean and warm and definitely makes you want to get close enough to get another whiff.

This one might seem cliche but never underestimate the power of scent to rev up those lovey feelings. 

For Either/Both

4. Bose 'QuietComfort® 15' Acoustic Noise Cancelling® Headphones (Limited Edition)

$299
Love doesn't always have to be loud.

5. Fixx Chocolate Bar Sampler

$34
Doesn't this look better than your average heart shaped box of chocolate? Flavors include caramel sea salt, peanut butter nougat, cashew and caramel, pretzels and coconut, maple bacon, praline and passion fruit. mmmm

6. Gilded Cable Throw 

$59

7. Leica M-E

Starting at around $5000 this is going to set you back quite a piece but seriously what better to capture memories than with the best of the best.

Sometimes gifts don't have to be so material in nature. In fact Valentine's Day is one of the more appropriate and honestly almost demanding holidays/occasions when it comes to sentimental gifts. Personalized gifts are always thoughtful and romantic. 

Personalized Gifts

8. Personalized Prints
Love is Blinding by the Red Panda Purveyor

$25

Squirrels in Love by The Red Panda Purveyor

$29
Now don't get me wrong. I don't write this blog for personal promotion but I do think that this is a great Valentine's Day gift. Both can be highly personalized and everything from anniversary dates to sweet sentiments in Macedonian has been "written" in the tree.

9. Spoons by Jessica N Designs

$18

$20

10. Embroidered Cards from the Minted Fig Card Co.

$4.50 each
Hallmark doesn't have anything on these cute cards!

11. Leather Journal/Sketchbook by Badger and Chirp

Go ahead and get some wine, write some love poems, and give a gift that is the pinnacle of thoughtful and sweet.

At only $25, this proves you don't need money to buy happiness.

12 Days of Christmas: Day 7

Can you believe it is already Day 7 of my 12 Days of Christmas Countdown? The days have flown by and I have really loved having a new post each day to surprise you with! 

"On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, seven swans a swimming."

Ok, lets not be ridiculous, no one is going to buy seven swans as a gift for someone this Christmas. Where would you even get a swan? However, with swans, there are a lot of directions that I could have taken with this post. Ways to look like a swan, Black Swan (if you google swan be prepared for a lot of these pics), black swan vs. white swan, etc. Honestly, though I have wanted to do a swan post for a long time, way before Christmas. While perusing the internet for all it's online shopping glory, I came across the most amazing swan dress. With a halter neckline and painted style print, it was everything I never knew I wanted. Later on when I came across the Paul and Joe's swan print dress, my love for swans was cemented. 

This in turn inspired me to create a swan print of my own. Ok, I guess I have a confession to make. Not only is The Red Panda Purveyor a blog, it's also an Etsy shop! I create personalized original prints and hopefully soon I will be able to add tote bags and t-shirts to the mix! Thats right folks, if you love whimsical prints of animals in love and other random things that come into my head to create, then give my shop a look through! The Red Panda Purveyor Etsy Shop

Find you love of all things swan by checking out these seven swan stunners!

Park to Park Scarf

Sugarhill Dark Tan Kissing Swans Sweater

Swarovski 

Love is Blinding (Swan Print)
You print comes in two variations. "Love is Blinding" and you can have it personalized with your and your loved ones names/initials.

Paul and Joe

Heavy Machine Wool Gauze Swan Shoe

Paul and Joe

Apricot Sleeveless Backless Swan Print Dress
The dress that inspired it all!

Gearing up for Cyber Monday

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, ate lots of delicious food (diets don't exist on holidays), and survived Black Friday if you were brave enough to venture out! As for myself, I had a wonderful Thanksgiving and it isn't even over quite yet! It was great getting to catch up with loved ones that I don't often get to see and spending some much needed quality time with some of my favorite people on earth. Oh, and the food wasn't bad either. I somehow managed to eat three different kinds of pie (including a much lauded family peanut butter pie) and still have one more T-day dinner to go! 

I'm pretty happy with my decision to stay in on Black Friday (but I am certainly not judging those that shopped, way to go out and get those amazing deals!), mostly due to the fact that I'm waiting for the deals that are sure to come on Cyber Monday! I know that I often post about totally beautiful but for many (myself included) unattainable due to lavish prices. So for those of us out there that are addicted to internet shopping I'm compiling a list of some of my favorite items (and many I have been eyeing for myself) that won't leave you crying into your wallet. Now lets get ready for Monday! 

1. Jewel Scent

As the name suggests, there is a ring valued anytwhere from $10-$7500 inside of each candle, soap, or aromatic beads. While most rings are worth $10, the chance of being a lucky one and scoring a $500+ ring definitely makes me want to buy! Also, who can resist a great smelling candle or soap?

2. Brooks Brothers Bow Tie

You really can't go wrong with a classic bow tie from BB and with many color and pattern combinations available you are sure to find a tie to suit every man on your list! $55-65

3. Y'all Sweatshirt

I think the product description says it all when it says, "Yale doesn't like people that say Y'all. We showed them...." Even though the site sells Kentucky based products I think everyone can appreciate this fun and cozy sweatshirt. $50

4. Philosophy Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath

While you really can't go wrong with anything Philosophy makes, I really love the shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath combos, especially for the price right now ($10 regularly $16). I haven't tried the Snow Angel scent but like everything they have I'm sure it smells divine and puts me in the holiday spirit! I am addicted to the Mimosa scent and I love that they put a totally delicious sounding recipe for mimosas right on the bottle. If the recipe is as good as the sudsy stuff smells then I might have just found my new favorite drink.  

5. J. W. Hulme Co Woolrich Stocking

While the $95 price tag is a little pricier than many of the items on this list the quality construction and handsome look make this stocking worth it. Imagine all the memories that will be made when this stocking is opened year after year and J.W. Hulme Co is dedicated to the making that happen as they offer a lifetime guarantee on the item.  

6. Dot by Marc Jacobs

With notes of jasmine, coconut water, and orange blossom this scent makes the wearer feel instantly happier. A fresh and fun fragrance plus cute and whimsical packaging? It's not too good to be true.  

7. The Unofficial Downton Abbey Cookbook

This is definitely one the items on my list that I really want myself. Not only have I been to England and really enjoyed the food but I also am a huge fan of the show. Give this to anyone (or yourself) who regularly quotes Dowager Countess Grantham or has professed love for Mathew Crawley. $15.96

8. Box Wood Tree Glass Terrarium

This handmade terrarium would be the perfect gift for anyone you know with a green thumb. The sleek glass and copper design adds artsy sophistication to any decor and you can feel good knowing you are purchasing from a small artisan shop. $55

9. Louise Cloche

This hat would be the perfect way to stay warm and stylish with its cute bow and vintage shape. How very Great Gatsby of you. $68

10. Pop Fizz IPhone 5 Case

As someone who just had to replace my iphone due to a shattered screen I can vouch for the value of keeping one in a case. This cute cover from Kate Spade allows you to keep your phone protected without sacrificing style. $40