Holiday Gift Ideas From My Personal Repertoire

I wanted to speak authentically about my holiday gift suggestions, so I chose items from my personal repertoire and absolutely love. (I stole the word 'repertoire' from Vera. It's sounds fancy.) Most of the brands in my gift guide have graciously offered my readers discounts using the code MARIAL. If you have any questions about these suggestions, send me a DM on Instagram!

VERAMEAT

I met Vera during my days living in New York City. We were fast friends and connected on a creative level. Even after all these years, Verameat is hands-down my FAVORITE jewelry designer. She is a storyteller and has an unreal imagination. The repertoire is playful and ferocious, with dinosaurs devour fried chicken to disembodied hands glimmer in sunlight. It's jewelry made a friend for life. Use the code MARIAL and receive 40% off! OMG!

IMSY SWIMWEAR

My dear friend Katie Imswiler is the founder of Imsy Swimwear. They are made for the active female who wants to shred in style. Lately, she has been designing these dope hats that I wear all the time! They are a cool unisex cut, lightweight and actually amazing for running! Use discount code MARIAL for an additional 10% off!

THE BRENTON HOTEL

If you follow me on social media, you might be familiar with the work I have done with The Brenton Hotel. I also recently had a “staycation” and it was beautiful! Their lobby is stunning and there is an ice cream drawer on the fourth floor! During the two week RI pause Brenton believes in giving back. Book your summer stay with them during the two-week pause and 10% of your stay will be immediately turned into a gift card from a Newport County business of your choice.

ISLAND WELLNESS

Casey Sanginario, the owner of The Island Wellness Center, is one of my dear friends. Her mindfulness in entrepreneurship is contagious and she is incredibly supportive. Island Wellness is an inclusive wellness center. Their mission is to make the best natural wellness treatments accessible to everyone regardless of socioeconomic status. “The only requirement to be a client is to be kind. It is for these reasons that we keep our prices low and our spirits high!” Use the code MARIAL and receive 15% off online purchases!

REAL FUN WOW

Artist Daren Thomas Magee from Ojai, California is a freelance illustrator, muralist and designer. His inspiration comes from many sources, natural and supernatural. The aim of his work is to speak to the space between imagination and reality, my hope is to leave you to float off in that liminal space into someplace entirely new. I have three of his pieces. They are all beautiful. These are great gifts for the artists, homemakers or designers in your family. Use code MARIAL for an additional 10% off!

STILL The Slow Home

I recently wrote an article on The Slow Approach to design. If we can learn to live with the SLOW APPROACH in mind, we have the ability create the space that is better for the environment, your wallet, and will evolve with our life. There is an entire book highlighting others who design in this manner. It’s an AWESOME coffee table book.

DEDCOOL PERFUME

DedCool was founded & created in Los Angeles in 2016. At 21, founder, Carina Chaz created her DedCool line as an extension of her passion for cologne, masculine scents, and green beauty. As fragrance is an essential part of one’s identify, Carina believed in only creating scents that were composed of the highest quality + natural ingredients. I recommend getting their sample pack. It’s a great gift because they all smell AH-MAZING! If you ever sniffed me before, I wear Madonna (Lilly).

WE'RE NOT REALLY STRANGERS

We're Not Really Strangers is a purpose driven card game and movement all about empowering meaningful connections. Three carefully crafted levels of questions and wildcards that allow you to deepen your existing relationships and create new ones. I love playing this game with friends and family.

IMPALA ROLLERSKATES

photo by @gumbnutbaby

The roller skating trend is in full force & I am truly captivated by some of the professionals I follow on Instagram. My favorite is Sarah Haywood. She makes the art of roller skating sexy, natural and fluid. She is such a joy to watch. I recently purchased a pair of Impalas. They are so colorful & comfortable! This is perfect for anyone looking for another adventure!

MIRRORS OF INTIMACY

I really wanted to address my own behaviors, actions and mental health when it comes to my own relationships. This book was recommended by Emily of Magic Tatty. Mirror of Intamcy ant it's a collection of daily reflections on emotional and erotic intelligence. You can open up the book everyday for a quick daily reading, leaving you with questions to ask yourself! It’s perfect for anyone on a journey of spiritual healing.

DESERT DREAMER

photo via @desertdream_brand

I recently found Desert Dreamer online and I love their mission. 10% of profits from their Smiley collection will be donated to the Jed Foundation, in support of their mission to help aid in the mental and emotional health of teens and young adults. I recently purchased the Happy Mind crewneck because of the saying on the back, “Take it one day at a time”. Anyone in recovery understands that!

DIJI MAVIC MINI 2

If you need to find a gift for a fellow photographer, this mini drone is so freakin’ fun. They just launched the Mavic Mini 2, which shoots in 4K and can withstand higher winds. I highly recommend this drone for beginners!

MINI SESSION WITH VISUAL MANOR

It would be silly of me not add this to my own gift guide. This holiday season, give your family, co-workers, or best buds the gift of professional photography by Yours Truly. The recipient can use this gift card for themselves (portraits or lifestyle), their families, their own businesses, and so much more. This gift card includes a *mini-session (1 hour of shooting) and 25-50 edited digital photos. Originally $275, but on sale for $200! Only 25 gift cards available!