Blouse || Skirt || Heels || Clutch

I may not be a mom right now, and don’t plan on having kids any time soon, but that doesn’t stop me from daydreaming about having a little girl to play dress up with and run around town. More importantly, I look forward to the enormous responsibility of teaching my future daughter (or daughters) how to be kind and to believe that she can be anything. I think mom’s everywhere can appreciate what a huge undertaking that is, especially in today’s world. Again, I can’t speak as a mother, but instead as a teacher who’s had the privilege of inspiring girls in the classroom.

This next gift guide is by far my favorite and one that I will be looking to shop in the not-so-distant future. All of the pieces I rounded up are meant to inspire that little girl in your life for the holiday season. Being the teacher, I’m always a fan of gifting female-centric books with strong leads. I can’t think of better role models than the real life women that have shaped our country’s history. All little girls should know the names of women like Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, and countless more. Another key to being a strong woman is appreciating diversity. That’s why I’ve included biographies and dolls of women with very different backgrounds.

Sometimes little girls need to wear the reminder of kindness. Nothing says it better than this little ‘Kind Human, Human Kind’ tee from J. Crew Crewcuts. I’m really hoping that they make this in adult sizes soon, because I would absolutely rock this. I’ve also linked this ‘Have Courage, Be Kind’ bracelet from Red Dress Boutique. It’s a piece that your little one can have and cherish forever, even into adulthood.

This holiday season, instead of gifting your little girl fun things like makeup or the latest phone, strongly consider the lifelong gift of self pride and kindness. It’s a present that can last them a lifetime, but sometimes needs to be instilled as early as possible. I’m so grateful to have parents who, even in my adulthood, believe in and support everything I do and it all started when I was a little girl.

Love from NYC,
Katie

1: Inspirational Bracelet || 2: Director Dress-Up Kit || 3: Girl’s Science Kit || 4: Little Feminist Book Set || 5: Kind Human Tee || 6: Fun Legging Set || 7: ‘She Persisted’ Book || 8: Balance Bike || 9: Good Night Stories Book || 10: Amelia Earhart Barbie || 11: Ibtihaj Muhammad Barbie || 12: Katherine Johnson Barbie || 13: Statement Necklace Dress || 14: Coco Chanel Book || 15: Rosa Parks Books || 16: Maya Angelou Book || 17: Audrey Hepburn Book || 18: Wooden Camera

 

Sweatshirt || Shirt || Jeans || Flats || Tote Bag

If there’s one thing I’ve heard over and over again since moving to the city, it’s that Christmas is the most beautiful time of the year here. Christmas lights and a fresh layer of snow could be just what I need to really get in the holiday spirit. We had a quick little taste of that yesterday when we had our first snow of the season. Apparently, it was the snowiest November in 136 years with 6 1/2 inches! I had very mixed emotions about it. Part of me appreciated how nice it looked, but the Florida-girl piece was ready to catch the next flight back to the Sunshine State.

Maybe you currently live in NYC, maybe you’ve visited a few times and fell in love, or maybe you’ve never been here, but the Big Apple still calls your name. Regardless, today’s Gift Guide is perfect for the New Yorker or New York-at heart. I’ve rounded up my favorite NYC themed pieces for a fun taste of the city that can be shared, whether you’re near or far. Did I go a little overboard? Maybe, I mean I included nearly 30 different ideas and spent hours scouring across almost a dozen website. But you have to admit, this guide is absolutely jammed packed. That sad part is though, there were even more picks that either didn’t quite make the cut or I just didn’t have the room for.

Another great NYC gift idea is this sweatshirt from J. Crew. I bought it as soon as I found out that I was moving to the Big Apple, but it quickly became one of my absolute favorites. Seriously, this thing is crazy soft! Paired with this Steward plaid button-down from Old Navy and cheery red flats from J. Crew, a simple sweatshirt gets a quick makeover and becomes the center piece of a very put together outfit that is perfect for the holidays.

Love from NYC,
Katie

1: Charm Bracelet || 2: Eyeglass Case || 3: Pink Oblong Scarf || 4: State Charm Necklace || 5: Pretzel Earrings || 6: Cab Ornament || 7: Coffee Table Book || 8: Pretzel Ornament || 9: Cab Flats || 10: Map Clutch || 11: Liberty Ornament || 12: Homesick Candle || 13: Dog Toy || 14: Coffee Mug || 15: Skyline LEGO Set || 16: Guide Book || 17: Skyline Tee || 18: Map Square Scarf || 19: Yankees Cap || 20: Ceramic Coffee Mug || 21: Apple Earrings || 22: Skyline Picture Frame || 23: City Guide Book || 24: Sweatshirt || 25: Liberty LEGO Set || 26: Blue Oblong Scarf || 27: Skyline Handbag || 28: Taxi Mittens