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Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her nine-year-old son, husband of 14 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works full time with ValleyPBS as their Director of Educational Services and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.

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Latest posts by Natali Carrera (see all)

• Treat Yourself! New Locally Owned Nail Spa Opens in Northwest Fresno - January 15, 2019
• 10 Ways to Ring in the New Year – Out and About or At Home - December 30, 2018
• FresYes Eats: Mochuelo - December 26, 2018

Gentlemen, if you’re a bit unsure of what to get the woman in your life for Christmas this year, never fear – queen over-shop is here. (Thankfully I’m an over-shopper but not necessarily an over-spender.) I love the “sport” of shopping – the thrill of the hunt for the perfect gift item at the best possible price, and I’ve happily done that work for you or anyone who’s favorite “sport” doesn’t involve Target, Amazon or Sephora. 😉 (Don’t worry, I know shopping is not a sport.) Also, you’ll likely be happy to see that all of these gift ideas are under $100 (and many are under $50). Each item is linked for your online shopping convenience.

Idea #1: The world’s most comfortable sneakers – Skechers Go Walk Flash 2 ($35 – $65, depending on color/style)

These shoes are made with a recycled yoga mat as their insole and the bottom of the shoe, while thick enough to prevent the wearer from feeling every pebble in the road, is flexible enough to eliminate painful foot cramps and fatigue. I own two pairs of these affordable sneaks and I walk over 10k steps a day, often getting 3-4 of miles in at night. These shoes hold up well and make me feel like I’m stepping on squishy, bouncy clouds. I told my neighbor about them, and she loves them too. In fact, she got the men’s version for her husband and he also loves them. They are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned and I plan to keep purchasing them when I eventually wear through my current pairs.

Idea #2: A super-soft robe ($25-30) (Target robe) (TJ Maxx Robe)

There is nothing like a crazy soft robe when you get home from a long day and change into your comfy clothes or pajamas. On a cold night, plush robes help keep the warmth in without having to adjust the thermostat as often, not to mention they make the wearer feel pampered. I have two soft robes, one was a free gift with a purchase a few years ago, and the other I received recently as a gift. I love them both, and would not even be sad if I received another as a future gift. I love them!

Beware: Furry friends may try to steal fantastic fuzzy robes. (Can’t say I blame them, though.)

Idea #3: Tartelette In Bloom Eyeshadow Palette ($45)

Whether your lady loves beauty products and cosmetics and collects MAC lipstick shades like you collect baseball cards, or could care less about having a large make-up collection, this palette is neutral and natural enough to flatter almost anyone who wears makeup, and new to the market enough to excite even avid cosmetic collectors. Tarte (the brand who makes the palette) is cruelty-free (no harm to cute fuzzy animals) and natural (safe and gentle on skin) but offers great quality colors with nice pigmentation that are easy to blend. The Tartelette palette can be ordered online, too, (read: you don’t have to go to the makeup store) here at Ulta.com.

Idea #4: Sephora Fragrance Sampler with Full-Sized Perfume Voucher ($58-65)

Choosing a fragrance for someone else can be very tricky, however, Sephora offers a great fragrance gifting option. For $58, you can give a Favorite Fragrance gift box containing 7 multi-use samples of Sephora’s best selling women’s perfumes. When the recipient decides which scent is her favorite, she can redeem the included voucher for a full-sized bottle of the that fragrance in store. Some of the perfumes actually cost more than the sampler box itself, so this set not only gives the gift of choice, but also value. There is a similar set, called Liquid Luxuries that provides 15 samples along with a voucher. Either one of these is sure to be a winning gift! (Unless of course the person you’re giving it to is allergic to perfumes – then skip this one!)

Idea #5: A great, all-purpose faux-leather tote and infinity scarves ($48-$68)

Having nice accessories that are easy to pair with almost any outfit helps to update almost anyone’s wardrobe in a flash. An awesome tote in a neutral tone (both the black and cognac options of this bag are great!) and a fantastic scarf (scarf suggestion 1) or two (scarf suggestion 2) (wrap them up in the tote as an added surprise) will keep your recipient feeling stylish.

Idea #6: Paint Nite Gift Certificates ($24-45)

Paint Nite is a fun new night out activity happening all over in the Fresno area. Local artists take over a banquet room or large area of a local restaurant/bar and teach everyday folk how to paint a beautiful painting that they get to take home and show off to the world. The artists make it seem easy to recreate paintings, step by step, and guests can enjoy drinks or food while they paint. Paint Nite makes for a great date or girls’ night out – so consider buying a gift certificate for two admissions and either offer to go with her, or provide a ticket so she can take a friend. I’ve participated in Paint Nite recently myself, and am looking forward to my next one! Be sure to check Living Social and/or Groupon, they often have great specials for Paint Nite tickets.

My first Paint Nite painting

Idea #7: Coffee Tumbler & Favorite Coffeehouse Gift Card ($20+)

If your recipient is a coffee (or maybe tea?) lover and has a favorite coffee shop, consider picking up a neat new tumbler or mug and gifting it with a gift card for coffee inside. Espresso drinks aren’t cheap, and for some, they’re a luxury that often are passed up because of cost. Making it easy for the special woman in your life to cozy up with a caramel latte without guilt in a pretty new tumbler is a very enjoyable gift. Here are a few tumblers I really like: Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 

Idea #8: Stitch Fix Gift Card ($20+)

Have you heard the woman in your life complain that she “has nothing to wear!” or “doesn’t know how to dress anymore” or maybe she doesn’t have time to shop? Stitch Fix offers personally styling service at an affordable price. For $20, your gift recipient can complete an online style profile in just a few minutes that gives a stylist information such as style preferences, sizing, body type, likes and dislikes etc. Then, the stylist goes to work hand selecting 5 articles of clothing they think will look fantastic on the recipient. These 5 items are shipped to the recipients home, and they have three days to try them on, see which ones they love and send any they don’t love back in the pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope. The recipient then pays for the items they decided to keep and the $20 styling fee is credited toward the total of the kept items. I have been using this service personally for over two years now, and at least 75% of the clothing I wear comes from Stitch Fix. If you’re able to afford to put around $100 on a gift card, this should pay for the first styling and at least a couple pieces of clothing, possibly more depending on the price range your recipient tells her stylist to stick within for each item. The more you’re able to put on the gift card, the more articles of clothing your recipient can receive or, she can apply the credit for future shipments (called Fixes). There is no ongoing commitment required – Fixes can come on a regular basis or just once – the recipient is totally in control.

Idea #9: Mani-Pedi Gift Card(s) ($45+)

Much like fancy coffee drinks, many women love the luxury of a manicure and pedicure, but don’t see it fitting in their typical budget. If this describes a loved one you’d like to give a gift to this Christmas, consider a gift card to her favorite nail salon. Not sure where she’d like to go? A few that I’ve been to personally and had a great experience with are: Aqua Nails, E-Nails, and my personal favorite, Emerald Nails. For the ultimate mom’s gift – if you have young children, and have another couple you hang out with that has young children, include a note that says Dads will watch the kiddos for an afternoon while moms go for a mani-pedi and lunch. Each husband can give a restaurant and mani-pedi certificate and the moms can enjoy a nice afternoon of relaxation. (Mega bonus points for this type of gift Dads!)

Idea #10: Super Soft New Sheets ($22)

If the woman you’re buying for appreciates practical gifts, this amazing sheet set (available in many sizes and colors) will make going to sleep an even more pleasant experience than it already is. (Do you remember being a kid and hating naps? What was wrong with us!? Sleep = good!) This incredibly soft, lightweight yet cozy sheet set is 1800 thread-count and the softest set I’ve ever owned. And yes, the sets actually sell for only $22! Snag a set (or two, so you don’t have to stress on laundry day!) on Amazon, then surprise the recipient by sneaking them onto the bed for her.

Even if her bedroom isn’t this luxurious, she’ll be able to imagine it is with soft, new sheets

I hope you found these suggestions helpful, and came across at least a couple of ideas that sound perfect for the special woman in your life! Feel free to leave any questions in the comments section. Sorry though, I can’t gift wrap for you. 😉