{gift ideas} top picks for christmas

Every year for Christmas, I pick out two to three things to give as gifts--it just makes shopping much easier (for me at least). Not that I grab the first thing I see and buy in bulk...I still put some thought into it, in case you're wondering, and that's because my mom once told me, 'Give something you would want yourself.' 

So here are my three picks for this year:

1. monogrammed mugs. I love the font on these mugs--not too fancy, not too plain. The ones pictured here are from Anthropologie, but you can can find nice mugs in SM Homeworld, Landmark, Uniwide Warehouse Club, or Divisoria and just have them monogrammed at any print shop.

monogrammed mugs from anthropologie

2. artisan chocolate from the philippines. I first saw this on my friend's facebook page and instantly fell in love with the packaging (of course!). What's interesting though, is that it's made with green mango and sea salt. Now I love chocolate..and I love green mango with salt. But together? It just seemed weird. So I had to try for myself and well, it was actually good! Check out Theo & Philo for all the other flavors. 

3. be well teas. I didn't think these were available locally until I saw them at healthy options. I love how they're made for specific 'needs.' There's one for clear skin, one for digestion, one for energy, one for detoxing...you'll find the full range at the republic of tea. (oh, and it wouldn't be me if I didn't say I first noticed this because of the simple packaging...and the bright colors are just too cute!)

be well teas from the republic of tea