Cheryl Shops

Ok, procrastinators. You have two choices: you can give someone an Amazon gift card and die of shame, or you pick one of these gifts and pretend like you ordered it three weeks ago like the totally organized, thoughtful person you are. Which one is it going to be?


1. There are all sorts of crazy stories about these DNA kits, like people finding out they're actually adopted, but to me, the fun would be connecting with long-lost relatives all over the world—and having an excuse to go visit them. This is the lighter version of the kit, i.e. not the one that tells you all the diseases you're going to die from. It's on Amazon, so you can use your Prime and get next-day delivery if necessary.
23andMe ancestry kit $79

2. You can join a random Internet wine club and get crappy bottles that distributors can't sell, or you can go right to the source and support a local, family-owned winery that needs all the help it can get after the Sonoma fires this year. I am a member at Larson, and not only are their wines delicious, they're incredibly affordable too. And if you're ever in town, you can visit the vineyard and hang out with their three labradors.
Larson Family Wine Club starting at $19 per bottle

3. In the years since I've last been a member, Birchbox has come a long way in terms of personalization, and they even have boxes for guys. And who doesn't like getting a box of surprises every month in the mail?
Birchbox subscription $30-$110

4. Texture is an app that has literally changed my life—for $14.99 a month, you get to download a digital version of pretty much every magazine out there (there's a $9.99 version that excludes the weekly mags). I read everything from Architectural Digest to US Weekly, and thus support journalism, i.e. real news, in all genres.
Texture app subscription $30–$50
5. There's just something so indulgent about having fresh flowers in your house—this may be a somewhat frivolous gift, but isn't that the idea? The best kinds of gifts are ones that seem silly to buy for yourself. With Bouqs, you can choose the frequency and type of flowers, and thus totally spoil your recipient.
Bouqs subscription starting at $40

6. Full disclosure: I am kind of mad at the Zoe Report Box of Style at the moment, because they charged my credit card nearly a month ago for my winter box and it has yet to ship. (I am apparently not alone.) That said, this is still my favorite subscription box and worth it, even with the customer-service headaches.
Zoe Report Box of Style $99.99–$349.99

7. Blacksocks has more than black socks—a bunch of colors, for one, plus underwear and shirts—but I like their whole idea of saving time by not worrying about dumb things like socks. And based on the rave reviews, their products are clearly well loved.
Blacksocks subscription starting at $98

8. I was at a friend's house recently and was somewhat surprised to be listening to Pandora radio, complete with ads. People still do that?! I've been a Spotify Premium subscriber for years, and while sometimes I'm overwhelmed by choice, I think its playlists and music-recommendation algorithms are unparalleled. Bonus: unlimited skipping, and no ads!
Spotify Premium $9.99–$119.88
9. From the women's marches to #metoo, 2017 has weirdly shaped up to be the year of the woman. Let's keep the momentum going globally in 2018 by funding a woman entrepreneur through Kiva micro-financing.
Kiva card $25–$2,000

And now, onto the most fun gift guide of the holiday 2017 season: gifts for ME! (Hey, this is my blog, and I can dream if I want to!) Here's what I've been lusting after this year. Warning: most of these are on the splurgy side, but, Santa Baby, I've been an awful good girl.


1. I thought I wanted a pair of Gucci Marmont loafers until I saw a coworker with these. Now they're the only shoes I can think about. Gucci is THE It label right now, but these will live forever.
Gucci Princetown mules $680

2. Lingua Franca's cashmere sweaters are like the Gen X version of those T-shirts that say "Rosé all day." Some of their slogans are a bit silly (like the ones that say "Original Gangster") but "Old School"—and the bright red color—suits me just fine.
Lingua Franca Old School sweater $360

3. These earrings have inspired a thousand knockoffs (including, um, the ones I featured in my gifts for women guide), and yet all I want is the real thing.
Annie Costello Brown arc earrings $205

4. I have a DSLR camera that I paid a small fortune for several years ago; it takes beautiful photos, however I rarely use it because it weighs like 8 pounds. I want to downgrade (or upgrade?) to this mirrorless camera, which bloggers rave about. If you can't beat 'em...
Canon EOS M6 camera $799

5. I live in an old Victorian, and my apartment gets incredibly cold and drafty in the winter. This faux-fur sleeping bag looks like the perfect solution, although I fear I'd be so warm and cozy, I'd never get up from the couch.
Cuddle Up faux-fur sleeping bag $199

6. I've been looking for a leopard-print coat forever; I have a vintage one that I love, but it's falling apart. I am really particular about leopard prints, and although this one is not quite right—it's faux fur, and I'd prefer a natural woven fabric—it's pretty darn close.
House of Harlow x Revolve Perry coat $278

7. I once bought this hand soap without checking the price, and I was too embarrassed to say anything, so I brought it home anyway. It literally changed my life—it's the only hand soap I've ever used that has not dried out my hands. The price is fairly ridiculous and yet somehow worth it.
Aesop Resurrection Aromatique hand wash $39

8. Speaking of ridiculous, does anyone really need a $400 hair dryer? Like, is this really better than a Babybliss or a Hot Tools? With its featherweight construction, near-silent fan, and shortened drying time, all reviews point to yes.
Dyson supersonic hair dryer $399

9. I am so methodical about my handbags, it usually takes me close to a year to make a decision. (I am a little OCD, I know.) I have been eyeing this one all year, and after seeing it on one of my favorite fashion bloggers, I think my decision has finally been made.
A.P.C. Demi-Lune bag $470


Coming next week: a last-minute gift guide for all the procrastinators out there!

1. You don't have to be a millennial to love avocados—and hate how they turn brown, even when you wrap them tightly. This BPA-free silicone cover (in two sizes) should prevent any spots.
Avocado huggers $7.95
2. This handy kit will transform your airplane vodka-and-soda into a Moscow mule—all you're missing is the copper mug. Also available for old-fashioned and gin & tonic.
Carry-on cocktail kit $24

3. Who doesn't love sheet masks? They're Instagrammable, even if you're an Instagram husband. Oh, and they make your skin look amazing.
Sephora Face Mask Magic! $25

4. If you see my #OOTD Instagram stories, you may have noticed one of these on my phone. It is pretty much the handiest thing—literally. I hold it while taking photos and scrolling through my apps, and you can also use it with a hook in your car. Seriously life transforming!
PopSocket $9.99

5. Labor Day weekend in San Francisco broke record heat temperatures...and also introduced me to this wonder, a fan that plugs into your iPhone and blows a surprisingly strong breeze.
iPhone fan $4.99
6. These are technically men's socks, but I'd gladly wear Han and Chewy on my feet (or, if you prefer, C-3PO and R2-D2).
Stance Star Wars Socks $20

7. Drinking your daily 64 oz. of water will be just a little more fun in a glitter-covered water bottle (that, god willing, should not spread its sparkle on others).
Ban.Do glitter bomb $24

8. This would be a fairly hilarious gift for coworkers with good senses of humor. "Replied all" may need to get reused several times; hopefully "Mediocre boss" won't.
Worst coworker ribbons $20

9. Apparently coloring books for adults are a thing. This one has 80 pages of New York scenes, the thought of which makes me just a little bit homesick—in a good way.
Seasons of New York coloring book $22.50


Up next week: my dream wish list, i.e. splurges for girls who've been very, very good this year.

1. Cuyana makes the most quietly beautiful leather goods, and even better, they're incredibly well priced. This is pretty much the perfect bag, and it comes in three colors, as well as a larger size.
Cuyana smal hobo $195

2. Gap makes this sweater every year, and sales from it are probably propping up the company year-round, but, hey, if it works, it works.
Gap crazy stripe sweater $34.95 (on sale!)

3. Think of this as the new stress ball—moving your hand back and forth to change the pattern of the sequins is incredibly mesmerizing and calming. Also, it's just a darn glamorous pillow.
Levtex sequin pillow $39.99

4. Bite Beauty's lipsticks are made of food-grade ingredients, which is a good thing, considering you actually swallow most of the lipstick you put on. I am a huge fan of the deeply pigmented hues, too.
Bite Beauty perfect bite set $25

5. Pretty much every cool girl I've seen recently has been wearing a pair of sculptural metal statement earrings like these. Bonus: they look great on women of all ages.
Madewell sculpture earrings $25.50 (on sale!)

6. Who doesn't love athleisure? These leggings will make her the best-dressed woman at barre class (and even afterward at brunch).
EXP Core watercolor leggings $34.95 (on sale!)

7. The older I get, the more I'm learning the power of good lighting. This iPhone case ensures every selfie (or conventional photo) will be shot in flattering light.
Lumee iPhone case $69.95
8. Do you have a friend with a pricey kombucha habit? (I'm talking $7 a bottle, or more, people. The struggle is real.) This will let her brew her own, minus the random yeast globs.
Kombucha brewing kit $48.95

9. These boots were probably not made for walking, but they are made for dancing—and they're a tenth of the price of those YSL runway beauties.
Shellys London sequin boots $228

Have a happy Thanksgiving, and an even happier Black Friday and Small Business Saturday! I'll be back next week with more gift guides!

1. This cooler is half the price of those big, brightly colored plastic ones, and while it might not keep things as cold, it does hold 36 cans of beer, comes with a rust-proof bottle opener, and is much lighter—and thus perfect for camping.
Barebones living explorer cooler $100

2. This book won the Pulitzer, a National Book Award, and countless others, and was endorsed by Oprah, and even though it takes place during the civil war, its themes are just as topical now.
The Underground Railroad $16.39

3. Have you traveled with a man recently? Have you also been amazed by the number of cords he carries with him? This handy contraption will keep his various USBs, chargers, and connectors organized.
Travel cord roll $20
4. This doormat just makes me laugh. It's the perfect combination of adulting and adolescent, and great for the guy who's not quite grown up.
Reed Wilson SUP doormat $50 (back in stock 12/1)
Stone Island digital camouflage sweatshirt $260

7. Similar to the doormat above, this dinosaur succulent planter made me laugh. You could give it to a preteen or a grandpa (or any age in between), and they'd all get a kick of it.
T-Rex planter $34

8. Everlane is kind of like this generation's Gap—it has well-made, well-priced basics that everyone loves, and thus it's a great go-to for gifts. Their cashmere is really good quality for the price, and the range of colors means you should be able to find just the right one.
Everlane cashmere scarf $88

9. Pretty much every man who works in tech in San Francisco (and especially Silicon Valley) has these shoes. They are reportedly breathable, quite comfortable, and surprisingly cool-looking, especially for an industry that tends to downplay style. This time, the popular vote wins.
Allbirds wool runners $95


Coming later this week, gifts for the ladies in your life—stay tuned!

Seriously, how is it almost Thanksgiving? And because I don't want to be the only blogger out there who's not doing a gift guide (kidding—I actually love doing these!), here's the first installment in this year's holiday 2017 gift guide. I always start with kids, because they're the most fun to shop for (and the most fun to watch open presents). Here are my picks for kids of all ages.


1. This elephant flaps its ears and plays music, which will probably make parents want to kill themselves, but should delight babies.
Baby Gund Flappy the Elephant $40

2. Kids of all ages are obsessed—obsessed—with Minions, which makes this pretty much the coolest suitcase in existence (even for grown-up kids like, ahem, me).
Away Minions carry-on $225

3. With LED lights, this garbage truck takes something kids are already obsessed with and steps it up to a future-Burning-Man-participant level.
Laser pegs garbage truck $45

4. The only thing that may be cooler than Minions is unicorns, and with customizable options, this one is likely to make you seem like the superhero.
Magical superhero unicorn cape $29.99

5. I love reading Amazon reviews, and the ones for this product do not disappoint—people are legit amazed by how much fun kids have with this set. It's never to early to put them to work, I say.
Melissa & Doug Let's Play House set $23.24

6. Think of this as the junior version of the pink pussy hat. And, note, it's not just for girls.
Oeuf feminist crown $48

7. My friend's daughter has a personalized book like this and she pretty much thinks it's the best thing since…well…Minions.
Goodnight Little Me personalized book $34.95

8. This present is so cool, I kind of want one for myself—again, another gift for kids of all ages.
Design-your-own street art headphones $30

9. I can envision everything from grade-school goofiness to teen angst expressed on one of these light-up signs. Plus, it's just so Instagrammable!
My cinema lightbox $30

Stay tuned for my next rounds of gift guides, coming next week—just in time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday!