{"id":26054,"date":"2016-12-16T19:35:47","date_gmt":"2016-12-16T19:35:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/?p=26054"},"modified":"2016-12-18T18:31:52","modified_gmt":"2016-12-18T18:31:52","slug":"gift-ideas-holiday-gift-guide-2016","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/gift-ideas-holiday-gift-guide-2016\/","title":{"rendered":"GIFT IDEAS: HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2016"},"content":{"rendered":"

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2016<\/h1>\n

In this especially trying year, I know that a lot of us have not gotten much into the holiday spirit yet.\u00a0 But you guys had better buck-up and get with it because both Christmas and Chanukah are just a little over a week away!<\/p>\n

So, if your mind is still spinning too much from recent national events to concentrate on figuring-out just what to get for everyone on your list, I\u2019m here to help. I have a few suggestions that are fabulous, even if you\u2019re not struggling<\/em> for gift ideas.<\/p>\n

These recommendations are all tried and true, some by just me, and others by my review panel, as well.\u00a0 They\u2019re all so good that you may even want to get them for yourself, as well!\u00a0 So, let\u2019s get to them:<\/p>\n

COSMETICS<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"dream-weaver\"<\/a>Gerard Cosmetics<\/strong>\u2014I love absolutely everything this company has to offer, especially their lipsticks. And they come up with something new every year. Their recent-addition Metal-Matte Liquid Lipsticks give you the shiniest lips ever! (They have staying power, too.) All six shades are perfect for the holidays, and beyond. I declare that every girly-girl must own at least one for New Year’s Eve! And, if you act soon, you can get the entire set of them in a special limited-edition designer tin. What a wonderful gift that is!<\/p>\n

One fun sidebar about another Gerard Cosmetics product: I was recently with a friend whose face looked extra-glowy. I looked closely, and noticed tiny sparkles. I immediately had to know what she was wearing, and, to my surprise (and delight,) it was the BB Plus Illumination Cream from this very company! (I guess great minds do<\/em> think alike!) So, if someone\u2019s getting me<\/em> a gift this year, this just might be the one to consider! Just sayin\u2019. www.gerardcosmetics.com<\/a><\/p>\n

THEATRE\u2014ON BOTH COASTS!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets to a fabulous presentation are always thoughtful gifts, for all<\/em> occasions. People on both coasts, and everywhere in-between, I\u2019m happy to say, are very lucky this year to be able to share these wonderful shows with their loved ones this holiday, and shortly after:<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Photo by Philicia Endelman.<\/p><\/div>\n

A Cinderella Christmas<\/strong>\u2014This holiday show at the Pasadena Playhouse in Los Angeles is a classic British Christmas \u201cpanto,\u201d which is a comedic musical take on a famous fairy tale, and is tons of fun for both kids and adults.\u00a0 This year\u2019s choice is Cinderella<\/em>, and it could not be more entertaining, especially the evil step-sisters.\u00a0 (If you missed my recent review of it, you can read it here: itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/theatrechildren-a-cinderella-christmas<\/a>.)\u00a0 I highly recommend it to every single person reading this, no matter your age.\u00a0 I guarantee you\u2019ll leave with a humungous smile on your face.\u00a0 Give the tickets as gifts to your whole family, and start your new tradition of seeing a panto every year.\u00a0 But hurry\u2014the run ends on January 8!\u00a0 www.pasadenaplayhouse.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Cirque Du Soleil shows<\/strong>\u2013This year I have not only one but two<\/em> Cirque Du Soleil productions to recommend, one in New York, and the other in the rest of the country! Here\u2019s the skinny on them:<\/p>\n

\"show_toruk\"<\/a>TORUK, The First Flight<\/strong>\u2014The most creative people in the entire world now bring us this new show, which is inspired by the hit film, Avatar<\/em>.\u00a0 I\u2019ve never even seen that film, but I always look forward to everything<\/em> that Cirque du Soleil has to offer. (And blue is my favorite color!) They\u2019ve never let me down, so the people you give these tickets to will love you forever.\u00a0 It will be in Los Angeles just from January 12-15, 2017, so these gifts will be right on time.\u00a0 Making it even more fun for us Angelenos is that it will be at The Forum, which used to be our main venue back in the day, and has had a recent resurgence.\u00a0 But don\u2019t despair if you\u2019re located elsewhere in the country\u2014this show will be traveling to at least seven other cities, and three in Mexico, as well! \u00a0 (And maybe everyone seeing Toruk<\/em> should join me in seeing the film it\u2019s based on before the new year. Christmas Day movie party, anyone?)\u00a0 www.cirquedusoleil.com\/toruk<\/a><\/p>\n

\"screen-shot-2016-10-27-at-8-55-39-pm-e1477658518552-437x336\"<\/a>Paramour<\/strong>\u2014For my east coast peeps, there is not one gift I consider better than a ticket to see this incredible Broadway show!\u00a0 (If you missed my review of it a couple of months ago, you can read it here: itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/new-yorktheatre-paramour-a-cirque-du-soleil-musical<\/a>.)\u00a0 It truly is the best Broadway musical I\u2019ve ever seen in my entire life!\u00a0 And that is absolutely no hyperbole. And here\u2019s some more great news\u2014the run is open-ended, so you can give the gift of tickets to Paramour<\/em> now, but go see it when the holiday madness has died down.\u00a0 It\u2019s a win-win.\u00a0 www.cirquedusoleil.com\/paramour<\/a><\/p>\n

ARTWORK<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Photo courtesy of Shaz Justice.<\/p><\/div>\n

Shaz Justice Fine Art<\/strong>\u2013A gift of artwork is always appreciated, especially when it\u2019s as fabulous as the work of artist Shaz Justice! Her images are always adorable and a bit outside the box. She does commission pieces, but also has many paintings ready to go. Her designs are so distinctive and creative and special that absolutely everyone<\/em> will be thrilled to own one. And a perk when giving gifts is that Shaz\u2019s artwork is very, very affordable! She uses mixed mediums and digital format, and will always work with her clients to come up with exactly what they want. But, judging by the pieces I\u2019m featuring here, you can just go to her website and choose something ready-made for her to send to your gift recipients right now! I know that many celebrities, especially rock bands, are fans of her work, so everyone who gets one will be in great company. www.shazjustice.com<\/a><\/p>\n

THE GIFT OF EATERY IDEAS<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"51828427\"<\/a>Zagats New York City Restaurant Guide<\/strong>\u2014It was a sad day when we all realized that our beloved Zagat restaurant bible no longer published a Los Angeles guide. My friends and I had been addicted to it for decades now. We waited each Fall for our own copies to arrive, like Ralphie waited for his Red Ryder Air Rifle in A Christmas Story<\/em>! So, imagine my delight when, on my recent trip to New York, I noticed that local retailers there were still selling New York City editions! Even though I\u2019m no longer bi-coastal, I just had to have one.<\/p>\n

I noticed all the updates right away, beginning with the newly-designed cover. The logo is different, and the burgundy color is now sort-of a strawberry. The scoring system is all new, as well. I usually hate change, but I\u2019m eager to check-out everything that the 2017 guide has to offer. You can, too, on\u00a0www.amazon.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

EATERY CERTIFICATES THEMSELVES!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a>

Photo courtesy of Back on the Beach Cafe.<\/p><\/div>\n

Back On The Beach Cafe<\/strong>–Since, as I\u2019m sure you all know by now, I\u2019m restaurant-obsessed, one of my favorite gifts to receive is a certificate to an eatery. The denomination is not even important\u2014the thoughtful act is what truly counts. Of course, you can do this gift in any city in the world, but for my Los Angeles peeps, there\u2019s no better place to send your recipients than Santa Monica\u2019s Back On The Beach Cafe! It\u2019s one of the most popular breakfast and lunch places in the whole city! And what could be better after, (or during!,) the hectic holidays than to sit on the beach, dig your toes into the sand, and enjoy a delicious repast!? Absolutely nothing else I can think of. As a matter of fact, I think I may head down there right now. Happy Holidays to me<\/em>! (You can read my in-depth review of the place here: itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/dining-back-on-the-beach-cafe<\/a>.) www.backonthebeachcafe.com<\/a><\/p>\n

GIFT BASKETS<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"florence_foster_jenkins\"<\/a>DVD Gift Baskets<\/strong>–This is one of the most fun gifts I\u2019ve ever received.\u00a0 I was in Brooklyn with my little mother when I received my first one, and she was so tickled pink by it that I have total confidence recommending it to everyone.\u00a0 And you don\u2019t have to leave your house to give it. It\u2019s a gift basket that features a DVD of a movie or TV, along with candy selections and little goodies that support the theme of the DVD you order!\u00a0 So clever.\u00a0 You can choose everything that goes in the basket, especially the film, or just have them surprise you.\u00a0 Since awards season is upon us, I recommend ordering a current film, such as the very humorous true story, Florence Foster Jenkins<\/em>, which is getting tons of nominations.\u00a0 (I\u2019m into only upbeat films at holiday time.) Or, perhaps even better, order the above-mentioned Avatar<\/em>, and then take your loved ones to see Toruk<\/em>, the Cirque du Soleil show based on it, that I recommended in one of the above sections!\u00a0 What a fun, fabulous tie-in gift!\u00a0 www.dvdgiftbaskets.com<\/a><\/p>\n

CHARITY<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I can\u2019t single-out any one charitable organization to give to this holiday season; I\u2019m just reminding you that a donation in someone\u2019s name is an option.\u00a0 Most of the gifts I\u2019ve<\/em> given for the past five years are of a charitable nature, rather than actual physical gifts.\u00a0 But I know not everyone wants to do that.\u00a0 And most people do look forward to see what actual items their loved ones pick-out for them, which I totally understand.\u00a0 But giving to a charity in someone\u2019s name can never be wrong, so please keep it in mind.<\/p>\n

And here\u2019s one last general tip\u2014if you\u2019re planning on shopping on-line, today, December 16 is \u201cfree shipping day,\u201d practically across the board.\u00a0 So, better get cracking on those gifts today!\u00a0 Good one, eh?! \u00a0Happy gift-giving!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2016 In this especially trying year, I know that a lot of us have not gotten much into the holiday spirit yet.\u00a0 But you guys had better buck-up and get with it because both Christmas and Chanukah are just a little over a week away! So, if your mind is still spinning<\/p>\n

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