Each summer I attend the NY NOW show—The Market for Lifestyle, Home + Gift—at the Javits Center in New York City. It's fun to walk the aisles filled with jewelry, housewares, artisan crafts, paper goods and a whole lot more.
Since now is the gift-giving season, I thought I would share some of my favorite things from the show. I've included only items that I know can be purchased online. Also included in this year's gift guide are a few products from my basket of blogger swag—I receive so many different and unusual items throughout the year.
If you haven't finished your holiday shopping, perhaps you'll find an idea for the perfect gift for a loved one or maybe a treat for yourself.
For Those Who Love Jewelry
- Maya Angelou: The Legacy Collection caught my interest at the show. You can order the jewelry at dogeared.com. There are bracelets, necklaces and totes with Angelou quotes such as, "One must nurture the joy in one's life so that it reaches full bloom."
Maya Angelou-inspired jewelry and gifts.
- Founded by actress and singer/songwriter Caitlin Crosby, thegivingkeys.com tells you to "embrace your word, then pass it on to a person who needs it more than you." Words like brave, courage and faith are engraved on keys. There are gender-neutral necklaces, keychains, bracelets and more. Each sale helps the homeless.
- The Love Code charms in the lulu dk love letters collection contain a cryptic message that is visible only when spun.
The Love Letters Collection.
- Need to keep time? I like Tokyobay stylish watches with affordable prices.
Tokyobay stylish watches.
For Carrying Your Stuff
- Andean women artisans make Awamaki woven textile totes using traditional back-strap looms.
- Bags and accessories from Pixie Mood are cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. Check out the neat cork collection.
Vegan and Cork handbags and pouches.
- Baggu.com offers pretty leather, suede and fabric purses, totes and backpacks.
Baggu makes colorful suede and leather accessories.
- Christen Maxwell totes and zippys are made with classy and beautiful fabrics that will work for any season.
Christen Maxwell totes and zippys.
For a Beautiful Body and Bath
- If you want to boost your mood, try essential oils from adoratherapy.com. I use the lavender oil mix at bedtime to relax.
- Prefer English lavender when you want to chill out? I received samples from Camille Beckman English Lavender Collection and like the fragrant scent.
Relax with Camille Beckman English Lavender products.
- I take Epsom salt baths several times a week. Maybe that's why I was drawn to Smitten's Bath Bombs (and other bath products), which explode in your tub to soothe, soften and leave you smelling oh-so-sweet!
Feeling Smitten soaks for the bath.
Give yourself a ToGoSpa treatment at home.
For Wrapping Yourself Up—Day or Night
- When the weather turns cold, you'll appreciate these comfy and cozy sweatshirts from The Original Cloud Company. They call these tops "wearable zen."
- PJ Harlow loungewear is always one of Oprah's picks, and it's one of mine, too! I like its Rock Cotton tunic for yoga or anytime you want "cotton for your body and a rock for your soul." You can find other unique 100% cotton tops and bottoms at supermaggie.com.
Rock Cotton tunic now comes in new colors.
- If you're on the go, you might want to try a Lotus Style Pocket Poppet. The cardigan literally pops out of a pouch—you can pop it in your handbag for travel.
The Poppet cardigan pops out of a pocket!
- If you want to keep your feet warm without showing you're wearing socks, you might like Keysocks, knee-high, no-show socks.
- Take a look at the beautifully designed fabrics on the scarves, bags and home goods made by Indian women from the anchalproject.org. According to its website, Anchal's cofounders met at the Rhode Island School of Design during a graduate seminar that explored design in the developing world.
For Those Who Like Books and the Written Word
- Compendium has a mission to "spread the joy of living inspired." Its products combine vibrant designs with thoughtful words to create gift books, journals, greeting cards, stationery and desk accessories that will uplift you. There are so many great journals, including "Share Happy," a poster book to brighten your world; "Finding Gratitude," a guided journal to help you notice the good in every day; "Read This Till You Believe It," statements of support and empathy that speak to all kinds of challenging times; and my favorite, "Hello Someday," a gift book to inspire and celebrate retirement.
"Hello Someday" makes a great gift for a future retiree.
- BensGarden.comprovides découpage inspired by his garden. According to his website, Ben Busko was 8 years old when he started his artwork: "Armed with a paint brush, Ben developed his design sensibility and technique piece by piece; using imagery, a colorful palette and words in entirely new ways."
Ben's Garden is filled with inspiring gifts.
- I wish I could give everyone a Big Love Ball. We need more love and compassion in our world. Buy one and wrap your arms around it each day. Better yet, just start saying "I love you" to your family and friends whenever you see or talk to them. It's the best gift—and it's free!
Share LOVE this season.
Happy holidays and happy shopping!
This post originally appeared on aboomerslifeafter50.com.
