T H E D I Y P L AY B O O K
2017
T A B L E
-BRI DGET & CASEY
1.
O F
C O N T E N T S
Favorites Under Fifty
2. Home for the Holidays 3. For the Fashionista 5. Casey’s Favorites 6. Beauty Essentials 8. Finn’s Favorites 9. Matt’s Favorites 11. For the Fearless DIY-er 12. For the Fitness Fanatic 14. For the Hostess with the Mostess 16. For New Moms & Babies 17. Gifts For Couples 18. ‘Tis the Season 20. Bridget’s Favorites
“THE BEST WAY TO SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER IS SINGING LOUD FOR ALL TO HEAR” - BUDDY THE ELF
FAVORITES U N D E R $5 0
$14
$25
WARM SOCKS
CORD ORGANIZERS
Such warm socks... that are
Tangled cords are the WORST,
super cute too!
which is why we love these trendy and functional cord organizers that solve this
$10
$20
annoying problem in style.
FUN MATCHES
CITY CANDLE
A fun and festive accessory
With scents for all of the major
next to those seasonal candles
cities, you can give the gift of
on the bar cart.
your favorite destination! We really want to scoop up the Chicago scent (with hints of cucumber and basil)!
$14
$49
GOLD & WHITE MUG Drink your coffee in
PERSONALIZED KEYCHAIN
style with this gold and
So many cute color options
glamorous mug.
to show a little extra love for anyone on your shopping list.
$29 HEART MITTENS
$32
These heart mittens are melting our hearts.
MORSE CODE CUFF This sleek gold cuff is engraved with Morse code dots and lines. You can dis-
$20
play your initials (or those of a loved one) in a subtle way!
GEMSTONE IPHONE CASE
$20
Even if you don’t have
CHAMPAGNE GUMMY BEARS
the latest cell phone, you can still have the coolest
Perfect for the champs lover in your life!
that you care. In fact, we love a good bargain!
looking phone around.
These non-alcoholic, champagne flavored
H e r e a r e o u r f a v o r i t e g i f t s u n d e r $ 5 0.
gummies are delicious and festive!
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Y o u d o n’ t h a v e t o b r e a k t h e b a n k t o s h o w p e o p l e
MID-CENTURY TABLE PLANTER
HOME FOR T H E H O L I DAYS
Desktop, tabletop, counter, we love this planter just about anywhere!
MODERN CANISTERS TURKISH TOWELS
We both have these canisters and LOVE
Extra absorbent and
can be used for just about anything.
them! They’re stylish, functional and
super stylish. A win-win in our playbook!
RATTAN SERVING TRAY
COZY, SOFT, THROW
Corral your counter top or
gray and white stripes.
You can’t go wrong with
coffee table clutter with this rattan tray.
COFFEE TABLE BOOK
WOODEN DOUGH BOWL Stash your keys by the door,
Not only will
mail on your entryway, or even Polaroids showcasing your favorite memories!
this look great
WORK HARD... ART PRINT
on a coffee table, but it’s a great read
One of our favorite
full of home
prints of all time!
inspiration.
TRAVEL ART PRINT Framing memories from your travels is a thoughtful way to add meaningful decor to your home and doubles as the perfect gift.
T h e r e’ s n o p l a c e l i k e h o m e s w e e t h o m e , a n d w e l o v e g i f t i n g i t e m s t h a t make that special place even cozier. Whether you’re gifting a new homeowner, or someone who has been in their space for 30 years, anyone will love a few pretty items to make their space a little sweeter.
DECORATIVE PILLOW Love the pattern on this black and white pillow. Would look amazing on anyone's couch!
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POTTED ALOE PLANT No more worries about keeping this plant alive!
FOR THE FA S H I O N I S TA
We may not be fashionistas, but we have some tried & true pieces that we reach for over and over again. These presents a r e f o r t h e g a l w h o i s a l w a y s r o c k i n’ t h e l a t e s t t r e n d s !
WEDGE SNEAKERS WINTER COAT
This pair of TOMS has made our gift guide two years in
A classic winter staple
a row because we both still
that can easily transition
wear them all the time.
from work to the weekend (and keep you warm along the way!)
LEOPARD CLUTCH Leopard is a print that goes with absolutely everything. Love this sassy clutch!
COZY SWEATSHIRT Looking for extra layers this
TIE FRONT SWEATER
season? We are obsessed with this quarter zip sweatshirt!
OUR FAVORITE SUNGLASSES A wardrobe staple that
This tie-front
never goes out of style.
sweater was one of our most popular this year. It’s so cozy and comes in several gorgeous colors.
WORK TOTE A work bag that can look
CLASSIC WATCH A wardrobe staple we love with just
3
about every look.
TASSEL EARRINGS Word on the street... tassels are trendy! Love these sparkly earrings.
good in the office and out at happy hour (plus, less than $75!)
HUNTER BOOTS We both invested in Hunter boots a few years ago and get SO much use out of them each year.
W I N T E R C H A M PAG N E C O C K TA I L INGREDIENTS • 1 ounce freshly squeezed clementine juice (or grapefruit or orange) • 1 clementine peel (grapefruit or orange work well too) • 2 dashes orange bitters • 4 ounces Champagne, Prosecco, or sparkling wine, chilled • 1 sprig of rosemary garnish
PREPARATION In a Champagne flute add your citrus juice. Rub the edge of the glass with citrus peel and drop the peel into the glass. Add the bitters and the rosemary sprig and pour in the chilled bubbly.
CASEY’S FAVORITES
INITIAL NECKLACE I wear this just about every single day. Dainty & goes with everything.
FANCY PAJAMAS NADRI EARRINGS APPLE AIRPODS
I love the quality (yet
What can I say? I like to look fancy for bedtime.
affordable) earrings made by
After my headphones got
Nadri and these sparkly ones
stuck in the turnstile of the
This necklace dresses
are extra special.
train (true story!), I got
KENDRA SCOTT NECKLACE up any simple outfit.
these wireless earbuds and
I love the white and
haven’t looked back!
gold with many colors to choose from.
SOUND MACHINE
AWAY LUGGAGE
Consider
I purchased this luggage this
this a gift
year for our travels abroad
to yourself,
and I am officially obsessed.
because this
Lightweight, stylish, and room
baby will put
for everything.
you right to sleep every
Leather Travel Case Set
single night.
CHAMPAGNE STOPPER For those times when you can’t finish an entire bottle. Keeps
DAY DESIGNER PLANNER
This leather travel set is on my wish list. A classic and beautiful accessory.
CAPRI JAR CANDLE Just about every guest we have over always asks where they can get one for themselves! Trust me...you’ll love this clean scent.
This mini size is a new addition and I’m excited to use it for 2018.
When I find something I love, I’m the kinda gal who tells
bubbly fresh for
everyone she knows! As an avid review reader (#nerd),
a few days.
I’m always trying to find the best of the best when online shopping. I highly recommend everything on my favorites list!
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BEAUTY ESSENTIALS
W e c e r t a i n l y c a n’ t c l a i m t o b e b e a u t y a f i c i o n a d o s , b u t o u r m a k e u p b a g s a r e c e r t a i n l y f u l l o f i t e m s w e c a n’ t l i v e without! Here are the products that fool everyone into thinking we always get our beauty sleep.
PRESSED POWDER at bay with this
UNDER-EYE CONCEALER
lightweight powder.
A must-have for
Keep the shine
LIP STAIN
those nights when you don’t get a
This lip stain stays on
full 8 hours.
all day long...plus it’s only $14!
BEAUTY MASKS
NAKED 2 PALETTE
A great buy for your face mask obsessed bestie.
GRADUAL TAN IN SHOWER
You can mix and match hues to take your eye makeup from day to night.
No more getting orange all over your sheets! You put this self-tanner on in
PROFESSIONAL QUALITY BLOW DRYER
the shower and 3 minutes later you wash it off for a gradual glow.
Obsessed with this high quality blow dryer because it saves me so much time in
MAKEUP BRUSHES
the morning.
Quality brushes can take your
LORAC PRIMER
makeup game to the next
For those
level. Gifting this set would
days when
make any gal very happy.
you really need your
A personal touch
makeup
to corral all those
to have
morning essentials.
staying power.
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PERSONALIZED MAKE-UP BAG NEUTRAL NAIL POLISH SET Love this combo of neutral colors. The perfect gift for any lady on your list!
Finn CASEY’S HUBS
GIFTS FOR HIM
Matt BRIDGET’S HUBS
FINN’S FAVORITES FORRESTER CAP TOE BOOT
KIEHL’S EYE CREAM
These boots are the most comfortable
now I feel I am addicted.
Casey bought this for me and
EVERLANE BUTTON DOWN
pair I have ever worn and keep my feet warm in the Windy City!
I appreciate the simplicity and quality of these Everlane shirts and I know they will never go out of style.
LEATHER WATCH I love unique
WORK BAG COLOGNE SAMPLER
This bag checks all the boxes for a great work bag
leather watches and this Jack
Sample a dozen different colognes
Mason watch is
then use the gift-card inside
a perfect way
for a full-size bottle.
to add some
OLIVE CHINOS Soft and comfortable, these green chinos are extremely versatile.
diversity to
and I know
your look.
these Tumi products
COGNAC OXFORDS
stand the test of time.
Bullbox is my favorite for oxfords and casual
BBQ SAUCE GIFT SET
shoes because they
These sauces range from smoky
are comfortable,
to spicy for anyone who enjoys
fashionable and
some good ol’ fashioned BBQ.
affordable.
GOLD BOX I use this glass shadow box to
I’m always on the lookout for classic items that can boost
hold my watches.
my wardrobe and advance my personal style as I get older.
It comes in a variety of sizes
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COLLAR STAY
and it’s “Casey
This keeps your dress shirt in perfect
approved” decor!
shape, and tightens up your look.
I invest in items I know I love and will use on a daily basis, giving me the centerpieces I need to dress with confidence.
M AT T ’ S FAVORITES
STYLISH SOCKS The louder, the brighter, the more unique…the better.
CLASSIC CHINOS In an attempt to improve my professional dress game, these chinos have quickly
SLIM FIT JEANS
gone to the top of my
COLOGNE
These jeans are beyond comfortable and can go with any shirt as you plan an evening out on the town.
WIRELESS SPEAKER
list. Great to
This fragrance has quickly
combine with
become the “Ace” of my
dress shirts,
cologne rotation. Get ready to
sport coats, or
turn a lot of heads and flare
even a casual
a few nostrils along the way.
t-shirt.
This speaker provides a crystal clear quality that will fill up any room.
YETI THERMOS FITBIT FLEX
Perfect for
I am a bit obsessed with getting my “daily steps” Needless to say, the Fitbit Flex 2 is at the top of my scouting report!
keeping my coffee warm all morning (and afternoon) long.
This collection makes up my daily starting line up and helps make each day a great one! Nothing beats feeling good so when I find my favorites, I stay loyal. From top to bottom, these essentials bring it all together.
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EXPRESS SLIM-FIT SHIRT
PATAGONIA FLEECE
These shirts have
This baby keeps you warm while
been essential
adding a little style to the “jean
during my speaking
game.” It’s a great fit that keeps the
engagements along
warm in and the cold out!
with my full time career.
DIY WRAPPING TIP Choose wrapping paper and ribbon that coordinates with your home’s holiday color scheme and the presents under your tree will double as gorgeous decor all December long!
FOR THE F E A R L E S S D I Y-E R
AMAZON ALEXA
STUD FINDER
We’re both
A stud finder is
trying to make
an essential in
our homes
every toolbox
“smarter” so we’ve added this gadget to our
So many projects, so little time! This planner can help prioritize that never ending todo list.
beat this one for $20
wish list this
PRODUCTIVITY PLANNER
and you can’t
holiday season.
NEST THERMOSTAT
TWO-IN-ONE SCREWDRIVER
A DIY project that takes about 20
You never have to wonder if it’s a phillips or
minutes to install and
flathead, this screwdriver has you covered!
will save you money all year round!
HANDY PAINT PAIL
DEMO DAY T-SHIRT
For the DIY-er, a
... because who
subscription is a
doesn’t love
gift that provides
Chip & Joanna?!
fresh inspiration all
during your next paint project!
monthly magazine
year round!
DRILL This drill will
TAPE MEASURE
have you covered no matter what
No matter what skill
size your next
level you have, a tape
DIY project is.
measure in the house is a must.
To keep the mess under control
MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION
TOOLBOX We each invested in a toolbox with wheels and LOVE them. They’re
We truly believe that everyone should give DIY a try and
easy to move
these are our favorite tools to do just that. If you’re just
around the house and even easy to take on the go.
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getting into the do-it-yourself game, we suggest you add some of our favorites to your tool box!
FOR THE F I T N E S S FA N AT I C
New workout gear always gives us the motivation to get our butts to the gym. From our favorite leggings, to the best water bottle money can buy (seriously!), here are gifts that will surely impress the fitness fanatic on your shopping list.
STRONG GRIP HAIR RING These hair bands won’t damage your hair, plus they keep your strands out of your face during workout class.
GYM SHOES We actually think about getting our run
SWELL WATER BOTTLE
on in these shoes.
ZELLA LEGGINGS We love the high waist on these
We love these
super comfy
swell bottles
athleisure pants.
because they keep your water cold (or your coffee
SLING BACKPACK
warm) all day long,
Keep all of your gym essentials
seriously!
in this cute sling backpack
NO SHOW SOCKS We can never have enough no show socks in our closets
TWISTY TURN TEE LONG WRAP CARDIGAN
A knit tee that will look good in workout class or
Perfect to throw on
just lounging on
over your yoga gear
the weekend.
before class.
LIP TINT For a little extra color on your lips when heading to the gym (plus it has
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sunscreen!)
DIY HOSTING TIP Set the table before your guests come over, so it’s done and looking good for the entire party! We always like to tuck sprigs of rosemary into the folded napkins on each plate. It brings in a bit of greenery, but it also smells heavenly!
FOR THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS
HAND TOWELS A clean classic look to brighten up your kitchen.
WOOD SERVERS Any dish would look good served with these
ICONIC CHICAGO POPCORN
marble and wood utensils
Surprise the host with a delicious delivery from sweet home Chicago!
LEMON HAND SOAP & LOTION
MARBLE WINE COOLER
OVE GLOVES
to fancy hand soap &
Marble + Wine = a
glamorous gift, but one
lotion for their kitchen.
winning combo.
we know this hostess will
Plus it doubles
LOVE. You’ll never want to
as a vase when not
use an oven mitt again!
Treat your favorite duo
REWINED “WINE” CANDLES
Maybe not the most
holding wine!
Upcycled wine bottles that have been created into a candle of your favorite wine flavor, perfect for any wine lover or hostess.
LETTERFOLK BOARD
GEO BOTTLE STOPPERS
Write a message on the letter board before you wrap it up for
Any vino loving
an extra surprise!
couple will enjoy these gorgeous wine stoppers.
CUTTING BOARD W e c e r t a i n l y a r e n’ t r o c k s t a r s i n t h e k i t c h e n , b u t t h a t d o e s n’ t m e a n w e d o n’ t l o v e t h r o w i n g a g e t t o g e t h e r e v e r y now and again. Plus, cute kitchen supplies take the focus away from our (always) store bought dishes!
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A cutting board that can double as gorgeous kitchen decor all year round.
FAWN DIAPER BAG
OH BABY! MOMS & BABIES
especially love
WOBBLY STACKABLE TOY
that you can’t
Love this
Love this diaper bag, and
even tell it’s a
classic toy,
diaper bag!
VINTAGE CAMERA NIGHT LIGHT
and it doubles as stylish
TEE PEE
nursery decor.
A fun & functional gift that will grow with
A night light
your little one for years
that doubles as
to come. Available
adorable decor,
in more fun colors!
what’s not to love?!
CUDDLE + KIND STUFFED ANIMAL Not only are
SMART SOCK BABY MONITOR
these stuffed animals adorable, each doll sold
This smart sock baby
provides 10 meals
monitor from Owlet
for kids in need.
connects to an app on your phone.
MONICA + ANDY BABY BLANKET We love all things Monica + Andy and this
FELT SUCCULENTS
print is giving us serious heart eyes!
Baby-proof
NEW CAMERA
“succulents” for all our fellow
Now is the perfect time to treat
plant ladies.
the family to a new camera for all of those upcoming memories.
MOM LIFE SWEATSHIRT
A hamper
B bought this comfy and
that can
fun sweatshirt for her
corral toys,
B i s e x p e c t i n g h e r f i r s t b a b y i n Fe b r u a r y a n d w e a r e a l r e a d y
sister when she became a
blankets,
having so much fun shopping for the little guy! These are
mom and it was a hit!
or nursery
some of our favorite finds (for both mom and baby!) so far.
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BABY HAMPER
must-haves in style.
GIFTS FOR COUPLES
PERSONALIZED DOORMAT Display their last name, new home address, or monogram...this personalized gift is always welcome.
SELF POWERED VACUUM
PASSPORT COVERS
For a busy couple, this
These $14
gadget will
passport cases
take care of the
are great
PACKING CUBES
vacuuming even
quality and
An affordable, but super
when they’re
come in colors
valuable, gift for the
not home.
for him & her.
travel lovers on your list.
RECORD PLAYER All they need is LOVE... and a record player. The Crosley is a classic piece that looks
BAR CART A mid-century bar cart
great on the shelf and perfect for playing music at dinner parties.
COZY BLANKET
that can hold his and her favorites. Cheers to that!
My husband, Finn, & I each
CUSTOMIZABLE ADDRESS STAMP
have one of
Take one thing off
to cozy up in
a new homeowners
each night.
to-do list and buy this adorable stamp. Our go-to homeowner gift.
these blankets that we keep in the living room
MUGS WITH LIDS Keeping your coffee warm all morning long?! Genius! And the lids double as a coaster. Stylish and functional.
These gifts are for the newly engaged, newly married, new homeowners...heck any darling duo in your life. And we promise these items will make both parties incredibly happy!
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’TIS THE SEASON!
2017 ORNAMENT FRAME DISCO BALL SIPPER CUP
We add a new ornament to our tree every
Cheers to the
season that
New Year... and
includes the
every occasion
year. This
MODERN WRAPPING PAPER It’s always fun
that requires a
silver frame is
disco ball drink
a gorgeous gift
FESTIVE RIBBON
after that!
option.
Anyone else loving the black and
to splurge on
white buffalo check pattern as much
coordinating wrapping paper for
as we are this season?
your own gifts!
CHICAGO CHRISTMAS CARDS These Chicago Christmas cards capture one of
RETRO THERMOS Take your
HOT CHOCOLATE
hot chocolate
A holiday splurge you
to go with this oldschool coffee thermos.
FRESH WREATH DELIVERY
our favorite views
GIFT TAGS
of the city around
Personalize your
the holidays and
gifts in style with
make the perfect
these adorable
snail mail.
gift tags!
won’t regret!
PEPPERMINT BARK
B received a surprise Christmas wreath (fresh!) delivered to her house as a gift when she moved into her first house and it’s still
HOLIDAY CANDLE
one of her favorite holiday gifts ever!
We’ve never met a candle from Anthropologie that we didn’t love!
This delicious gift can work for just about anyone on your list. Stock up
Yo u c a n’ t g o w r o n g g i f t i n g s o m e h o l i d a y s p i r i t ! T h e s e i t e m s w i l l t r u l y work for anyone on your shopping list! We suggest stocking up on a few of your favorites from this page, that way you’ ll always have
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something on hand for those last-minute holiday parties!
and get ready to make people happy!
O’CONNOR
F U D G E
R E C I P E
INGREDIENTS • 4 cups sugar • 1 cup milk • 25 large marshmallows (chopped) • 12 oz Brach’s chocolate stars • 2 oz unsweetened chocolate squares • 1 tsp vanilla • 1 cup butter • 12 oz chocolate chips
PREPARATION Mix sugar, milk & vanilla in large saucepan. Add butter and bring to a boil. Let boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, add marshmallows and then lower heat. Add one piece of chocolate at a time, stirring after each. Add nuts (optional). Pour into a 9x13 pan and chill (optional). Cut, package and enjoy!
BRIDGET’S
BRIDGET’S FAVORITES
KENDRA SCOTT NECKLACE I wear this versatile necklace just about everyday!
HANGING BANNER Love these banners & hoping to add this one into our new house once construction is over.
WARBY PARKER GLASSES I discovered Warby Parker this year and love how many amazing frames they have at such affordable prices.
MADEWELL SWEATER
CLASSIC BACKPACK STRIPED SHIRT Stripes are always a good idea, right?!
on repeat all
to weekend trips,
winter long
this backpack has
because it’s
worked hard for
the softest
my favorite finds this year.
PLAID SCARF I get so many compliments
CRISS CROSS RING ring was one of
cozy sweater
From camera gear
me all year long.
This criss-cross
I wear this
when I wear this scarf
SPERRY BOOTS
and especially love that it magically matches with almost everything!
These waterproof boots are perfect for fall, winter and spring
finally find something I love, I usually wear it on repeat!
and come in
Not only do I love all of these pieces, but I’ve also gotten
lots of great
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I’m not someone who buys just to buy, so when I do
color combos!
a ton of use out of them throughout the year.
thing I own.
T H E D I Y P L AY B O O K GIFT GUIDE 2017
D E I S G N A N D L AYO U T B Y K A I T LY N D A L E I D E N