At times I feel tempted to simply give an e-giftcard or open invitation to my friends to choose what they would like when the special occasion comes around, but then I remember how fun it is to receive a surprise. I love seeing my friends faces light up when they see what I've picked out especially for them, it's a moment I'll cherish forever. With the holidays here alas, I've brought on a few new brands that share our same values and ultimately know how to craft products that will appeal to everyone, many of which are beautifully packaged and budget-friendly for the holidays. Recently, I’ve stumbled across SopranoLabs, with their lovely handcrafted soaps and clean aromatic perfumes. These are some of my favorites from them… PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS SOAP This handcrafted vegan soap is blended with 100% organic vegetable and essential oils, shea butter, prickly pear powder extract, and pink french kaolin clay. They are all small batch. PHYTORETINOL BAKUCHIOL BEAUTY OIL This oil is the new retinol, with soothing Rose Damask + Olive Squalane + Pomegranate Sterols + Ayurvedic botanical extracts to tackle fine lines and wrinkles, skin spots and uneven texture. It's the perfect oil for all skin types. LILY OF THE VALLEY BODY PERFUME This vegan Perfume Oil is a floral green fragrance that I love. It gives a sense of warm spring and delicate floral notes of the treasured English flower, Lily Of the Valley. Top notes of: citruses, lily-of-the-valley. Middle notes: rose, jasmine. Base notes: violet, green leaf, musk. Main accords: floral, green, soapy, rose, citrus. Another brand on my radar just in time for the holidays is Lucy B’s Hydra Bloom - also female-owned and uniquely inspired by nature. These are a few of my favorites, which I can’t wait to give as stocking stuffers this year… ROSE LOVE ROLL-ON PERFUME This organic perfume roll-on is such a sweet gift to give to your bestie(s). Made with 100% organic rose & geranium essential oils, it's all organically farmed as they say, works to balance and activate the heart chakra. EUCALYPTUS & HIMALAYAN SALT BATH BOMB A classic for every household, and what a great way to end the night. Yes - it's environmental-friendly without being boring. Buck Naked is yet another brand whose bath salts I’ve been loving, and I can't wait to share this one with friends, as the gift that encourages self-care... RELAX LAVENDER & ALOE VERA BATH SOAK A mix of calming clay & sea salt in an aromatic bath soak. The mineral-rich base of dead sea salt is blended with soothing lavender for the ultimate relaxing experience. Aloe vera softens the skin, and french green clay helps to draw impurities from the skin. A brand we’ve partnered with for while now, the lovely NY-based Even Keel, never disappoints and this one is hands down the best introductory gift to their products... EXPEDITION SET: BATH SEASONAL BOTANICALS A sampling platter for the bath, with seasonal herbs and clay in beautiful elixir bars. Perfect for that friend that needs a little getaway at home... P.F. Standard is a brand I first discovered in a small shop along the famous SoCo in Austin. I was addicted and knew I had to share their sustainable soy candles with the world... BERGAMOT + BLACK TEA MINI SOY CANDLE A very unisex scent that's sure to appeal to EVERYONE. VEGAN & ORGANIC DARK CHOCOLATE - MATCHA RASPBERRY REISHI This organic paleo chocolate bar is all the feels with 75% cacao and healing ingredients like antioxidant-rich matcha (my favorite!) and relaxing reishi mushroom. The best is when your bestie finds out these are non-GMO, refined sugar free, AND non-dairy - the perfect treat. VEGAN & ORGANIC DARK CHOCOLATE - BLUEBERRY ALMOND This chocolate bar is also 75% organic cacao, thoughtfully paired with REAL blueberries and yummy organic almonds. *Mouth already watering.* And, of course I can't leave our very own line here that's near & dear... POMEGRANATE LIP SCRUB & LIP BUTTER the duo I love to give, and always get raving reactions from! Hope this was helpful, Merry Shopping! xx, Miss EM