Christmas is in 9 days and I still am not sure what I exactly want. Okay well, maybe that’s a half lie. I am asking my dad for a new camera this year after sticking with my baby Nikon D5000 since my sophomore year of high school. My mom on the other hand… I did not mention a single gift to her… except this coloring book I put on my list which I’ll get to in a moment! As I get older, I really don’t want much for Christmas… or at least I don’t think I do and then I make a list like this and my whole thought process shifts.

As I continue to grow as a food photographer (or amateur), I have decided to aim for a Canon this holiday season. I’ve had a Nikon D5000 for five years and through these years it truly has gone everywhere with me. From photographing Paramore at Warped Tour to going to New York City with my best friend for my 16th birthday, it’s been my baby. But it’s time to venture out into the world of Canon and I’m SO ready for it. Along with this little goodie, I’ve pulled together a list of gifts I have or want that would be perfect for the foodie/fashion killer in all of us.

As the year is coming to a close, I’ve found that I have an addiction to shopping for clothes and random knick knacks like candles and kitchenware. Instead of grabbing that $9 green juice, I’ve been drawn to grabbing that $30 sweater or $20 candle instead. While I’d love an endless supply of Whole Foods gift cards for Christmas, this list goes way beyond the measly gift card you hate to love.

1. The Zip Transport Tote ($188)

This bag speaks to me on many levels. For the past two years I’ve asked for a bag for Christmas from Urban Outfitters since they’re usually less than $75. My dreeeaaam bag designer is Marc Jacobs because well… his bags are everything I dream of. On a college budget, however, they really are not ideal. The zip transport tote is currently $188 from Madewell and while that still isn’t cheap, it’s currently on sale for 25% off so it makes a banging last minute gift.

2. Cozy buffalo plaid scarf ($29.95)

Lately, I’ve had this love affair with all things Gap. Not only are their clothes relatively affordable but they aren’t cheap quality like Forever 21 or H&M. I just purchased this scarf to pair with this dress for my family’s Christmas party and I’m super excited about it. I have worn this scarf with a plain white tee and black jeans before and it is a great way to look nice without trying too hard. This baby can go with everything practically… even my red jeans you might have seen on Snapchat. What can I say, I like to dress like a Christmas tree. 

3. Canon EOS Rebel T5i  ($650)

I’ve done quite a lot of research on how Nikons and Canons differentiate from each other, especially concerning food photography which is what I love the most. When I got my first DSLR for Christmas like I mentioned previously, it was a beginner’s tool and I loved it with all my might but it’s time to upgrade. I’ll be looking at the 50mm f/1.4 lens to add on for my birthday come January and hope this camera will be used much more than my handy iPhone 6. I’ve heard nothing but good things about this body and hope to test it out come the new year.

4. Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker ($59.95)

I make pancakes from time to time and growing up, my mom always made my brother and I waffles in our Mickey Mouse waffle maker. Probably the cutest invention ever. Since I’ve started working with Simple Mills, I’ve been dying to try their pancake and waffle mix in waffle form but unfortunately I’ve never personally owned a waffle maker. This one by Cuisinart is the most affordable (while still looking functional) one I’ve come across and to top it off, it is from my favorite cooking store, Sur La Table. I sure wouldn’t mind having this little gadget sitting pretty on my counter top.

5. Latte bowls (Set of six for $36)

Being the foodie I am, I love nothing more than finding colorful and bright kitchen ware. Anthropologie speaks to me every time I walk in and half the time, I walk out with some sort of plate, dish, bowl, etc. Last year I purchased one of these latte bowls in lavendar before I knew they came in sets. I would love to snag the coral set!

6. Enchanted Forest Coloring Book ($15.95)

You can bet your bottom dollar I asked my mom for this for Christmas. When I was younger, my mom ran her own company as an interior designer and every time I went with her to work at someone’s house, I’d always bring my box of Crayola crayons and paper to color with. Now that these coloring books by Johanna Basford are becoming the latest trend, I am so intrigued to get back into the coloring scene. I think this is a great gift to give to anyone for the holidays, especially if you’re doing a Secret Santa swap. Seriously hoping for this and a sharpened box of colored pencils #1 on my list. Am I a little kid or…?

7. Kale Shmale Sweatshirt ($58)

It’s kind of funny how I used to love kale and now it’s the last green I think of when I’m craving a salad. Spinach and arugula are where the real true love lies. This sweatshirt was meant for any foodie, or those who want a bucket of sweet potato fries instead of kale chips (me). Food targeted tops are so big right now. If anyone has seen Beyoncé rock this KALE sweatshirt, you know what I’m talking about. Having one of these sweatshirts would really make light of how foodie-centered my life is. I find it comical personally. Gotta have it.

8. LiveON Mat 5mm ($58)

This past summer when I started to take yoga seriously, I broke up with Lulu and purchased this Manduka mat. I have never looked back since. The only time I used my old Lulu mat was when I would do CorePower’s yoga sculpt classes due to the jumps and fast-paced moves but for traveling on the train or packing a mat in my suitcase, this mat could not be more flexible. With a foam-like texture, it is easy to roll, easy to clean and light as a feather. My favorite part? I don’t knock people out with it when I’m on the train like I used to with my Lulu mat. True story. If you’re a yogi, Manduka is the way to go.

9. Drinks muscle tank ($38)

Here comes a tank from one of my favorite brands, Suburban Riot. Although tequila is the last alcoholic beverage I’d prefer, this tank sums up how to live a balanced life with your beverage choices. And it includes my three favorite ones of all time: kombucha, smoothies and iced coffee. I have a feeling once I turn 21 next month I’ll be joining the craft brew train as well… We shall see.

10. AEO Joshua Tree Sweater ($20.99)

Judge me if you will but I am 20 and American Eagle is still my favorite store. As a college student, their jeans are incredibly affordable and not to mention are the only ones I can ever find that fit me decently. Shout out to having skinny legs and no butt… but AEO makes it work, somehow. Their sweaters are cozy, terrific quality and plain Jane – a look I’m always after. I can already picture myself pairing this with every infinity scarf I own and making it a staple in my wardrobe. Another perk of AEO? They have sales ALL. THE. TIME.

11. Om The Day Bag ($128)

A gym bag has been on my list of things I need to buy for a few months now. Today I headed to the gym with my brother as he had an actual gym bag, I had my purse and school backpack to drag my stuff in. Not only is it uncomfortable lugging around so many bags but it is not attractive either. Lululemon has always had such attractive gym bags and a plain black one like this could be used for my school books or computer as well. Why not double as a purse AND workout bag? I love.

12. Sam Edelman Petty Boot ($135)

If there is one piece of apparel I love it is booties. The pair I always rocked this past fall were from Marshall’s that I got for $20 (college shopping at it’s finest) but I have always wanted to splurge on a decent Sam Edelman pair. I saw these in Nordstrom yesterday and almost cried at their beauty. If you’re into other styles, Sam nails it with color, fringe and a cut-outs. A must-have in the warmer months.

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I hope you enjoyed my gift guide and if you are celebrating Christmas, you’ll have some things to add onto your wish list! I know mine just keeps growing… 🙂

Happy Holidays.

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-Addie

*None of these links are affiliated. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*