Meet Sam, a Manager of Partner Marketing here at Rue. She’s the point person for some of our very important partners, and she makes sure everyone is happy on both ends (and that our marketing looks awesome, of course). Check out the gifts she’s picked for those lucky enough to make her list.

For my husband: ”He’s been hinting around for a new watch and this could be the one. I also think that it will look great on my wrist as well!”

For my sister: ”She’s an avid reader and adores her Kindle. This cover will be perfect for her.”

For my son: ”He’s 14 months old, and reading stories with him before bed is the best time of my day. This was one of my favorite books growing up and I know that he would love it, too.”

Find all these gifts (and lots, lots more) in our Get Gifty: Our Holiday Gift Shop Boutique, open now.

By Anna Kuchinsky, Staff Writer

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You asked, now we’re answering. An entire line of Rue-branded style is here for the taking – and giving. From calendars (like this one) to coffee mugs, iPad® cases, cheeky onesies, and more, gift your favorites some Rue love – and you can be sure they’ll keep you in mind come next 11AM.

Check out all of our Rue-branded events in our Get Gifty: Very Rue Gifts Boutique, now open.

                                                                                         Photo courtesy of Member Carla Renee Blumenthal

One of our favorite things about the holidays? Getting creative with our wrapping. Whether it’s with fun paper, metallic bows, or some classic twine, personalizing your wrapping – or your Rue boxes – is one of the best parts of the gift-giving season.

In honor of holiday creativity (and those exceptionally skilled at wrapping presents), we want to see your best-dressed Rue gifts! Send us a photo of the wrapped gifts you’re giving with the hashtag #VeryRueGift – you can leave them here in the comments, tweet us at @RueLaLa, post them to our Facebook wall, or even tag us on Instagram. We’ll share an album of our favorite ones after December 25.

So go ahead – prove you know just as much about wrapping gifts as you do buying them.

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“Alpine” Chocolate Leather Insulated Gloves. Those snow gloves – you know, the ones he uses to shovel the driveway? They won’t quite cut it with that dapper peacoat. Give him these gloves and he’ll have you to thank for the flood of compliments.

The Get Gifty: Our Holiday Gift Shop Boutique is now open.

Any chances of getting holiday shopping done early this year are long gone – but, fear not. With this artful collection of jewelry on hand (from a necklace for Mom to a sparkly cocktail ring for your sister) every woman on your list is covered.

Choose from conversation-starting bracelets, earrings, rings, necklaces, and pendants, and you’ll see why last-minute shopping is not only well worth it, but much appreciated (their smiles will say it all). Plus, shipping is guaranteed before Christmas, so you can say goodbye to gift stress altogether.

Our Barbara Bixby Boutique opens Sunday, December 16, at 11AM ET.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

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When celebrating the holidays away from home, traveling with toys in tow can be a bit of a struggle. Whether you decide to pack, ship, or carry-on your gifts, we’ve come up with a few tips to help you avoid any unnecessary travel headaches.

To Wrap, or Not to Wrap?
Wrapped gifts are allowed in carry-ons and checked luggage, but keep in mind that TSA officials reserve the right to undo all your handiwork during security inspections. Gifts in your checked luggage are less likely to be unwrapped, but your best bet is to save the wrapping for your arrival – unless you’re flying on Virgin Atlantic, who (for just $2 per package) will wrap presents for departing passengers who have gone through security.

The Outlaws.
Wrapped or unwrapped, toys that resemble weapons are a no-no. And the same goes for sports equipment like baseball bats, golf clubs, and hockey sticks. Liquids are also prohibited – and yes, that even includes snow globes. For a full list of restricted items, go here.

Ship, Ship, Hooray!
Unlike your airline, FedEx Ground® includes insurance and tracking – so in most cases, you’re probably better off if FedEx loses your gift than if your airline does (plus, you can wrap them). Another smart idea is to order gifts online (Rue La La, anyone?) and have them shipped directly to your destination.

Home Sweet Home.
Remember, getting there is just half the battle. To bring the gifts you received back home, pack an extra duffle in your suitcase and surround fragile items with clothing.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

Have a tip for traveling with gifts? Share it in the comments below, or tweet us at @ruelala.

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Meet Maureen, an Event Producer on our Living team. She puts together our home-centric Boutiques, making sure that each and every part of the event (from the initial photo shoot to the finishing touches) goes off without a hitch. Check out the gifts she’s picked for those lucky enough to make her list. (Don’t I wish I was her cubemate!)

For my mom: ”I love that these are classic but modern, and will carry through year after year.”

For my boyfriend: “He has a bar that he inherited from his grandfather, and this would be great for entertaining on it.”

For my cubemates: “My team is awesome and they all deserve some sweet treats around the holiday season.”

Find all these gifts (and lots, lots more) on Rue now.

By Anna Kuchinsky, Staff Writer

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

It’s better to give than to receive – sage advice we should all be following, especially during the holiday season. This nugget is doubly important to bear in mind when shopping for your next Yankee Swap soiree.

I know I can’t be the only one who suffers from severe shopping anxiety when it comes to finding the perfect communal gift. Your purchase is bound to change hands multiple times throughout the night, so it needs appeal to everyone.

Whether you’re shopping for family or friends, men or women, or a mixed bag of the aforementioned, show up with any of the following and your gift will be the envy of the evening.

Wine. You really can’t go wrong when it comes to gifting a bottle of vino. Stick to classics like Malbec, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Riesling to accommodate even the most discerning of taste buds. Dress it up by pairing your bottle of choice with a set of new wine glasses or wine charms to adorn the neck. Voilà! Instagift.

Gift cards. You’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone at a party who won’t appreciate saving a few bucks on their everyday staples. Coffee, music, and book purchases all fall under this umbrella, but feel free to get creative – try filling a decorative coffee mug with eye-catching tissue paper and resting the gift cards on top.

Think cozy. Pair winter-friendly items together to create an irresistibly comfy gift set. A fleece throw and a lightly scented candle will make the weather outside seem not-so-frightful.

Gourmet touches. The holiday shelves are stocked with plenty of tasty, pre-packaged gift packs. From hot cocoa to pastry mixes, there are more than enough appetizing options out there for aspiring chefs (or anyone with a sweet tooth). Find a unique bowl or platter to jazz up your presentation.

By Lauryn Paiva, Staff Writer

What are you bringing to your next Yankee Swap? Share in the comments below or tweet us at @ruelala.

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Photo Credit: Handle the Heat

For years, Mason jars have been used to preserve food – but this holiday season, they’re adding gifting to their resume. Filled with sweet mixes, these old-fashioned, glass containers (which can be found at your local craft store) make for the perfect party favors and Yankee swap presents – just add a gift tag.

Spa Jars
Fact: the holidays can be stressful, so give tired coworkers and shopped-out friends (who knew there was such a thing?), a little rest and relaxation with these homemade candy cane bath salts and oatmeal cookie scrubs.

A Mason Jar Manicure
Filled to the brim with nail polish, cotton balls, and sparkles, this Mason jar has everything needed for an at-home manicure – and what young girl wouldn’t want that?

Contained Cocoa
Who doesn’t love hot chocolate during the winter? With all the fixings for a perfect cup of cocoa (from sugar and marshmallows to a jar to drink it out of), this gift is always a hit.

The Mini Sewing Kit
With a built-in pincushion, this Mason-jar-turned-sewing-kit has aspiring designer written all over it.

Candle-in-a-Jar
Candles have always been a gifting go-to for me, and these Mason jar versions give the holiday staple a thoughtful DIY spin. Plus, you get to choose a personalized scent the recipient is sure to love.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

How are you gifting Mason jars this holiday season? Share your ideas in the comments below, or tweet us @ruelala.

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Our FAO Schwarz Boutique opens Tuesday, November 27, at 3PM ET.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.