‘Tis the season!! And man, don’t we need some holiday cheer more than ever this year, right? I am someone who completely embraces and gets so excited about the holiday season and this year I plan to make the holiday season on wit & whimsy even more cheerful because 2020 has been a year and we all deserve as much joy and good tidings as possible! Who is with me!?
Welcoming the 2020 Holiday Season on wit & whimsy
Every year I look forward to celebrating the holiday season with you all through wit & whimsy! There is so much work that goes into holiday content but I love creating posts that hopefully make your season even merrier and even brighter!
This year, as seen above, I have once again brought back the holiday hub that will be a go-to resource for all holiday content here on wit & whimsy. You can find it on the homepage’s top menu in red font. When you hover over it you’ll see two categories:
“Get Inspired” and “Get Gifting”
Under Get Inspired you’ll find all my posts related to holiday content (inclusive of gift guides) and Get Gifting is a the dedicated Holiday Shop broken down by category that’ll have exclusive gift finds you won’t find elsewhere in my content. It is a resource for gift ideas but also has things to wear during the season. And ideas on how to decorate your home this holiday season. The shop’s various categories are just getting started and I’ll be updating them weekly. So be sure to keep checking back.
I hope you find the hub handy and that it fills you with ideas for your holiday season! (If I am being honest I think these Shops were underutilized last year. So I’m hopeful you’ll use them as resources for shopping this year! The SHOP SMALL category I am particularly excited about as many of the gifts featured are from small businesses recommended by wit & whimsy readers!)
This year’s gift guides include some themes I’ve never shared before. And have all been curated with the realities of 2020 in mind. As per usual you won’t see outlandish gifts in my gift guides but rather a selection of thoughtful gifts you’ll actually want to buy. And nearly 90% of my selections for the gift guides are under $200. (I have a few luxury gifts in the The Holiday Shop and on Pinterest). I will also be adding a Holidays section to the Weekly Roundup every week as well this year. So be sure to check those for even more gift ideas and holiday inspiration!
I can’t wait to share the gift ideas I’ve been finding!
I’ve been spending a lot of time culling through the web so that I’m bringing you fresh, exciting gift ideas and not a bunch of ideas you’re seeing elsewhere. I want these gift guides to be helpful resources and super practical for your holiday shopping. As I have in recent years, I’ll also be prioritizing small businesses wherever possible. And I’m also including black owned and female owned small businesses more than ever.
In addition to the gift guides I plan to publish this year and all the ideas being shared in the Holiday Shop. I’m also pinning gifts and holiday inspiration per usual over on a variety of Pinterest boards including a new one dedicated to cozy holidays. I’ve also created a Gift Ideas section in my Amazon Shop with even more gift ideas.
I also have posts planned for what to wear during this different holiday season, how to take advantage of the season despite restrictions and how to really be cozy and nest at home as we all stay safe this holiday season. And I also have some great collaborations in the works with some of my favorite brands that I can’t wait to reveal!
I am also thrilled to once again be bringing back my Kindness Campaign for its third year.
It filled my heart with so much joy the past two holiday seasons. And I hope it grows even bigger this year. I hope you’ll all get involved! It will launch on December 1.
From now through the end of the year, you can expect to see an occasional weekend post, too! If you don’t want to miss any posts you can sign up to get them in your inbox every time one publishes. In fact my first gift guide will be live this Saturday!
The holidays are undoubtedly my busiest season of the year. I begin cranking out six instead of five posts a week. And the planning for my gift guides and seasonal posts begins all the way back in September. (Although I am actually writing down gift ideas all year long!) The amount of work is huge so I wanted to just be really outright in saying how much I appreciate you shopping purposefully from my links. And for engaging with my content (pinning it! commenting on it! saving it! sharing it with friends! all of these actions go a long way).
If you want to be sure I receive credit for your purchase, I thought I’d just quickly share how it works! You must click on the item and buy it in that browser window between 7 and 30 days. (Every retailer’s window varies). If you swipe up and screenshot something I share on your phone and then Google it and buy it via your desktop – I won’t get credit. Your browser basically has to be able to follow the trackable link I share in order to get credit.
And as an aside, it doesn’t matter if you buy the item I recommended.
I will get credit for whatever you end up purchasing from that retailer! (This is a question I get commonly so thought I’d clarify.)
Buying anything through the links shared on my LiketoKnowit profile also will give me credit. (That page is also a great resource if you’re trying to find something I recently talked about or wore). It is easily found under The Shop – What Meghan’s Wearing.
The reason we drive you to LiketoKnowit or blog posts is because when you swipe up on a link in Instagram Stories, the link becomes invalid and unable to be tracked as soon as you close that window and go back to browsing Instagram. It equates to a lot of lost revenue sadly. But just know your purchases through my links is so appreciated and I’m grateful for all your support – truly.
Finally
To kick things off this holiday season and spread a little joy this week – I’m running a giveaway to jumpstart your shopping! I’ll be giving away two $100 American Express gift cards to two lucky readers! To enter, follow me on Instagram and comment below what you are most looking forward to this holiday season! (Be sure to include your Instagram handle in your comment as well!) I’ll randomly select the winners next week and notify them by email!
While I know this holiday season will be unlike any other, I hope you’ll enjoy everything coming to you this year as part of wit & whimsy. I always strive to have my holiday content be a balance between gifting but also the true spirit of this time of year which is that of gratitude, kindness, giving back, joy & taking care of one another and this year is no exception.
Thanks for celebrating this season of joy with me!
. . .
J.Crew Lace Top (M; comes in 4 colors) // J.Crew Day Coat (6- runs small – size up; c/o) // J.Crew Bow // J.Crew Factory Scarf // Sarah Flint Perfect Pump (Use code SARAHFLINT-MEGHAN for $50 off your first order)
p.s. see all past holiday content here and start browsing The Holiday Shop now!
I love your gift guides- I always purchase at least 2 gifts from them! I’m looking forward to a cozy holiday at home with my 3yo and am expecting baby #2 right after Christmas!
Aw yay! This makes me so happy to hear, Alex! And congrats on baby #2! The best gift of all this season
Love the approach you’ve taken with gift guides this year! I am most looking forward to Christmas movies and making it as cozy as I can – it’s going to be a bit different but I’m still going to bake all the things! ??
Thank you, Meredith!!
Can’t wait for this! Holidays are my favorite too and I’ve been trying to rethink how those are going to look here in Chicago this year so i can still make the most of them! Sadly, I won’t be going home to Kansas, but I’m looking forward to a slower season and spending time with a few close friends. I usually go non stop and this has been a welcome slowdown in a lot of way…just need to keep that mindset!
I think you have a beautiful attitude to handle this year’s strange holiday season and I so appreciate you sharing it! I feel very similarly this year!
Always look forward to your holiday content! Looking forward to having Christmas in NYC this year, as opposed to Florida, where we normally spend the holidays. Looking forward to spending time in my city, even if it is different than years past.
@camilanevin
Thank you, Camila!!
I am so looking forward to your holiday content – I’m excited to shop all small businesses this year for Christmas gifts. This year I’ll put a little extra effort into decorating my house and will take full advantage of any outdoor holiday displays I can find! Oh, and my instagram handle is @travelbug661 🙂
Thank you, Deanna!! Excited to share all the small businesses I’ve found!
I always love your holiday content and can’t wait to see your gift guides! So helpful! I’m looking forward to retiring from my full time job, enjoying the beauty of the season and figuring out what will be next for me! @blpaff
Thank you so much, Bridget!! And congrats to you on your forthcoming retirement!
I absolutely love your content! I’m already decorating for the Holiday season just because, well, 2020! I am looking forward to spending time with my hubby and our fur babies. We always make peppermint bark and send them to our neighbors. Thanks for bringing joy through your content during such a crazy year!
@krystle_ivelise
Thank you so much, Krystle!! Love the idea of homemade peppermint bark btw!
I am looking most forward to seeing my niece and nephew. As well as giving back. The holidays I think just bring out the best in people. My love language is gift giving so this is when I thrive.
@cocomele1214
I agree! And we could all use more of that sentiment right now I think
YESSSS I can’t wait to see what you have in store! Also your outfit is supes cute
@liztacy
Aw thank you!
Can’t wait to check off my annual NYC Christmas items! Hot chocolates and the 5th Ave windows are the best, even after living here for years ??
@miagaruccio
Yesssss to hot chocolate!!
I was so excited when I woke up this morning and saw this post. Can’t wait to see all of your holiday content and gift guides. Thank you in advance for all of your hard work. I know it’s going to bring me a lot of happiness.
One question—I’m in love with the red shirt you’re wearing. Does it fit TTS? Can’t wait to order it!
And I forgot to add—is the lace soft? I hate scratchy fabrics!
Yes TTS!! And not itchy! It’s so fun! And thank for these kind words- they mean a lot to me!
I have already looked through your gift guides and love the ideas you have! I am looking forward to spending time with my family this holiday season!
@erinemily26
Aw yay!! Can’t wait to share this years guides!
LOVE all your gift guides! Can’t wait to plan out my purchases. This holiday season I’m looking forward to making some new holiday traditions with my husband & two little girls!
@sgfagan
Yay! Excited for you to see the gift guide for kiddos!!
This year I am so excited to decorate my apartment and pickup my real tree (Is mid-November too early?! I can’t wait!) I always put up some holiday decorations in my apartment, but spending so much time at home this year I’m really hoping to make it feel like a Christmas oasis to spark joy everywhere I look!
@jenna_saispas
Can I steal the term Christmas Oasis?! Because I love it!! Do think it’s so worth making your space feel festive and special this year!
Very, very excited for your holiday content! Especially gift guides, as I’m having a hard time already just thinking of ideas this year. I feel like you always have fun and unique ideas as opposed to a lot of other regurgitated gift guides, so I appreciate all the hard work you put into your content!
This year, I’m most excited about decorating for Christmas – we moved this year and have much more space for a real tree, all the trimmings, and outside decorations too! I plan to go totally crazy with it 🙂 haven’t started yet, but I have ideas going already! Decorating is such a huge part of all holidays for me and with spending all my time at home this year, I think it will make everything feel lovely and cozy as opposed to just any other day!
@therealmelbee
Thank you, Melanie! Love the sound of your decorating plans!
I love this outfit — that red sweater is gorgeous! Can’t wait for all your holiday content!
@themodernbookworm
Thank you!!
This is unrelated to gift guides and holiday shopping but it’s something that I’ve been wanting to share with you. 2020 has been a roller coaster and I’m grateful that Wit & Whimsy has remained a positive, uplifting space. I found myself unable to read so many of my favorite blogs as the year progressed because the overall tone of them became pessimistic and resentful. You have remained optimistic while still being honest with us when you struggle. Your bucket list posts and weekly round up links have provided us with alternative ways to have fun and find joy. I appreciate all of the hard work you put into this site and thank you for being a bright spot on this sometimes crazy internet!
Lauren you’ve made my whole week! It’s been such a hard year to be someone with a platform and a real balance so your recognition just makes me feel so grateful for readers like you!
Cheers to YOU on all the work you do and produce year round. An especially big thank you for your lovely recommendations around Holiday’s, they are greatly appreciated and please know your work does not go un-noticed! I am looking forward to spending quality time, present, with my family this Holiday season. Take a step back and having meaningful conversations, baking up a storm with my Mom, and enjoying the chaos with everyone at home, sweet home!
Thank you so much, Anne! And here’s to baking up a storm! I want to do the same
Hi Meghan, I’m looking forward to having a “reason” for lots of holiday baking. Stress baking at its finest with a legit reason- sharing with family & friends! Thanks for always keeping this spot on the internet positive an uplifting. And please keep the drink recipes coming- maybe some new holiday themed cocktails??
My insta handle is @amycjes82
Yessss so much stress baking this year! And yes I plan to do a holiday cocktail for sure!
Hi Meghan, I found your blog earlier this year & have been enjoying it ever since! As this will be my first time receiving your Christmas posts & gift guides, I’m really looking forward to it 🙂 Thank you for all of your hard work!
My insta handle is @tanyaliedtke
So glad to have you here!
I’m most looking forward to time with family!!! ?? @candice.zantinge@gmail.com
Always the best part of the season I think!
Gift guides are so welcome, this year more than ever!
Our holidays will look very different this year. We usually go to Chicago to visit family for Thanksgiving and my parents usually come over in December for birthdays and Christmas. None of that is happening this year.
Instead of sulking, I’m determined to make our holidays great in our own way. Maybe create some new traditions. Fewer, more carefully chosen presents and just focusing on togetherness.
@judithlooyestein
Love your outlook!
I’m excited that the holidays are finally here because I’m going to see my family for the first time since Jan/Feb!
I’m also looking forward to your holiday recommendations, Meghan! Hope you’re doing well!
Alli
@allistewart
That will be the best reunion!!
Hi Meghan!
I am most looking forward to spending the holidays at home, cozy and warm by the fire. I want to read a lot of books and limit my screen time over the holidays, especially since I’m a remote teacher and spend most of my days staring at a screen these days! I’m also hoping to give a new sport a try… cross country skiing! I’m going to take lessons at a local park district as soon as the snow arrives here in Chicago! I’m looking forward to spending as much time in the great outdoors as possible – keeps me sane! FYI I have a few years on you 😉 but I so appreciate your style and I love all your picks!!! Looking forward to your holiday content. Thanks for keeping me in the know style-wise!
@AmyBizzarri
So with you on wanting to limit screen time this holiday season! I feel burnt out on it! Thanks so much for the important work you do as a teacher!
Even though this holiday season is going to be very different and sadly can’t gather with friends and family as we’re used to doing, I will get a chance to be with my nephews (3 and 7) at some point and the best part is seeing their faces when they open their gifts.
@martylu325
Aw newphew time is something definitely to look forward to!
I love your holiday guides! I’m so looking forward to seeing all the Christmas decorations in NYC, as they are always beautiful and cheerful, but I hope will be even more so this year.
@mamacass232
Thank you so much, Cass!!
I love the Christmas season. I already decorated except for our tree which we go to the same tree lot every year and pick out a real tree. My favorite is putting ornaments on the tree and reminiscing all the special occasions and trips they represent. We normally go tO NYc the week before Christmas and sad we can’t do that this year . But have another trip planned to surprise the kids. I can’t wait to check out your gift guides. You always have best ideas !
Love that you’ve already decorated!! Bring that cheer as many days as possible! So glad you enjoy the gift guides – it means so much to me to hear that!
I’m definitely most looking forward to going home and spending time with my parents and sister (and dogs), doing things like cutting down a Christmas tree at a local farm, eating a tonnn of holiday goodies, and hopefully just de-stressing! Looking forward to all your holiday content and thank you for all the hard work you put in! My insta handle is @carlynmatheny
The de-stressing is something we all deserve this holiday season!!
Taking the opportunity to savor the holiday decorations at home (and actually decorating since I’ll be home to enjoy it!), instead of the constant hustle of parties and commitments! Looking forward to how your content as its always so thoughtful and intentional — both for gifts and way to spread joy and kindness!
@bhblackwell15
Thank you so much Brooke! So appreciate these kind words.
Love all your posts! I’m looking forward to have some time to relax and spend time with family during a more chill holiday season this year. Also..the holidays are a good excuse to do some online shopping! @m__steinberg
Thank you for sharing, Michelle!!
I’m looking forward to spending quality time with close family this holiday season! @annemelliott
Thank you for sharing!
I love your gift guides – can’t wait to find some treasures to bring joy this strange holiday season! I can’t wait to spend time curled up with all the books. Ready to get lost in worlds not in the midst of a pandemic (although I do love Station 11…).
@mollymphtomd
Aw yay! So glad you’re enjoying the guides!