Shopping Local at Merle Norman -

If you need some last minute gifts but don’t want to pay for expedited shipping or elbow your way through crowds at the mall, then shopping local is your perfect solution!

To those readers who live in MD, Merle Norman Cosmetics and Gifts in Olney is THE place to get gifts for everyone on your list! From big investment pieces to small stocking stuffers, Merle Norman has it all. (It also happens to have amazing customer service, and I’m totally not bias just because I work there!). I always do my Christmas shopping at Merle Norman & throw in a few “for me” items too, haha! In this post, I’ve highlighted some of my favorite gifts that aren’t bank-breakers and could be stocking stuffers OR placed under the tree! So..let’s get started!

**Scout Bags**: The art of wrapping gifts is a sacred ritual that many mothers and grandmothers could complete perfectly every time while blindfolded. But, if you’re like me and are horrible at wrapping gifts, then Scout bags are the way to go! I love these bags because they’re so versatile; I use mine for lunch bags, overnight bags, beach bags, organizing my car/closet, and as a good ol’ fashioned reusable grocery bag. They’re a festive and easy way to wrap gifts, and they make a great gift on their own!

**Marble Coasters**: These sturdy and cute initial marble coasters are a perfect touch for every home! They would be great for newlyweds or for decorating a new apartment. Most of us 20-something’s are moving out of our parents house, which means saying goodbye to mom’s crafty decor and hello to making your HGTV dreams come to life!

**Capri Blue Candle:** If you’ve ever set foot in Anthropologie, you’ve definitely caught a waft of this ahhhmazing candle! The scent is called Volcano and it definitely lives up to its name; it’s sweet, tropical, makes one want to lay out on a beach. The sparkly red is a nice touch for the holidays!

**Corkcicle:** These triple insulated tumblers are a necessity for everyone; they keep your drinks cold for 9+ hours or hot for 3. If you haven’t heard of this brand, they’re like Yeti’s except better because they come in cuter colors and you can personalize them! Merle Norman does monogramming and can put initials or even phrases on them. One of our customers has her Starbucks order printed on hers, ha! Slip in some packets of hot coco and you’re good to go!

**Wine Accessories:** In keeping with the drinking theme, another great and easy gift is a nice bottle of wine! It’s simple, easy to get, and will definitely be used up. Decorate it with this super cute santa wine topper & a festive Scout wine bag (…or their new double wine bag for two bottles!) and gift it to in-laws, neighbors, or even bring it as a hostess gift!

**Shower Bursts:** These and the next few goodies make up the ultimate pamper/self-care/spa-night gift for ladies! Perfect for stocking stuffers, these shower bursts make showers just as relaxing as bubble baths; unwrap the bursts, wet them, and place them in a soap dish or a little sachet bag (not pictured, but sold at Merle Norman) and inhale delicious scents made to ease the symptoms of stress, colds, hangovers, headaches, and more! And yes, they actually do work. Last year I used up quite a few of the cold and flu bursts when I had the flu!

**Bath Bombs**: Holiday-themed bath bombs that make your tub look like a dreamy winter wonderland and smell amazing!

**Portable Razor:** Ok, this invention is genius! They’re TSA approved so you don’t have to worry about them getting pitched at airport security, and they’re literally perfect for impatient shavers who always miss spots or simply get too lazy …like me, eek! Merle Norman also sells refills for the blades!

**Canvas Art Ornaments:** These Christmas ornaments are so darling and are super sweet gifts to give to someone who is just beginning to collect Christmas ornaments. This company makes canvas portraits of various dogs, cats, and more! If I was decorating my first Christmas tree in my first apartment, I would definitely want to hang these up!

**Wooden Signs**: Every time I see these in the store, I picture how cute they would look stacked on top of each other in a kitchen or in a living room gallery wall! I love switching out little details for the Holiday season, and these mini wooden signs are a nice touch! Again, perfect for a 20-something in a new apartment!

Phew! So many suggestions, and that’s not even a tenth of the products we have at our store! On top of the gift selection, Merle Norman Cosmetics and Gifts sells fantastic cosmetics; I’ve been using their products for years and will keep using them for as long as they’re made! Stop by for a free consultation from our fabulous staff and browse our gift shop for some great last minute shopping! Happy Holidays & Happy Shopping!

xoxo,

This post was not sponsored and I receive no small commission from my readers shopping at Merle Norman Cosmetics and Gifts. But I wish I did. Help me I’m poor.