Growing up, my family (like most) gave presents you could physically unwrap under the Christmas Tree. And don’t get me wrong, I love the excitement unearthed by unwrapping a mystery box, but through the years I’ve come to enjoy other forms of gift giving just as much.

For instance, my husband and his family tend to gift “experiences” more than a tangible item. Like a trip together to explore a new city, a gift certificate to a new restaurant, or that cooking class I’ve been eying so I can finally learn how to make homemade pasta.  I find that gifting new experiences extends Christmas; it’s not just one day of celebration anymore. Instead, this type of present allows me to build new memories with someone on our co-adventure or makes me think of the giver fondly while I’m rolling out that ravioli dough on my own countertop.

Jewelry is the gift that crosses over between physical and experiential. You get the thrill of unwrapping a present, but unlike gifts that you can forget about easily, jewelry is one you cannot let sit in a drawer for long.  It’s meant to be worn with coveted affection. Wherever it adorns your body, a piece of jewelry is a thoughtful, loving reminder of the person who gifted it to you. It’s the experience of the presentation and the receiving of a tangible item that prolongs the milestone by marking the special moment and then consequently forming new memories while wearing that piece.

If you’re looking to make your own future memories and need a gift for the man in your life, you may not have to look further than this lavender turquoise pendant, set in my new 18k warm white gold. The fetching color of blue is unique to this type of turquoise that comes from Kazakhstan, which is a medley of sky-like ceruleans with a faint purple tinge. The pendant’s simple bezel setting has a hinge accent and drops from a double cord of leather, making it streamlined and chic. Today’s men are eager to show their individual style and this piece of jewelry is a beautiful form of expression!

For the ladies, there’s a whole new Smalls Collection. Though they be diminutive, they are fierce… in style.  Look at the bluish-green petrified opalized wood drops of these Dailies Smalls 767 earrings. Aren’t they the perfect shade of holiday green? This part of the stone opalized first, then the whole tree hardened into rock over millions of years. The outer bark became black stone, while the softer inner opalized material became green stone. While I love a big, bold statement pair of earrings, the size of the Smalls Collection is easier to wear day or night, just as extraordinary, plus all under $5,000. No brainer!

While the holidays can be overwhelming, we can’t get too wrapped up (pun intended) in the chaos and lose sight of what’s really important.  I know it’s cliché, but all those Christmas mall songs are onto something. It’s an opportunity to get together, share stories and create new ones with our most precious loved ones – all the while indulging in baked goods, holiday ham, and my personal family traditions: cheese popcorn, creamed onions, and my mother’s famous cheesecake. Perhaps while unwrapping a new experience or new bauble. How lucky are we?! But I guess that’s why they call it the most wonderful time of the year.