november 2018


 

With Thanksgiving come and gone, we're now full-swing into the holiday season. That means lots of merriment, lots of cheer and LOTS of shopping. As always, we're here to help with creative ideas that'll take your gift-giving game to the next level with our annual marlo monthly holiday gift guide.

Below you'll find suggestions from some of the members of the marlo team that'll meet every need and budget including some you can just click and buy -- talk about making your holiday shopping a breeze (you're welcome!). 

Wishing you a festive holiday season, from all of us at marlo marketing!
 
 
 

francesca's pick
As one who fancies herself a cocktail connoisseur I was stoked when I heard Bully Boy Distillers would be releasing an amaro just in time for the holidays. Unlike others I've tried, Bully Boy's take on the bitter liqueur is super approachable and even nods to the craft beer scene by featuring a bunch of different hops -- a super cool twist for all those beer lovers out there.
 
With only a small selection of American-made amaros on the market, this is the perfect gift for someone who likes to walk on the bitter side or just wants to try something new and different. As far as I'm concerned, you can keep your turtle doves, golden rings and ladies dancing...I'll be sipping on Bully Boy Amaro and grapefruit cocktails all 12 days of Christmas.


brianne's pick
One, if not the most luxe hair care product line in the world, is Oribe (it was actually the very first luxury hair care brand to launch back in 2009). It's definitely not a daily indulgence, so Christmas is the perfect time for me to ask Santa for a few bottles that will make me feel very bouqie, treat my locks with all of their ingredient goodness, and look awfully pretty on display in my shower.

The shampoos are all gentle (paraben and sulfate-free is a must) and everything smells intoxicating. Fun fact: the scents are purposely created to smell different than those we typically associate with hair products (nothing super fruity or sweet). Santa knows that a stop at SalonCapri is the place to stock up; thankfully with three locations in Boston and the 'burbs, he doesn't have to drive the sled too far out of his way!

marlo's pick
'Tis the season for giving, but I'm fortunate to be at a place in my life that I truly want for nothing. That's why this year I'm asking my friends & family to make a donation in my name to support the Boston Police Activities League's annual Shop with a Cop event, coming up on December 10.

Inner-city kids, who were born into circumstances not nearly as fortunate as I, are treated to a pizza party with Santa, followed by a trip to Target where they literally get to "shop with a cop." Imagine 300 kids, roaming the aisles with a police officer by their side, seeking out a holiday gift of their very own choosing. For kids who want for so much, this is a momentous life occasion that can literally transform the trajectory of their lives.

And as for the good men & women in blue, they donate their time -- and often their own money -- to supplement what's allotted for each child. If that doesn't fill you with holiday spirit, nothing will (grinch much?)!

So watch the video the marlo marketing team produced pro-bono following last year's event, and then click here if you're moved to donate. Whatever the circumstances of your birth, an attitude of gratitude is called for from most of us, even at our most down and out. Together, we can show these kids that good fortune is a possibility for them, too. 

erin d's pick
I don't know about you, but stocking stuffers are always the last thing on my list, which typically means a quick Xmas Eve trip to CVS resulting in nail files and cheap chocolate for everyone from my toddler niece to my 78-year-old great uncle. This year, I plan to be a bit more thoughtful with my stocking shopping, indulging my entire family with Crazy Foam products.

The kiddos in my life will all be receiving The Original Crazy Foam 3-in-1 body wash, shampoo, and conditioner featuring their favorite characters -- from Paw Patrol to My Little Pony. I may even throw a couple of DC Comics Originals into my dad's stocking; he'll get a kick out of seeing his childhood bath time staple again! Mom and sis will receive Crazy Foam's new Super Hero Hydrating Face Masks. Beauty masks are all the rage right now, and looking like Wonder Woman and Harley Quinn while adding moisture to their dry winter skin will surely make for some great Insta story #content.

So begone my days of thoughtless stockings -- this year, I'm making self-care fun again for all the superheroes in my life!

katie's pick
While the cold weather months have most people reaching for that bottle of red, I seem to crave something light and refreshing to cure my winter blues. My friends and I are always on the hunt for something to get us out of our winter weather funk, and there's no way I'm the only one who has a rosé enthusiast on my shopping list. So this year, I'm giving the gift of summer during the season of cheer with South Hollow Spirits Dry Line Rosé Gin.

Crafted with the distillery's signature Dry Line Gin and Truro Vineyards crisp Rosé, the spirit is bursting with light and luscious fruit flavors that immediately transport you back to hot summer nights. Infused with locally-grown botanicals from Cape Cod and blended with California Grenache grapes, the unique blend is delicious over ice or in your favorite cocktail (holiday frosé, anyone?).

The best part? It's easy to find in stores or online, making gift buying a breeze. Now you CAN say #yeswayrosé all year long!

giana's pick
Holiday plans? How about crushing the Yankee Swap -- no lotto tickets this year, folks! New England has born and bred quite a few cult-favorites when it comes to food & bev, so I thought I'd up my Yankee Swap game with a New England triple threat. I can't think of a more classic gift basket than Willow Tree Chicken Dip, Cape Cod Potato Chips and a few Narragansett tall boys ! Pro-tip: wrap it all up in an L.L. Bean Boat Tote and there will be no trading, guaranteed. The only thing that would make this gift basket more legit is something money can't buy -- a New England accent!

kiersten's pick
We all know the holiday season is a busy and stressful time; traveling from house to house, cooking (and eating) ALL the food, and wrapping presents until your arms are numb. With the New Year right around the corner (hello 2019!) I plan to gift myself for all the hard work I did in 2018 with some R&R in the form of a Showcase Subscribe membership.

Just launched last month, the Showcase Subscribe program allows you to see up to three movies a month for one low monthly price. After I register for the plan online that works with my budget and schedule, I'll be able to see the hottest Hollywood blockbusters with zero blackout dates, book my tix on a special app, and I'll still get my Starpass reward benefits. And with all the money I'll be saving on tickets, I'll be able to indulge guilt-free in a big bucket of buttery popcorn and box of Sno-Caps while I catch up on the latest big-screen hits.

As J Biebs would say, "It's a no-brainer"' ... too cheesy? I'll see myself out.
 
yana's pick
For my family, the holidays = eating. And lots of it. This year, I am putting my foot down and demanding a guilt-free holiday dinner.

No, we're not fasting through the season... we're reserving the private dining room at Woods Hill Table. Chef Charlie Foster carefully curates a menu of familiar, but elevated, dishes that are sustainably sourced from their own farm in Bath, NH.  And when I say 'sustainably sourced,' I'm not messing around; The Farm at Woods Hill raises livestock (cows, pigs, lambs and more), grows fruits and veggies (blueberries, garlic, pumpkins, apples and mushrooms to name a few), and houses four beehives. Using the bounty, the team delivers flavorful, balanced and nutrient-dense dishes, that will leave you satiated... without the guilt!

So bring it on fam, let the eating commence. And come Jan 1, I will feel zero remorse!

ilana's pick
Mirror, mirror on the.... swoon-worthy, statement-making bathtub. Yep, there's no need to even ask who's the fairest one of all. This polished stainless steel beauty, aka the Balthazar tub, is a total spotlight hog. Available at Designer Bath's Beverly and Watertown showrooms, it's the perfect gift for a lucky recipient on your 'Nice' list, namely: YOU!

Yeah, yeah, it's better to give than to receive and all that -- I'm not arguing with the classic adage -- but dare I suggest this as a little #TreatYoSelf goodie? After all, 'the most wonderful time of the year' can be stressful to the max.

Visions of a houseful of relatives crashing on the couch, loudly decking endless halls and playing with fire for eight crazy nights is enough to give anyone some pre-December anxiety. And if you ask me, 'tis always the season to escape and soak up some v necessary 'you time.' Talk about a holy day... 

tracy's pick
Unfortunately for us, winter in New England can be a drag; after the fifth time digging your car out in 48 hours, it's time to hit the bottle. This year, everyone on my "nice" list will be getting a sleek bottle of GEM&BOLT, my fave mezcal that one ups all the others because it's distilled with Damiana, a Mexican super herb that was believed by the ancient Mayans to have mystical love-inducing powers.

So yes, with GEM&BOLT not only will you be gifting a 100% clean spirit (read: no additives = no hangover), but it'll also help to smooth things over with your coupled friends who can't stop arguing about whose turn it is to take the dog out in the snow. If you know what I mean, Greg.

sylvie's pick
Feeling bamboozled about what to get the last person on your holiday shopping list? Whenever I'm in this situation, I think about experiences I can give -- not just things that fit under the tree. And if that experience can feature something cute, furry and possibly climbing a tree, all the better! That's why I'm gifting everyone on my list a  red panda behind-the-scenes tour at Franklin Park Zoo.

Not only are the red pandas the cutest inhabitants of the Zoo (in my expert opinion), but this past summer a new furry face made its debut when a female panda cub was born. As an added feel-good bonus, you'll also be giving back by supporting Zoo New England's ongoing efforts. And what better way to celebrate Christmas than cuteness & contributions!

christina v's pick
Ask anyone in the marlo office and they will agree that I am the queen of rockin' a brewery/restaurant t under a blazer. I'm a restaurant publicist, so when I see fun, cool industry swag I just NEED to have it. I call it my preppy, hipster look.
So, for any friends reading this m.blog, you can check at RUKA to add to my (or other friend's) t-shirt collection. Designed by the restaurant's own Duncan Mischo, the same artist who created the original line-art illustration that is displayed on the restaurant's main wall and can also be seen on the food and beverage menus, it combines Peruvian and Japanese elements into a modern design, just like the hints to RUKA's Nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese) offerings.

For availability and pricing, you can call RUKA at (617) 266-0102 or visit them at 505 Washington St. in DTX.

victoria's pick
Though I wish it weren't case, we all know the holidays can be stressful AF. From hosting dozens of family members to endless shopping and cooking, things can get a little overwhelming. That's why this year I say it's time to give the gift of time to ourselves! Your turn to host the family dinner? Follow my lead and take advantage of Perdue's products to make those holiday meals not only simple, but delicious.

And if you just don't have the time to cook this year, Perdue's Simply Smart and Short Cuts lines of pre-cooked chicken make throwing meals and appetizers together fast and easy - leaving you more time to spend with your family or, let's be honest, by yourself! Impress your family and friends, make your life easier, and give yourself some time to get in the spirit this holiday season? Check, check and check!

ariel's pick
I wouldn't call myself a sports fan per se, I can definitely follow what's happening during a game and get a thrill out of our winning-est Boston teams, but when watching at home my attention span tends to peter out after about 30 minutes and I find myself looking up the players and their adorable kids .
 
But, give me a chance to see a game live -- the high-energy fandom book-ended by uninhibited eating & drinking and I become a bonafide sports analyst (mostly analyzing how to hit up a great pre-game restaurant and still have room for a soft pretzel at half-time).
 
That's why I'm so excited to have Alcove now open right next to TD Garden. Alcove is a perfect pre or post-game destination with its welcoming atmosphere, fresh farm-coast cuisine, delicious drinks and killer views along Lovejoy Wharf.
 
The pro-move this holidays season is to pair a Celtics or Bruins game with a meal at Alcove; their gift cards, available for purchase online, make it easier to do than Kyrie Irving scooping in a pretty layup!

m.blog: october  
Just Being Honest...
Meet Me Wherever
The Juicy Truth About Wellness Shots
Un-Belize-Able Trip of a Lifetime
Written in the Stars
T-Swift Gets a New Reputation

coming down the pike
Nov. 23 - Dec 31:
December 1: Holiday Classic Series - Holiday Inn
December 15: Holiday Classic Series - It's a Wonderful Life 
December 31: Zoo Year's Eve at Stone Zoo