Last year, we skipped most of our regular holiday promotions. We had just expanded The Hive and opened Yellow Jacket, and time had gotten the best of us. This year, we are back on track with our “Holidays At The Hive” promotions.

This means our Give-A-Gift-Get-A-Gift promotion is back! If you remember from years past, for every $250 you spend, you get a $50 gift card. The first year we tried this, it was such a hit we decided we needed to do it every year. Here is what is so great –  if you are shopping for someone else, you get a gift yourself, or, you can pass along the gift card to someone else and check two people off your list at once!

Here is the only hitch –  you can’t lose the gift card! We don’t have any other way of tracking it, so that unique piece of paper we hand you is basically like cash. So keep it in a safe place until January 1, when you can come back to redeem the gift card. You have two months after January 1 to use it. So, when you have spent too much on holiday shopping but you still want something new or need a little retail therapy, we will have so many great new items from our holiday and resort shipments waiting on you - and fall merchandise markdowns as well! So, hold on to the cards and come back to see us when the holidays are over.

I was listening to a podcast the other day that had a great holiday gift guide, and I thought they gave some great advice on what to buy for others. When shopping, either try to buy an elevated version of something you know the person you are shopping for will love, or buy something they would never buy for themselves.

Basically, try to elevate. I wanted to share a few things we have in our store that I think fit this bill:

1. Pajamas and Robes from Skin: You can’t go wrong with pajamas or a robe from Skin. The pajamas are so soft and we have options for every style preference. We have sets, caftans, tank dresses, and sleep shirts. My all-time favorite is the quilted robe. It is the coziest thing you will ever put on. I also have to have two robes, one for lounging and one to use as a spa robe for getting ready. These are the perfect pajamas if you are visiting the in-laws or friends. Most pairs look like you can even wear them out to brunch. They’re elevated for sure.

2. Makeup Bags: Now that travel is back, we all probably need a makeup bag upgrade. Stephanie Johnson makes the most thoughtful and attractive bags on the market. These will keep you organized while you travel or while getting ready at home.

3. Socks (for men and women): Nobody really likes spending money on socks. But let’s admit it, there is nothing worse than reaching into your sock drawer and pulling out a pair that you know are going to fall down or stretch out. Never have stylish socks been more popular than they are right now. They are having a moment and you don’t want sad and ugly socks peeking out of your sneakers, loafers, or booties. We have great options for ILux and Falke at both The Shoe Hive and Yellow Jacket.

4. A Polo Without the Logo: Okay, I really can’t stand it when my husband wears a golf shirt to dinner with a logo on it. Nobody wants to know which golf courses you have played or which sporting goods company you prefer. In my opinion, all men need a few polo shirts without a logo. It was my gift of choice for high school grads this year and it will continue to be my gift of choice for the holidays. We have a great selection at Yellow Jacket from Sid Mashburn, Vince, Johnnie O and more.