At CaliLily, we believe in the power of thoughtful, intentional gifts that foster connection, celebrate creativity, and uplift each other without apologizing. This season, we’re taking a moment to celebrate memorable and meaningful holiday gifts. These gifts go beyond the usual—they’re crafted with love, purpose, and empowerment in mind.  

We talked to a few women in our orbit about the unforgettable gifts that have left a mark on them.   

Handcrafted Treasures and Heartfelt Gestures 

For Raequel K. London, Sales Associate at Gold Flora, who is also a preschool teacher, one of the best parts of working with children is the pure joy and love they bring each holiday season. “Smiles, hugs, and kisses on the cheek from my youngest students in preschool up to the sixth grade melt my heart every time,” she shares. These little gifts of affection are priceless. And when it comes to handmade gifts—personal cards, unique crafts, or even simple baked treats—Raequel is always humbled by the time and care that goes into each one. To her, these aren’t just gifts; they’re reminders of the joy of giving freely, without the need for grand gestures. 

Carrying forward this spirit, Raequel loves making her mom’s famous zucchini bread every year, which she gifts to friends and family. It’s her way of sharing a piece of herself, building connections, and creating moments of warmth and comfort through food. She finds that creating opportunities to gather and connect is a beautiful gift that keeps giving. This spirit of sharing and connection reflects what we’re all about at CaliLily—a reminder that the simplest gestures often mean the most. 

Self-Care and Little Luxuries 

For Rose Marie Alvarez, Chief Customer Officer at CannaSpyglass, the most cherished holiday gifts are those that allow her to pause, indulge in self-care, and savor small moments of luxury. Her favorites include advent calendars, curated self-care products, and books. Advent calendars bring daily joy, while self-care gifts remind us of the importance of taking time to nurture ourselves. Books are a gift that can transport us, inspire us, or transform our perspective or way of looking at the world. Each item reflects an awareness of how women recharge, reconnect, and honor their well-being.  

Empowering yourself starts with giving yourself permission to slow down and recharge unapologetically. Self-care gifts are an invitation to do just that—take time for yourself and feel good about it. 

Creative Surprises with a Personal Touch 

One of the most unique gifts Katharine Baxter, Founder of KB Cannabis Consulting 

received was from her husband—a scavenger hunt set up for their anniversary. Each clue led her to small, personalized treasures that reflected their shared memories and important moments. It was more than a gift; it was an experience that showed her how deeply her husband knew and cherished her. “Each moment reminded me of the special bond we share,” she shares. This kind of gift embodies the beauty of creativity and thoughtfulness, transforming simple moments into lasting memories. 

This story is a reminder of how meaningful it is to be seen and celebrated just as we are. A creative, personalized gift is one that honors us individually, celebrating our unique journey without comparison or compromise. 

A Creative Boost and a Return to Passion 

Amanda F once received a gift that inspired her to reconnect with her creative side—a leather-bound sketchbook that can be transferred to her laptop. For someone who loves drawing but rarely finds time for it, this gift was a reminder to rekindle her creative spirit. The sketchbook allows her to create without apology, giving her a way to reconnect with her passions. 

This kind of gift is in line with the CaliLily spirit, too. We believe that any gift that encourages a woman to express herself, pursue her passion, or simply take joy in her unique abilities is a gift of empowerment.  

Finding Joy in Life’s Little Quirks 

Not every memorable gift has to be serious! For KW, some of her most fun and memorable gifts have been quirky, cat-themed items. “You’d be surprised at some of the randomly funny cat stuff that’s out there!” she notes. These items bring her joy because they’re lighthearted and tap into her quirky, cat-loving side. 

These stories inspire us to celebrate our bonds this holiday season. At CaliLily, we believe that giving is about more than the present itself. It’s about the thought, the care, and the unapologetic celebration of each other. Here’s to giving and receiving gifts that empower us, celebrate our unique selves, and create memories that last. Whether it’s homemade zucchini bread, an unexpected treasure hunt, or the perfect self-care treat, the most meaningful gifts are those that make us feel seen, loved, and supported—no apologies necessary.