15 Gift Ideas for My Fellow Chronically Ill Girlies

This gift guide was a real labor of love. I curated my first version of this it year and was overjoyed at the response it received. As someone who was so freshly navigating chronic illness caused by cancer treatment, it was sometimes hard to see how I fit into the world in the simplest ways. I felt out of place and had the hardest time relating to anyone that wasn’t a cancer patient or survivor themselves.

I had always enjoyed created gift guides around the holidays, but the lens in which I viewed the world had changed so much. And the broad stroke guides I had curated in the past honestly felt so shallow. But I have always loved giving my family and friends thoughtful gifts. And one thing that stood out to me during my year of cancer treatment—from chemo to my double mastectomy to radiation and more—were the incredibly thoughtful gifts I received from my loved ones that made me feel so seen and known.

It can be so hard shopping for someone walking through something as heavy and complex as a cancer diagnosis. So it made the most sense to start with what I knew best. These picks are as chic as they are functional—because no one should have to choose between style and ease.

Thoughtful Gifts Under $50

Thoughtful gifts from thoughtful brands! Below you’ll find items that are perfect for the beauty lover, the coffee enthusiast, the host, the homebody, and the tastemaker. And whether you’re shopping for stocking stuffers or gifts on a budget, these gifts are sure to be a hit.

xx, Annalise

Little Luxuries Gift Guide

A list of intentional indulgences. This gift guide covers thoughtful presents that are especially wonderful to receive since they typically aren’t the kinds of things one prioritizes buying for themselves—like artisanal olive oils and fancy soaps or lotions.

So spoil your loved ones this season with these little luxuries.

xx, Annalise

Gift Guide for the Silver Jewelry Lovers

Curated by a jewelry enthusiast who spent seven years working in the industry—this gift guide largely consists of pieces that I personally own and love, though I also included a few pieces that are on my personal wish list as well. I’ll preface that this entire gift guide is centered around the idea of buy it nice, or buy it twice and are items I have deemed worth the investment.

In my jewelry career, I was in various positions from bench jeweler to jewelry designer, and lastly as a social media specialist at a fine jewelry company. Though I’m no longer in the industry, my experience is something I carry close. It will forever be the lens in which I view brands and pieces.

I had a wonderful time curating this list and hope you enjoy looking through it.

xx, Annalise

Self-Reflection, a Holiday Moodboard, and a Venn Diagram for 2025

I’ve always loved this time of year.

The magical lights twinkling in the cold, dark nights, the slower, reflective rhythm of the days between Christmas and New Year’s—it’s my favorite season. This year feels even more special because it’s my first cancer-free holiday season.

But last holiday season, I was drowning under the emotional and physical weight of chemotherapy. It felt anything but magical. In all honesty, it felt more like hell than anything else. I was in the darkest place that I’ve ever been, and my body was the weakest it had ever been. I spent two weeks in the hospital and ICU due to complications with treatment that I didn’t know if I’d ever come back from—both physically and mentally. I wasn’t hopeful for the future, and I wasn’t even sure I wanted to be. I was so close to giving up, but by the grace of God—and the unwavering love and support of my family and friends—I made it through 2023. I finished breast cancer treatment. I had my double mastectomy. I found out I was cancer-free. And with that, I stepped into what felt like my second chance at life.

Conscious Gift Guide for the Chronically Ill Girlies

This gift guide was a real labor of love—the first of a few thoughtful ones I’ll be sharing this holiday season. It’s been years since I last put one together, and this is my first time curating since my breast cancer journey, which has completely changed the way I approach many things in life—including gifting.

I wanted to create something special for those in your life living with chronic illnesses. As a breast cancer survivor now navigating my own health challenges, I know how much thoughtful, practical gifts can mean. These picks are as chic as they are functional—because no one should have to choose between style and ease.

I hope this guide helps you find something that feels just right for the people you love most.

xx, Annalise

A Stay Down South at The Russell

This summer, I traveled outside of California for the first time since being diagnosed with—and beating!—breast cancer. I spent three weeks making up for lost time on the East Coast, visiting family and soaking in every bit of the pure wonder of being alive.

During our trip, we stayed at The Russell—a cozy and colorful boutique hotel in the heart of East Nashville. Originally built as a church in 1904, it was remodeled a few years ago and is now a Music City mainstay. From the historic stained glass that influenced the interiors to the artwork inspired by country music legends, The Russell is a must-visit if you’re in Nashville.

Fall Wishlist

October is here, and it’s officially autumn.

I love dressing in layers—there’s something about chunky knits, blazers, and boots that seems to unlock a level of creativity in the way I style an outfit that was dormant all summer. Though the temperatures in Los Angeles seem to have missed the memo, I’m counting down the days to when I’ll be able to break out the sweaters that have been taunting me in my closet since spring.

The anticipation of cooler temps combined with a recharge of inspiration ushered in by a new season has my moodboard and wishlist overflowing. And even though I’m just online window shopping with these pieces, I still wanted to be selective. You’ll find that each item on my wishlist is either from an ethical or sustainable brand, vintage or secondhand, or an investment piece surely to outlast trends and be a staple in your wardrobe for years to come.

Sustainable Gift Guide: Gifts for Her

The final gift guide for this holiday season!

Sisters, daughters, girlfriends, wives, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, neighbors. This is your one-stop-shop for sustainable gifts for her.

This gift guide features a range of affordable gifts with a few investment gifts sprinkled throughout. I want to continue the theme of intentionality in each of the guides that I post here. You’ll find a large amount of women-owned, women-made, BIPOC-owned gifts below, and each item is from an ethical/sustainable brand. You’ll see items ranging from home goods to jewelry to skincare to clothing. I hope this helps you continue to shop for the holidays with confidence, knowing that your purchases are empowering the people who make them. I hope you feel a deep sense of pride in your intentional purchases this year. Cheers to you!