Top Holiday Gift Ideas From Braum’s An Affair Of The Heart Tulsa 2019

One week ago today I launched my holiday gift guide with my top 14 gift items I was most excited about from the upcoming Braum’s An Affair of a Heart show in Tulsa! If you missed that post find it here. It’s such a beautiful curated selection of one-of-a-kind gifts just in time for the holidays to fit anyone’s taste and budgets! If you ask me, a great gift checks two boxes: first, it adds either joy or function (or both!) to the life of the recipient, and second, adds zero stress to that of the gift giver. I make a habit of keeping both points in mind as I work through the holiday season, and not only does it guarantee gifting success for our nearest and dearest, but it also keeps us sane through the frenzy. So when I think of streamlining the gifting process, and it starts with AAOTH.

The holiday season is just around the corner and it’s getting closer and closer to the shopping event of the whole entire year where we will all explore miles of aisles of beautiful items to purchase for ourselves and loved ones! Attendees will have the chance to browse—and purchase—everything from clothing to artwork, ceramics, gourmet edibles, bags, apothecary, and more. And as promised I want to show you my top fourteen picks with some more ideas on how to use and gift them along with original photography. I truly adore every single one of these pieces and just cannot wait for you to meet the vendors behind them! And I cannot wait to jumpstart the Thanksgiving holiday with my friends at Braum’s An Affair of The Heart-the funnest curated shopping event in Middle America. Thrilled to spend some time with my sweet friend Jenna who will be home from school!! We are already lining up exactly how we want to break up the three days so we do not miss one single booth!

Love Etsy but hate not being able to see the products in person? Then this event is for you. Love one-of-a-kind gifts? Then this event is for you. Love modern fashionable gifts that you are seeing on- line in all of your fave boutiques? Then this event is for you! This fab event is no longer JUST your momma’s craft show! Yes..you can still get those wonderful things but the trendy young fashionista can now have lots of things to shop! You won’t just be able to check people off your shopping list here—you’ll be able to go home with items guaranteed to impress even the pickiest people in your life. With over 500 vendors this event has so much to see and discover so come make a day of it or even a weekend. I personally love the thrill of the hunt!

So let’s talk about my top fourteen gifts that you can shop at the November show! I have included the booth numbers for each vendor too.

Summer’s Market Comet Dust Candle Ring 24”, $12.95 and Summer’s Market Santa's Ride 3 Pillar Mantlepiece - 20” $18

How do I decorate my house for winter?! Of course I will be showing you how I decorate at our house for winter here after Thanksgiving, but before this big question was asked I wanted to show you how easy it really can be to decorate for the holidays & transition into winter decor. It’s really just a matter of subtracting a few things & a little rearranging to create some lovely winter tables and mantles if you have a mantle. I created a fun modern wintery tablescape with my two picks and hope you love it as much as me!

To me, winter decor is simple and can be rustic or incredibly modern depending on your taste! I love to keep some greenery, wreaths, & a few other items for Christmas around along with some candles & other cozy items. Summer’s Market has everything you need to decorate for the holiday. And of course these items are just fantastic to gift. My really good friend in Chicago lives for decorating around the holidays and I plan to gift her these things. I think it’s such a sweet sentiment! Every year the decorations will breathe life from being in their storage box and your friend or family member will always think of you! Summer's Market always has such a gorgeous festive booth at AAOTH so be sure to visit them for your decorating and gift giving needs!

Find them in booths 424 and 425

Dog Collar World Buffalo Plaid Dog Collars, Bandanas, and Bow Ties $8-15

Happy soon-to-be Ruff-mas! We all know who the real MVPs are: our pets! Whether they’ve been naughty or nice, it’s important to treat them to some stylish new gear this holiday season. I have found some purrfectly pawesome gifts they (and you) are sure to love from Dog Collar World. They are here to ensure your dog is the most stylish pup on the block. I gave you the low down on why I absolutely love their collars, bow, ties, and bandanas which you will want to read about here. Dog Collar World’s custom dog accessories are extremely fashionable, and can also be customized by having your pet's information embroidered directly on the collar and bandanas. Embroidered dog collars and bandanas look excellent while also providing a measure of security in case your pet becomes lost. They have over 30 embroidery thread colors available so any of their patterns will look good embroidered! The bow ties are so dapper!

Don’t have a pet but want to impress a pet owner?! Well look no further!! And PS, if you are dating a dog lover-you better get that pet something for Christmas! LOL! I definitely think Brooke’s dogs need these!

Find them in booths 196, 197, and 198

Wild Hare Art Studio is definitely a must on your AAOTH shopping list! They have something for the holiday lover, the coffee lover, the art lover and the OKIE lover. They are here to remind you of the feeling of home, wherever you may be! They offer custom and original items born out of their Oklahoma heritage. Their offerings come from the creative visions and talents of David Prichard, John Hare and Justin Hare and will focus on original artwork, photography, canvas prints, apparel and more. Christmas ornaments will be available for purchase at the November show. Leading up to the release they will take you behind the scenes for a glimpse of the creative process behind these uniquely Oklahoman holiday ornaments too over on their website. The ornaments range from $14.95-$10.00. I love the Oklahoma Scissortail Water Color Print (Signed Print) so much! It features original watercolor artwork by Wild Hare's own David Prichard. It’s printed on heavy stock photo paper too so it feels very luxe. It’s $15 which leaves me plenty of room in my budget to have it framed! And the Buffalo Santa Mug is the most adorable thing ever. ( $15) Perfect for your favorite cup of coffee or hot chocolate- or maybe even Santa’s milk for his cookies! Whatever the case may be you will find so many amazing Gift ideas for that OKIE in your life!

I will be framing this print for Jan and I plan to use the ornaments for her gifts too! I love incorporating an ornament into my gift wrapping situation! And I actually am keeping the mug for myself! Shhh.

Find them in booths 551 and 552

You all went a little nuts over the Joie de Vivre Sign from H&R Pallet Designs. Farmhouse style is all the buzz these days in the decor world! Hey thanks Joanna and Chip! More importantly it is a beloved and growing trend with real people, not just designers and trend setters. Why all the popularity? Because anyone and everyone can achieve it! It is not difficult, and it’s not expensive. How great is that? Not only is it easily attainable but in this fast-paced, high-tech world it brings us back to our roots. It reminds us of a simpler time and gives us a feeling of being connected to the land and this country’s history. If you are familiar at all with farmhouse style you know that farmhouse signs are a key component. They can come in all different sizes, shapes, and styles too! Dawn will make any custom sign you dream up! But already has an amazing selection too that you can shop at this years show. They are so much prettier in person too…pictures don’t do them justice. Quality and attention to detail make them each a thing of beauty we are proud to display. Dawn is truly passionate about what she creates. She absolutely loves what she does and you can see it! You can feel it! I am gifting my friend Karen a gorgeous present for Christmas for here for her farm style home in Austin! I love my Joie de Vivre sign that Dawn custom made me for the guest room! I realize we have a modern home but I think some elements like this add a lot of warmth and fun to the space! She has small unframed 10x10s for just $20 all the way up to ginormous 14x48s for $120. The one I have is $45.

Find them in booths 733, 734, and 735

Artisan Candles from Farwilde are the ultimate gift! Temperatures are dropping which means it’s time for “Operation Cozy,” a time when throw blankets are brought out, candles are lit, and staying in seems like a better option than heading out. Since it’s officially candle season (I declared it), I suggest you stock up on these beauties to gift to someone this holiday. Farwilde was love at first sight and smell for me! And will be for your gift recipients too! Their candles just transport me. They’re purveyors of fragranced jar candles, hand-crafted with botanically rich, complex essential oils derived from plant product from around the planet. Their candles are created in The Woodlands, Texas, adhering to the principles of OLFACTORY MIXOLOGY: every Farwilde candle reflects their own fragrance aesthetic . . . scents which inspire, transport, and fascinate us are blended and funneled into our jars with the intention that they provide an unforgettable aromatic experience for you. A balanced, scented candle can do wonders for your mood, bringing back joyful memories or awakening a sense of calm in the mind. Turning to science once again, there are numerous studies that demonstrate the power of smell in evoking emotions and memories. There is also evidence that the right smells can help reduce anxiety, promote wellness, and in the case of lavender in particular, even help with chronic pain. They use a specially blended soy and paraffin wax which holds the fragrance and burns evenly. There are no added colors or dyes in any Farwilde candle and they use only 100% cotton wicks which are lead and zinc-free!! They retail for $35.

Find them in booth 687

Gift your traveler some cozy pieces from Jade Creek Boutique. Scarves and cardigans technically fall under the travel wrap umbrella in my world! While packing one of these might not actually change your life — it will enhance the way you travel. Cardigans and scarves are not only a stylish addition to any outfit, but they're also amazing multitaskers. They can be used as blankets on cold planes and as neck pillows when rolled up for long rides. They're also sheets on overnight trains and head covers on drizzly days. You can also stay snug in freezing conference room or restaurant! Jade Creek is a chic boutique that carries fashion forward, comfortable, trendy and realistic styles for the busy mom, frugal fashionista or the everyday teen. They also carry a wide variety of accessories and shoes to pair with any outfit! They are inspired by all women to bring easy style at affordable prices and customer service you deserve. The lightweight cardigan retails for $29 and the infinity scarf retails for $16.00.

Find them in booth 640

Even Henry agrees that this is the coziest softest thing ever!

The Oak Serving Board from A Colorful Orchid is such a wonderful gift! I believe if you make your kitchen beautiful, it will be a room you'll actually want to spend time in. These gorgeous boards not only help you make things from scratch and cook healthy food, they also add beauty to the kitchen and help turn cooking and entertaining into a form of self-care. For the loved ones on your holiday gift list who spend a lot of time in the kitchen, these boards are just perfect! I will be stocking up on several of these boards for gifts for family and friends. Our kitchen counters have been craving these! Their boards range in price from $25 -$115. Tracie locally source slabs of wood to make many of her boards. She will also have glass storage jars, earrings, pendants, magnets, coasters and Christmas ornaments for $10-$20. She will also have a lot of cocktail and console tables which range in price from $75-$300. Look out for a new series too called "ocean"! These pieces mimic the waves of the ocean, with the white resin lacing to look like white caps over the waves. (I cannot wait to see these) Everything she makes is one of a kind. No two are ever alike.

Find them in booth #696C

Josette Lavender Dry Body Oil $12.95

For beauty fiends, the holidays just wouldn't be complete without an amazing, beauty gift. And this light weight, non-greasy oil that is perfect for anytime. However, it is most loved and appreciated when you are in a hurry. You know, when you jump in the shower before you've got to be somewhere quickly! You can blot the excess water off your skin and spritz your body with your favorite scented body oil. It glides on effortlessly, absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling soft and nourished. It is great for people that do not like the feel of oils. It can also be used on the hair to tame the frizz too! 100% Safe --20% Organic --No Preservatives! It has been transforming my dull skin into perfection! This nourishing oil instantly sinks into my dry skin. And the soothing aroma calms my monkey mind. I am such a beauty junkie and I cannot wait to visit this booth and smell and touch everything. I will definitely be gifting some products to my friends from Josette!

Find them in booth 295

Trendy Fashionable Pieces from Urban.ish are perfect for that fashion lover on your gift list. Finding the perfect present for the stylish women in your life is no easy feat—but Urban.ish is here to make the process a little easier (and chicer). Urban.ish has some very trendy and fashionable pieces at an affordable price point! I am loving the Black Raw Hem Crop Flare Jeans. They are so soft and stretchy. And I am living for anything Rust colored right now so this bohemian top is a must! It’s so flattering and fun. Also loving this silk scarf that is pictured below around my hat! I am a real sucker for accessories. They are located in Duncan Oklahoma so I am really excited that they will be at AAOTH in November because I have my eye on so many things that I want to try on! Don’t you love trying clothes on before you purchase?!!! Prices range from $14-$60

Find them in booth 263, 264, and 265

All of Us Old Plantation Soups and Dips

Another sure way to land that invitation to next year’s holiday party is gifting your host a fabulous soup and/or dip mix from All of Us Old Plantation Soups and Dips. Today their catalog has expanded to seventeen different dips, twenty-five different soups, three different pies, and a full line of bread and cobbler mixes. They don’t use fancy machinery or sophisticated gadgets to blend their mixes. They use a measuring scoop, lots of bowls, and plenty of elbow grease. Every bag is sealed by hand and every bag is labeled by hand which is so impressive to me! It’s such a lovely gesture. If you are even needing to bring something for everyone to nibble on at the party I highly recommend using one of their cheese ball mixes! I just used their Tuscan Herb Cheese Ball Mix for a little gathering and it was a huge hit! You can even use this on baked potatoes too! And it’s only $5.95. Be sure to stop at their booth because they will have tons of samples for you to try before you buy!

And look how gorgeous The Colorful Orchid’s board looks!

Find them in booth 001, 002, and 003

Willis Chile Seasoning $5-30

I personally love tasting new things, I love being surprised with unexpected gifts (who doesn’t?!) Not only is this such a nice change from the cookies and candy, it is something that your hosts get to use all winter long. This is a great mix to give away, but it’s also great to just keep in your spice cupboard. I keep a supply constantly on hand and use it for not only chili, but seasoning chicken and beef, fajitas, veggies on the grill, etc. It’s a handy thing to have around! It truly makes the best hearty Chile!!! I will be gifting everyone in my family this seasoning!! And I will also keep lots on hand for any last minute gifts I need. ( Neighbors, Teachers, etc)

Find them in booth 504 and 505

All of these gifts are so incredible and so affordable!

The November show is going to be so amazing! I hope you will join us for this three-day shopping event! It is a rare opportunity to shop for housewares, clothing, jewelry and more from artists, craftsmen and independent retailers from across the country in one place under one roof and tickets are only $10 for all three days! Kids 12 and under are free and they even provide valet parking making things so convenient! Plus I will be there too going live as I take you behind the scenes and allow you to meet the vendors and the people attending. Many people make this an annual tradition and I can’t wait for you to hear directly from them why this event is truly the shopping event of the entire year.

With a swipe of a card or an exchange of a bill, you send a signal of support to the people or company behind the purchase, the issues behind the purchase, and so much more. So perhaps allocate some of your holiday spends this season to independent stores, to artisans, to American-made, to local, wherever you live!!!!!

Remember to follow me on Instagram because I will be hosting 20 An Affair of the Heart ticket giveaways and some giveaways for VIP parking passes too! These will only be hosted on Instagram! I will also be releasing an adorable printable holiday gift planner on Monday!

See you at Braum’s An Affair Of The Heart in Tulsa Nov. 22-24th at the RIVER SPIRIT EXPO
4145 E. 21st St.
$10 for all three days/kids 12 and under free

Friday, Nov. 22
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 23
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 24
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.