Shot of Brandi Gift Guide: New Mexico, New York & North Carolina

Monday, December 21, 2015





  1. I’m making a generalization here, but given it’s proximity to Mexico, I’d imagine that New Mexico has some great taco joints. I really wanted an excuse to feature this Taco Time Notebook.
  2. This cactus is a rather quirky gift, but I spotted this via Refinery29 and thought - this is SO New Mexico. Not only is this a cactus, but it’s a nifty coaster holder!
  3. Quirky espadrilles are all the rage right now and I’m assuming this Santa Fe pair from Tory Burch was inspired by the New Mexico City that bears the same name!




  1. I won’t talk about the time TSA confiscated my Saks Snow Globe, but I will still stand by the idea that this makes a good gift! NYC Skyline Snow Globe.
  2. Frequent Shot of Brandi* readers know that I love me some Dylan’s Candy Bar. Dylan Lauren, Ralph’s daughter, was born in New York and owns this candy store that now has locations across the U.S. This cute candy box is perfect for those random people on your list that you need to buy for!
  3. Two of the best rappers ever were born in New York - Tupac and the Notorious BIG. If you are a fan of both, then maybe you need these cookie stamps! Lol.




  1. I’ve been a fan of Furbish Studio for a number of years now. Furbish has a storefront in Raleigh, NC, but fortunate for the rest of us you can shop online for amazing goodies like this pillow.
  2. Krispy Kreme doughnuts was founded in Winston-Salem. ‘Tis the season to eat foods that are not great for you and doughnuts are one of those foods! This is the time to bring a dozen to Christmas brunch!  FYI - Pepsi was also invented and first served in New Bern!
  3. One of our favorite places to vacation is the Outer Banks of North Carolina. A family vacation makes a fantastic Christmas gift and gives you something to look forward to during the year ahead! They key to visiting the OBX is to rent a house on the beach and go during the off season (before Memorial Day or after Labor Day). You can also visit the spot where the Wright Brothers took their famous flight!

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