Post in partnership with the SoNo Collection. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
No matter how early I start writing my gift lists, (and checking them twice) holiday shopping always feels a bit out of my control. Will I be able to get everything I want? Who did I forget? Did I get them this last year? To make holiday shopping a lot less of a drag, I always like to take a trip to the SoNo Collection in South Norwalk, Connecticut.
About 35 minutes from Westchester County, the SoNo Collection homes the best variety of stores. From Nordstrom to Bloomingdales, a full H&M Home store, Zara, Sephora, Abercrombie, and the Amazon 4 Star Store, you can easily check off everyone on your list!
The holiday experience at the SoNo Collection is also next level. During the month of December, there are a number of activations and events like the Holiday Bells Grove and HoHo SoNo. More details can be found below.
Yet sometimes even with all the right places and decorations, holiday shopping isn’t all that easy. Which is they I’ve created the SoNo Collection Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for you! At the bottom of this post, you will also find a downloadable checklist to use for everyone on your list, to make your holiday shopping a breeze!
SoNo Collection Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
Where I Shopped at the SoNo Collection:
- Nordstrom
- Bloomingdale’s
- Lush
- Amazon 4 Star Store
- H&M Home + Clothing Store
- Sephora
- EQ3
- Abercrombie
- Aerie
Gifts I Purchased and Gift Ideas:
Stocking Stuffers: You can find all the beauty stocking stuffers you need at Nordstrom and Sephora. For him, I love a gadget like a Fire Stick or wireless headphones from the Amazon 4-Star Store.
Gifts for Friends: I love doing small, thoughtful bundle gifts for my girlfriends. They’re really perfect for any woman in your life. I grabbed some slippers and cozy socks from Aerie and bubble bath bombs from Lush all for under $40. These are also great stocking stuffers!
Home Gifts: The H&M home store seems like the best-kept secret of the SoNo Collection. I picked up some paper ornaments to use napkin holders, that then can be take-homes for my next holiday dinner. The Amazon 4-Star store also has my coffee pot, if you know a coffee lover it’s the best machine around!
For Him: I love Ambercrombie for elevated basics. They have great more tailored sweatshirts for the guy in your life. I also picked up some men’s Kiehl’s skincare items and pajamas from H&M!
Check out all the stores at the SoNo Collection here.
SoNo Collection Holiday Activations
One of the reasons I love going to the SoNo Collection is because they light up the space in holiday cheer. From the beautiful decorations throughout the Collection to events to enjoy (more on than below!), it feels like a bit of New York City right in your backyard.
MUSIC – Spend a day at the festive and beautifully decorated SoNo Collection and enjoy live performances by the Norwalk Symphony, in addition to DJ mixed holiday tunes.
STILT WALKERS – Your favorite holiday characters – larger than life!
LETTERS TO SANTA will be collected at the Holiday Greenwall Mailbox (Bloomingdale’s entrance) from November 26-November 28. Come with your letter in hand or write your letter and wish list when you arrive.
SELFIES WITH SANTA – The holidays wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the North Pole and a photo with Santa himself. With a little help from Mrs. Claus, capturing magical moments with the Big Guy is easier than ever — all you need is your phone or a camera! Take your own photos with Santa for FREE for a festive photoshoot. Level 3 near CAMP. Friday–Sunday, 12 PM–4 PM, 5 PM–7 PM November 26–December 20
The breathtaking HOLIDAY BELLS GROVE is back again this year! Unlock a symphony of music and light as you walk and play among the Holiday Bells Grove where your movements will ring the bells and illuminate the lights. Be a part of the magic! Located in The People’s United Magnificent Room, Level 2.
HO HO SONO: Produced by the always fun and imaginative team from the Norwalk Conservatory, Ho Ho SoNo is an exciting interactive holiday event featuring 7 activations to be enjoyed at your leisure. From ornament making and cookie decorating to learning the game of dreidel, these fun family activities will ignite your holiday spirit! December 10-12, 17-24, and Dec 26. Tickets: Adults $20, Kids $15 (under 2, Free) Tickets
SoNo Collection Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide with Downloadable List
Finally, we ate at La Picante and the food was soooo good. My mom and I split the crispy chicken wrap, perfect fuel for some more shopping. You can check out all the dining options here.
If you want to make your holiday shopping a breeze this year be sure to visit the SoNo Collection!
