I’m pretty picky about what I like, and while I know it’s the thought that counts, my poker face still sometimes betrays me. I’ve been told by my family that I’m a bad gift recipient. It’s not just that I’m particular, I also happen to hate the guilty feeling of wasting other people’s money on things I don’t want (perhaps a topic for my therapist to explore).
All of this is to say, due to my own shortcomings, I’m very intentional about my own gift giving. I keep a running note of ideas and try to buy unique little finds when I’m on vacation. Also, controversial opinion: I’m staunchly pro-list, especially if buying something to support a very specific hobby. I don’t alway stick to the suggestions, but since the recipient is the expert, it’s a good starting place.
Now, despite my best planning efforts, I find myself crunched during the few weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve trying to find meaningful or unique presents for my friends and family. Over the years of curating gift guides for other publications, I wanted to share one with you because I have a feeling you’re in the same boat.
Behold! A little something for everyone inspired by things I want, own, and want to give.
Pick Something Personal-ish
That might mean getting the optional initial embroidery on a scarf, or picking out something local or tied specifically to the recipient. Two years ago, I ordered my sister a set of mugs from a friend of hers that was a ceramicist. It was doubly special because it held more meaning to her than just your average coffee cup would, and in turn it supported someone close to her (win, win!).
Helen Levi ceramics (based in queens!) perfectly shallow bowl ($72)
Hand dyed glass from Upstate ($68)
A politically-minded Lingua Franca sweater ($380) that donates 10% (the brand also makes customizable sweaters)
JiaJia birthstone bracelet ($200)
Boring Gifts Are Good Gifts
Sometimes, creativity fails and in that case, I actually support the giving of gifts that I might have called boring during my childhood. Candles, socks, and soap all fall into this category. You can find fun options made by local craftspeople, or take it as a chance to splurge on a designer item that’s a bit more affordable.
Tie-dye Collina Strada socks (on sale for $35)
My favorite ‘jungle’ scented candle from Costa Brazil ($165)
Muscle-soothing soap from Sallye Ander ($9.95)
The J.Crew cashmere beanie I gave my boyfriend’s mom last year ($50 on sale)
Spiral coasters from Sophie Lou Jacobsen ($75)
Shop Small
Personally, I’m a fan of perusing local shops for ideas (Coming Soon on the LES is a long-time favorite of mine, same with General Store in SF, and this weekend I was just peeking through Clove & Creek in Kingston). They’re a great way to discover local makers, along with a mix of unusual and practical gifts.
This insane meat candle ($60) for the 4 Charles frequenter
A kooky mug for coffee time ($52)
A melting wall clock ($375)
Wales Bonner earrings from my favorite Oakland boutique Mcmullen ($745)
Be A Material Snob
As someone who operates so often in fashion, it’s actually something I’m very hesitant to recommend for gifting as it can be so personal. That being said, my rule of thumb on purchasing stylish items that aren’t already on the recipients list is to stick to high-quality materials, classic silhouettes, or in the know brands (and keep a recipient handy as you’re playing roulette)
The perfectly slouchy wool cardigan from Babaa ($210 on sale)
The bias-cut classic black slip dress I wear all the time ($345)
My favorite sheets made of French flax linen from Bed Threads ($340 on sale)
The Dorsey tennis necklace ($430) I get so many compliments on
Unnecessary Decadence
Sometimes, you just have to splurge on something they’d never think to buy for themselves, but is an upgrade to a current frequently-used favorite. While this area of the list is likely to get the least foot traffic (I know an almost $5000 pair of earrings is an unhinged holiday ask), I still want to offer some ideas of special purchases for special people.
The Breville espresso machine currently on my list ($299) and maybe these stainless steel espresso cups ($29) from my friend Lazy Jamie to go with it!
The splurgy Hermes lipstick I wear exclusively ($90)
A Dyson airwrap, the perfect lazy-girl beauty splurge
My dream cashmere sweater from Elder Statesman ($1450)
The Prounis earrings of my dreams, bare with me on this one ($4900)
Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff
Under-$50 gifts don’t have to be cheesy or cheap. The beauty section is a great place to mine ideas for fancy finds at an affordable price (helloooo Le Labo!). Below I included a few favorites, a hearty mix of mixers and small but special things.
A Fran-quote tote that supports the NYPL ($26)
My favorite at-home Negroni mixer from BK-based Fourth Ave. ($38)
The best-smelling affordable candle from Boy Smells ($38)
Bougie Le Labo hand soap ($40)
Merino Wool Comme Si socks ($38)