for the love of nums
I don’t always do a holiday gift guide, but when I do, it will be filled with obscure categories. I don’t like to brag, but I am a fantastic gift giver for two reasons: 1) Receiving gifts is my #1 love language, so it would stand to reason that giving gifts is how I’m wired to show love to others; and 2) I’m very observant – if someone I care about mentions something they need or love, I’ll immediately make a note in my phone so that when a gift-giving occasion rolls around, I’m 100% prepared.
Nothing feels better than giving someone a gift that shows you were paying attention, that the words spewing forth from his or her mouth were not in vain. Everyone wants to feel seen and heard, and giving a gift that offers that assurance is priceless. It doesn’t have to be fancy or cost a lot of money; it just needs to have meaning behind it.
TV FANS:
We all have our favorite shows. We quote lines from FRIENDS, we binge Game of Thrones, we guilty-pleasure-watch Vanderpump Rules, we lust after Scottish hotties. Whatever your gift recipient’s favorite show is, there’s probably a gift for that. Here are a few great ones.
Jamie Fraser Life-Size Cardboard Cutout $41.99
Outlander fans will FLIP for this baby, and you can even choose between Scotland Jamie and France Jamie. As if that’s even a choice; Scotland Jamie is the best Jamie. I gave this to a fellow Outlander-obsessed girlfriend, and she nearly pissed herself. Which is, of course, the mark of a well chosen gift.
Fancy AF Cocktails: Drink Recipes from a Couple of Professional Drinkers $15.40
Just admit it, you love Vanderpump Rules too. You can hand this book of Ariana + Tom’s favorite cocktails over to your giftee as you sing “This one’s for you toniiiiiiight!”
Game of Thrones Socks Gift Set $70
I gave Game of Thrones two episodes because everyone raves about it, and I’d been in search of a new show to binge ever since True Blood ended yearrrrrrs ago, but I just couldn’t get into it. However, I have many GoT-obsessed friends who would shriek with glee upon receiving these socks. Winter is coming, after all.
FRIENDS ornaments $12
If you can’t quote at least 10 iconic lines from FRIENDS, we can’t be friends. But seriously, could this ornament BE any cuter??
IN-LAWS:
I feel your pain, trust me. This is a tough category to approach. You probably don’t see your in-laws all that much, so it’s nearly impossible to know enough about what they may want or need to choose the most perfect gift. In this case, I feel like opting for the “useful” route is always safe. Here are a few things that would appeal to many, especially in those cold winter months when most are stuck inside.
Bodum Gooseneck Electric Water Kettle $34.99
If your in-laws like tea or even pour-over coffee, this sleek little kettle would make a great gift. It heats up water quickly and looks fabulous on the countertop. What more could a mother-in-law want??
Chunky Knit Blanket $158.97
I don’t care how many afghans your MIL has crocheted. None will top this – even in her eyes.
23andMe Personal Ancestry Test $79.99
The older one gets, the more interested they become in their ancestry. This little kit is a super simple way to learn more about your genetic roots – and an option they perhaps didn’t even know existed.
TRAVEL-OBSESSED PEEPS:
Most people aspire to travel more, and it’s even more fun to do it when you’ve got good gear.
On the Go Poncho $128
You will never find me on a plane without a sweater or light jacket that I can throw on when I inevitably get chilly (I mean, they blast that A/C in the summer!). This lightweight merino wool poncho is a perfect option for just such an occasion. And since it unzips from both the top and bottom, you can even style it as a scarf too!
Latitude Tote $245
When you travel a lot, efficiency is crucial. This bag is great, because it’s slick lookin’, it’s roomy, it fits all your magazines, books and electronics for a little in-flight entertainment, and it has a nifty little strap to make sliding it right over the handle of your carry-on a cinch.
Trip to Italy with MEEEEEEEEEEE $2455 + up
Ok, so this is definitely not a small gift. BUT if your giftee loves things like exploring ancient Italian cities, learning how to prepare regional specialties like Cacio e Pepe and gnocchi with the locals, participating in olive oil + wine tastings, visiting Tuscan farms to get up close and personal with sheep’s milk cheese, and truffle hunting, then consider this the gift to top ALL gifts. The best news: a 25% deposit claims your spot.
EXHAUSTED MOMS:
Whether the mom is brand new or seasoned, odds are high that she’s pretty tuckered out at all times. Kids, amirite?? These gifts have all been game changers for me and/or people I know.
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops $29
I swear by these to give me a little color. The best part is, you can just mix a few drops with your favorite moisturizer or serum, then slather it on. Your skin stays moisturized per the usual, and you don’t have to worry about a funky smell. The shade that develops is perfection.
TULA Rose Glow + Get It Cooling + Brightening Eye Balm $30
I swipe this stuff under my eyes every morning, and it. is. a game-changer. Exhausted moms will rejoice when they magically appear well-rested with a quick swipe of this stick.
Mai-Light Rosé Highlighter $12
This highlighter is my saving grace most days. I swipe a little on my cheeks and immediately look glowy, even if I’m completely worn out. The best part: it actually nourishes your skin too.
Naipo Shiatsu Back + Neck Massager $49.99
Everyone loves a back massage, but especially exhausted mamas.
Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine $71.99
I saw my friend @lauraleabalanced rave about this sound machine, and I am personally a big fan of my own, so I knew this would be a perfect addition to this category. Technically this is for babies, and any exhausted mama out there would benefit from using it as such to help their wee ones sleep better at night. But it’s also a great option for anyone who just needs to drown out the noise long enough to get some good shuteye.
BUDDING YOU TUBERS + INFLUENCERS:
Got a friend who really wants to showcase his or her talents on YouTube or Instagram? These gifts are a perfect push to encourage those passions.
Food Styling Precision Tool Set $40
Food styling is truly an art, involving soooo much more minutiae than you ever thought possible. This set is perfect for helping an aspiring food blogger learn the basics.
Neewer Ring Light Kit $99.99
Good light is crucial for a good photo. Natural light’s my first pick, but when that’s not an option (hello 5pm winter sunset), this puppy is how I get so many of my shots. There’s even a little clamp to hold your phone.
InstaStyle: Curate Your Life, Create Stunning Photos and Elevate Your Instagram Influence $12.82
Anyone looking to break into the Instagram Influencer world will get a kick outta this book. It’s a quick read filled with beautiful photos that is sure to inspire any aspiring social-media maven.
HOME COOKS:
Shocker: the section involving cooking got alllllll the love from me. Seriously, can someone just tell my husband to shop my Christmas gifts directly from this category?
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer $429.95
This gift’s an investment, to be sure, but it’s one that will go down in the gift Hall of Fame. This countertop convection oven has 11 different cooking functions, including Slow Cook and Air Fry, and comes in five different colors to match pretty much any kitchen vibe your giftee’s got goin’. I’m partial to this champagne shade.
Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender Set $49.99
Another solid gift that I have myself and use several times a week.
Grapevine Magnetic Knife Rack $159 + up
Every home cook has a favorite chef’s knife or two that they don’t know where to store. This magnetic knife rack is a beauuuuuutiful solution to that conundrum. Each piece is handcrafted in Napa Valley from retired grapevines, so they’re all one-of-a-kind functional pieces of art made from 100% recycled material.
FINEX 8″ Cast Iron Skillet $125
Anyone can run down to the local grocery store or Tar-jay and find a decent cast iron skillet, but this one’s got sex appeal. Aside from its obviously handsome aesthetics, this skillet’s got smarts too. Its stainless steel coiled handle helps you keep a good grip and cools off quickly, its octagonal shape makes it way easier to pour cleanly, and it’s even pre-seasoned organically with flaxseed oil, unlike some of its competitors. The fact that it’s made right here in the USA is just the icing on the cake.
Hearth + Hand Kitchen Towels $9.99/2-pack
This is one of those things that every home cook needs and uses, but rarely thinks to buy more of. There’s nothing like a fresh, new kitchen towel to really get a home cook’s juices flowin’. These are inexpensive and adorable.
YOUR FRIEND WHO JUST BOUGHT A NEW HOME:
The best housewarming gifts are functional ones. These are all gifts I’d adore whilst settling into a new space.
Farmhouse Pottery Silo Mug $46
Ok, I fully acknowledge this might seem steep for a mug, but THIS is the mug of all mugs. Not only does it get eye-banged like crazy every time it makes an appearance on my Instagram Stories, it’s handmade in Vermont using old school, heritage techniques, and its quality is fantastic. A couple o’ these bad boys + a bag of coffee beans, and you’ve got a winning gift for your new homeowner friends.
Diptyque Baies Candle $36 – $65
No candle will ever smell as good as this one.
Personalized Buffalo Leather Tool Belt $69.75 + up
New homeowners need tools. It’s just a fact, consistent as gravity. What better gift to help them spruce up their new home in style than this leather tool belt?? Go grab a few essentials you know they’ll be sure to use, like a hammer, a measuring tape, a screwdriver, a small level, some picture hanger nails, toss ’em in the tool belt, stick a bow on top and you’ve got a present that’s priceless.
HOMESTEADERS (AKA YOUR FRIEND WHO MAKES HER OWN SOAP + HAS HER OWN CHICKENS):
One of my very dear friends is a homesteader, and all three of these gifts would get her flag up the pole.
Farmhouse Pottery Araucana Egg Board $85
Trust me, people who have their own chickens are alllllways in need of receptacles to store their eggs. Even better if said receptacles are cute as hell.
HAMAMA Sprout Starter Kit with Bamboo Frame $69
This thing is SO cool!! They ship you everything you need to grow your own sprouts at home. Even the greenest of thumbs will be impressed – especially in colder months when the garden is pretty bare.
Gardener’s Harvest Basket $50
This adorable little basket will not only get your favorite homesteader even more excited about harvesting her crops, the mesh design will make cleaning off her bounty much easier.
THAT REALLY EFFORTLESSLY COOL GIRL:
We all know one/aspire to be one, hence you could also call this category “Gifts You’d Buy for Yourself.”
Harlow Coupe Glasses $48/set of 4
Because cool girls don’t have regular ol’ wine glasses. I have this set and basically drink everything out of them at this point. It just makes your kombucha (or wine, obvi) taste THAT much cooler.
Bohemian Yarn Wall Hanging $35.27 + up
This just seems like something I’d have hanging in my house if I were really cool.
MZ Wallace City Backpack $225
This little bag is classic, simple, lightweight and durable, and a backpack style means less stress on just one poor, overburdened shoulder.
PEOPLE WHO ALREADY HAVE EVERYYYYYYTHING:
These people are a pain in the ass to shop for. You know it, I know it, and they know it. Here are a few things they probably don’t have yet.
Jeni’s Ice Cream Pint Club $230
Even the person who has everything will be utterly delighted when four pints of Jeni’s ice cream show up on their doorstep 4x per year.
The Original Tiny Hands Challenge $18.94
It’s always a stretch to try and find something that the person who has it all doesn’t already own. I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that this game is probably one of the few things that would fit that bill. Everyone loves to pee their pants with laughter, and attempting everyday tasks with tiny, plastic hands is a one-way ticket to pants-wetting hilarity.
Hot Toddy Kit
Ok, I saw this idea on Southern Living’s IGTV and thought it was genius for this category. After all, no one is immune to catching a cold this time of year – no matter how much money they have. And nothing soothes a cold like the original Ny-Quil, a good ol’ hot toddy. You can customize this however you like, but here are my suggestions:
Woven Seagrass Storage Basket $40.99 (on sale)
Monogrammed Mug $12
Pukka Lemon Ginger + Manuka Honey Tea $14.97/60 tea bags
Raw Honey $23.99
Cinnamon sticks (tie a few together in a bunch with twine) $14.99/100-ct bag
Mini bottles of Maker’s Mark whiskey (any liquor store will have ’em)
Oranges + lemons with cloves stuck into them
A cute, little handwritten recipe card bearing a good hot toddy recipe
COVETABLE WHITE ELEPHANT GIFTS:
Buying gifts for people you actually really know is hard enough, so the thought of purchasing presents for co-workers who are barely acquaintances, as well as presents that will appeal to a wide range of said acquaintances, sounds about as fun as watching paint dry. But don’t worry, I’ve gotchu. These would also work for a new friend for whom you just wanna find a little somethin’ fun.
Faux Fur Slide Slippers $34.50
People love soft, fluffy things and these fit that bill nicely. Plus, slippers are made to fit a wide range of shoe sizes, so they’re super versatile in a White Elephant sitch.
The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals $13.99
This is one of those books you might not even realize you need until you start flipping through it and get a load of all the meticulously organized cupboards and closets. Definitely inspo material!
Grandpa Witmer’s Old-Fashioned Mess-Free Nut Butter Mixer $12.94
I know very few people who don’t love nut butter, and now that natural nut butters are en vogue again, how amazing would this little gadget be for making quick work of stirring up that brand new jar??
KIDS:
Luckily my kids aren’t to the age yet where they ask for nothing but electronics for Christmas, but we still struggle each year with finding a good balance between gifts that they’ll enjoy and have fun with, as well as be enriched by. And while iPads and e-tablets are sometimes a godsend (like at restaurants when mom + dad just need some peace and quiet, for instance), we never want them to be glued to a phone or video-game or computer screen 24/7. We want them to hone their skills and interests in ways that will serve them for years to come. These options are all things we’re getting ours this year, so I figured I’d share if anyone else out there is in the same boat.
Wacom Intuos Small Drawing Tablet $79.99
If your child is into drawing like all three of mine are, this is a great gift. It’s the perfect marriage of nurturing their artistic flair and scratching that technological itch that seems to run so rampant amongst kids these days, because while it feels iPad-y, it’s essentially just a really advanced sketch pad.
Anki Cozmo – Collector’s Edition Educational Robot for Kids $124.90
Got a kid who’s into coding? This lil guy is great to help beginners learn the ropes.
Fuzion X-3 Pro Scooter $69.99
My 7-year-old, Luke, has specifically requested an upgrade to this golden scooter, so Santa may or may not be bringing it this year. Almost nothing in the garage gets more use than their scooters. This is always a solid gift choice kids will love.
THE DUDES:
Gifting for guys can be a struggle. I get it; I’ve been there. It’s precisely why I keep a running note in my phone filled with gift ideas for John anytime one crosses my mind. But after consulting with the Hubs and other XY-ed individuals, here are a few gifts dudes of all kinds will dig.
The MeatEater Fish + Game Cookbook $27.32
If the man in your life lives and breathes for hunting season, this beautifully laid out book showcasing all the delicious ways he can cook up his catch will be right up his alley.
XMark Adjustable Speed Bag Platform $246
John has been wanting a speed bag in our home gym for YEARS, and this year, he’s finally getting one for Christmas (shhhhhhhh). This one comes highly rated and is the most attractive option of the many I combed through. FYI: this does not include the actual speed bag, but this one received the Hubs’ stamp of approval.
Gillette Labs Heated Razor Starter Kit $199.99
This thing is like the Mac Daddy of razors because it’s heated, so it’s basically like one of those fancy hot-towel shaves. It’s one of those things he would never buy for himself, but will totally be indebted to you for buying for him. And isn’t that what gift giving is really all about?
Trunk Club for Men $25 Styling Fee (that’s credited toward anything you end up purchasing)
We started doing this for John a couple years ago, and he loves it. His very own personal stylist works with him to determine what his wardrobe needs might be that particular month, then sends him a big ol’ box of clothes, shoes and accessories based on his feedback. He can try it all on in the comfort of our home, then return whatever he doesn’t want. The $25 styling fee is always subtracted from the total of whatever items are kept. It’s the only way he shops anymore. I do it too; I probably wouldn’t ever get anything new without it, haha. You can even buy gift cards to put toward purchases.
Annnnnnnnd there you have it! Hopefully you now have at least a little bit of your holiday shopping in order. Now go clear a spot in your bedroom for Jamie and settle in for a very. merry. Christmas.