2023 Holiday Gift Guide Part 1
Some thoughts on gift giving, and the first two gift guides!
I DEVOUR gift guides. They are one of my favorite things to read, browse, shop from, and critique. Gift-giving is one of my love languages, and I take great joy in selecting gifts for people I love.
That said, I am a discerning gift guide reader and a discerning gift-giver. Nothing will make my eyes roll back into my head faster than seeing yet another recommendation to give someone a water bottle. Or to drop over $500 on multiple gifts. I often feel like the gift guides I see (read: pour over) have lots of awesome items, but also many things that fall into one of two categories. Category 1: a fairly personal item that might be awesome to receive as a gift, but only if you explicitly requested it. For example - an expensive pair of shoes. Yes, I would love to get a pair of shoes that are on my wishlist as a gift, but it would be a weird gift to receive from someone — how do they know what size/style/color to pick for me? These items also tend to be at a price point much higher than I would typically deem reasonable to spend on a friend or non-immediate family member. Sometimes these items feel more like inspiration for your own wish list, vs. what you might actually get someone. Category 2: more crap that people don’t really actually need (or want!). I am a big proponent of if you don’t want to spend much (which is totally fine and fair!) but really want to give a gift - go for food, drink, flowers - resist the urge to give someone a random gadget from Amazon that is going to add more clutter to their home!
When I am looking for inspiration on what gifts to give people, I want unique ideas, discovered from brands or companies that will be new to my gift recipient, something they’ve never heard of or seen before.
A great gift is something that makes someone feel extra loved, introduces someone to something new, or brings a small delight into their day or life. It does not come from Amazon (no shade, but I am really trying to reduce my Amazon usage). It is thoughtful and personal, but neither of these things requires that it is expensive.
Kate from
put up a poll on her Instagram about gift guides and I loved reading all the responses. So - I promise - no pastel drink containers from a well-known cooling container company. Nothing over $200 (except I probably will do one “if money were no object” wish list for myself, but that is meant to be just for fun.) These are things I personally have and love or covet. They are all things that I imagine the receiver will love.And, I hope, I’m offering a roundup that you haven’t seen anywhere else - gifts for the people who play important roles in our lives and whom we love very much. Over the next week, I’ll publish the following gift guides (you can save this post as I will update with a link as I publish each!)
Gifts for the literary genius, book-lover, or aspiring writer in your life
Gifts for the fun-finder and group organizer in your life, who always rallies the troops to do something fun, and is always up to hang out
Gifts for your most loyal friend, who is a little bit quirky, and loves to take up a new hobby
Gifts for ladies who lunch (or, for those of us, like me, aspire to a life of leisure & lunching)
Before diving into the items themselves, I want to share the reminder that although there is so much pressure to select perfect gifts and to give things to everyone in your life, you shouldn’t feel like you have to give gifts to everyone (or anyone!) If it puts financial pressure on you or your family, DON’T DO IT. If it makes you feel crazy, DON’T DO IT. If it stresses you out and ruins your ability to enjoy the holidays, DON’T DO IT. We are exposed to a highly commercialized version of the holidays. But the holiday season is about spending time with people you love. Full Stop. If that includes exchanging gifts, that’s wonderful. If it doesn’t include exchanging gifts, that’s also wonderful.
I was DM-ing with April from WhatElseDidIBuy last week and we both talked about how nice it’s been to remove gift-giving requirements for adults in our families. We still do gifts for kids, but for adults, there is no expectation of gifting, and if a gift is exchanged it’s a small one (read: a book per person, small stocking stuffer, etc.) or an experience (going out to a nice meal). In my life, it has been a huge pressure-valve release.
I also have a few go-to gifts that I think are always wonderful ways to express gratitude, appreciation, and love for people in your life. These are gifts for anyone (you will see some variations on them within the gift guides).
A hardcover or paperback copy of a recent favorite book or a book that made you think of them. If you are a reader, pass your loved book onto someone else, or go buy them one. Everyone could use a little escape and a little less screen time. Bonus if you write a little note that shares why you loved it or why you wanted to give it to them.
A picture frame with a recent photo - Framed photos are treasures. And even though it’s easy to do online, it still takes a lot of effort and I think many of us (myself included) forget to update/refresh the photos in our home.
A nice cheese - You can pick something out from your local cheese shop or market, and deliver it to your recipient with a little spreading/slicing knife + a cracker to enjoy the cheese with.
An ornament - If your gift recipient celebrates Christmas/decorates a tree, I stand by ornaments as a fantastic gift. Ever since I’ve had my own tree, I never felt like I had enough ornaments, and I love the tradition of pulling out your ornaments when you decorate your tree and remembering the story behind the ornament. Bonus if they are a little cheeky.
Kicking things with Gift Guide #1: Gifts for the literary genius, book-lover, or aspiring writer in your life
1: A copy of your favorite book (good for anyone, but especially the book lover). My go-tos for this year (for the literary fiction lover, science fiction/magic lover, romance lovers, and coming-of-age story lovers) are The Final Revival of Opal and Nev by Dawnie Walton, How to Stop Time by Matt Haig, Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan, Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld, Once More with Feeling by Elissa Sussman, and Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler.
2: Offensive Pen Set - Something to put on their desk and make them laugh.
3: Gift Card to LibroFM - for the audio-book lover, or the one who hasn’t given audiobooks a try yet - give the gift of dipping their toes into audiobooks (Any of my favorite books above would make a great first book credit!)
4: Less Scrolling More Reading Baseball Hat - I love a witty baseball hat, the wearer will think of you every time they wear it, and be extra grateful for your gift on bad hair days.
5: Mighty Book Light - To read at night, or on a plane, without having to turn on a full lamp
6: Chimi Sunglasses - These are the best sunnies that look good on everyone, and she can protect her eyes while reading.
7: Deborah Pagini Hair Pin - She can wear her hair up, while still lying down on the couch reading a book.
8: Book Stack Ornament - obviously, the book lover gets a book ornament.
9: The best sweatshirt & joggers - A comfortable outfit to cozy up in and read a book, or do some writing in.
10: Hand Embroidered Bookmark - I think this is such a sweet gift and does not break the bank at all. Perfect for the book lover in your life (this would also make a great gift for a kid who is starting chapter books/learning to read on their own!
11: A Beautiful Notebook - So fun with the croissants on it!
Gift Guide #2: Gifts for the fun-finder and group organizer in your life, who always rallies the troops to do something fun, and is always up to hang out
1: A Beautiful Display Calendar - and a stand to display it on, to keep track of events to come!
2: Le Bon Shoppe Socks - the best, most comfortable, and warm socks to wear alone or with any shoes.
3: Merit Shade Slick Gelee - A looks good on everyone, subtle color to help be sure she has a lip gloss everywhere she goes.
4: Champagne Saber Case - This violates my under $200 rule, but it is so cool, I had to make an exception. Give her a champagne saber kit to show off at her next big celebration.
5: Valet Tray - A beautiful tray to display all her favorite things, or catch clutter in a beautiful spot.
6: Ring Toss Game - A fun, family-friendly addition to the outdoor game/toy collection so that the kids can play while the adults hang out (or everyone can play together).
7: Skims Boyfriend Shirt - the best, most comfortable long-sleeve shirt that they will never want to take off their body.
8: A Card Holder - these card holders made from leftover fabric from other handbags are so fun. All the colors are fantastic and they are perfect for someone who is regularly on the go and likes a small wallet option!
9: LL Bean Tote - This is a classic bag that everyone can use. I am partial to the large size/large handles, but I also like the zip top. My most recent colorway selection was the natural, but the antique olive is catching my eye. Have it monogrammed with initials, a funny saying, a nickname, or just “stuff.”
10: Personalized Notepad - to keep track of everything she is planning & organizing
11: Plan a lunch or dinner out together, and take all the planning work off her plate!
Stay tuned through the rest of this week for the rest of the gift guides (and save this post because I’ll update it with links to all the guides!)
Thank you for reading!
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I wanted to share an ornament kit I’m gifting my crafty SIL! Her great grandmother used to make push pin ornaments like this, and this shop has a great selection: https://www.etsy.com/listing/760057730/