2024 Holiday Gift Guide - Part 4
My delusional wishlist and a grab bag of good gifts for families, kids, and etsy treasures!
In case you missed it, my first five gift guides are here:
#2: Beauty treats for the beauty lover, or who could use a little extra self-care
You can browse all gifts that I’m featuring plus more here in my one-stop Holiday Gift Guide Shop.
I’m coming to you today with final gift guides.Being sick for the past 2 weeks has forced me to slow down more than I have liked, and has meant that getting through the content that I had hoped to share via this newsletter over the past few weeks has taken the back burner.
So, I acknowledge that this is quite later than is helpful for most people - but, it’s meant to be more of a fun one anyways - what I want, which, admittedly includes a little (okay, a lot) of delusion, but, I believe in manifestation, and having big dreams is good, and this is a shopping newsletter after all!
Being sick has forced me to slow down and focus on the little things this month. We’ve had lots of cancelled plans. I’ve held off on booking tickets to various Christmas events because I wasn’t sure whether I would be well enough to go. My energy has been pretty low and doing big baking projects or big outings has been out of the realm of possibility. We did finally get our Christmas tree, but we haven’t decorated it yet. Not all the Christmas decorations have been pulled out - just a few, and I hope that we’ll have a little bit of time every other night this week and into the weekend to get through more of these things.
I know this is all okay. But it also makes me a little sad - feeling like special moments are passing by too quickly and that they don’t get the attention that they deserve. This is a tiring time of year - with plans and end -of-year-wrap-up and all of that, and we (my husband and I) - are already very tired going into this tiring period.
I made a vow not to put too much pressure on myself this season, and what that vow has ended up meaning in reality has changed so much, but it is serving as a good reminder. It is okay to parse through Christmas decorations slowly. It’s okay to buy store-bough cookie dough. It’s okay to be behind on ordering Christmas presents. It’s okay to skip out on the big Christmassy-activities (honestly maybe a little bit of a relief?)
Wherever you are at this holiday season I hope you’re finding time to enjoy little moments - maybe with a cup of coffee while your Christmas lights are still twinkling, or a walk around your neighborhood to have a moment of calm in the evening, or a delicious dinner with friends or your partner to celebrate this time of year. I think this is what people mean when they say romanticize your life? Take the chance to soak it in!
Merry / Happy, thanks for reading, and I hope you get a kick out of these last few gifts ideas!
Gift Guide #6: What I want, disguised as a gift guide, which, admittedly, includes a good amount of delusion (but I believe in manifestation & having big dreams is good)
Dorsey Earrings - I have been lusting over these earrings for a long time. They remind me of something that I might have found in either of my grandmothers’ jewelry boxes. There is something vintage and unbelievably chic about them. I’d wear them with jeans and a sweater as much as I would reach for them for a special occasion.
Mansur Gavriel Cabas Tote - I have been very focused on bags and jewelry this season. And I actually haven’t really bought anything from either of these categories, but I’ve been thinking a lot about how these are areas where I would like to spend my money in the future, and shift away from clothes (not entirely, but definitely less). I want more things that I will wear use/love everyday and forever, and for the most part, this is bags, jewelry, maybe shoes and coats (and less jeans, shirts, dresses, etc., although of course there are exceptions.). I just love the simple, slick look of this bag (it’s giving Row vibes when I’m not quite at the point in my life where I can shell out the Row $$). This is a bag that would be used for work, for everyday, for travel. I love that they have multiple sizes (if you’re not carrying a laptop, the mini is a great size! and I’m wondering whether I’m a maxi candidate) I’m gravitating towards the green, but I do have concerns about basically only having green bags, so I also really love the biscotto color.
Little Liffner Tote - This is another brand who’s bags I have admired, and while they’re not inexpensive, they’re also not insane. They’re also very understated, with minimal branding, which I love. They have tons of styles and sizes - I personally really love the Tall Sprout Tote. PS: More bag/tote inspo here.
Vintage Gucci Handbag - I’ve also been letting myself go down about a million vintage bag rabbit holds. Particularly a vintage Gucci Bamboo Handle has a grip on me, and Etsy is a freaking treasure trove!
Donni V-Neck Sweater - Donni is one of my most favorite brands, and their sweaters look like an absolute dream (this is pretty much the only category that they have that I haven’t tried!). Most of my sweaters are crewneck, so I think I would go for a v-neck style, and I love that it has such a structured v-neck, but it’s not too deep!
Toteme boots - These have been on my wishlist for several seasons. They are wear everyday boots. The brown croc is particularly to-die-for. Also obsessed with the toe shape of these boots (although I wish the ankle shaft was just slightly higher!)
Jane pope necklace - For some reason I am very drawn into snakes in jewelry. I’m not sure why, as in general, I am not a huge snake fan. But, something about the Guardez Bien with the snake iconography draws me in. I love this necklace. I love the pendant coin as well.
EF collection necklace - I am so into gold chain jewelry right now - stackable, and wearable for everyday, but also statement wearing and great to wear on its own, and this fits the bill. PS, just FYI the only person buying this for me is myself & it would require a legitimate savings plan of some kind!
Sconces - Some home improvement projects are on my mind for early 2025, and one of them includes switching out some old light fixtures in our home. These are high on my list for our living room!
Crown Affair Brush - I’ve been taking hair care more seriously this year, and I know that a regular brushing routine, with the right tool, is a key item that I need to add in. This brush would be such a treat!
Heirloom Barrette - On a related note, I have been wearing a lot of clips and barrette’s in my hair (I lean heavily towards a half-up look to keep my hair out of my face for work), and this would be a beautiful addition to my collection.
Else Cashmere Sweater and Pants - The ultimate luxury - a cashmere sweater and pants that are cozy to wear inside your home, and chic enough to wear outside. These would become a great set for travel! PS, if you’re in the market for some lingerie (or asking for it…this is the brand to check out)
Chord Hat - All hail Mary Orton for creating the coolest hat in the world. I’ve heard nothing but amazing reviews of these hats, and it’s made it’s way onto my wishlist!
Kinn Studio Coin Necklace - Okay, I’m becoming a bit of a lush with the jewelry, but this necklace is one that I can’t stop thinking about. I really love the simplicity of the coin and the rope chain, but it also looks special and different. Won’t lie, I also love this ring.
Gift Guide #7: A Grab Bag - gifts for families, a few great kiddo ideas, and favorite finds from Etsy
This next one is a bit of a hodge podge - based on questions I’ve received, and some other amazing gifts that might still make it in time for Christmas!
Backgammon Set - Backgammon is such a great game and fun for all ages to play. Storybook is an incredble brand that helps to creatively teach kids of all different ages how to play complex games, so this would be a great gift for a family with younger kids. If the kids are older, you could go for a full set as a gift! Or this is a personalizable option!
Set Card Game - I love games! This is a fun a simple card game that most people can play - and can be as casual or as competitive as you might want!
The Game - Continuing on the game train, this is a great one. This is a good family gift, or for parents or in-laws! Easy to learn how to play and a ton of fun!
Nugget Couch - This is the big gift my kiddos are getting this year - they’ve been begging for one for awhile and I’m excited for them to have something to roll and jump on and make forts out of that isn’t our couch!
Magnatiles are one of the best toys that we own. Every one of my kids (6, 4, 1.5) plays with them, and they aren’t a hazard for a baby who loves to put everything in her mouth! This is one of those gifts where I think more actually is more, and there is a ton of fun for the whole family. Some of the themed sets are really fun and can really get kid’s imaginations going! I know my kids would love this builder set.
Creative Dress Up - I think all kids love dress up. I like these dinosaur costumes - something to change up the more traditional things that are usually in a dress up closet (or basket in my kids’ case!)
Scoop & Serve Ice Cream Counter - I don’t know what it is about this set, but it’s just so great. My kids have all played with it, pretty much continuously, since my son got it for his first birthday. It’s creative, it’s baby-friendly, and they love it!
Vintage Jewelry Pieces - If you are shopping for jewelry for someone, you shouldn’t skip out on Etsy. There are incredible vintage 18K gold pieces to be found that are one of a kind, and within reasonable budget. This charm, this chain, these earrings oh my!! Sigh.
Floral Box - I always love to have pretty boxes like this to display things, and I think they make a great gift. For jewelry, photos, cards, even remote controls. Just a beautiful thing for your giftee to put somewhere in their home!
Cocktail Picks - Perfect gift for a cocktail (especially martini!!) lover in your life!
Vintage Coffee Table Books - The best thing for inspiration, to decorate your home, even to find your favorite page (or pages) and turn into art!.
For the pizza lover, or cook - Edible gifts are always a good choice, and a nice set of olive oil, vinegar + pizza oil that also happens to have the best branding in the game is perfect!
Boat & Tote - A great gift with a family monogram, the name of a new child, or a funny inside joke! You can never have too many of these bags - they are great for your car, storage, travel, the beach, everyday use, the list goes on!
If you want to just browse all the recommendations, you can find my full gift edit on ShopMy right here.
And, if you’re stumped on anyone you’re shopping for — let me know in the comments, I’d love to help!
Thanks for reading!
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I have those Dorsey earrings and can confirm, they go with everything and I reach for them every day!
So sorry you’ve been so poorly 💕 but obsessed with the name of this guide 😂