Gifts to elevate the everyday
For almost everyone on your list
Hi, friends. If you’re someone who has all of your holiday shopping done before you even sit down to Thanksgiving dinner, kudos to you — but, you and I are not the same.
As someone who thrives on drama and stress, I like to leave my shopping for almost the last minute. Same same for my gift guides, which is why you’re getting one now instead of a few weeks ago.
Currently it’s the morning after Thanksgiving and I’m sipping my coffee while wishing I had squirreled away a slice of apple pie for breakfast and thinking as hard as I can after as many glasses of Champagne I had yesterday about all the things I have and love, as well as the things I’ve been coveting for quite some time.
I’ve never done a full-on gift guide — in the past it’s always been just a few suggestions thrown in with a recipe — so this was fun! And hopefully it’ll make shopping for everyone on your list (including yourself — you deserve a little something something, too) a little easier.
For the one who’s always saying, “Come over, it’ll be super casual” (AKA, the host):
Cloth coasters just scream chic, laidback host with the most to me (because, like, who has the time to wash those things?), and these Esas Mesas ones are timeless and neutral while also somehow being modern and vibrant.
An antique silver platter or tray feels like a one-of-a-kind gift. Etsy has so many, like this ornate oval one, but your local Goodwill or secondhand store will be a treasure trove for these, too.
A cheeseboard on its own is great, but a cheeseboard with this bright red Sabre aperitif set? Absolute perfection.
These Schott Zwiesel wine glasses are so whisper thin, a strong breeze could knock them over. Just the way I like my wine glasses. My favorites for feeling like I’m at a nice wine bar even when I’m opening a $10 bottle at home.
I gift Flamingo Estate candles to anyone I have no idea what to give to — the smells are unique and uniquely incredible, and they really just look so great. Gift packaging is a 10/10, too, if you’re ordering these online to have delivered to someone.
As someone with more serving utensils than I know what to do with, I can tell you that I could always use more. These resin ones from World Market are so fun and colorful (and affordable — only 25 bucks!).
Sorry, but this cigarette wine bottle stopper from Urban Outiftters is just too fun.
I think this Lulu & Georgia vase toes the line between quirky and classic so well — also comes in a couple different color options!
This set of Year & Day splatterware plates is high on my list of things I want to buy soon. The bright red is so, so chic, but there are a couple different color variations (including a much more muted taupe). Very Italian seaside, no matter where you are.
These radicchio salt and pepper shakers from Porta just might be the cutest little salt and pepper shakers I’ve ever seen! Such a statement piece.
I’ll admit that this insulated cocktail shaker isn’t the chicest one out there, but it will make the coldest, iciest martinis of your life — a very worthwhile tradeoff if you ask me.
For the one who’s always stirring something up (AKA, the cook):
These Provençal market totes from Etsy are perfect for farmers market runs to get all that must-have seasonal produce to make that Alison Roman recipe.
My Earlywood kitchen utensils are my most-reached-for when I’m cooking — the quality is truly insane, and the shapes (with flat edges) feel like they’re made for people who love to cook.
I’m not thinking about my oven mitts unless I’m using them, so I’ll often go years and years with the same pair before buying new ones. I recently upgraded to these ones from Sur La Table and feel very happy every time I use them. It’s the little things.
An apron makes me feel like I have my shit together in the kitchen, and this one is a collaboration between two of my favorites: Hill House and Hedley & Bennett. The shape is super feminine and the print is too cute.
I always get so many questions about my Goldilocks Dutch Oven. The quality for the price is top notch, and the cute tomato design is so fun.
A cookbook is always a welcome gift for someone who loves to cook. Polina Chesnakova’s Chesnok highlight Soviet diaspora food, including many Armenian dishes. It has a very special place in my heart, and Polina herself is such a gem. Perfect for someone who’s looking to expand their repertoire.
I’ve had my eye on this splattered braiser for quite some time! A picture-perfect oven-to-table baking dish that everyone will ask about.
My husband bought me my first Le Creuset — this shallow braiser — for Christmas last year, and it’s one of my most-treasure and most-used pieces of cookware.
This Holcomb Studio dripless oil can looks amazing on the counter or table and is *actually* dripless.
For the cook who finishes everything with a little freshly-cracked black pepper: the Adison Ross pepper mill that is truly a statement piece.
For the woman who does it all, has it all, and says she wants nothing (AKA, the cool girls, the moms, the mothers-in-law):
Slippers might be a cliché gift, but what is better than cute, fuzzy, warm slippers like these ones from Parachute Home?
Caudalie Vinoperfect is one of those skincare products that I will buy again and again and again and recommend to everyone — a luxe little thing to receive.
Is having a mom/grandma that goes on frequent cruises a universal experience once you hit your mid-30s, or just me? Either way, I think this cute little Sezane jewelry case is perfect for any woman who likes to get away from time to time.
This catch-all from Target is literally $5. It’s tiny and pretty and the perfect thing to set on your nightstand or by the sink for jewelry and other little things.
The emerald color of these Dorsey earrings is so eye-catching. I always receive compliments!
A cute little sleep mask from Damson Madder to make their nightly ritual a little more luxe and elevated.
For the dirty martini lover who has everything, may I present the dirty martini hair clip from Jenny Lemons.
If this Guest In Residence scarf ever comes back in stock, I will be snatching it up tout suite.
When all else fails, I think every mom or grandma appreciates a beautiful framed photo of the littles. Framebridge’s frames and prints are always top notch — I especially love the vintage feel of this one.
These Flamingo Estate candles are customizable, so you can write a cute message or just add their name.
I love the Xtra Milk scent by Dedcool (it’s light and just kind of alluring, IMO) and looove that you can get this set with detergent, dryer sheets, and room spray so you can truly make it your signature scent.
For the men we love with great taste and minimal input when it comes to shopping for them (AKA, the husbands, dads, brothers, etc.)
You might not be able to afford to gift him a Porsche (yet), but this Smeg x Porsche coffee machine is almost just as good.
Chic little Porta espresso cups for said coffee machine, which conveniently come in two so he can make one for him and one for you.
Anyone else’s husband prefer a rubber band to a proper wallet? This slim, minimalist J.Crew leather wallet might be just the right trade-up.
There’s something super sexy about a man who wears a ring IMO. This Miansai one is made with a stone called Jasper — never heard of it, but I love the way it looks.
Gap Cashsoft is truly so soft and nice and affordable, and you can’t go wrong with a classic black crewneck sweater.
This Fujifilm Instax camera looks like a vintage camera but prints instant photos — such a cute way to document life.
I would very much like to cuddle up to my husband while he wears this Octobre Editions printed fleece.
For the man who always has a bag of tools in his car, just in case, this leather tool roll from Etsy is a little more organized, compact, and can be customized with his initials.
An Opinel pocket knife, so he can open your packages for you wherever you pick them up.
Who doesn’t love a brand-spanking-new, fresh and clean pair of Converse high tops?
This Clare V. portable backgammon set seems like such a fun thing to have on-hand for at-home game nights or to take to dinner parties, park hangs, etc.