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Gift giving is about being the best at gift giving

Once we Americans have given thanks (how was the turkey? The pie? Did your family behave?), it’s officially the holidays. Trees go up, schedules get filled, Mariah Carey sings again, in some parts of the country it’s snowing, and we have the annual deluge of gift guides in our inboxes. Well, I’ll be throwing my hat in that ring again this year because I have always loved writing a gift guide. And for any family reading this, don’t worry, there are no spoilers.

Let’s start with your loved ones who love food.

While I’m not often a specialty food box type of gifter, I do love the Los Poblanos sets, straight outta New Mexico, with their gorgeously infused salts, herb mixes, and more. The only other one I’d consider (for myself as much as anyone else), is this butters of the world set.

I’m so devoted to my Cometeer coffee subscription. A couple of months of this would be a fantastic gift. Or a cool, color-blocked French press with a bag of really good coffee beans.

And while I’m a full blown coffee drinker, I did receive a gift of tea recently that was thoughtful and delightful. I’d pay it forward with a tin of vanilla rooibos, some delicious cookies, and a cozy-chic mug.

A healthy gift card to Zingerman’s is always a good idea. (Or a local gourmet or wine shop.) Tuck it into a great cookbook, like Portico, or Ina Garten’s Go-To Dinners.

Or I love the idea of giving this Blueberries for Sal: Cookbook to a food-lover who is also the nostalgic type. Add in a few baking tools or a couple of high end ingredients.

One of the great underrated gifts is a restaurant gift card. Who doesn’t love indulging somewhere fabulous on someone else’s dime!

For my people who love to travel…

I am going to try something new: a gift card for my services. You’d book my services for, say, a long weekend itinerary. I’ll get in touch with them to discuss when and where, and we’re off to the races. A full itinerary in their pocket before departure, all thanks to you.

Encourage armchair travel with merch from one of their favorite hotels, like this cool Beverly Hills Hotel mug or a robe from Le Sireneuse.

I am a Clare V devotee—my wallet clutch goes with me everywhere, but I’d upgrade to this wallet clutch plus for a gift. I’ve also been eyeing the Agnes backpack as it looks polished and like it would easily fit my Kindle, laptop, and compression socks (yep, that’s how old I am).

Whatever your in-flight routine, I can’t think of an article of clothing that works harder than the oversized cashmere sweater (women) or a thick wool half zip (men). (Though, speaking of in-flight routines, maybe just get them a Xanax scrip and call it a day.)

Upgrade their travel skincare with Dr. Loretta Micro Peel Peptide pads, a moisturizing SPF, and a tube of U Beauty Plasma Lip Compound.

Kids gifts are tough because ages! Interests! But here’s a handful of cute kid shit to consider…

I know kids don’t always love opening books on Christmas, but Spin to Survive is like a kids’ book version of that Bear Grylls’ show. My son was also a big fan of his personalized Where’s Finn? book when he got it a few years ago. Another old favorite, before he could read to me, was We Are in a Book from the Elephant and Piggie series.

Littles will be thrilled at this Color Me pajama set, which lets them draw where they’re usually not allowed to.

My son has reached the age where new school supplies are energizing—he got a new folder the other day and it was like a brave new world. So why not supply them with a fresh backpack, some mini highlighters, or a super cute composition book? (Or all of that, but from Staples.)

Kids love taking pics, especially our kids who are now used to posing at every conceivable place or stage. Give them control with a Polaroid camera of their own.

A few more chic, bookish, and/or fun little gift ideas for that person who has everything or for that white elephant thing you’re going to…

I know that you know someone who wants this book: Taylor Swift: And the Clothes She Wears and/or someone who wants Dolly Parton: Behind the Seams.

Books of the non-coffee-table-variety can be difficult if you don’t know what they have or haven’t read lately. But I like the idea of a comedy classic, like Nora Ephron’s I Feel Bad About My Neck or David Sedaris’ Me Talk Pretty One Day. Alternatively a copy of The Artist’s Way would make a gorgeous, supportive gift. Or maybe it’s not reading after all, maybe they’d like to pick up the pen themselves. A Smythson notebook and a swanky pen, then.

Two under-the-radar-ish fragrance companies I love: Ellis Brooklyn (Fawn) and Who is Elijah (Nomad). Both women-owned and I get compliments on each.

I love vintage (or faux vintage) glassware… How fun would it be to open a set of champagne coupes and a bottle of bubbles!?

Two jewelry brands that I love and that both give back are Soko and Ubuntu.

True story: my mother brought over some calming CBD gummies on a night when she was planning to sleepover (thanks for the free babysitting!). I thought she’d brought them for me as a lil gift. They were to help her sleep. But the way my eyes lit up! I’d give a little gift set of CBD gummies to anyone who partakes.

Finally, blankets and candles can sometimes get a bad gift rep, but I don’t see why. I love each one of my cozy blankets and I love each one of my delicious candles. Why wouldn’t I want you to add to my collections? A sleek Peruvian alpaca throw blanket from The Citizenry and the Jenni Kayne Topanga candle, all day long.

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That’s not enough links!

Passing along the best podcast rec I’ve been given recently (maybe ever?): 50 MPH. Do you agree with me that Speed is in the top 5 best movies of the ‘90s, if not the top 3? Then this podcast is for you.

A relaxed woman: “Growing up, I never knew a relaxed woman. Successful women? Yes. Productive women? Plenty. Anxious and afraid and apologetic women? Heaps of them. But relaxed women? At-ease women? Women who don’t dissect their days into half hour slots of productivity? Women who prioritize rest and pleasure and play? Women who aren’t afraid to take up space in the world?” …Goals.

I devoured Ann Patchett’s Tom Lake and highly recommend you do the same. Now, I’m rereading Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird.

Really like the idea of a ‘90 day dinner.’

My newest TikTok follow = Jacques Pepin. I adore him and promise to make everything he makes.

The classic cocktail I’m making to kick off Christmas dinner. (I should probably practice it for the next few weeks too…)

I wore these ultra-soft Quince leggings on my recent long haul flights (with a black oversized sweater and a pair of Converse, so you can picture it) and I recommend them highly.

Low-stakes burns vs Kyle Prue’s things you can say to piss off men. What’s your style?

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Signing off to buy one for them, two for me.

xoxo,

Nicole