Inside: Need holiday gift inspiration? Here are more than a dozen of my favorite things, and they all make great gifts.
You know those December days when you’re spent wandering aimlessly through Target or Amazon in a panic, desperately searching for a gift for that one impossible-to-buy-for person in your life?
Let’s agree NOT do it this year!
Gift guides can be a big help – especially if it’s a curated list of items that someone has first-hand experience with. As usual with my giveaway guides, these are ALL items I own, have tried, or given (or received) as gifts myself.
Standing Herb Garden: My mother in law sent me one of these VegTrug 8-Pocket Herb Gardens for my birthday, and it adds so much beauty and joy to my patio. I alternate fresh herbs and flowers in the pockets and can cut fresh sprigs whenever I need them for a recipe.
Electric kettle & good tea: This super affordable electric kettle is one of my favorite purchases of the year. It boils water in just minutes and is large enough to hold several cups. Give the kettle to your favorite teapot along with some tea from The Tea Spot (I’m partial to chai myself).
Recycled Sari Apron: I already have a bunch of aprons, but I had to get this one when I spotted it from Servv International, a fair trade organization that works with global artisans and farmers to create sustainable employment, resources, rights and hope in their communities. The apron is made from denim and recycled saris and hand stitched by female artisans in Bangladesh. It has two pockets and an adjustable strap. I also bought one of their hand sewn ones Kantha potholders.
The cutest dryer balls ever: Wool dryer balls speed up drying time, soften clothes and fight static. Hustle and Blush makes these “Fluffy Sheep” in different adorable patterns like “Are We There Yet” (shown above) and “Hedgehog and Homies”. These would make a fun stocking stuffer for a college student or other young adult in your life.
DIY sausage kit: Charcuterie Kit Plates come with everything you need for a beautiful cheese/cured board (except fresh fruit and vegetables) and a diagram on how to arrange everything. Choose from different sizes and give as a subscription or one-time gift. Some kits also come with a wooden board. I made one for a neighborhood get-together and had an impressive look in about ten minutes. Browse the options at Plate.
Bonus Idea: The BaKIT box is designed for elementary school kids and includes ingredients for three globally inspired recipes, including Greek Cookie Cookies, Churros, and Japanese Black Sesame Cookies, as well as games and activities. Give as a one-time gift or subscription.
The Fuzziest Fleece: I was actually waiting for it to cool down to wear it! Even though I’m already out of the freezing temperatures, I’m still loving the softest coat I’ve ever owned. The LLBean Hi-Pile Fleece Jacket comes in regular, plus, and petite and many colors.
Lightweight crossbody bag: My friend had this super light Nylon Foldover Crossbody by Quince, and I’ve been admiring it for so long, I just got one for myself (I chose Ash Grey). It’s available in multiple colors, with an adjustable strap (so you can wear it crossbody or not) and multiple pockets, and it’s made from 11 recycled water bottles.
Stylish earplugs: These Earplugs with loop filter the sound waves instead of blocking them. So you’re still listening – they’re just turning the volume down. I wore a pair to a Duran Duran show and heard every awesome note, but I didn’t come home with ringing ears. There are a couple for different purposes: sleeping, listening to live music, raising children with noise (really), going to a party, riding a motorcycle and more. They also come in fun colors.
Personal color card This is in every one of my gift guides because it’s that good. Knowing what colors look best (and worst) on you is a game changer for shopping – and cleaning out your closet. How it works: You upload your photos to My Color Guru and get a custom color card with the exact shades that suit you. All my friends have this and are now gifting it to their friends, husbands and kids. Use my password REALMOM to get a 10% discount (I’m a partner).
Bonus Idea: Get a hard-to-buy-for-teenager-or-college-aged kid into your life a Stitch correction box. We got one for my 15 year old (because my fashion advice is a hard NO at this point) and he ended up liking and holding quite a few stylish items. Use my link and we will both get a discount.
Extra Pretty To-Do List: If you have a serial to-do list maker in your life (like me), he’ll appreciate sprucing up his daily to-do list. This Numbered Colorblock Notebook comes from Rifle and Co., who make the cutest designs for the old pen and paper crafters in your life. Give it together with some nice pens. I am partial to Pentel EnerGel pen.
Calming Calendar: A year’s worth of daily inspiration, wise quotes and quick mindfulness exercises. I’ve pinned a few of these to my bulletin board as good reminders, texted friends, and appreciated the daily reminders to get them off my mind. Find it Source books the Amazon.
More gift ideas
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