gift guides–they're here!
all the things i want to buy for myself but will instead add to cart in the holiday spirit (and maybe for myself too).
For all the polarizing chatter around gift guides (see: Jess Kirby’s thoughtful piece on such), I do find the exercise to bring clarity: it helps to distill what I’ve been loving and using myself this past year, and what I know people in my life would actually appreciate or find meaningful. (No spon-con here.) Giving a (thoughtful) gift is one of the kindest things you can do; it doesn’t have to be fancy or lavish, it can even be homemade–the intention and personal through line behind it is what makes it special. In that vein, some of the things that really struck my fancy, below.
ABOVE: I just learned how to play mahjong, and this mahjong set is calling my name (though I would have to relearn what the cracks and bams look like on this set)! This heirloom signet ring is a pass-me-down item to keep for years. Everyone appreciates a Savette pochette bag. Maison D’etto has been one of my most recent and beloved new scent companies that I’ve found–can’t go wrong with their chic and beautifully packaged discovery set. This silver and pearl peapod necklace is personally calling my name (it reminds me of my daughters)! A cozy Weezie robe, say no more. My new collaboration keychain with Riley Versa (nice for housewarmings, too)! A failsafe, with monogramming: the Alex Mill perfect weekday tote. The chicest nail set I have ever seen (I have this and love it not to mention the packaging is exquisite). A hair multi-styler for the at home blowout life. U-Beauty changed the texture of my skin for the better and anyone would adore their essential set. A Theragun mini for the workout queens. A Hatch alarm clock, which fully helped me become more of a morning person–highly recommend. An essential lip duet from cult beauty brand Fara Homidi. A beautiful heirloom bone-inlay Kinderbrook Home box for jewels or keepsakes. My tried-and-true goop set–I use every single one of these. And a flamingo estate candle, because they’re always chic and have beautiful packaging, too.
ABOVE: I’ve been using this aromatherapy duo for cleaning in my own home and it smells delightful–Koala Eco is a new favorite brand of mine. A cozy Chappywrap in a chic new color way and pattern. A Maison D’etto candle–smells incredible. Chic pasta in a paccheri shape (pairs nicely with their olive oil)! Tommy Mitchell porcelain hellebores sculpture–a unique and thoughtful present for the flower lovers in your life. A duo of olive oil and fuyu persimmon vinegar. A travel backgammon board for anyone going away this winter break (perfect beach activity). The ultimate hostess book by Rebecca Gardener–listen to her on Talk Shop for more on RG! An olive oil set that looks nice out in the kitchen–plus this brand is fully organic and high in polyphenols (!) A pillow that I very much need. A cutie little chocolate bar from our friends at Tuck Shop (adorable as a pair, or a few flavors tied with a velvet bow)! And a cocktail set, (best paired with a glass bottle of my favorite, Ghia.)
ABOVE: A cashmere beanie is endlessly versatile. Navy handsome quilted vest he’ll have for years. And a navy yeti is always a solid choice. A golf book for the course aficionados. A chic electric kettle. Cozy wool socks in a timeless fair isle pattern from a small-batch maker in Tokyo. A versatile cashmere scarf in timeless navy. A very unique smart typewriter that I want for myself. Wood personalized golf ball set. Stainless vintage Rolex oyster perpetual explorer watch. Perfectly Sprezzatura field boots. A rugged yet aesthetically pleasing portable pizza oven. Crisp Nike daybreak sneakers. Illustrated playing cards for a late night game of rummy. Leather knife block set. A handsome navy Fieldbar cooler for camping and any outdoor pursuits.
ABOVE: Sweet little mary janes that can be customized. A cute monogrammable quilted backpack (extra fun filled with toys)! My daughters adore these sparkly play shoes. Banwood balance bike, a great precursor to the real deal. Cozy liberty print pajama set. Rainbow balance Stapelstein set. A classic Steiff stuffy. The prettiest hooded bath towel from our friends at Timo & Violet. An adorable personalizable hairbrush. Cute tiny puppy in a carrying case (my girls love this). Oso & Me pencil case set of which I have multiple and they live in my handbags permanently. *Fancy* little beaded bag. Scalloped wicker shopping trolley, and, personally my favorite–a membership for a loved one with littles to My Pediatrician Friend, a genius on-call texting service founded by three NYC pediatricians/moms. I’ve personally used it twice since signing up only a few weeks ago, and the 24/7 response time with a real pediatrician who is also a mom and gets it is priceless. Use code ARIEL for the first month free!
xxx happy gifting! – AO