
Gift guide season is upon us! If you’ve been around for awhile, you likely know that I love putting these together and have run through several different formats in the past few years; I used to do tons of guides and break everything down by category, but have more recently tried to pare down the actual number of posts and instead share fewer recommendations with more specific notes on why I selected those items. There will be four guides this year, all split up by price: Gifts $25 and Under, Gifts $50 and Under, Gifts $100 and Under, and Splurge Gifts. I did a poll on Instagram Stories a couple weeks ago asking about gifting plans, preferences, and budget, and landed here based on your feedback (thank you so much to everyone who participated–there were a lot of answers and it was really helpful).
I’m trying to hit multiple demographics in each post–so there will be some items for men and women (plus some kid-friendly or kid-specific items) in each–and this year’s guides definitely have a homier approach compared to years past. Across the four guides, I’m actively incorporating Black and other minority-owned businesses, small businesses, and women-run businesses. All four posts will be up by the end of next week so for those of you planning to shop around Thanksgiving, you’ll be set :) Happy browsing!
P.S. The “Holiday” section on the nav bar is full of some past gift guides that have been updated with current links based on what’s in stock, recipes, and more! You can click on “Holiday” to see everything, or use the drop down to browse by category.
The queen’s recent cookbook, Modern Comfort Food, is exactly what we all need this year. This would be a great gift for anyone who’s embracing more time in the kitchen these days and loves the idea of a simple comfort meal.
Appointed (a DC-based small biz!) makes the most beautiful notebooks and I’ve had one every year for the past two or three years. J and I both use their task planner professionally and I can’t say better things about the ease of use and quality. This would be a great gift for a paper lover! (These pens are awesome, too.)
The PR team at L.L. Bean gifted me one of their fanny packs a few years ago and it’s easily been one of my most used items during quarantine. I used it pretty consistently last year too, since it’s perfect for walking the dog (or going on long walks in general) when you don’t have ample pocket space for keys, a phone, hand sanitizer, dog treats, etc. The price point is great, and it’s easy to clean in the washing machine.
There’s been a lot of buzz about Nécessaire’s body lotion and I finally tried it a few weeks ago. It’s hands down the best I’ve ever used and a little goes a long way, which makes the price worth it to me. It’s “clean” as well, and doesn’t feel sticky at all; I run warm and will wake up sweating if I’ve applied most lotions or creams to my legs before bed, and that hasn’t happened with this one. I think I’ll be repurchasing this forever!
On the drinks front, these are the best cocktail cherries! Most of us have likely been our own bartender for the majority of 2020 and these will seriously elevate your beverage game. They’re pricey but are the real deal. They also come in a pack of two.
These are definitely more of a stocking stuffer or supplementary gift but Old Navy makes the coziest fuzzy socks and I’ve seen them go for as low as $1! I picked up a pair last year and always reach for them in the evenings this time of year.
Hands down the best hand sanitizer I’ve ever used! It’s not greasy, it’s “clean,” and it’s made by a woman-owned small business. It’s the only hand sanitizer we’ve used since Covid started and one I’ll buy on repeat indefinitely! There’s a cute set of small ones, too.
This ornament is fun gift for the ranch lover in your life–best presented along with a pizza :)
For anyone who loves blue and white: the perfect Spode coaster set, currently marked down to under $13. This would be a great hostess gift!
Tuckernuck has been my go-to source for puzzles during the pandemic, and they’re well-stocked just in time for a long winter! I have a feeling puzzles will be a popular gifting item this year and I’d recommend snagging them early if you’re in the market.
I couldn’t resist adding these adorable toddler slippers to the list. My experience shopping for young kids is limited, but these seem both cute and fun yet also fairly practical.
I discovered Oates Home Co. through this amazing post from Carly and knew I had to include them in this guide! Julianna and Tyler pour these non-toxic candles from their home outside Boston and in addition to their beautiful branding, their commitment to producing paraffin and phthalate-free candles stood out to me. Monaco sounds like a luxurious vacation away, and there’s no better time to indulge in a classic holiday scent.
I used to leave some of my prettier jewelry out in little dishes but got tired of them constantly collecting dust (particularly pieces that were more of a statement but didn’t get worn as often!). I have a box similar to this from West Elm but H&M Home is a treasure trove of many versatile, budget-friendly finds. There’s also a rectangular version, and I think they’d be a great gift solo or as a pair.
Another one for the kiddos! Sohp Shop launched during Covid and as an avid hand washer (pre-pandemic, too), I think this is the coolest concept to encourage little ones to wash their hands for the necessary length of time. Each soap has a toy hidden inside and the more you wash, the closer you get to discovering the surprise.
Love all of your gift ideas! I’ve seen that soap a million times and never knew that there was a toy inside! Genius! And those slippers – adorable! Grabbing megababe sanitizer too! Thanks for the reminder.
Ashlee | cobaltchronicles.com
Yes! So fun, and love that you’re a Megababe fan, too!