Gift Guides: Something More

When buying a little bit bigger gifts, I typically think of the types of things I would like to receive: useful, unusual or something I wouldn't buy for myself. Here are a handful of things that caught my eye to give (and get) this year.

For her stylish best friend, coordinated pup accessories in a variety of subtle hues. Walk Kit from Wild One

For an instagram-worthy take on the fridge magnets of his childhood. Magnetic Letters and Magnetic Chalkboard from The Typeset Co. Don't miss this ruler set to get the spacing juuuust right.

For brightening the walls with watercolor riffs on favorite travel destinations. Waffle House Print from Furbish. Don't miss the rest of their matchbook series.

For brightening the walls with dimensionally rendered maps of favorite travel destinations. 1956 Death Valley Topographic Map Print from Scott Reinhard Maps.

For adding some super soft flair to her winter wardrobe: Cashmere Bandana from Everlane.

For the love of games a strategy game that supposedly plays as well for two as it does for four: Cathedral Strategy Game, a high-design version of Yahtzy, and a riotously fun party game: Monikers.

For spreading cheer, regardless the season: Wonderful Cap from Best Made or a winter-ready option from Melin.

For daily wear; a repeat on the guide (and in my jewelry box), gorgeous affordable acetate earrings. Kate Hoops in Malachite from Machete.

For following the trend, but in a stunning classic ikat: Madison Headband by Maas.

For next level airplane races: App Controlled Paper Airline from Power Up Toys.

For everyone, for everything; a label printer that works with an app from your phone. Consider that 'get organized in 2020' resolution sorted. Brother Cube Wireless Label Printer available at Staples.

For young creative minds who need a break from screen time; a responsive story teller radio that changes the plot and players at the twist of a knob and press of a button. My Fabulous Storyteller by Lunii available at the MoMa Design Store.

For my winter drink of choice,  the boulevardier, heightened by a great local amaro. Ambrosia Aperitivo made in DC by Don Ciccio & Figli, available everywhere from Warehouse Wine & Spirits.

For sipping that drink, or more likely, a splash of bourbon. Whiskey Glass (comes in a set of two) by Norlan.

For staying organized, dry and tidy on the road; a super compartmentalized, waterproof toiletry bag. Peak Design Wash Pouch available at REI.

For staying glowing, hydrated and exfoliated on the road; a simple compartmentalized palette for doling out enough product to avoid breaking her skin routine (or breaking out). The Original High Fiver, from Palette by Pak.

For a lively dinner party exchange on an assortment of topics (some not so PG). A menu set that presents questions as courses from one of my favorite shops. Conversation Menus from The School of Life.

For never wasting the short ribs he threw in his freezer last July; a board filled with a thermal liquid that quickly brings meat from frozen to ready to cook, all while catching any runoff and preventing bacterial build up. Thaw Plate in copper from That! Inventions available on Amazon.

For topping everything and looking good on the counter while doing so. A delicious lemon infused spin on antioxidant loaded California EVOO. Lucid Olive Oil from Brightland.

For almost every kitchen task, a simple, affordable workhorse knife beloved by home chefs and pros alike. Santoku Knife from Misen.

For staying cozy, a sherpa-lined flannel with a bonus back pocket for his beer. High Sierra Shirt from California Cowboy.

Finally, see above, minus the beer pocket; Chalmers Sweater from Aritzia.

Gift Guides: Something Little

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It's a typical practice in my family to forego the larger gifts and focus entirely on stocking stuffers, there are so many fun odds and ends out there that make me love this snack-size approach to holiday gifting. Below are a number of mini-gifts that caught my eye, appropriate for stockings or for single gifts to co-workers, friends and family alike.  Also don't forget airline liquor bottles, fancy chocolates and a traditional orange all are welcome additions to the below. 

For the beauty guru who is watching her ecological footprint, washable reusable cloth pads that remove her makeup with just water. Pro Black by Face Halo

For spreading on serums and relieving stress, definitely on my list. Mount Lai Face Roller from Sephora.

For dry wintery patches, cuticles and picked places that need healing. The most deliciously scented Skin Food by Weleda.

For separating out the stink, whether in her gym bag or his suitcase, a waterproof lined pouch for corralling items in need of washing. Medium Drawstring Bag from Sweat Mate.

For the aforementioned wintery rough patches, a natural exfoliant and moisturizer in the most charming shape. Scrubee from Lush.

For keeping her clutch or his water bottle or keys off the floor, a super strong magnet keychain that holds on to tables, chairs, bathroom stall doors or anything metal. Available in an array of colors and materials: Lily Pad Mini Bagnet.

For daily wear: modern, minimalist studs. Brigitta Earrings from GLDN.

For a holiday spin on a favorite product, our beloved cocktail mixture in a seasonal flavor. Bittermilk Gingerbread Old Fashioned available at Mouth.

For cocktails on the go (just add liquor & stir). Luxe Cocktail Cube Set available at Uncommon Goods.

For keeping his look sharp and his collar sharper. Magnetic Collar Stays from Würkin Stiffs.

For the coffee connoisseur, a kentucky-roasted bean that spends three weeks aging in bourbon barrels from a distillery across town. 9th Street Bourbon Barrel Aged Coffee from Carabello Coffee.

For a non-alcoholic winter warmer that's significantly better than Swiss Miss. Hot Chocolate Mix from Dandelion Chocolates

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For New Year's Eve and other occasions that call for some shimmer. You are Golden Highlight Wand from Plantfolk Apothekary

For avid concert goers to protect their ability to enjoy the show for years to come. Special ear plugs with an acoustic channel made to block out the damage but not totally dull the experience. Loop Ear Plugs available on Amazon.

For your pod pals, a hang case and the hopes that they may not misplace them again. Wireless Charging Airpods Skinny Hang Case from Elago.

For everyone, a holiday flavor for my favorite airplane and desk treat. If you haven't tried them yet, you need to. Dark Chocolate Peppermint Skinny Dipped Almonds available on Amazon

For any home chef, they seem to perpetually need replacing, and this version boasts quick temperature reading at any angle. ThermoPop Instant Thermometer from ThermoWorks.

For the chef/scientist who would appreciate this far more accurate measuring device that takes into consideration surface area and volume. Measuring cup from Euclid.

For the occasional sommelier, a quick guide to pairings in a beautifully designed pack. Wine and Cheese Pairing Swatchbook available at Urban Outfitters

For the truffle pigs, we all know one, and assortment of the most umamiest condiments. Mini Trio Sampler Pack from the Truffleist.

For the creatives, or anyone looking to unwind after work, a beautiful complex series of books pulled from historical reference materials. Artist Coloring Book from Ameico

For fun; a box set of flattery and snark. Compliment (and Backhanded Compliment) Cards from Easy Tiger.

For favorite doggos, new babies and beloved faces all around; a series of stickers to adorn everything from cell phone covers to greeting cards. Sampler Sheet from Sticker Face

For fashionable babies, a charming minimal clip for corralling both pacifiers and teething toys (that's also fun to chew) Silicon & Wood Pacifier Clip from Loulou Lollipop.

Finally for little ones that find Sophie the Giraffe a little passé; a new jungle friend with all-natural bonifides. Zoe the Zebra from Oli & Carol