Gift Guides: The Home Office

 

Art by Be. Franke

2020 has most certainly redefined the office as we know it - and I think it's clear that we may never fully go back to the workplace as we did before. Now whether you previously had a dedicated space for it or not, many of us now have home offices - in the kitchen, in the living room, or in the bedroom. Here are some ideas to make those spaces more functional, more comfortable, and set your loved ones up for success as they go about their work virtually. 

Because it finally feels like it might be time to start making some plans again - and as someone who lived the WFH-life pre-COVID, it was key to keeping me on track - a sleek classic planner with some unexpected twists. 2021 Planner from Wit & Delight.

Because it's a message we all need to hear (and hold out hope for)  - a sticker for keeping it front and center.  Everything XL Puffy Sticker from Adam J. Kurtz.

For making even the slobbiest of sweatshirts look chic on zoom - a simple scarf can make a big statement. Silk Bandana from Amisha Design. Want something more wintery? This Cashmere Bandana from Everlane has been on my list forever and these fringed numbers are to die for. Money coming out your ears? Well, you can't go wrong with this showstopper.

Because whether in a virtual meeting or with a mask on the street, earrings are never a bad investment. A perennial favorite on the gift guide and the source of much of my jewelry - Poppy Muse Hoops from Machete.

Because if 2020 could use anything - it's a fragrance that helps you reset in times of stress. Green Cardamom, Iris, Palo Santo, and Cilantro sounds like quite the combination. Unisex Functional Fragrance from the Nue Co. I'm also dying to try their Forest Lungs - another destresser.

For looking professional while feeling like he's still in sweats - a soft polo shirt that looks sharp (with collar stays and all). Long Sleeve Players Shirt from Criquet.

Because good lighting really does make a huge difference - a small suction cup light with a diffuser that ups the quality of all their facetimes. Video Conference Light from Lumecube.

Because whether adding polish to a WFH look, or cozying up  - a wrap is essential in my book. This reversible option is gorgeous and the company celebrates female African leadership and artistry. Kichana Wrap from Mille Collines.

For motivation (and caffeination) - Don't Procrastinate Mug from Good Fucking Design Advice.

For important decisions and setting priorities - Do It Now/Fuck It Notepad from Terrapin Stationers.

For toting their mobile workspace to a change in scenery - and for bigger adventures in the coming year. ReNew Transit Backpack from Everlane.

For non-shower day zooms. Email Baseball Hat from Hayley Elsaesser.

Because over-ear headphones also mask a world of messy hair. My faves are the Bose Quiet Comfort, but these from Jabra come in at a much lower price point and are highly reviewed. 

For keeping hands busy while on endless calls - and looking good doing it - a handsome set of wooden stacking "stones" for creating their own desk cairn. Sycamore Stones from The Wood Rocks Shop on Etsy.

Also for fidgeting - a set of magnetic balls that are endlessly moldable, in either plain or multicolored. Speks.

For relieving end of day back pain with gentle stretching and rolling. Wheel+ from Chirp.

Finally, for preventing back pain before it begins, because the kitchen table was not designed for laptop ergonomics - but these cushions are. A duo of seat and back support that make any chair the most comfortable chair in the house. Egonomic Lumbar and Pressure Relief Seat Cushions from The Cushion Lab.

Gift Guides: The Kitchen

Art by Be.Franke

For the last several months we've all become frequent fliers to this destination. Whether re-configuring pantries to accommodate bulk grocery purchases, perfecting our bread baking skills, or marveling at how so few people can create so many many dirty dishes, there aren't many places we've spent more time. What follows are a handful of gifts to improve that space and maybe spark renewed inspiration for even the most fatigued home cook. As noted in the previous post - all of the below should be paired with a gift certificate to a favorite local restaurant for takeout; keep their doors open and a few additional dishes out of the sink tonight.

For those who have spent quarantine sharpening their knife skills. A pretty petty knife that comes in an array of beautiful colors and tackles tasks for either chef's knives or paring knives with ease. 6" Petty Knife from New West Knife Works.

A COVID kitchen essential - introduced to us in the early days of the pandemic when paper towels were hard to come by - Swedish Dishcloths. A sponge-like cellulose cloth that dries quickly, never stinks and wipes up messes big and small while reducing the amount of waste you create. You can find them online in every style, color and motif - but I'm enjoying these song lyric riffs from Boldfaced on Etsy.

For less-than-tidy tiny diners - a silicon bib that's easy to wipe up and catches the majority of the fallout in a big front pouch. Bib from Dove and Dovelet.

For those who have taken their daily coffee shop routine into their own hands - one of our other COVID MVP's: a Nespresso Machine. The newest Vertua model boasts a tiny countertop footprint at only 5.5". Vertua Next from Nespresso.

And for those who believe that all seasons are cold brew season - an equally tiny brewer for tucking in the fridge the night before for a perfect glass in the morning. Compact Cold Brew Maker from Oxo.

Pair the latter with several bags of beans from your (or their) local coffee shop. We love DC-local chain Compass Coffee, but are long-distance fans of Sharewell, Cartel and much longer-distance fans of Monmouth. This list (although from 2018) might point you in the direction of trying out a new shop near your recipient.

For upping the ante on that coffee- how about a flavored sugar from Turkish Cardamom to Mexican Mocha, seems like an easy way to elevate their morning cup. Coffee Sugars from Milk Street.

For those that prefer their caffeine another way or the afternoon cup (or after dinner) we can't get enough of these unbelievable teas. Metropolitan and Low Country are early favorites, but you'll have to try them all to find yours. Loose Leaf Tea from August Uncommon.

Yet another COVID MVP at our house has been our kitchen garden from Click and Grow (a previous feature on the gift guide) It's a total delight to have fresh herbs handy - and any home chef would love one of those, the very similar AeroGarden or a microgreen version from Hamama pictured above. Interested in growing something other than herbs - how about a mushroom kit from SmallHold?

Because we're headed directly into stew and soup season - and big batch cooking has been a favorite technique in our COVID kitchen. These clever trays are perfectly portioned for freezing and saving odds and ends from their latest kitchen experiment. Souper Cubes available at Food 52.

Because butter truly does make everything better and this sampler pack has something for everyone from savory to sweet. I could see this being a great addition to one of my favorite holiday traditions: Wolferman's English Muffins. Mix & Match Six Pack from Banner Butter.

For those who are ready to move beyond simply following a recipe  - a beautiful book that goes into the science of what makes something delicious. The Flavor Equation available at Bookshop or your local bookstore. Also worth considering is this favorite of mine from years ago or this guide to smells that looks fascinating.

And because everyone's stocking needs stuffing - some delightful treats from favorite purveyors - like Green Chile Jam from Los Poblanos.

Or a new take on "cookie butter" - Granola Butter from Kween.

Or an Umami-packed seasoning from the fish sauce gold standard, Red Boat

Or for bakers (or sweet tooths) single-origin chocolate chips in a special shape to maximize the chocolate payoff in your cookies. Large Chips from Dandelion Chocolate.

Or finally for broadening culinary horizons and having something other than their regular takeout: a variety of six dish starters that bring firey Southeast Asian flavors into a regular dinner rotation. Southeast Asian Omsom Sampler from Omsom. For more firey flavor to add to their weeknight routine, don't miss this sampler pack of Chili Oil from NYC spicy noodle mecca Xi'an Famous Foods.

For every evening between now and April - a dutch oven for braises, chilis, soups, and stews. Although there are a myriad of new cast iron purveyors offering this kitchen staple in some truly gorgeous colors (hello Great Jones and Milo) word is that the old standby, Lodge, performs as well as pricier classics Staub & Le Creuset and much better than most newcomers. An added benefit is it's likely available at your local kitchen goods store (or Ace Hardware). 6qt Dutch Oven from Lodge. Want the look of the Milo for the price of the Lodge? Swap out the top knob with a glam brass option from Staub available at Sur La Table - Le Creuset black is also an option.

For dutch oven season - a sculptural set of trivets meant for daily display. Pond trivets from Ferm Living.

For the newly minted at-home bartender who is likely already equipped with a shaker (if not, go for this). How about an elegant spoon for stirring together a simple Old Fashioned or my favorite - a Boulevardier? Walnut Cocktail Stirrer from Sacred Thistle.

To go with that spoon, your bartender will need a mixing glass - something that's heavy and large enough for two cocktails with a small pointed spout that keeps ice from getting out. Wirecutter loves this Seamless Plain Mixing Glass from Umami Mart. If you want something with more drama - don't miss the beautiful options on Cocktail Kingdom.

Finally to round out the kit - don't forget a quality strainer. This one may prioritize function over form - but is supposed to be the best you can buy. Steel Cocktail Strainer from Oxo.

Or give the bartender a break with a pack of these delightfully branded canned classic cocktails. Negroni, Manhattan, or Old Fashioned from Tip Top Proper Cocktails.

Last, but certainly not least - a major improvement on WFH breakfasts and lunches, and one that is already bringing my family a lot of joy. An amazing sandwich-making machine that can turn out a bacon egg and cheese in a snap. We're deep into a competition of who can get the most creative with their recipes here - so if you give or receive this and want to join our sandwich-focused family group text, you're welcome. Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker from Hamilton Beach. In the market for single sandwiches? They have you covered there too.

Gift Guides: The Bathroom

Art by Be.Franke

In COVID the bathroom has taken on a new importance, instead of a rushed pass through in the first 30 minutes of the day, it is now a retreat from the outside world. Instead of a focus on what needs to happen before leaving the house, there is a newfound focus on what relieves stress and makes us feel cared for.  That said, there are still the items below that are helpers in a zoom world when we haven't seen the inside of a salon in a year, but the emphasis is on self-care because in 2020, we could all use a healthy dose of that. 

Consider coupling any of the below with a virtual consultation with a local dermatologist, aesthetician or MUA who can offer targeted advice and recommendations to your recipient.

Because none of us were really prepared for the DIY pedicure situation, and what on earth do you put your foot on to get a good angle for painting your nails?  Internet favorite polish company, Olive and June has solved that issue with their Pedi System - a perfectly slanted foot pedestal that doubles as a storage case for a number of professional tools and their lovely polish. Pedi System from Olive and June.

For going straight from shower to email (although maybe not entirely zoom-friendly), a microfiber towel that cuts drying time in half and has a built-in elastic band for perfecting the towel turban. The Hair Towel from Crown Affair.

Because everyone's zoom-face deserves some extra pampering - whether a surge of winter weather moisture from my favorite Jet Lag Mask above, The Shortcut overnight facial from Versed or the crazy expensive (but supposedly worth it?) Active Botanical Serum from Vintner's Daughter.

For fighting pimples with flair - a set of star-shaped hydrocolloid stickers that suck the juice out of any future zit before it has a chance to make an appearance on your next facetime. Big Yellow + Refill from Starface.

For post-workout, or just post-tough-day - a thermogenic gel scented with Arnica, Black Pepper, Lavender and Patchouli provides instant relief for tension and sore muscles while relaxing and reinvigorating. I-Recover Mind & Body Gel from Indie Lee.

To include in that post-tough day mix - they may not be getting massages, but this could be the next best thing- an easy to heat or chill therapy pack for targeting neck and shoulder tension. Neck Wrap Therapy Pack from Slow North.

And for tension a therapy gel and heated wrap can't touch - a neck and shoulder massager that couples kneading action, heat, and the weight of your arms to really dig into those knots. MaxKare Shiatsu Neck Massager available only on Amazon.

For road warriors who are missing stays in hotels with impeccable bathrooms and an endless supply of towels. One of the best decisions I ever made for our bathroom was buying enough washcloths that a fresh one was always available. While the Pendelton option above is divine, this Coyuchi bundle gets you closer to one for each day of the week and with this bundle, you'll never want for a fresh one.

For reading in the bath - some highly recommended books that provide a dose of much-needed therapy. What Kind of Woman by Kate Baer and Big Friendship by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman - please pick up either or both from your local bookstore or buy from Bookshop, an online bookselling platform that allows you to direct the proceeds from your purchase to a local store.

For a "just woke up like this" flush and glow that requires nothing more than smudging on. A creamy palette from my favorite natural beauty brand (looking forward to welcoming their lipsticks back once I leave the house/don't need to wear a mask). Color & Light Palette from Kosas.

For winding down - a total blackout sleep mask that combines hot and cold therapies to relieve any number of stresses (and we know there have been a number). Manta Sleep Mask - be sure to check out the individual eye cups and head straps for added benefits.

Also for winding down - the perfect holder for his shower beer. Non-damaging silicon that sticks to everything, wipes clean and has built-in drain holes. Sudski from Tooletries.

For waking up - a top reviewed scrub for sloughing off dead skin with a morning shot of caffeine. Original Coffee Scrub from Frank Body.

Also for waking up - a more caffeinated eye gel to guarantee he's bright-eyed for the first video call of the day. Natural Wake Up Eye Stick from Oars + Alps.

For stretching the effects of that eye gel a little further - a set of medical-grade silicon eye masks that can be re-used over and over again in combination with your favorite serums or moisturizers to provide targeted treatment. Cut down on waste and increase the impact of your product at the same time. Forever Eye Mask from Dieux Skin.

And for when no amount of serum can cover the effects of a whole bottle of wine on a Tuesday night (because COVID), a potent puffiness reducer for keeping in the freezer. Ice Roller from Heyday.

For manifesting a truly spa-like experience - a shower bouquet made of eucalyptus and other fragrant herbs to hang behind their showerhead so that the steam releases aromatherapy. Beautiful options are available from sellers like ReRoot Gardens (pictured above) and Eucalyptus Blooms. You could also consider a monthly subscription from Eucalyptus Farms or perhaps, best of all, work with your local florist to create one or collect the materials to assemble it yourself.

For maintaining a beautifully scented oasis between showers - I adore this woody jasmine fragrance, and having it in a diffuser instead of a candle means that the bathroom always smells amazing. Moonrise Reed Diffuser from P.F. Candle Co. 

For playtime - a collection of bathtime ingredients (and a little mixing bowl) for kiddos to make their own clean concoctions. Natural, non-toxic, vegan, and paraben-free body wash/shampoo/bubble blends in a series of delicious scents. Bubble Box Set from Dabble and Dollop.

For post-pampering lounging - a divine set of sweats that call out what we all are now. Homebody Lounge Set from Magnolia. 

Also for lounging - for him or for her - while there are no shortage of sweats with a COVID cult following, see Vuori or Entireworld or Lou & Grey - we like the look of these (and their shorts variety). Super simple, super soft. Long Jambys from Jambys.

For combatting winter dryness, soothing stressed sinuses, and diffusing therapeutic scents. A new, healthier take on a humidifier from Canopy.

For pampering the furry friends (a new challenge in our lives this year) - a specially formulated pupper shampoo to match their coat type (shedding or non-shedding) plus a series of conditioners to keep skin healthy and moisturized.  Shampoos & Conditioners from Pride + Groom.

For dealing with the fact that I haven't had a haircut in over a year. This miracle worker is the only thing making me zoom presentable. I've even been asked if I've been to the salon (although I think my 6" of roots tell a different story). Revlon One Step Volumizer Hair Dryer available at Ulta and every other big box store.

For reflecting on all of the good that happened around the edges of a tough year. A simple guided gratitude journal with matching pens. Grateful Duo from Alleyoop.

Finally for extra relaxation - a wearable weighted blanket that comes in the form of the fluffiest robe. Modernist Weighted Robe from makers of the original weighted blanket - Gravity. Other robes I love from waffled, to turkish to kimono (with a special champagne pocket!) to snuggly sweater.