Gift Guide: Christmas 2023 Edition
Gifts for you, them, all y'all!
I love the holidays (x100) and I love how many reasons there are to come up with a present for someone in your life. A lot of people look down on gift-giving as consumerism and frankly, what party poopers! I love gift-giving and gift receiving! Surprises, pretty wrapping, the fact you thought of me, the fact I thought of you, I just love every part of a gift. I also generically love knowing what other people are buying as gifts. Ever since I was little, I’ve skimmed past other less-interesting parts of a magazine, an article, or a website to hone into the bit where you tell me what you think I ought to buy. This is less an acquisitional quality, and more because I will always want to hear about the next greatest thing you’ve found. Excitement is catnip. Enthusiasm lights me up. Seeing you enjoying something? Give me more. And anyway, gift-giving is just so much fun. It’s only not fun when you’re shopping in a reactive, uninspired way. It’s only annoying when you are out of ideas.
If this is you (this is sometimes me!) then I hope you find some ideas in this newsletter. The following list is composed of 25 fun, beautiful, helpful, interesting, more-or-less affordable gifts that will definitely not leave you feeling like a having a breakdown. I have tried to keep the majority of the gifts to around and under $50, because honestly, who among us? I’ve likewise tried to include a number of options that are not gender-specific, meaning you can take almost any of these ideas and apply them to any brother, sister, father, aunt, uncle, in-law, or cousin you want. I realize that not everyone who reads this newsletter (and not everyone you’re shopping for) is female, so there will be something for everyone in this list! I’ve also decided to hand over the list early so that you will have time to look, shop, order, or avail yourself of upcoming deals. In a little while I’ll also be releasing a list of handmade, edible gift ideas, so stay tuned if that is more in line with your interest and budget! Of course we live in the real world where someone will always say, “But you didn’t include ____!” or, “I don’t like that there are several links to Amazon! I was neighbors with Jeff Bezos and he always blocked my driveaway with his trashcan.”
Friends, friends. We’ve got some small businesses, some medium sized businesses, and yes: some very small amount of Amazon. I encourage you to shop locally and sustainably where you can. Every single thing on this list is a gift I have bought for someone else or myself, or something I would buy for someone else or myself. Equal opportunity gift employer here.
Okay. Have fun. Make good choices. Isn’t this a wonderful time of year?
For The Person Who Loves Getting Mail: An annual subscription to Whalebone Magazine - $60
Around here we love Whalebone. There is no better mail day than the day a new issue of this magazine hits my mailbox. If you like adventure, music, coffee, surfing, food, humor, exploration, vintage finds, nature, photography, people, old movies, (or basically anything else) you are its correct audience. Basically, this gift is at the top of the list because anyone would love it. These magazines are gorgeous, hefty, and meant to be enjoyed over and over again. With nary an ad in sight and each issue following a cohesive, curated theme, this beautifully-designed magazine is sure to delight whoever is lucky enough to be gifted a subscription. (Individual current and back-issues can be purchased if you’d like to pair the subscription gift with a preview.)
For The Person Who Loves A Non-Alcoholic Tipple: a bottle of Ghia aperitif - $38
I have been so thrilled the past several years to find that the number and complexity of non-alcoholic beverages has multiplied like rabbits! I’ve tried a lot of fun NA drinks thanks to our local dry-bottle shop, Ceremony, and I have to tell you that Ghia is one of the best there is. Its warm, tannic-yet-comforting tones make for a perfect drink to sip. Served half and half with sparkling water and twist of orange rind, there is no better dupe for an Aperol Spritz. I love this drink. If you’re local to the 757 I recommend ordering from Ceremony. They have so many other wonderful bottles of NA spirits (Ritual “Rum” is another favorite), pre-mixed mocktails, and more in several locations in the area. They’ll even do local delivery. In fact, Andrew and I are off for a date night to their new NA bar pop-up this evening! If you’re looking to beef up this gift, try giving it alongside a set of gorgeous coupe glasses or some other fun bar-ware.
For A Hungry Person Whose Reading Bends Genres: The Year of Miracles by Ella Risbridger - $18.99 on Amazon
Oh my goodness, this is such a nice book. It’s plummy, touching, deep, makes you hungry, makes me want to stalk around and say, “The book I want to write has already been done! Alas!” Part memoir, part personal essay, part cookery book, this is one you’re not going to want to miss. Ella Risbridger’s writing voice is like…I don’t know. Like if Meg Ryan had been British and tragically funny, but still Meg Ryan. And unlike some books-turned-recipe situations, the recipes in this one actually sound appealing. This is a book I would drag into the kitchen and cook from, and then reread my favorite chapter while I stir the pot, because why not? I think the nicest thing about buying this book for somebody is then you can turn around a month or so later and say, “Think I can borrow that when you’re done?”
For The Person Who Likes To Feel Seen: a niche Christmas ornament - $15-$25 on average
Maybe this isn’t a groundbreaking idea, but I love how many very different Christmas ornaments exist now. I love that our tree is a collection of treasured ornaments from different people, places, and eras of our life - I like how they unwittingly foreshadowed my future: like when I had a tiny bulb of garlic hanging out for years, little knowing I’d marry an Italian boy (we added a tiny wheel of parmesan last year.) Ornaments are also gifts I love to give. When I select an ornament for someone else, I love picking something that is so specific they can’t help but laugh. Maybe your friend won a chess tournament this year. Learned how to dive. Got a new apartment next to a French bakery. Discovered a favorite oyster bar. There’s an ornament for that.
For The Active, Adventurous Person or Family: an annual State Park pass - $85 in the state of Virginia
If you haven’t figured it out by now, I love an experience-based, or continuous-enjoyment gift. It’s just so much fun to not have to limit gifts to enjoyment on one day only. My in-laws gifted me a Virginia State Park pass one year and it was so much fun! Although we didn’t use it to its fullest extent that year, I loved knowing I could go off for a hike at any point in time, anywhere, clear across the state. I also used it very frequently that year to go to a beach at First Landing State Park - nothing like assured free parking, a bathroom/outdoor shower, and easy beach access! I 100% recommend this kind of gift. Andrew and I enjoyed free hikes that year at Chippokes, First Landing, Northwest River, and any other park we would have wanted to visit. I understand that some states don’t require payment for their state parks but if your state does, this is an excellent gift!
For The Family Or Person Who Loves Classic Films: an annual subscription to The Criterion Channel - $99.99/year or $10.99/month
We’ve all been there: scrolling endlessly through Hulu, Netflix, or HBO Max not really wanting to watch any of the new, probably-not-great television shows or direct-to-streaming movies that have churned out of Hollywood in the past few years. But what if discovering new directors, hard-to-find classics, or obscure film noir mysteries was actually…easy? Entire the Criterion Channel and collection. This gift is perfect for the family or person who has an interest in classic film, indie films, foreign films, and more. Make a basket filled with favorite movie snacks or candy and wrap up the “subscription” as the main gift. Et voila! A gift perfect for any hipster, filmmaker, liberal arts student, or hard-to-buy-for members of your family and friend-groups. (Also a great way to ask someone out on an at-home movie date, but don’t say I sent you.)
For The Person Who Wants To Learn How To Bake: Bravetart by Stella Parks - $19.79 on Amazon
A lot of people who think about learning how to bake seem to think the first project out of the gate is going to be macarons. And many cookbooks will give the impression that you need highly technical skills and a New Yorker’s proximity to obscure ingredients to become a good baker. Bravetart is about as different from that sort as you can get. This cookbook spans a wide array of familiar American desserts from the simple to the more complex. I suggest it as a first baking book for several reasons: the projects are recognizable (and often nostalgic) for any American reader, Stella gives excellent advice, research, and variations for each recipe, and this book contains some personal favorite recipes (like her White Mountain Cake that has become my go-to baseline for layer cakes). Bravetart is a cookbook I reach for again and again, and for that reason I consider it a perfect book for aspiring and experienced bakers alike. It is a must-have for any baker’s shelf.
For An Animal-Lover: a ceramic pendant necklace from Camp Hollow - $28-$40
I am a recent friend of Camp Hollow but have fallen hard for their menagerie of tiny, porcelain charms. I love that they are small, delicate, and naturalistic looking so that adults can enjoy wearing the jewelry without looking childish. Each necklace is a 24” long chain of 24k gold over stainless steel, and the collection includes such rare creatures as axolotls, bats, lemmings, and starfish as well as more common wildlife. I recently purchased a cake-topper from Camp Hollow for a family member’s birthday and was so pleased with the quality and presentation of their products! This is a gift that would suit anyone from age 12+, so is a good option for friends of any age on your list!
For The Person Who Enjoys New Flavors: a custom spice sampler from Diaspora Spice Co. - $60 for 6 tins
I have been drooling over Diaspora’s lush, fair-trade, single-origin spices for some time. I love that you can buy individual tins of spices or put together a kit. They have chai mix, spice blends, chilis, peppercorns, and so much more. As the company is committed to paying their spice-growers an average of 6x the going rate for the spice trade, there is little holding me back from tossing out my entire pantry and replacing it all with Diaspora Spice Co. The vibrantly illustrated packaging makes this feel like a really special, unique gift your recipient will likely have never seen before. And there is nothing like experiencing the flavor difference between old, languishing spices and powerful, new ones.
For The Person Who Loves Card Games: Wizard - $7.99 on Amazon
A game that is somewhat Hearts, somewhat Rummy (but better than both), Wizard is a great time. It can be played with 2-6 players which makes it an excellent family-time game, and it is fairly easily learned and taught. We were introduced to this game through Andrew’s cousin, and it has since become a favorite. I will warn you that because it involves strategy it is less suited for younger players, but we can wholeheartedly recommend Wizard as an entrant to your game cabinet. I particularly love the fact that as a card game it takes up very little storage space, and can also vouch for its 3 out of 10 difficulty level in terms of grasping an understanding of game-play. In essence this is no Settlers of Catan, I’m relieved to report.
For The Person Who Loves Natural History: The Invention of Nature by Alexander Von Humboldt - $10.89 on Amazon.
If you have someone in your life who is constantly pointing out new species discoveries, wishes they’d grown up to be part of the National Geographic Explorers’ Club, or otherwise would appreciate a book about a person who was a perfect octopus of accomplishments, this is the one to buy. Humboldt, in the early 19th century, had his finger in every pie from measuring how blue the sky was to the very idea of ecosystems, from experimenting (nearly fatally) with electricity, to exploring the entire known world, gathering specimens, mapping, dissecting, illustrating, computing, considering. Reading this book is a lesson in wondering, “is there anything Humboldt didn’t invent?” I’m still thinking about it months after finishing.
For The Person Who Romanticizes Their Mornings: Instant Great Morning Dish Set by Deep Black - $67, on sale for $49
My Instagram pal, Sherrod, is the potter behind the Deep Black brand. I adore the unabashed combination of bold color and reserved naturalism in all of the pieces turned out in the DB studio! Truly gorgeous work. Another beautiful thing about the Deep Black brand is their commitment to remaining an affordable way to own high quality, hand-made pottery with their wide spectrum of price points. This “instant great morning” set contains an espresso cup, a cappuccino cup, and a snack bowl in colors of your choosing - how much easier could it be to help someone wake up as the main character in their story? As of writing, this set was available online and currently on sale, though local friends may be able to catch Sherrod at occasional events such as those at The Hermitage Museum.
For The Person Who Romanticizes Their Nights: Leahlani Mermaid Mask - $46
I feel like spending nearly $50 on a small tub of facemask is excessive but sometimes I like to be excessive. If I’ve drawn someone’s name in a gift exchange and the price has been set, I delight in choosing something so lavish and “extra” that it is absolutely not something the person would feel like they could choose to spend money on for themselves. Leahlani’s “mermaid mask” is a beautiful, purifying, deep-green mask that goes a longer way than you’d imagine. With Hawaiian spirulina, raw honey, sea clay, and chlorella, your skin will legitimately feel as pampered as a sea queen (or king - have you seen Triton? He’s fine). I have been out of this product for quite some time and my skin still misses it. Definitely skip this to the top of your list when buying for someone who loves a good, clean-product skincare routine before bed, but doesn’t tend to pamper themselves. They’ll feel like royalty!
For The Person Who Romanticizes Their Holidays: Ingrid Michaelson’s Songs Of The Season (Vinyl) - $36.99
I don’t know who asked Ingrid to create a vintage-inspired, timeless-sounding, instant-classic album, but she understood the assignment. I have owned this vinyl for two seasons now and it is every inch as much a favorite as my actual vintage Bing Crosby Christmas album. I feel like anyone who deeply romanticizes their holiday season is going to want the songs of that season on vinyl. And if so? Well, I’ve got your back. Or at least, Ingrid’s got your back. This record sounds so sweet with that little bit of grit from a needle that ought to be changed and a table that ought to be balanced while the Christmas lights blink through. 10/10, no further notes, (except if you want to cry tears for no reason just listen to “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas".)
For The Person Who Drives Everywhere: iOttie 1-touch phone-holder - $24.95
Andrew has owned this phone holder for years (it releases and catches with one touch, it fits any phone, it mounts to windshield or dashboard!). I did without one for ages until finally trying a different phone-holder from Target. That one gave me nothing but grief as it pitched my phone into my car’s floorboards every time I braked. Then, recently, a friend sent me my own iOttie holder and my life has been changed for the better. It is secure, easy to install and use, and has never dropped my phone! Who knew life in the car could be this good? We all know a person who spends a lot of time on the road, whether on road trips, chauffer-duty, long commutes, or otherwise. This is the gift for them! It’s one of those small things that makes a major difference - I always preferred driving Andrew’s car because of this holder.
For The New Mom Who Has Trouble Prioritizing Herself: new bed-linens like these from Opalhouse for Target - $50 for a queen set
Now listen, we all know that good sleep can be hard to come by with a new baby. I can imagine that as nice as things like face-masks, gift cards for a pedicure, or an Audible subscription could be, they all require you to have the gumption to do/go/be somewhere and sometimes all you want is to crash into a freshly made, clean-sheet bed and get some shut-eye. A set of colorful, fresh linens is a great gift for a new mom. The caveat is that you have to enlist her husband (or yourself) to strip the old sheets off the bed, put the new ones on, and order her favorite food through Doordash so all she has to do is topple into bed with Planet Earth and some pad Thai while nursing that baby! There is nothing in this world as nice as fresh sheets, and your friendly neighborhood new-mom is well aware of that fact.
For The Sourdough Or Bread-Baker: heirloom grains flour from Grist & Toll - starting at $11.50/1.5 lbs.
Bread-baking is experiencing a pretty unparalleled comeback in our modern era, and I’m willing to bet there is at least one person on your shopping list who has tried their hand at sourdough or some other kind of bread. I love seeing the joy on the faces of so many people who have never before realized that you can be cool and domestically-skilled. After mastering a basic white or whole-wheat loaf, a super fun next step is playing around with heirloom grains and flours. These are products that have not been genetically modified and often have higher protein content, more nutrient value, and better flavor. Because they’re more rare, these flours can be pricey when compared to a bag of grocery-store white wheat flour, which makes them a thoughtful gift! Pick out a few types for your favorite baker. If you’re stumped on what to buy, I recommend Einkhorn, Rye, and French Renan for a good cross-section of familiar-to-less-familiar flours to play with.
For The Person Who Loves To Host: Ramona coupe glasses from Anthropologie - set of four, $56
I love to study what makes a dinner table go from looking “meh” to looking truly stunning, and glassware is just one of those things. While many coupe glasses are beautifully delicate, I love the chunky mid-century modern look of these from Anthro. I also love their low center of gravity and triangular base - are they nearly impossible to tip over? They come in several colorways as well as two different sizes, so you could mix and match a set that fits the person you are shopping for. Buying fancy dishes or cups is a fun way to tell a person who loves hosting, “I see what you do, the effort you put into your table, and I support you!”
For The History Buff or Supporter of Women: Code Girls by Liza Mundy - $15.63 on Amazon
While it’s true that most WWII history books focus on men, Code Girls is a gripping account of the real taskforce behind some of America’s main code-breaking successes in the 1940’s. Did you know that women outnumbered men in America’s codebreaking operations by about 3 to 1? I didn’t till reading this book. Anyone who considers themselves well-versed in WWII history needs to read Code Girls. With a number of freshly-declassified documents providing new information, Liza Mundy has written an excellent book for any history buff, male or female. It will also appeal to anyone who is looking for a celebration of female ingenuity and skill in the STEM field. Highly recommend this as a pick for someone who enjoys American or military history!
For The Person Who Loves A Place: a vintage felt pennant from Oxford Pennant - $28
With dozens of designs from favorite states to sports teams and sardonic quips, Oxford Pennant has made a name for themselves in the niche of felt pennants. I love the highly-stylized vintage look and the way a pennant like this (large or mini) can turn a bare wall into a declaration of personal preference. Choose their home state, a beloved vacation destination, or even a motivational (or demotivational) slogan for someone you love. The designs are fun, the quality high. This is another gift that is exciting to choose, because what you remember that a person loves can be such a meaningful way to show them you’re listening.
For The Woman With Classic Style: Hilde hoops from Linjer Jewelry - $67
I have loved Linjer for a long time, and these beautiful, “organic” shaped hoop earrings are just another example of the classy-but-wearable demi-fine jewelry this company creates. All of Linjer’s products are gold vermeil (unless they’re pure gold or silver) and many (like these earrings) come with a two-year warranty. Over the years my jewelry preference has simplified and I would rather own a few nice items than many quickly-tarnishing pieces. These earrings are chic but modern, and equally as cute for a daytime look as they’d be for dinner out.
For The Nature-Curious Adult: NYBG mushroom ID flashcards - $19.94
You didn’t think we’d exit a gift guide without at least one suggestion for nature knowledge, did you? Since I’ve already supplied this list with a number of book suggestions, I thought I’d go for a different type of field-guide - a new product, actually. These beautifully-illustrated flashcards from the New York Botanical Garden are the perfect way to learn common mushrooms by sight, with helpful information such as spore print, range, habitat, and other identifying features that make memorizing mushrooms that much simpler. With a set of wildflower ID cards coming out in June 2024 (available to pre-order), you now have two choices for your amateur explorer friends! There is something really lovely about helping unlock a new door of knowledge, so that the next time they go out on a long walk in the fields or forest, they’ll be better-versed to recognize what they see!
For The Nature-Curious Kid: Animalium by Katie Scott and Jenny Broom - $37.26 on Amazon
I am of the opinion that every single kid is born with unlimited curiosity. And while, sure, there are some kids who are more interested in nature than others, I think any kid would be captivated by the oversized, lifelike drawings in Animalium. While it is geared more toward 8-12 year-olds in reading content, children of any age will appreciate sprawling on the floor and falling down a rabbit-hole into a world of fantastic beasts. This book is big, beautiful, and calls to mind the great Dorling-Kindersley encyclopedias some of us grew up on. A masterful addition to any kiddo’s library, any family’s bookshelf, it’s even appropriate as a coffee-table book for grown-ups to flip through. I dare you to resist it! I personally appreciate how this book lets the illustrations and information speak for themselves and does not overproduce and overcrowd the layout like many other “animal encyclopedias” for kids.
For The Person Who Works 9-5: Dolly Parton’s “cup of ambition” - $21
Look, we drink the coffee, we do the things. Make your friend’s, mom’s, sister’s, or other’s morning a little more Dolly with this coffee mug. I know that a mug can feel like a cop-out as the gift-giver (really? a mug? that’s too easy!) but I also know that nobody is un-cheered by another coffee cup, especially one this cute. The color, design, the caffeinated heartbeat-rhythm the song opens with…if you’re gonna give a mug, let it be this good! I tuck a gift card to the recipient’s favorite coffee shop inside to round out the gift or (if they’re a tea-drinker) a bag of a favorite loose-leaf tea! If you’re looking for a small business from which to source your tea, I recommend Queen’s Pantry! They have a “cinnamon bun rooibos chai” that has been in heavy rotation at my house this fall. Highly recommend.
For The Person Who Wants To Dress Like A Nora Ephron Character Or Sign Up On A Lobster Boat: Signature Cotton Fishermen’s Sweater from L.L. Bean - $119
Now, listen: I know this is a big, splashy, splurge of an item BUT it had to be included on this list. L.L. Bean runs some great holiday sales and I have it on good authority that this sweater is the sweater. It is made of 100% cotton and falls within that category of things that will probably outlive whomever you buy it for. I am including it on this list because this is sweater that could suit anybody: L.L. Bean lists this as a men’s sweater (but I was referred to it by a woman who loves hers), and it is available in regular and tall sizes from S-XXXL. It’s giving Chris Evans in Knives Out. It’s giving Billy Crystal in When Harry Met Sally. It’s exactly the kind of sweater that people in movies just happen to have lying around, and now you can buy it for anyone and everyone thanks to L.L. Bean. The End.
For The Person Who Loves To Workout And Stay Hydrated: Owala FreeSip water bottle - $24.99-$37.99 depending on size
Okay, hear me out: I have given this gift multiple times to multiple people because someone gave one to me, and my life was changed. The FreeSip style is truly a one-handed water bottle with a 2-in-1 chug and sip spout and the stainless steel interior keeps drinks cold for ridiculous lengths of time. We are firmly an Owala house and have turned both our families (and extended families) into an Owala crew as well. I love how many fun colorways there are to choose from: neutrals, neons, retro colors and more. Plus the come in a plethora of sizes! Trust me on this: Owala is the very best of the water bottle crew. Down with freakin’ Stanley. Give me Owala every time. Can’t wait to turn you and your loved ones into fans - this gift is perfect for those on your list who spend time in the gym, on hikes, or otherwise chugging water like its their job!
And there we have it! 2023’s Christmas gift guide. I hope you enjoyed looking through these ideas and maybe even found something for a person you’ve been puzzling over! Obviously it isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list, but I had fun putting it together. Please feel free to share any ideas you have in the comments; it can become a big old group think-tank! Happy Approach To Christmas, my friends. May the coming days be merry and bright.
Till next time,
Rachel
Wonderful, as always! Shoutout to your perfect Owala recommendation--we now have three.