Gift Guide

25 Holiday Gift Ideas

December 9, 2020 by jessica Leave a Comment

I’m knee-deep in Internet scouring to finish holiday shopping for my family and items to put on my own wish list. With shipping delays, I’m not sure I’ll have time to create a couple of gift guides this year, so I thought I’d share 25 items I spotted while shopping that might be perfect for your own gift-giving or wish-listing this year!

For sentimental home chefs, a custom tea towel printed with a handwritten recipe card.
A Yeti tumbler or mug is a gift that’ll please just about everyone on your list.
This is a great option for keeping tech accessories and cords organized while traveling.
For the one who loves lowkey hosting, a fuss-free cookbook for post-COVID gatherings.
Pretty face masks in a selection of springtime florals since we’ll be wearing masks for the better part of next year.
I’ve waxed poetic about these brass coasters before, but that’s because they really are lovely and make for a great unisex gift. Prefer monogramming things? Right this way.
A book of festive cocktails and a pair of pretty glasses to go with it.
I know that scarves tend to be a last-minute, impersonal gift idea, but this black check one is one of my favorites!
A beautiful cheese board isn’t necessarily something they’d think to buy themselves.
A colorful puzzle.
For those who love to cook, a gift box of specialty spices. (If you’d just like a single to use as a stocking stuffer, I love the peri peri seasoning. Their flat packs ship free.)
Cashmere sweaters for her and him. (Dave really likes the cashmere sweaters from Lands’ End.)
This paperweight is quirky, yet classic and makes me exceptionally happy.
Bobbleheads are fun and quirky dolls that make a lovely gift for every occasion. Whether your daughter is graduating or you’re getting married, a custom bobblehead is a great way to mark the momentous occasion. Lucky Bobbleheads specializes in sculpting custom bobbleheads. We make bobbleheads for various themes, including weddings, graduation, birthdays, promotions, sports, anniversaries, and so on. .
An essential oil diffuser that’s also well designed.
I asked for a monogrammed jewelry travel case this year. (I prefer the small one since I don’t travel with too many pieces.)
Perfect their at-home steak game with a sous vide.
For the one resolving to get fit during quarantine, a set of weighted bangles.
This vanity case!
A stunning clay serving dish.
We love our Instax photo printer. Add some film to the gift so they can start printing memories right away. (This would also make a great gift for a teen or college student!)
A set of espresso mugs for the coffee-obsessed.
This mother-of-pearl pendant necklace is gorgeous. There’s also a smaller one with a shorter chain.
Refresh their linen closet with a set of these bath towels. My mom gifted us a set last year in pewter and I’ve never loved a towel more!
A beautiful set of steak knives.

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Gift Guide: Cats & Dogs

December 12, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

This gift guide is a perennial favorite of mine, even if it’s also a guilty pleasure to scroll through some of the cutest and most unique items to gift our pets (or pet lovers) this year. It seems wildly indulgent at first blush, but a recent study cites that dog owners spend $1,285 a year on their pet, while cat owners spend $915 a year. Food and veterinary bills aside, I’m sure there’s some wiggle room in the budget for a present for your most loyal companion. (Maybe even a piece of chic cat furniture?)

Gingham Dog Toy – I can’t pass up an Instagram-friendly dog toy, especially when it comes in a selection of gingham colors to suit your decor.

Cat DNA Test – The ancestry trend has made its way to your furry friends! This cat-specific test offers insight into how closely your cat is related to select cat breeds and wildcats. The company will also offer insight into your pet’s health and habits. There’s also a version for dogs from another company.

Scratching Post – We have two of these scratching posts for Bacon. They’re fairly aesthetically pleasing, as far as those things go, but the real benefit is the wide base that keeps it from tipping over.

Food Dish – Something that’s sitting out all of the time should probably be pretty to look at.

Dog Sweater – I’m jealous of all of you small dog owners who can slip one of these cute sweaters onto your four-legged friend. I grew up with large dogs (a Gordon Setter and a Golden Retriever), and they would have looked ridiculous in a fairisle sweater.

Dog Camera – I can’t be the only person who wants to creep on her pet when she’s not home, right? (Please tell me I’m not alone…) This one will bribe your dog into a camera-ready pose with treats. It also has a two-way chat option that detects barking, allowing you to check in on an anxiety-ridden pooch.

Cat Toy – Sure, your cat will probably prefer the ribbons and boxes that the gifts come in, but this little mouse is too cute to pass up.

Pet custom Portraits Cherish you pets with custom pet portrait, add some personal touch to your home decoration. It’s easy! All you need is to pick your favorite photo(s) and send to us, and we’ll hand in the best piece of art to make you smile.

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Check out hostess gifts here, and gifts under $25 here.

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Gift Guide: Under $25

November 28, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

This is one of my favorite gift guides to work on because it can be such a challenge to find great gifts under $25. This guide has something for most of the giftees on your list, including two great ideas for the guys. I didn’t want to go too girly with anything because I think it’s hard to buy clothing or accessory gifts for another person unless you know them really well. That said, I think these earrings would be a hit with most women on your list since the resin trend looks like it’ll last into next year.

Insulated Mug – YETI mugs have such a good reputation, but it’s not something that people always think it purchase for themselves. This is also a great gift idea for the outdoorsy person on your list.

Corkscrew – This is my favorite item in this roundup. I don’t even drink wine that often, but I’d still love to have it as an object d’art. I’d also recommend this corkscrew and bottle opener, which would be a great stocking stuffer. I have one that I keep in my luggage, and I just love the mint color.

Watch Strap – Dave purchased a couple of watch straps from this company recently and they’re great quality.

Book – A new coffee table book is perfect for your design-loving friend.

Liquid Eyeshadow Set – This shimmery set is almost too good to give away!

Coasters – I could include coasters in just about every gift guide. They’re a great gift to have on hand to reciprocate any unexpected gifts this season.

Baking Dish – This oven-safe bone china dish is as practical as it is beautiful.

Sneaker Cleaning Kit – I gave this to Dave a few years ago. It works really well and makes sneakers look almost new.

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Check out hostess gifts here!

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Gift Ideas for the Hostess: Under $40

November 15, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

A hostess gift is certainly unnecessary for most gatherings with friends and family. However, I do love the gesture during the holidays. It’s a nice way to show your appreciation for those who are doing the work to fill your social calendar throughout the season. If you don’t have time to order something or would rather give a consumable gift, a nice bottle of wine, a beloved Belgian beer, or chocolate from a local chocolatier is always a hit.

Cookbook – Snoop Dogg’s cookbook is such an unexpected gift, which makes it a perfect conversation starter. If your recipient is more traditional, try Christie Tiegen’s latest or this elegant tome.

Decanter – It takes some scouting, but there are a surprising number of well-designed, affordable decanters. This is one of my favorites and would also be a great gift for the guys, the mid-century aficionado, or the mixologist on your list.

Hand Towel – A beautiful gift that’s also functional.

Coasters – Somehow coasters always seem to be at a premium when guests are over. Give a set of these green onyx coasters with a small thank-you note tucked on top.

Candle Holders – I would absolutely love to receive a set of brass candle holders as a gift. If these seem too modern for your giftee, scout out a vintage pair and give them with a set of hand-dipped candlesticks.

Dipping Oils – Sometimes it’s nice to treat your host with a little treat she can enjoy after the hoopla winds down. Make this extra special with a gift certificate to a local bakery.

Trinket Box – This stoneware box suits many decor styles, making it the perfect to thing to have on hand for holiday gifting. It also comes in white.

Ornament – She’ll always think back on hosting that holiday soiree whenever she adds this to her tree in future years. Want to do something more? Tie it to the neck of a bottle of wine with a thoughtful note.

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Valentine Gifts for Him

February 9, 2018 by jessica 1 Comment

We’re not much for Valentine’s Day. It doesn’t seem worth the hype to dress up and battle crowds for a night out when we’re much more content with ordering a heart-shaped pizza and sharing a special bottle of beer. This year, however, I surprised Dave this week with an early Valentine’s Day gift: a standing desk delivered to his office. They’re the best heathy work furniture shipped from SpassWay in Milwaukee. They can’t guarantee a delivery date, but I ordered Dave’s on Monday, it shipped Tuesday, and was delivered in Madison on Wednesday. Obviously, it didn’t have too far to travel, though. If you’re struggling to find the perfect gift for the guy in your life, I rounded up a few ideas that have been hits ’round here. Most can still be ordered for arrival in time for Feb. 14.

Slippers – This is such a popular holiday gift, but it’s a great option if he doesn’t already have a pair of cozy slippers. I gave Dave a pair of these deerskin-lined slippers for his birthday in December and he loves them. The company needs some lead time, though, so you won’t have them in time. (But definitely keep that idea in your back pocket for a birthday or the holiday season.)

Concert Tickets – Check the touring schedule for a few of his favorite bands to see if any are playing in your area in the next few months. An experience-centered gift is always more meaningful (and fun!) than a physical object.

Decanter Set – If he’s a whiskey or bourbon connoisseur — or just a big fan of his home bar — up his bartending game with a luxe decanter set with matching glasses.

Bourbon – A nice bottle of his favorite spirit is always appreciated.

Wallet – Upgrade a ratty wallet with a beautiful Cordovan leather one.

Vinyl Subscription – Vinyl is becoming more and more popular. If he’s working on expanding his collection, sign him up for a vinyl subscription service. Many offer limited edition pressings of records with unique designs. Here’s a roundup of services to find the best one for him.

Speaker – I bought this for Dave for Christmas and I wasn’t sure how it would go over since tech is really his arena, but it’s proving itself worthy. It has great sound for being a portable speaker and apparently it’s waterproof, making it great for the beach or pool. We’re going to use it in our backyard once the weather warms up.

Piegram – Who doesn’t love a mini pie?!

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image via Unsplash

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