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!
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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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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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I’m not sure if it’s because we finally have a house, but my wish list this year is heavily focused on kitchen- and bar-related gifts to upgrade our college-era things with nice versions that we’ll love for years to come. In fact, I’ve already been self-gifting with some of these ideas as you’ll read below!
I tried to keep this gift guide gender-neutral, since many home-related gifts need to be loved by everyone in the household — and let’s face it, we’re all shopping for more than just women when we look at interest-specific lists. (Does anyone else feel like many gift guides this year have heavy doses of pink and twee details?) Below, you’ll find nine of my favorite gift picks for the budding chef on your shopping list this year.
Serving Platter – Anyone who loves food is going to love a serving board, and there are so many gorgeous ones that any design you pick will be a welcome addition their collection. They’re perfect for curating artisanal cheese plates to occupy guests while the cook wraps up dinner in the kitchen.
Covered Dish – For around $80, you can snag a high-quality covered covered baking dish. This one goes from the freezer to the oven, and is elegant enough to serve from at the dining table. I prefer the white one, but it also comes in blue and red.
Cast Iron Pan – For whatever reason, I assumed cast iron pans were expensive and difficult to care for. I was wrong on both counts. We purchased this one by Lodge on Black Friday, which is the preferred brand for cast iron, and it’s as amazing as everyone claims. It even comes pre-seasoned so the recipient can start cooking right away. Just make sure the giftee knows how to take care of it to avoid rust. (Basically, wipe it out right after cooking, avoid using soap, dry it off with a towel, and then pop it into the oven at 250 degrees for around 15 minutes to dry it off completely. After the pan cools a bit, put a small amount of vegetable oil on a paper towel and rub it all over the pan until the oil absorbs.)
Serrated Knife – Why knife blocks don’t include a bread knife is beyond me. Treat your home chef to this often overlooked kitchen staple to keep loaves from crushing under the pressure of a regular knife. And don’t spend a lot on it. A serrated knife can’t really be sharpened when it dulls. (Granted, how often do serrated knives become dull when you’re only using them for bread?)
Canisters – I personally love the Instagram appeal of pretty canisters, but I always manage to talk myself out of actually buying a set. It seems indulgent, which is pretty much the best reason to treat someone to a set.
Kitchen Towels – If you need an ultra affordable gift or an add-on to something larger, these towels are it. They’re generously sized, wash well, and absorb a lot of water. I bought two for myself and loved them so much that I purchased three more to completely overhaul my towel drawer. Plus, the neutral colors go well with just about anyone’s kitchen decor.
Tea Pot – I don’t drink tea, but how cute is this tea pot?! It’s the tea lover’s take on Bodum’s French press that graced everyone’s gift guides a few years ago. (I do own the French press and can vouch for how amazing it is.)
Pinch Bowls – This is another gift that no one realizes they’d love until they actually start using them. They’re perfect for measuring spices and prepping ingredients before the flurry of cooking begins. The recipient can also use them as individual dip bowls.
Cookbook – Don’t you hate when you buy a cookbook and everything looks too advanced? The recipes in this cookbook look like they’re a good balance of ambitious and achievable. Plus, the cover is gorgeous enough to leave out on display.
