Back in my magazine days, I used to edit the gift guide. It was a multi-month project, and was, honestly - a ton of work. I liked it, but truth be told, I’m a terrible gift giver. I always leave it to the last minute, and I’m not the kind of person who easily remembers a hint someone may have dropped months prior. I prefer to buy little treats for people as I see them, throughout the year. But anyway, it’s gifting time! So I’m going to put these together in the hopes that it will help me get my shit together sooner rather than later.
When I edited the magazine’s GG, we always separated it into clever little categories, and there were a few unspoken rules - shoes are not a gift (unless they’re for a little kid), dresses are not gifts either. Don’t include anything you wouldn’t be happy to get. I think those are good rules.
Here we go with Volume 1:
EASY WEAR-EVERYDAY JEWELRY
These are pieces that you could send to a friend, or a partner as a hint hint without them thinking you’re insane. They’re also the kinds of things that you wear every day forever, and never ever take off, and they become part of your personal style long term - making them a very sweet, and useful gift. Jewelry is also, I think, the ultimate thing that you never want to buy for yourself but always want. This assortment is from Catbird, which, bonus - is offering 20% off this week.
1. A perfect, little chunky pearl bracelet with the bonus of a dangle pearl. Every few years there’s a headline like, PEARLS ARE BACK! EDGY PEARLS! But honestly, they never go anywhere. There’s something so beautiful about a pearl bracelet, especially one that’s both traditional and interesting. Stacey Nishimoto, $140
2. This is an excellent gift for someone with a new baby, someone who just got married, or just as an initial for someone’s own name. It’s thoughtful and personal, but not SUCH a massive spend that it could feel inappropriate. Catbird Jewelry, $71
3. A perfect chain! This is a great gift with a charm (see above) or on its own as a starting point for someone’s own charm necklace collection. I always get asked what is an ideal starter chain, and this is it. Nice weight, great quality, and easy price point for jewelry. Catbird Jewelry, $215
4. Something a little sparklier…this one has diamonds. The chain is so subtle it will look like a faint, ~etherial~ glitter on your skin. An A+++ gift for someone special. Catbird Jewelry, $679
5. And finally, a pair of diamond studs. These are sold as singles, so they’re great for someone with multiple piercings, but a pair would be lovely as well. I like that these have baguette cut diamonds, so there’s a bit more interest and texture than traditional pave. Catbird, $199/each
FOR A DESIGN SNOB WITH EVERYTHING
Just today I was in a situation where I needed a beautiful and distinctive vase. I have…one, and it wasn’t the right kind of beautiful. A gorgeous vase is something practically everyone can use but likely wouldn’t buy for themselves. Usefulness is one of the key elements to good gifting, in my book. You want the person to interact with the thing all the time and remember you fondly.
1. This is made of upcycled, sculpted plastic. It’s ironic, sustainable, and very beautiful. I would love to have one of these. Niko June, $150
2. And this! Sculptural heaven! It’s multi-purpose, and can be used as a pitcher, or as a vase. Winner. Georg Jensen, $170
3. And finally, this has been on my personal wishlist for years - a soft, flexible resin “vessel” by Italian design legend, Gaetano Pesce. Look up “thing you’ve always wanted but would never buy yourself” in my brain and you will find this object. Gaetano Pesce, $425
FOR SOMEONE YOU REALLY LIKE BUT DON’T WANT TO CREEP OUT
Tea towels. These are another highly useful, and very thoughtful gift. They’re so earnest, so practical, that they insinuate a deep level of familiarity. This is not a gift you give to impress someone - this is something you give to say, “I love you, and I want your life to be better and more beautiful,” without actually having to physically say those words. Less intense than jewelry, but every bit as heartfelt. Also, they help the receiver use fewer paper towels (I, myself, am addicted to paper towels and ask only for tea towels this Christmas (except from my husband, for whom I have higher expectations)). I give you - beautiful tea towels.
1. These are made by Heather Taylor Home - purveyors of the finest, cutest, home linens. Plus, Heather is a mom, and a babe, and my pal. Heather Taylor Home, $26
2. The cutest. Period. But also check out their whole assortment - there are some other VERY good ones. Maison Flaneur, $38
3. This is a set of 6! And while I love the idea of having a mish mash of different tea towels in my home, I can appreciate that some people would prefer to have matching ones. These are very elegant, are made of organic cotton, and in a factory that recycles 98% of its wastewater. Coyuchi, $58/six
4. Color! Life! Block prints! These come in a million prints and colors - it would be nice to receive a stack of a few in different prints and colors. Furbish, $36/two
5. And finally - there are also a million variations here at Ferm living. It’s impossible to go wrong - they’re all incredibly beautiful, but chic, and subtle in a very Scandi way. Again, here a mix is the dream. Ferm Living, $25/each
SILLY DELIGHTS
And now, a bunch of random things I think would make great gifts but don’t fit into any categories.
MOTHER OF PEARL NAUTILUS CARVED DISH
But not just any Mother of Pearl Nautilus Carved Dish… this one was designed and made by our lady of fantasies Laila Gohar. Use it on your bedside as a catchall for rings, a place to keep your antidepressants, or in the kitchen with a lovely little mound of sea salt in the center to pinch in while you’re cooking - it’s gorgeous. Gohar World, $78
FOR ME
I have a lot of books, but I don’t have one like this. I love Italian design, and would love a rainy afternoon alone to look at this. It also ships from a very fun surf-inspired luxury specialty store, Lewisburg Surf Shop, so you’ll be supporting small specialty when you buy it. Milan Chic, Assouline, $105
A THING EVERYONE WILL LOVE (MALE OR FEMALE)
And last, for now - my favorite, ever, knockaround white button down. My husband wears them, I wear them, my mom wears them….the fit, cotton, and overall quality are great. Are these the fanciest or finest shirts around? Of course not. But they’re a sweet gift, and they’re not terribly expensive. They’re also machine washable and soft. If you want to make them really special, do little needlepoint initials for the wearer on the cuff or sleeve. You can do it in tonal thread to make it like a secret special note, or in contrasting navy, red, green, black, whatever you want. I swear by this shirt, and I like it in classic fit size Large or XL to be truly oversized and yummy. J.Crew, $55
THE ULTIMATE
Now that they ship nationwide (THC derived from hemp is legal to ship to all 50 states), show someone you care by gifting them with my favorite edibles. Go drops for energy with a very clearheaded, mellow feeling (my personal favorite formlulation), Chill drops for relaxation, and Genius drops for creativity. They are….divine. 1906, $40/each tin
Ok, more soon.
x
Laurel
Gift guide season, love it! The tea towels and Milan Chic book look gorgeous. I just put out my gift guides last week - they are most definitely a labour of love. xx
Epiphany re the tea towels. You are so right! Always useful. Will always remind recipient of the gifter. Can never have too many. And not something you often indulge in for yourself. Brilliant. Thank you!!!!