Holiday cheer is really here! I know it might seem a little early, but with the state of the world right now, who couldn’t use some extra goodness? I’ll admit, during a normal year I do 95% of my shopping on Black Friday and we typically don’t put our tree up until after Thanksgiving. Friend, I know I’m preaching to the choir when I say that this is far from a normal year! That being said, did you know that one of the best things you can do to boost your mood is to do something nice for someone? And, for all of my enneagram type 2’s, that someone can be yourself 😉 So perhaps this is the year we start our shopping early and take extra time to find those super special gifts.
The nice thing about this year is that stores seem to understand where the consumer is at mentally and they are meeting us where we are at by offering sales and promotions earlier than ever before. And, while I don’t advocate for purchasing things simply because they are on sale, I do think sales are a fantastic way to shop when you have a budget. Our holiday budget is significantly less this year but that just means we’re going to be thinking about each and every gift and making them extra special.
What You Can Expect
My gift guides are organized based on the categories that you, dear readers, requested. Based on your feedback, I will also include a few notes on who the gift might be good for and the price. I worked very hard to find a wide range of gifts at various price points because, like me, it sounds like you guys are on a tighter budget this year. I do tend to save up and treat myself to one or two nicer gift in the winter season, so I will include some of those ideas too!
A couple things you should know. One, I am a theme gifter. I pride myself on my ability to put creative things together around any type of theme at any budget! I always try to pair things together and create the full package gift experience, if you will. And, while this first guide features some of my all time favorite things, you’ll see gifts I own and love incorporated into all of my guides. I hope that sharing some of my favorite ideas will help you realize that thoughtful gifts can come in lots of shapes and sizes. Ultimately, my goal is to get you in the spirit to give, gift and receive this holiday season!
How to Shop
Aaaand two, these guides take a heck of a lot of thought, time and effort to plan, put together and share and I so appreciate you engaging with my content, in whatever form that may take. As someone who worked in retail for years, values customer service and loves to help others, I really took your comments to heart and like to think of myself as your personal shopper! If you find these guides helpful and want to *add to cart*, please know that it means the world to me when you shop via the links that I’m sharing. How does this work? Let’s break it down:
- If you’re on your computer, click on a link and buy the item in the same browser window between 7 and 30 days (each retailer is different).
- If you screenshot or swipe up on your phone and then search on your computer, I do not get credit.
- Similarly, if you purchase something in store, I can’t get the credit because the retailer can’t track that!
- In order to give me credit for the purchase, you always have to do it through one of my links, which are all easily accessible in blog posts, on my shop page or via liketoknowit.
- If you ever have questions, don’t hestiate to ask! This small gesture on your part and adds up big time for ya girl on the other side.
Now, let’s get giftin’! I figured I’d kick off my gift guide series with the gifts I own and love! While I’ve peppered things I own and love throughout all of my guides, these are my tried-and-true current favorites that I would purchase and gift again and again.
GIFTS I OWN AND LOVE
1. Our Place Always Pan – This beauty is going to be in my clean cookware round up and for good reason: it’s amazing. Not only is it non-toxic and super safe, but it literally replaces 8 pieces of cookware! I’ve made everything from pad thai and oatmeal to steamed broccoli and quesadillas. I love that Our Place is a mission-based company co-founded by Shiza Shahid, who also founded the Malala Fund. This would be great for engaged friends or anyone who is hoping to swap out their old toxic non-stick pans.|$145 *click here for $20 off!
2. Truffle Clarity Jet Set Case – These are my absolute favorite cases because they are chic, sleek and easy to clean. I have most of the sizes and use them for cosmetics, toiletries and necessities – even I’m not traveling! I love the pouches for purse organization – I pack my essentials and just move the clutches from handbag to handbag! These days I use this one for my wallet, keys and sanitizer! A great find for friends, moms and people who think they have everything! But is their purse organized? Didn’t think so. | $88 + $40, varied
3. Gorjana Parker Mini Necklace – I love Gorjana for their simple, elegant and refined gold jewelry. Each piece is special but affordable, and work well to layer. C gave me the mini version of their famous necklace and I wear it every day – even in the shower and to bed. Highly recommend for someone special in your life! | $60 *click here to get $20 off your first purchase of $60+
4. The Defined Dish Cookbook – Hands down our most used cookbook! The recipes are easy, clean and freaking delicious. C loves it and cooks from it solo, too. I gave this to my mom and MIL for Mother’s Day earlier in quarantine and we cooked from it together 🙂 This would be super cute paired with a fun apron! | $22 but try to snag it from a local or BIPOC owned bookstore!
5. Cuyana Structured Leather Tote – I think I put this on my list every year! It’s an investment, but has just gotten better with age (and I like it better than the unstructured version for sure). I actually received this a few years ago as a Christmas gift from my MIL and it’s my most used bag! These days I’m either using fanny packs, crossbodies or this – it fits a laptop, a crossbody and even a bottle of wine 😉 Cuyana is a mission based, sustainable, ethical and BIPOC woman owned and run business that I’ve supported for years. I’ve met Karla Gallardo, one of the co-founders, in person, and she is absolultey brilliant. | $195
6. Skincare – Shocking, I know 😉 Look, I think skincare is a great freaking gift because so many of us don’t treat ourselves very often. And what’s a better way to treat yourself (or your friends) than to care for your (or their) skin? I plan to gift some of Beautycounter’s all star products this year: The Overnight Resurfacing Peel, All Bright C Serum and Countertime Tripeptide Radiance Serum (serums are where you see the most results because they are so concentrated, which is why they are pricier!). | $63, $79, $79
7. Printfresh Pajamas – I am, quite literally, obsessed with these PJs! I do not mess around when it comes to pretty pajamas and these are hands down my fave. Typically, I swap out my softer cotton jammies in the winter, but these I’m keeping around – they are lightweight but cozy and oh-so-soft. Read more about them here. I have these and these, but you can use PURELYNORA for 15% off any print or purchase! Printfresh is women owned and run, size inclusive and supports local artisans in the region of Jaipur, India. | $132 *use PURELYNORA for 15% off
8. Spode Blue Italian Mug – Okay here’s the thing. There will likely be a mug on every one of my guides. I love mugs and even collected them as a kid. This one is 16oz which is the BEST mug size. Once you go 16, you will never be able to use a tiny mug again! Also just make sure you check the size if you order from elsewhere, this pattern in this size is hard to find! | $24.95 for one or 4 for $70 from a local shop in my hometown! We registered there for our wedding – I love that it is woman founded and family run!
9. Gucci Brixton Loafers – Okay, these are a major splurge but, hear me out. A couple years ago, C gave me my first pair as a gift. My square feet and bone spurred heels are so challenging to shop for but the leather on these is like butter and requires ZERO breaking in (the Jordan version is not the same). I’ve walked all over cities in them and wear them in the house. A year later I treated myself to another pair after I got my bonus (this putty color). That is how much I love ‘em! I’d give them to myself again in a heartbeat! | $830
10. Phlur Clean Perfume – I’ve been working on my Switch to Safer: Fragrance post forever but until then, know that perfume is one of the biggest offenders when it comes to hormone disrupting chemicals. Companies like Phlur are chaning the game when it comes to ingredient transparency, sustainability and their commitment to clean. I wear Hanami and SC 59! Fragrance is so personal, so I highly recommend gifting The Sixer, aka 6 of the best sellers which comes with 2 $18 credits toward 2 full size bottles! | $18 (3 Fragrance Gift Set), $36 (6 Fragrance Gift Set), $96 full size bottle *you can get $5 off your first purchase here
11. Pom Hat – Disclaimer: I don’t actually have this hat but it is the closest I can find to the one my mom gifted me years ago. I adore this family owned, woman run and local NYC business so much! Such a great gift for siblings, siblings-in-law and friends. | $110 for real fur and $106 for faux
12. Calm App Subscription – I love me a meditation and Calm is one of my favorite apps to do it! My favorite feature is that you can pick the voice and the background noise. The yearly membership comes down to less than $6 a month, which is a small price to pay for your mental health. This would be great for anyone who would benefit from living a more mindful life (hint: everyone). You could even get it for yourself too and commit to starting a practice with your spouse, friend or family member!| $69.99 a year
13. Le Creuset Dutch Oven – Okay, this was a wedding gift (and ours is red) but it’s probably our 2nd most used pan, next to our Always Pan (above). We use this for soups, stews, roasts, curries, whole chickens and more (you can even make bread in it!). Ours is an oval but round is great too! If this is out of your price range, we also love our Lodge version! Yes, we have both, which is a story for another time. Suffice it to say, there’s not much of a difference 😉 Great for yourself, parents, in-laws or anyone who really loves to cook and is missing this timeless essential!| $249.95
14. Cuyana Travel Set – Again with Cuyana (and toiletry bags) but these might just be the best gift ever. Two leather bags with an optional monogram that are practical for travel and look beautiful on a counter. They are well made (in Argentina by a family-owned workshop collective) and the pebbled leather lasts forever – I keep my makeup in the larger one and lipsticks in the smaller one. Mine are black but I’d love a second set in caramel. Great for friends, siblings and moms. | $120
15. Thrive Market Membership – Thrive makes grocery shopping such a breeze. While you can’t get fresh produce, you can get pretty much everything else, including toiletries! Thrive was a godsend for us in the dark days of quarantine earlier this year – I love that I can snag pantry goods, frozen meat/fish, clean wine and personal care products in the same place! I’d give this to family and friends who appreciate convient, healthy options, love a deal and/or love to cook! Like what a stellar gift for new parents or young couples, right? | $59.95 a year (just $5 a month) *click here for a free gift upon sign up
16. Hydroflask – The most underrated gift! I know this seems boring but honestly, it’s kind of expensive for a water bottle which is why I think it can be hard to rationalize for yourself. I drink infinitely more water than I did before I had this, which has helped my digestion and skin! The sport top is key btw. Great for athletic types, dudes, those looking to make easy sustainable swaps and people who WFH and miss the water cooler. | $44.95
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