My favorite gifts to give and receive
Hi hello it’s that time of year again here’s another gift guide. I actually don’t think I’ve really done a proper gift guide before, but I realized that I like to give the same type of gift over and over again. And in true over-planner fashion, I also like to have the vast majority (if not all) of my holiday shopping done by December 1.
In general, I like to give a few categories of gifts: food, photo-centric, experiences and splurge-y. So! Here are a few of my favorite gifts that I’ve given in the past, and what’s on my list this year (hi, David!):
Food gifts are some of my favorites to give (and receive): people can thoroughly enjoy them, and then it doesn’t take up an extra space in their house! V minimalist of me, you’re welcome Kon Mari.
- salami bouquet (or a salami of the month club if you really love them): my dad regularly tells me the salami of the month club is the best gift anyone has ever gotten him, and the incredible quality of the products at this Portland-based shop is matched by the great branding and packaging
- the most perfectly ripe grapefruits in all of the land: not only are these delicious, but they’re also a nice break in all of the sweets that are usually sent out around the holidays
- the makings of a perfect cheese plate: throw in a bottle of wine, and you’ve given the perfect evening
I’ve been a supporter of Artifact Uprising and their mission for a long time, and I genuinely love all of their products. My house is full of them! These are a few of my favorite photo-centric gifts, and while you’re there, don’t forget to pick up some thank you notes or New Year’s cards for yourself. Although this post isn’t sponsored, AU has generously offered to give 10% off to CC readers before Thursday, 11/23 with code CHRISTINE10 (aka get a few of those things off your list before Black Friday stress!).
- an easy-to-make book of all of the fun you’ve had together this year
- a beautiful desk calendar for the year ahead (to remind you of all the fun you had together this year)
- a fancy print to remember a special moment
- for parents or grandparents: do the heavy lifting of scanning and saving the photos of their childhood, and then convert into a tangible collection of memories
I’m always team experiences over things. For the past couple of years, my husband and I have planned a New Year’s Eve trip as our Christmas gift to each other: first Costa Rica, and then Austin. It’s been really fun, and also has eliminated so much stress leading up to Christmas itself.
- lessons for something that they’ve had on their list to learn (a language, an instrument, a sport, a skill?)
- a weekend away: book the Airbnb, buy the plane tickets, agree to splurge on some good meals and fun activities
- reservations at a place you’ve been dying to try (perhaps a steakhouse with your man, or high tea with your mom)
- a facial, a massage or a float (especially good for pregnant friends!)
I also like to gift luxurious things you don’t buy for yourself: things that are so nice to have, but a little too much to justify in the budget.
- super splurge-y candles, and reasonably splurge-y candles
- cashmere anything (Everlane is great for beanies, scarves and $100 super-soft sweaters)
- adorable pajamas (I have two short-sleeved sets, and they’re the best)
- these super cute teethers slash necklaces are perfect for new mom friends
- a handwoven throw blanket
And in case you need any more inspiration, here’s what I’m asking for this year:
- wireless headphones (I’m currently traveling with these and these, and it’d be nice to simultaneously upgrade and consolidate!)
- wine tasting and glamping in Valle de Guadalupe
- simple earrings (like these hoops or studs)
- new books (like this and this)
- my favorite leggings in a new color
- tennis lessons and surf lessons
p.s. I really like this approach from my friend Ashlee on gifts for families with kids!
What’s on your gift list this year?
