The holidaze are upon us, my friends. I thought I’d do a few gift idea posts over the next few weeks, and I’m going to start “generic,” because I find generic gifts are the hardest to come by and get excited about. By that I mean — the people in your life that you don’t know super well but that deserve a little something, probably in the $25-$50 range. I’m talking your aunt, your sister-in-law, your hairdresser, your boss. Below, my top picks for all around crowd pleasers that make you seem like a genius.
Marble + copper cheese knives (on sale for $39). I mean, how glam-fab are these? I want these. Just the kind of thing I’d love to receive as a guest but would probably not spring for myself. Plus, I can just imagine them wowing someone wrapped up in a big red bow.
I love giving a gorgeous book as a gift — the Southern Cookbook ($25) has been one of our absolute FAVORITE resources over the past year. I swear that every recipe we’ve tested has been INCREDIBLE. Heads up: it’s not a beginner’s cookbook; a lot of the recipes are fairly involved, so you might reserve this for folks who love to cook. This Del Posto cookbook ($42) also caught my eye — my sister had her wedding at Del Posto in NYC last December, so it has special sentimental meaning to our family (also, that restaurant is BANANAS; it’s a Mario Batali spot and it is beyond gorgeous with the most impeccable service and outrageous food).
I sometimes like to add a little gift to go with a book, and one of my favorites is to get a few nice spices from The Spice House here in Chicago. They have cool spices like zaatar and sriracha powder that have been big hits as little gifts. Or some good sea salt would do the trick.
I’m probably beating a dead horse, but I’m obsessed with David’s Tea and all of their fun seasonal flavors. I think a little tea set like this ($32) or this ($28) would be such a fun gift, and it’s packaged up so gorgeously.
A silk scarf is such a classic gift. This fun Paris-print one ($49) could be just the ticket.
Tasseled earrings feel like a jewelry box staple nowadays. Get these ODLR lookalikes for $28.
If you give yourself enough lead time (i.e., order now), a set of monogrammed cocktail napkins ($28 for 4) are beyond. Pair with a nice bottle of wine or set of four stemless glasses if you want to add something else to the mix. (On the monogram train, how adorable is this linen guest towel?)
For someone into writing/journaling or possibly a grad student — you know the type of people who will enjoy good writing implements! — I am crazy about my Leuchtterm notebooks ($20 each). You can get them lined or dotted or squared, and in a few different sizes. They have a great sturdy cover, don’t bleed through to other pages, and a handy bookmark. Pair with a set of my favorite pens in the world (Le Pen, $20 for 12). (Wirecutter recommends the UniBall jetstream as the world’s best pen, and they are awesome, but they just don’t look as pretty wrapped, do they?)
As a recent dog owner, I can tell you that any gift for my pup is an AWESOME gift for me. My bestie sent me a little “welcome puppy” gift set when we first brought Tilden home, and it included dog shampoo, dog treats, and some toys. We got so much mileage out of it and it was so thoughtful. I’ve heard awesome things about this dog toy ($23 — dogs have to really work to get the treat out!) Pair with some upscale treats from Bocce Bakery ($15 per tin).
A home decor book is never a bad idea for someone into interior design, and this new Domino book ($35) promises to be awesome. (I lovedddd the first one.) Pair potentially with a little objet — I would just scour HomeGoods; they always have fun little gold/copper stars and figures that would be cute, though I have to say a girlfriend gave me these gold coasters ($38) and I love the way they liven up a tray in our front living room. I also have these gold Dwell Studio urchins ($24+), and think one of these would make a good little treat.
New homeowner in your life? One of these personalized stamps ($28) would be such a welcome surprise. You could supplement with a simple set of Cranes cards or just let it speak for itself.
And, if you’re really stumped and feel any or all of the above are too personal, a classic plaid throw ($35) can’t do you wrong.
Leave A Reply