In case December has gotten away from you, or — as happens to me, much to my chagrin — you realize you forgot to buy a gift for someone who suddenly drops by with a thoughtful parcel for you, leaving you scrambling to return the kindness, behold: a series of items that are all available with fast, free shipping via Amazon Prime.
*A roll of kraft paper is a chic, inexpensive way to wrap gifts. (I like them paired with rich green velvet ribbon.)
CHILL PILL BATH BOMBS. How amazing are these? Love the packaging. Perfect gift for a bath-loving friend. I am a huge lover of all things Ouai.
JBL SHOWER SPEAKER. I did not know these existed until a reader wrote in about this maybe a year ago, and I have been daydreaming about one since, as I routinely listen to my favorite podcast while in the shower. I ordered this for one of my girlfriends who loves to listen to “getting ready music” while primping for a night on the town.
TRAVEL PILLOW. For frequent travelers or friends about to embark on a journey. I’ve had friends rave about this particular one!
CODENAMES GAME. A good family gift.
OROLAY COAT. In case you procrastinated too long on a gift for your beloved sister or trend-loving mother. This is dubbed “the Upper East Side Mom coat” because of its rampant popularity here in Manhattan.
VEERE GRENNEY BOOK. For your style-conscious friend with an impeccably decorated home.
QI WIRELESS CHARGER. We have several of these at home and I have given them as gifts to several people as well. They are so handy. Great for White Elephant exchanges, college-aged nieces and nephews whom you barely know, difficult-to-shop-for fathers and uncles…
DESIGN WORKS HOLIDAY CARDS. Just in case you forgot to order personalized Christmas cards and are kicking yourself now. This is a boxed set but the designs are sophisticated, and I love the contrasting liners. I adore the skiiers!
FABER CASTELL CRAYONS AND DOODLE PAD. For the daughter or son of so-and-so whom you hardly know. What child doesn’t love to draw? And something about the packaging of this set feels sophisticated.
HUCKLEBERRY COOKBOOK. For the baking enthusiast. Drooling over this book. (Maybe accompanied by one of my favorite kitchen implements?)
AMERICAN SEAFOOD. For the serious cook in your life. (Also, how beautiful is the cover?)
MERI MERI ICE CREAM CUP AND SPOONS. Present with this adorable kit and let them know a parcel of Jeni’s or Ample Hills (I legit die over the Peppermint Pattie flavor) is en route.
CORK PLACEMATS. I own these and use them heavily. Such an elegant way to set the table (and easy to wipe down!) Very helpful for toddler dining…
FIVE MINUTE JOURNAL. A foolproof present for nearly any hard-working, thoughtful lady or gent in your life.
Finally, a smattering of little things — stocking stuffers/hostess gifts/small tokens of gratitude for people that make you life easier, like the building handyman, a barista you love and see daily, etc. Just wrap them up in cellophane with a big satin bow!
WICKLES (THESE ARE THE BEST)
PALOMINO BLACKWING PENCILS OR MUJI PENS (OR THESE, IF THE RECIPIENT IS ON THE KITSCHY SIDE) FOR SOMEONE IN A CREATIVE/ARTISTIC SPACE (OR WHO JUST HAS EXCELLENT WRITING)
A TILE (WHO ELSE LOSES THEIR KEYS ROUTINELY?)
P.S. Also on the topic of gifts: great gifts for new moms.
P.P.S. Writing, fishing, and The Roaring Fork.
P.P.P.S. Musings on our most recent move.
I’m a huge fan of kraft paper for the reasons that you & Julie mentioned: chicness and recyclability! 🙂 I mix it up with ribbon & doubled-up baker’s twine for smaller packages.
Intrigued by this shower speaker … adding it to my Amazon list! xx
Yay!!
I have been using kraft paper and plaid ribbon for years to wrap Christmas gifts. In fact for so long that my friends and family have started calling it “Julie’s wrap” and it has seeped into all my gift giving wrap. When my full grown adult son was a child we would “stamp” the Christmas wrap with Christmas themed stamps and red and green ink. He loved being a part of the wrapping process and it kept him busy while I wrapped.
Bonus points because the kraft paper is recyclable.
LOVE this idea! Thanks Julie! I’m going to be doing “Julie wrap” from here on out too 🙂
Your posts are very timely as I’ve needed gear for extra cold weather (will be sitting at a football game this weekend and am afraid I will freeze!) and realized that Christmas next week and I still have a few gifts to get. I don’t have Prime, though! And won’t be getting it, so off to the stores I go! xo
You’re posts are very timely as I’ve needed gear for extra cold weather (will be sitting at a football game this weekend and am afraid I will freeze!) and realized that Christmas next week and I still have a few gifts to get. I don’t have Prime, though! And won’t be getting it, so off to the stores I go! xo
Yay!! So glad these have hit at the right time 🙂