Surprise! A 2023 Gift Guide*
*Part gift guide, part “Stuff We Like that You Might Like Too” kind of vibes
Jump to: Kelly’s Picks | Alexia’s Picks
Picture this: you’re sitting crossed legged in front of a roaring, cozy fire, wearing a truly adorable matching holiday pajama set (down to the slippers, it’s a full ensemble), with Bing Crosby crooning in the background and a big ol’ mug of hot cocoa.
You’re wrapping presents in that way people do in the movies, holding up a giant sheet of wrapping paper and gliding a pair of hefty silver scissors through it like butter, then artfully twisting and turning a piece of ribbon into the fluffiest bow you’ve ever seen. It’s like a damn Hallmark movie (except you’ve managed to brush out your curls — why don’t they ever do that?!), complete with a hunky man in flannel who runs the local goat sanctuary and just wants you to stop working so hard in the big city, you silly thing you.
Anyway, I cannot * guarantee * that buying anything on these lists will result in this level of holiday bliss, but it’s a good step in the right direction, you know?
for: A Stocking Stuffer
You can never have enough trinket dishes. And I say this as someone with * a lot *.
Perfect for a vanity or bedside table to drop your rings in before you go to sleep. A very chic stocking stuffer for the fancy lady in your life.
P.S. Make it a set with this book
for: A stocking Stuffer
Truly obsessed with these. Wearing these while getting ready for the day or a night out makes me feel like the heroine of an early 2000s rom com (after the pivotal montage in which she Gets Her Life Together).
for: Your Best Friend
I’m such a hoe for a themed tee (I have one for probably too many things, including a memorable one with Pedro Pascal’s face on it), and this one is especially gift-able.
for: The ~ Film ~ lover in your life
These candles based on movie genres are now a go-to gift for me — they are always a hit. Perfect if you want something that will deliver fast, but feels customized. P.S. The rom-com scent is my favorite (are you shocked).
Want a stocking stuffer instead? Try the car fresheners.
for: Your Secret Santa
How utterly perfect are these?! They are itty bitty and almost look like a bow until you get up close and realize they are lil farfalle pasta pieces.
Just the right amount of kitsch for a fun gift — plus they come in gold or silver and are 25% off right now. Noodle on over there.
for: Your Astrology-Obsessed Niece
Obsessed with all things Chani (this book is fantastic and also makes a great gift) and these 2024 guidebooks are so fun. All you need to know is their sign and you’re good to go.
for: Your Sister-in-Law
One of my favorite things to gift is a lil themed bundle around something you know they like. My sis-in-law is big into cooking at the moment, so I’d grab her: a very cool cookbook, a chic journal for her recipes, my favorite olive oil, and a trendy ingredient with really good branding.
for: Your Wish List
This brush is what bouncy, voluminous blowout dreams are made of — it lives up to the hype and then some. Because you deserve a little treat too.
P.S. This budget-friendly version is an excellent dupe.
for: Your Mom
I love a bit of jewelry as a gift — something a little decadent or fun, maybe a touch of sparkle. I often get my mom jewelry because I know it’s a treat she doesn’t usually buy herself. Will probably buy two of these rings because obviously I need one too.
for: Your Dad
I recently discovered my dad had an extensive record and 8-track collection in his dorm room back in the day (parents, they’re people too!), so this feels like the perfect gift.
This shop has records from all different classic rock bands, with scanned signatures (so they are “signed” in the loosest definition but that also means they’re reasonably affordable lol).
for: The Literary Gal in Your Life
I love my Kindle an unhealthy amount. I take it with me everywhere because I hate being without it (a steadfast and loyal security blanket). It’s a truly lovely gift for any readers in your life.
Bonus points: Get them a Popsocket for the back (real ones know this is life-changing) and an e-book you love.
for: A gals’ gift swap
Is this not the cutest thing you have ever seen?! For a girls night out, the go-to is a round of espresso martinis for the table. Love this kitschy reference for a gift swap or secret santa vibe.
for: Your Mom
I have an embroidered pillow from Rifle Paper Co (it’s this one) and it’s one of the most complimented items in my apartment. The quality is LUSH — and the embroidery makes it feels so luxe and special.
A great gift for the decor lover in your life.
for: Your Long Distance Bestie
I love that charm bracelets have made a solid comeback — that little jangle on your wrist gives me such nostalgia for that time when I was young and carefree and my biggest concern was if I could convince my mom to let me see the Lizzie McGuire movie again in theaters.
A tiny charm feels like the perfect gift for a friend, customized to something they love.
Custom Cocktail Kit
for: The Cool Hostess
One of my favorite gifts to give is what I call the “custom cocktail kit”. First, pick their favorite cocktail. Then, here’s what you need: a really cool bottle of hooch (this is one of my fave tequilas — it’s a female owned distillery and the bottle is a work of art), a chic set of glasses, and then any accoutrement or mixers they’ll need to whip up their cocktails.
for: A stocking stuffer
I cannot live without these patches — I adore them. They come in a whole range, for sleep, for focusing, whatever ya need.
They make a great stocking stuffer to round out a self-care style gift.
for: cool girls
Desperately want this. A whole damn vibe. Would make an excellent gift for the girl in your life who was obsessed with Coppola’s Marie Antoinette (weren’t we all?).
for: THE GAL ON THE GO
Trendy, practical, chic… oh, and warm & fuzzy. What else could you need in a bag?
Note: Lululemon sells out fast, so if this one isn’t available, try out my fave (more affordable) bag from Amazon!
for: A STOCKING STUFFER
Tried and tested is an understatement with this one. Possibly my best purchase (and re-purchase) of 2023. It will be an extremely well-received gift for the overworker in your life who just needs to go to bed.
for: Your Secret Santa
A gorgeous gift for anyone who loves an intense self-care moment (and the color pink).
It’s basic science: This roller + a luxurious face oil + a cute headband or bathrobe = the perfect gift.
for: ANYONE & EVERYONE
I walked into Pottery Barn one day a few months ago not knowing I would walk out with this throw mere hours later, thus changing my life forever. The perfect, most snuggly, luxurious blanket for spoiling your favorite homebody.
for: Your Secret Santa
A trendy, practical choice for your favorite Pilates Princess.
for: YOUR BEST FRIEND
Not a want, but a NEED! Chunky loafers are * so in * and these white ones are perfect in every regard. The right amount of chunk, the gorgeous gold accents, and the perfect colorway to go with my mostly-neutral wardrobe.
for: A Stocking stuffer
Maybe I’m biased as one of the biggest Ari stans out there, but r.e.m. beauty is vastly underrated. Pick two products — any two — and surprise the beauty guru in your life with their new fave products.
My favorites are this Cheek & Lip Stick in shade Front Row Center, and the Lip Liner in shade Harmonies.
for: a gals’ gift swap
A 2-in-1 gift — not only is a candle warmer a safer alternative to burning your candles, but this one will look cute AF on any desk!
for: Your Secret Santa
I love gifting ornaments that reflect the year or the person I love in some way. Inside jokes = always a win.
Note: Baublebar is a favorite of both me and my sister every Christmas. Always reliable for trendy and intentionally personalized gifts for your favorite person!
for: Yourself
I know, I know... but I got these babies last Christmas and have used them quite literally every day since then. They're worth it, IMHO!
for: A stocking stuffer
Something I learned the hard way this year: Headphones can get kinda dirty. I got a cute (& cheap!) silicone case to help lengthen my sweet headphones’ lifespan, with the added bonus of looking super cute.
for: Anyone on your list
Now that I'm older, a book is a joyous gift to receive. I think a good book is perfect for a White Elephant, or you can get a limited edition or autographed copy as a thoughtful Secret Santa present.
Need a rec? My two faves this year were Happy Place by Emily Henry and Garden City by John Mark Comer.
for: The runner in your life
The * that girl * of tennis shoes. High on my wishlist this year so I can cushion my poor feet from the running habit I'm attempting to maintain.
for: well-Intentioned plant parents
A self-watering plant? GENIUS. Perfect for plant parents of all levels of experience — and so many options!
My pick: This Monstera Deliciosa (deliciosa, indeed!)
for: Your favorite foodie
A must-have for anyone who finds solace in the kitchen. My own Caraway pan has seen some stuff (see: at least one hundred different pasta dishes), and she's still going STRONG.
for: A stocking stuffer
Finally, a notebook cute enough to make a girl (me) stick to her journaling habit.
for: Your Secret Santa
Honestly a safe pick for any football-crazed person in your life. Abercrombie has some really cute options, as does Homage! Everyone in my fantasy league: TAKE NOTES!
for: anyone & everyone
A crowd-pleasing gift for an exchange, or a really thoughtful choice for a specific someone. As a gal who loves a good game, I’ve been gifted the Scrabble version — and I kinda need every single one of these.
Hey, Kelly here. Welcome to The Landline. Dial in for gentle deep dives into anything and everything I'm obsessing over at the moment (mostly sane, always silly). Grab your Diet Coke, wind that phone cord around your finger, and let's get to it.