Oh hello! It’s a Gift Guide
Jump to: For Friends // For Brothers // For Moms // For Dads // Stocking Stuffers
I woke up the other day and realized it was somehow November??? Terror. I hadn’t given a thought to gifting or the holiday season in general, as I feel like I’m still mentally in 2017. Trying to think up gifts out of the blue always goes nowhere, instead I must cultivate a vibe (it’s the graphic designer in me) to get ye olde creative juices flowing. Enter these gift guides! Which are really mini shopping lists for the wonderful, exasperating, singular people in my life. Mostly just for fun, and because I needed a minute to just sit down, make a cute ass list, and finally get excited for what’s usually my favorite time of the year. Browse below for ideas + inspiration 🎁
For friends
01 — Turkey & The Wolf, Mason Hereford & JJ Goode
My sister-in-law and I are both feral for a good sandwich — who wouldn’t be??
02 — Bravo Real Housewives quote pin (sold out — try this instead!)
What certified Bravo historian wouldn’t love an inside joke pin for their new overalls?
03 — Scallop Raffia Lampshade
A mini lampshade that packs a punch
04 — Checker blanket
This is THE blanket. I own it in two colors. Insanely soft. Perfect Barefoot Dreams dupe and the checker pattern is exactly right.
05 — Patterned ceramic mug (sold out — try this instead!)
I love a special mug — this irregular edge one is absolutely darling
06 — Lumify eye drops
This is a bit of an inside joke, but I honestly think this is a clutch stocking stuffer gift. It’s expensive for an everyday purchase, but I use it religiously. Worth it’s weight in gold.
07 — Skims Soft Lounge tank (sold out — try this instead!)
I just waxed poetic to my sister-in-law about this Skims set. Literally perfect in every way. Feels like a cloud. So luxurious.
08 — Skims Soft Lounge boxer
Part two of the Skims set. Better together.
09 — Stephanie Izard’s Chilli Lime Chilli Crunch
The last time she was in town, my sis-in-law and I went to Duck Duck Goat, Stephanie Izard’s restaurant in the West Loop of Chicago. It’s a personal go-to — a guest favorite every time. All that to say: Izard’s food is stellar and her chilli topping makes a great gift for the foodies in your life.
10 — Baggu Puffy Mini Tote (sold out — try this instead!)
I love everything about Baggu — this puffy tote is unexpected and delightful.
11 — Mini art print, Brittany Smith Studio
I’ve brought my sister-in-law around to the joy of the tiny art print. I love all of Brittany’s work.
12 — Pedestal Bowl
Brings a subtle texture to a counter — sweet resting place for fruits + veggies
13 — Chilli’s gift card
Lol, another inside joke. If you have any Jeff Lewis fans in your life, this one’s for you
01 — Cowboy Boot Match Striker
For a former Texas girl — how cute is this?!
02 — Saltair Body Wash
You can never go wrong with an aesthetic body wash; I’ve been eyeing this one for myself for ages
03 — Fancy ranch, because why not
For a ranch aficionado; makes a great stocking stuffer too
04 — Reusable eye mask
This is a cult fave for a reason; plus a great gift for a sustainability queen
05 — Wave gallery frame
I’m totally obsessed with this, so simple yet so cool
06 — A fun hat (sold out — try this or this instead!)
Any hat that references pasta is a vibe
07 — A classic gold hoop (sold out — try these or these instead!)
Can never have too many + always want more
08 — Eczema cream, but make it chic
Hot girls have eczema, I don’t make the rules
09 — Partners in Crime, Alisha Rai
A fun novel to disappear into
10 — A mini cocktail kit (sold out — try this instead!)
Assemble some mini bottles of hooch and all the ingredients needed for their fave cocktail, plus a fancy set of barware of course. Festive + unexpected
11 — Merch from their favorite corner store
My friend group and I are all hoes for Foxtrot. Find some merch from a favorite store, podcast, show, you name it. Always a hit.
01 — Cable knit cropped sweater (sold out — try this instead!)
Listen, I know it’s bold to gift clothes to a fashion editor (or anyone really), but a perfect basic is always a safe bet
02 — French hair pin in tortoise
So simple yet so stunning; everyday luxury at its finest
03 — Urban Decay ‘Moondust’ eyeshadow
Iconic, subtle shimmer
04 — Imposter, Bradeigh Godfrey
A classic edge-of-your-seat thriller — go for the recently published to maximize chances they haven’t read it yet
05 — Chic twist on a baseball hat
To win the metaphorical heart of a Boston-bred movie star
06 — Custom found treasures phone case
Couldn’t be more obsessed with something if I tried. Gorgeous, unique, unparalleled. Great gift to buy for yourself also (hey, we deserve it).
07 — Mini glass table lamp
The sweetest lil lamp at a sweet price point
08 — Desk humidifier
For better, more moist work from home days
09 — A gift card for a local business
Get them something that will be a lil treat — a nail appointment, a massage, a weekday shopping trip
10 — Disco Cherry lip balm
If you’re at a loss for a gift, my go-to is always something with head-turning packaging. Makes the gift into an unboxing moment.
11 — La Gritona Reposado tequila
This is a bit of a cheat since I’ve bought this for friends before, but I couldn’t resist adding. If you have a tequila lover in your life, this is it. Showstopper bottle and a female-owned and operated distillery (one of the few in the tequila biz).
12 — Gold rope bracelet
A touch of everyday glamour at a stocking stuffer price
01 — Flower delivery with a wow-worthy unboxing moment
Mail days are always good days, this applies especially for a package that looks this good
02 — Chic olive oil made specifically for drizzling
For friends who always order the extra bread — aka the best kind
03 — Custom embroidered linen napkins
For the hostess with the mostess — a special touch they’ll use at every dinner party. Great price point for custom too
04 — A showstopper vase
Is is vase or vaaaaaase?
05 — “Buon Appetito Border Plate” (sold out — try this instead!)
I love the irreverence of these
06 — Arty Parties, Julia Sherman
A cookbook for the entertainers at heart
07 — Wireless photo printer
The documentarian of the group will plotz over this instant gratification
08 — A good set of string lights
Ambiance never goes out of style
09 — A quirky candle for their counter (lemon / garlic)
Obsessed. The lemon?!
10 — Classic striped napkins
Such good branding + a beautiful product
11 — A color-changing tea pet
I first heard about tea pets on Tiktok and I fell in love with the rich history. So special for any tea drinkers in your life.
12 — Taste, Stanley Tucci
If you have a friend that lives eons away, like I do, sending a kindle or audiobook is a great way to do gifts without the exorbitant shipping cost.
01 — The iconic lipstick mirror in a mini (affordable) size
So in love with the full size version of this mirror. The mini makes a perfect gift. Another cute tabletop mirror here.
02 — Pillar candles
Everyday luxury
03 — Glass straws in multicolor (sold out — try these instead!)
To make their mornings a little more photo-worthy. Another cute set (with flowers!) here
04 — A fancy ass laundry detergent
This smells exactly like what you’d want a laundry detergent you can buy from Sephora to smell like
05 — A trending product that looks like a work of art
These Muzigae Mansion liquid colors are trending on Tiktok at the moment and I’m so deeply obsessed with the sculptural bottles
06 — A fun ceramic mug
Because they never miss!
07 — A they’ll-totally-get-the-reference crewneck
”A negroni. Spagliato. With processo in it.” — this has played in my mind for weeks
08 — Edible CBD
For the woeful January-March grind
09 — Pheromone spray in collab with Patti Stanger
Who knows if this actually works to attract a partner, but Bravo fans will enjoy the reference
10 — A buzzworthy read with rave reviews
Cannot wait to read this
11 — Glass bedside carafe (sold out — try this instead!)
I love the simple luxury of a fancy carafe to pour yourself a little glass of water in the morning
12 — Vacation Sunscreen Mousse
Gift it for the packaging
For family
01 — Fliers, Nathaniel Russell
Love these frameable posters — unique art at a great price point
02 — Lululemon Jogger
Cliche, but a crowd pleaser none the less
03 — Gourmet Popcorn Seasonings
Fancy snack accoutrements is always a winner
04 — Wandel Cookie Bites
My amazing client, Wandel (I designed these packages!) makes a perfect snackable gift
05 — Stone Car Freshener
My brother just bought a Jeep + he’s officially obsessed. I love how unique this car freshener is.
06 — Fancy ass root beer (sold out — try this instead!)
An artisan version of their drink of choice is never a bad idea; great stocking stuffer too
07 — Airpods cleaning kit
Something he wouldn’t buy himself, but will use everyday
08 — Black Leopard, Red Wolf, Marlon James
An engaging book that will look amazing on the shelf — I’ve heard excellent things about this trilogy. Great for fantasy lovers (think GOT, Lord of the Rings, etc.) looking for a refreshing twist on the genre.
09 — A24 x Joya Genre Candle: Fantasy
I am such a fan of these genre candles — I have the Rom Com scent, and have bought the Thriller scent for a friend’s birthday too. Such a chic gift that feels personalized.
10 — UCLA Colors art print
This is kind of a cheat, since I saw this in my brother’s office on my last visit, so he already owns it. But it’s such a perfect personalized-adjacent gift. Grab a frame to go with it and you’re done.
11 — Saga Funko Pop! figurine
Saga is my brother’s favorite comic — if you have a loveable nerd in your life, Funko Pop! figures from their fave franchises make great stocking stuffers
12 — Saga, Vol. 1
Single issues of comics also make great stocking stuffers. If you need recs, try the X-Ray Vision podcast
01 — A gorgeous linen for her holiday table spreads
Obsessed with the scallop detail here — so subtly distinctive + interesting (these come in tons of colorways too)
02 — And Yet, Kate Baer
Kate Baer is one of my favorite poets of all time (I have two of her poems hanging up on my fridge as I type this) — I love her turns of phrase, her poems sneak up on you in the best way.
03 — Dior nail cream
When I think of the gifts I want to give my mom, I always go to luxuries. The things she deserves, but never buys herself. This cream is deeply luxurious — it is THICK (the texture takes a second to get used to) and is the only nail product I have ever used that actually does anything to strengthen and prevent breakage. Tip: Order directly from Dior + get the free gift wrap. Stunnin’
04 — A custom journal
My mom is just like me, in that she’s a pen to paper person. She loves a good journal (who among us doesn’t??) and this one feels so glamorous.
05 — A delicate bracelet watch
My mom’s favorite movie of all time is You’ve Got Mail — this watch feels straight out of Kathleen Kelly’s wardrobe.
06 — A luxe hair oil
Ranavat is one of my favorite brands at the moment (a great instagram follow!) and I’m really obsessed with this hair serum. My mom and I have bonded recently over the worry our hair is falling out from stress (lol relatable), so this feels both practical and special
07 — A cozy sweater that’ll get them a ton of compliments
I have this sweater in two colors and it is the most complimented item I own. And so comfortable! This is technically a set, but the shorts are truly hideous. Worth it for the sweater.
08 — A designer sweater at a sweet price point
I heard about The Outnet on Tiktok (where I get all my news at this point) and now I browse it constantly. Great designer pieces at excellent price points. They come new (it’s not consignment), so they make great gifts as well. (This is also a great luxe sweater pick at a good price point)
09 — A new twist on her classic hoops
My mom usually wears the same gold hoops everyday. I love this subtle variation.
10 — Her signature scent
My mom has worn Sunflowers by Elizabeth Arden for decades — it’s such a comforting, homey scent to me now.
11 — A cookbook dedicated to her favorite food
My mom is simply bananas for mushrooms — why not a full collection of how to get the best out of her go-to dish?
01 — A niche magazine subscription (I’ve bought my dad Issues + Astronomy, both hits!)
An old school classic for an old school classic
02 — A trending sunscreen
I’m obsessed with this sunscreen, ultra moisturizing + never stings my eyes. My dad is the original sunscreen influencer, he wears it religiously as he’s outdoors all the time (his true habitat), but always buys drugstore. This is a chic (affordable) upgrade.
03 — A vintage game you used to play together
I have many core memories of UNO at the kitchen table
04 — Comfy, ergonomic pillow for an office chair or the car
Many memories of my dad stuffing a sweatshirt behind his back when he’s driving — this is eons better
05 — Really, really frickin’ good bread
My dad is bananas for chocolate sourdough. We get ours from Zingerman’s, but you could also try your hand at making your own (you are braver than I)
06 — A dad hat
Nothing dads harder than this hat
07 — Comfy earplugs
For tree trimming and power tools. My dad usually uses those fluorescent orange disposable ones and our cats are always eating them
08 — The Moth Book, William Jacob Holland
To this day, my dad raises moths — there are always caterpillars in our garage (relatable!) — and the graphic designer in me is so obsessed with the stylistic vibe of this book from the ‘60s
09 — An upgraded lunch box
My dad still uses the same crusty lunch box cooler he’s been using since I was much younger, with infinitely more light in my eyes. My parents will bring a tiny cooler anywhere. When they visit my apartment, they bring enough food to survive on for days. (Plus, YETI just speaks to men. I don’t make the rules).
10 — A gift card to a local tree nursery
If you have an outdoorsy, plant-type dad, this is a great gift in a pinch. I’ve ordered for my dad on many occasions — this is the tree nursery he frequents (they have lots of rare and interesting stuff)
11 — The Star Wars Archives
My dad is a big Star Wars fan and he’s passed his love down to all of us. This book is legit — really cool behind-the-scenes sketches and photos from the original trilogy. Perfect gift.
Stocking Stuffers (ish)
01 — The Weekday Vegetarians, Jenny Rosenstrach
My sister-in-law claims this cookbook has the best macaroni and cheese recipe she has ever made/ate in her life (tip from her: don’t use the chickpea pasta for best results)
02 — Chill Pills, Ouai
A fancy ass bath bomb never goes out of style. Plus how chic would this container look on a bathroom counter? Win.
03 — Hand-poured candle in an oyster shell
I would die for these. So effortlessly cool on a coffee table, bar, or bedside table.
04 — Lonely Castle in the Mirror, Tsujimura Mizuki
One of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. And the cover?! Impeccable.
05 — Loops single sheet eye mask
Listen, as a graphic designer I am heavily swayed by excellent branding. Loops is so good-looking, plus the sheet masks hold up.
06 — Floral print tote bag
Hot people cannot have too many tote bags, it’s in our constitution
07 — Frenshe body + linen mist
LISTEN UP, this is the best smelling body spray I have ever used. This is randomly Ashley Tisdale’s Target line (???) and my girl slayed.
08 — Flower frog
This is one of those things I would never think to buy myself but have wanted for ages. It helps your bouquets look more full, with less flowers. See a lil tutorial here.
09 — The Tiktok famous cloud mug
Morning coffee never looked so good
10 — Matte Fluid Eye Paint (sold out — try this instead!)
The colors of these are so stunning — perfect, blendable formula. Perfect, stocking stuffer packaging.
11 — Bright claw clip (sold out — try this instead!)
I’m of the philosophy that stocking stuffers can be things you know they already own but can never have enough of, i.e. hair clips, candles, face masks. The good stuff.
12 — Tonight Turns to Nothing vinyl, Olivia Kaplan
An amazing album with a head-turning cover; doubles as art
13 — The ultimate socks
The cliche that no one wants socks as a gift is such BS. Socks, especially Bombas, are truly life giving.
More Fun Stuff
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.