Filtered by Category: Christmas

Just a bunch of Christmas shit I’m into right now

Hi! Even though Christmas is only a few days away and a lot of your planning/shopping/decorating is likely done, I thought I’d share some of the festive recipes/playlists/DIY projects I’m into right now!

Decorations

I bought the wooden Advent spiral above from OakTree Vibrations on Etsy and it’s been such a nice addition to our home! (It looks like the shop is currently closed FYI.) Figuring out the right size candles was a Whole Thing, but I’m currently using these white candles with a little ball of clay stuck under each one to hold them in place.

I’m also very, very, very happy with my bay leaf wreath, which I’ve wanted for years.

This is my go-to method for lighting a tree; it works perfectly every time.

Here’s a Twitter thread of all my favorite Christmas aesthetics.

If you want some additional inspiration/dreaminess, look no further than this Swedish blog.

And if you want to go in an entirely different direction (read: kitsch), I cannot recommend these gold and silver “curtains” ($15.99 for a set of four from Amazon) enough! I bought them as part of the decor for my girlfriend’s birthday last week and she loved them — they totally transformed our space and made it look like a cozy/cool bar. Pair it with a mini LED party light (which we had lying around from a company swag bag, but you can get one for $16.99 on Amazon) on the red/green setting and you’ll be in business.

Finally, a tiny tip from me to you: If you have a smart plug, put your Christmas tree on it! It’s really nice to be able to turn it off from bed at night, especially if you live alone — it’s like having someone tuck you in.

Things to make

Some fun things from my IG saved items: googly eyes on gifts, a gift wrap gift bow, peppermint sparkle, a Caprese candy cane board, and baked gruyère with garlic and herb (recipe here).

Also: how to transform a Christmas garland, how to make a very cute Christmas tree train, and how to make a gift bow out of newsprint. I’m also planning to make tissue paper stars and eggnog snickerdoodles this week.

Holiday entertainment

TV: I’ve been absolutely obsessed with NYT Cooking’s Christmas cookie videos; they are all so soothing and nice! I also love 2019’s cookie medley; Susan Spungen feels like a real life version of Meryl Streep’s character in It’s Complicated. We’ve also been watching old holiday themed Barefoot Contessa episodes, which is delightful.

Movies: Jingle Jangle is great! Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square, however, is unwatchable. And I’m due for a Carol rewatch. On Wednesday, we’re going to inflate the air mattress in front of the couch (basically turning the living room into one large soft square) and cover everything in Christmas/winter blankets, and then we’re going to watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Elf, and a couple other classics.

Books: David Sedaris’s “SantaLand Diaries” is a classic. And I’m really enjoying re-reading Elin Hildebrand’s Winter Street novels.

Holiday vibes

Here are some of my favorite Christmas playlists and albums:

Santa Claus is a Black man by Aminatou Sow
Noel by Caity Weaver
Jazz & Blues Christmas
French Christmas
Songs For Christmas — Sufjan Stevens
Simply Christmas — Leslie Odom Jr.
A Charlie Brown Christmas

I definitely need to make a new mega Christmas playlist at some point soon because the one I spent several years curating has been lost in the abyss of iTunes on old computers.

I’m also still drinking a lot of hot chocolate, and VanLeeuwen’s peppermint stick ice cream is currently on my grocery list.

Not all yule logs are created equal! After trying a bunch, I’ve found that I like this fireplace best. I also love this soothing snowy scene.

Finally, here are some old pieces of mine/that I edited that you might enjoy right now:

And there’s still time to send gifts/gift cards to trans young people in need via @transanta! ✨

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Just Good Shit: 12.13.20

Hello! Here’s what I’ve been up to this week.

On the blog

Reading

Dianne Feinstein’s Missteps Raise a Painful Age Question Among Senate Democrats, New Yorker.

Crime Wave Hits Bodegas, Threatening a Lifeline in the Pandemic, NYT.

FKA twigs Sues Shia LaBeouf, Citing ‘Relentless’ Abusive Relationship, NYT.
Just devastating.

‘All of This Is Kind of Killing Me Right Now’, Grub Street.

Hanukkah Is a Hardcore Badass Holiday That’s Perfect for the Pandemic Age, MEL.

A nice alternative to doomscrolling. (Full instructions here.)

The Last Article On Workout Motivation You Will Hopefully Ever Have to Read, Amen, VICE.

“I think everyone could use a lighthearted/happy story right now so here goes.” Kelly Victoria on Twitter.
This is so good, I read it twice and definitely cried.

Holiday ideas

How to Light Your Christmas Tree the Easy Way, Amidst the Chaos.
This is my go-to method for lighting a tree.

How to Do Gifts in 2020, Shondaland.
I like the Santa 2.0 idea, and the idea of doing some kind of scavenger hunt.

How to Transform Your Christmas Garland, A Beautiful Mess.

Top a Present With a Newsprint Bow, NYT.

Our Christmas Tree Train, A Beautiful Mess.

Have a good night! ❄️

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Just a bunch of good gift ideas we forgot to include the first time around

My girlfriend and I spent a lot of time curating all of our 2020 gift guides…and, in several instances, remembered or came across something brilliant within 12 hours of publishing. So to close out the gift guide season, here are a few stragglers we wish we’d included on previous guides.

Good gifts for anyone…

See the original gift guide here.

Kikkerland solar-powered rainbow maker

We got one of these earlier this year and like it so much; you simply stick it on a window and it throws rainbows all over your room, which is way more delightful than you might expect.

Get the single crystal rainbow maker for $41.25 from Urban Outfitters or from Uncommon Goods for $33, and get the double crystal rainbow maker from Kikkerland for $55. (If you’re not sure whether a window-mounted setup will work for your person, Urban Outfitters also sells a tabletop version of the rainbow maker for $44.95).

For the design-minded kitsch-loving somebody in your life…

See the original gift guide here.

We are out of office risograph art

Art in general is really expensive, which is part of why I like risographs (a high-speed, low-cost alternative to screen printing). We Are Out of Office capitalizes on risograph printing’s “spot colors” to create really bright, charming, and (primarily) food-inspired art, all of which is available from Etsy.

We bought their sardines ($12.67) and pomodori can ($12.67) prints to hang in our kitchen, but the Japanese candy ($12.67), De La Rosa Marazapan ($12.67), or “thank you, have a nice day” shopping bag ($50.67) prints would make great gifts as well.

If you want to get multiple prints for multiple people, you should take advantage of their combined shipping offers (starting at $25.34 for two or more prints and starting at $88.67 for seven or more prints).

“if u gay, perfect” candle

This candle, which has the most lovely, mild fragrance, is from Lil’ Deb’s Oasis, a beloved restaurant that would really benefit from folks buying merch right now. Get it for $24.69. (And if the person you’re shopping for isn’t queer, then they might like the Love or Luck candles instead).

For cozy types who are always just vibin’…

See the original gift guide here.

Equal Parts Stock Pot

This 8-quart pot is one of the items on my wish list this year; I’m going to fill it to the brim with dried beans and bay leaves and talk about how she and the Our Place pan are girlfriends. Available in five colors; get it from Equal Parts for $110.

Piecework Puzzles

These puzzles feel like they were created for me personally in a lab; I feel both seen and attacked. All of the puzzles are beautiful, but I’m particularly drawn to the breakfast-themed Rise & Shine ($36), 80s working woman Power Lunch ($36), and vintage recipes-esque Punch Line ($36).

For the sweet, smart, fun, and cool youths in your life…

See the original gift guide here.

Lorien Stern bucket hat

Listen, I Googled “Gen Z bucket hat” and I still don’t totally understand why they’ve taken a shine to buckets. (Something about ‘90s trends and TikTok? Y’all mind if I just slip away into obsolescence really quick?) Regardless, I’m always into practical gifts (it protects your teen’s face from the sun!), especially one as cute as this particular bucket hat. Get it from Lorien Stern for $32. If the teen in your life gives off more of a business casual vibe, then they might like some of the solid colored, corduroy options from Urban Outfitters ($15 or $19).

Color-changing LED light strips

According to several sources, teens love these (they are very big on TikTok). You can find the lights several places, including Amazon ($29.99), Walmart ($29.98), and Urban Outfitters ($29.95).

Tie-dye basketball

I was told sports “build character” growing up. I’m not sure if that’s true or not, but what I do know is that the NBA has been showing up for racial justice in a meaningful way for a while now. These are good values to instill in a kid, and perhaps a cute, tie-dye ball will help them pick up the only team-sport I personally recognize. Get it from Urban Outfitters for $29.

For people who want to cronch on something delicious…

See the original gift guide here.

Odd-sized measuring cups

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I got these as a gift seceral years ago and still absolutely love them — having a 2 tsp, 1 and ½ tbsp, and 2 tbsp spoon is life-changing, and I love the measuring cups as well. Get them from Williams-Sonoma: the odd-sized measuring spoons for $20, the odd-sized cups for $40, or the set of two for $50.

Food52 stackable wine glasses

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I recently discovered these via Kelsey Keith’s newsletter, and was blown away by how practical, stylish, and affordable they are. They come in increments of either 8, 9.5, or 11.75 ounces (and each set is the same price, regardless of size). Get a set of six from Food52 for $36.

Bikini Bananas rocks glasses

We recommended Shannon Mustipher’s cocktail book, Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails, in two of our gift guides and it’s turned out to be one of our best-selling recommendations. So, in addition to the book — which you can purchase from Bookshop for $27.55 or Amazon for $22.25 — get your loved one some cute glasses from Chicago-based tiki bar Lost Lake as well. Buy them from Lost Lake for $20 per glass. And if you want to lean into holiday kitsch, Lost Lake also offers extremely cute “Jingle Bell Square” rocks and Collins glasses as well ($20 per glass). ✨

Annnnd here they all are one more time:

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Good gifts and stocking stuffers under $30

One of my favorite things about holiday shopping is finding all the fun little items that will help round out someone’s present, or that will work nicely in combination with something else to make a fun and personal gift. Here are bunch of little items that I think would make good stocking stuffers, Secret Santa gifts, last-minute gifts, and/or white elephant gifts that people actually want to take home.

Nintendo Switch button covers

These button covers are a fun and inexpensive way to customize a Switch. Get a set of four for $8.99 on Etsy.

Edible prism powders

This gorgeous edible glitter comes in a variety of pretty colors; get them for $14 each from Fancy Sprinkles.

Rice Blessing Candles

I love, love, love this packaging, and the candles themselves are so elegant. Get the pack of 20 candles for $20 from East Fork.

16-color motion-activated toilet night light

What can I say? I just love good lighting! This is one of those gifts that walks the line between gag gift and kind of amazing. Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

A good puzzle book

Some options: Perilous Problems for Puzzle Lovers ($15.95 from Target or Amazon); Can You Solve My Problems?: Ingenious, Perplexing, and Totally Satisfying Math and Logic Puzzles ($14.67 from Bookshop); or Sleuth & Solve: 20+ Mind-Twisting Mysteries ($16.19 on Amazon).

Mini ceramic cooking pan

I love a tiny pan, and these look like little jewels! Buy them for $30 each from MoMa Design Store (available in five colors).

Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty

I mentioned these in the gift guide for teens, but they really are great for people of all ages! The holiday varieties in particular would be great in a stocking. Buy them from Puttyworld for ~$15 each or from Amazon for $8–$15 each.

Lake Champlain hot chocolate mix

My all-time fave! Also, in the week since I wrote that post, several people have told me they bought this mix and are loving it. Get it from Lake Champlain Chocolates ($13 for 16 ounces) or from Amazon ($12.99 for 16 ounces).

Calm strips

These “textured sensory adhesives” go on your laptop (or anywhere, really) and are a little treat for fidgety hands. Available in four different designs; buy a pack of five for $12.99 (with free shipping!) from Calm Strips.

IQ link game

Just a compact little puzzle game for ages 8+. Buy it from Smart Toys and Games for $9.99 or Amazon for $7.99.

Nice playing cards

I love the National Parks set ($14 from Parks Project) and the rainbow ombré set ($12.95 from Woonwinkel).

A chic disposable camera

Get one from Urban Outfitters for $18.

Supergay vodka

Cute packaging, catchy name…so good. Get it from Supergay Spirits for $27.

And a hand washing timer

For anyone who is sick of singing “Happy Birthday” a million times each day. Get it from Urban Outfitters for $12. ✨

More 2020 gift guides:

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Good gift ideas for anyone who wants to look, smell, or feel nice

We’re back with another gift guide! I actually debated doing this one, because I think grooming/beauty is a category that is really only right for partners, siblings, parents, children, other family members, or very close friends, and/or as stocking stuffers for those folks. Grooming gifts are simply too personal/intimate to give to a lot of other people, and could feel like a letdown (or, worse, an insult) if you don’t know the receiver and their tastes/interests well. On the other hand, if you know your audience well, they can make great gifts — it’s so nice to be able to upgrade someone’s everyday items, solve one of their most pressing problems, or splurge on something luxurious and special that they’d never buy for themselves.

So if you’re looking for something both pampering and (somewhat) practical to gift, here are some recs!

L’occitane deodorant

These L’Occitane deodorants are technically for men, but that’s…a bit silly, right? Everyone sweats and everyone would like to smell good instead of bad, and these deodorants will help folks do just that. Both of the fragrances are fairly delicate and neutral, and ultimately work really nicely with your natural scent; they make you smell like you, but better.

The cypress has a woody, slightly spicy vibe that’s great this time of year, and the citrus is great for warmer months when you want something light (though my gf uses them both interchangeably depending on her mood, and I stick with the citrus year-round). A nice added bonus is that they go on clear, meaning they won’t leave white stains on clothes.

One stick will run you about $19 (and last you a while) — get Eau des Cedrat (citrus) from L'Occitane or from Amazon, and get Eau De Baux (cypress) from L'Occitane or from Amazon.

Shiseido eyelash curler

My girlfriend doesn’t wear makeup; she simply curls her very thick eyelashes and looks totally transformed. (It’s honestly wild.) She also always has an eyelash curler with her for touch-ups — tucked in her coat pocket, in her backpack, etc. As such, she has pretty strong feelings about the best eyelash curler, and she swears by this Shiseido one.

To me, the gold is a great way to take this eyelash curler to the next level if you’re giving it as a gift; you can get it from Macy’s or Nordstrom for $22. Otherwise, you can get the standard metal one from Sephora or most major department stores for $22.

Radha organic rosehip oil

I’ve used/loved/recommended this rosehip oil for years, and I think it makes for a great gift. It looks and feels a lot more expensive than it is, does a lot of jobs (I love it as a moisturizer and cuticle oil, but other reviewers swear it helps with acne), and the bottle lasts for a while because you only need a few drops at a time. Get it from Amazon for $14.95.

Starface pimple patches

A cute alternative to the (highly, almost scarily, effective) Cosrx pimple patches! These hydrocolloid patches are great at flattening out whiteheads, will help keep you from picking at any spots, and are so cute that you won’t necessarily mind having one on your face. Get them from Starface for $14.99.

Allegra M. France ice globes

My gf learned about these through an article Rio Viera-Newton wrote for The Strategist, and said it’s “probably the best purchase (second only to hydrocolloid pimple patches) I’ve made based on one of Rio’s recommendations.” Pimple patches are great, but they can’t help you when the blemish is under you skin. In those situations, you need ice to flatten the spot out. Rio outlines all the benefits of these globes in her article, but the short version is that they’re much more effective than an ice cube because they stay colder for longer, won’t melt, and won’t burn your skin. Buy them from Amazon for $42.

An Aesop gift hand wash and body balm bundle

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When I was growing up, the go-to gift for someone you don’t know particularly well was literally any gift set from Bath and Body Works. And while that still might be a great choice for the person you’re shopping for, you can level things up by choosing a gift set from Aesop instead. Aesop (pronounced EE-sop for some reason) is a great gift because it’s one of those brands that often feels too expensive to justify buying for yourself, making it a thrilling, luxurious present to receive. This particular bundle is especially great because it includes their Rind Concentrate Body Balm, which has a really lovely grapefruit scent. Get it from Aesop for $63.

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer

This is a super rich moisturizer that feels very light on your skin and really does make your skin look dewier and brighter. Much like Aesop, it makes for a great gift because it’s a pricier than your average moisturizer/hard to justify purchasing for yourself. (It also lasts a while.) Buy it from Sephora or Amazon for $68. (Sephora also sells a mini for $22.)

Dr. G Brightening Peeling Gel

I’ve been singing the praises of this peel for years; the first time I used it, I had my head down as I was rinsing it off, and when I finished and raised my head up, I actually said "holy shit" out loud to the mirror. I was glowing. It smells and feels great, and using it is just an extremely pampering experience. (Bonus: pair it with some sheet masks or the rosehip oil to use afterward.) Get it from Amazon for $11.

Dior Glow nail polish

I first started using this polish several years ago, when I decided to stop getting shellac manicures and grow out healthy nails. It’s got a subtle pink sheen that is basically clear, but still makes your nails look brighter and healthier (and doesn’t really show chips). I often get compliments on my nails when I’m wearing it, and I recommend it for anyone who wants nice, manicured nails but can’t or doesn’t want to wear color. Get it from Sephora for $28 or from Nordstrom for $28.

Marvis toothpaste

I started using this Italian toothpaste around the time I got Invisalign, which had me brushing my teeth multiple times a day. The toothpaste genuinely made the annoying experience better, while adding a bit of fanciness to my bathroom counter (and my life). The jasmin mint flavor takes a couple go-rounds to get used to, but I promise it’s great. If the person you’re shopping for isn’t the adventurous type, they might prefer the mint, which I also swear by.

Get jasmin mint for $10.50 from either Amazon or Sephora, and get classic strong mint for $10.50 from either Amazon or Sephora. You can also get a set of minis in seven different Marvis flavors from Amazon for $36.

Hay toothbrush

Ugh, I love these toothbrushes! They are one of those design-y items that still feels accessible, and also isn’t wildly expensive. Get them for $6 each from MoMa Design store or from Hay (currently on sale for $3.60).

Static Nails press-ons

Honestly, I love a good press-on; it’s a great way to go if you’re short on time before a big event, and an especially good manicure option during this pandemic. My coworker Amy Rose recommended this brand over the summer and I immediately bought a couple packs for the days that I’ve listened to Megan Thee Stallion one too many times. The Static Nails come in tons of colors, are easy to use, last for a few uses, and will make you feel wildly glamorous. $14 per pack — browse more colors and shapes at Static Nails.

Shhhowercap

This is another item I love and use every single day; it’s an effective shower cap that also looks chic. It comes in multiple colors/prints, and you can get one for $42 from Shhhowercap, Anthropologie, Bloomingdale’s, or Dermstore.

Trixie Mattel sparkles

Trixie is one of my favorite drag queens (her YouTube channel is very worth your time) and the body glitters from her makeup line are gorgeous. Available in several colors; get them from Trixie Cosmetics for $10 each. ✨

Get more gift ideas:

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How are we shipping everyone’s holiday gifts this year?

One of the things I’ve been thinking about in the past month or so, and haven’t really seen discussed much anywhere, is how people are planning to give gifts to long-distance relatives who they won’t be seeing in person this year. As someone who has done holidays this way several times now, I have some thoughts!

Ultimately, I don’t think there’s a perfect or universal solution; I think there are simply options.

Option 1: Having anything you buy online sent to you, so you can wrap it, repack it, and send it the gift recipient yourself.

Pros: Nice if you’re giving someone multiple gifts from different retailers or creating some kind of gift basket situation; necessary if you’re shopping locally or doing DIY gifts.

Cons: Might require you to pay shipping costs twice; is a lot more work; will likely require a trip to the post office unless you have a postal scale; is not exactly environmentally friendly; is not really possible for last-minute gifts.

My personal verdict: Deeply not ideal, but might be necessary in some cases — and in those instances, avoiding the post office at peak times is going to be key.

Option 2: Shopping online and sending directly to the recipient (either wrapped or unwrapped).

Pros: You’ll only have to pay for shipping once, and a single direct route is going to be the most environmentally friendly.

Cons: There’s no way to see an item before the recipient does (to ensure it’s what you ordered, that nothing is broken, etc); is not an option for DIY/homemade gifts; is not the easiest if you’re ordering a bunch of small gifts for multiple people from the same retailer; it’s maybe not as fun for the recipient to open; not all retailers offer gift receipts/a ”don’t include the invoice” option (which is bonkers to me, especially right now — looking at you, ShopPay).

Verdict: I think this is a very good way to go! Shipping boxes are a form of wrapping, and you can totally put unopened gifts in their shipping under (or near) a tree. (I have done it! It’s fine! Nice, even!) I think this year, we need to let go of some things, and “perfectly wrapped gifts under the tree” are one of those things. (Related: we simply can’t be crowding into post offices in a desperate attempt to avoid having stray packing slips show up in a gift box — it’s going to happen and everyone just needs to simply politely ignore them and/or stop pretending gifts don’t cost an exact amount of money.)

I actually sent a couple of gifts this way this week, and simply texted my friend to let her know that when she gets packages from X brand and Y brand, those are from me. Easy!

Sending gifts directly from the retailer to someone who is local to the recipient, and having that person open the package, wrap the gift(s) on your behalf, deliver to the recipient.

Pros: Means someone will be able to have eyes on the gift before the recipient does; solves the “I couldn’t do a gift receipt so now you know exactly what I spent” problem.

Cons: Only really works if there’s someone else you can send it to who is willing/able to do this work for you.

Verdict: This is a great option if it’s available to you! I sent my brother’s gift this way — addressed to my mom — and I’m feeling pretty good about it. But obviously it won’t always be possible — in which case, I think Option 2 is the way to go.

Whatever you decide to do, try not to be too precious about it! When things feel super out of control, it can be really easy to put all your anxiety and fear onto something like, say, wrapping paper. But remember: in this wildly shitty year, whoever is receiving your gift will just be touched that you’re thinking about them. 📦

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This is the only store-bought hot chocolate mix I recognize

After trying a bunch of store-bought hot chocolate mixes last year and being extremely disappointed by all of them, my gf and I finally came across one that we ended up loving: Lake Champlain traditional hot chocolate mix.

Lake Champlain Chocolates traditional hot chocolate mix canister sitting in front of a decorated and lit Christmas tree

I meant to write about it at the time, but never got around to it — and then remembered yesterday, when I came across the pics on my phone. It’s just, like, a perfect classic hot chocolate that you make with hot milk.

We discovered it at Whole Foods, but ordered more directly from the Lake Champlain website (where it’s $13 for 16 ounces). It’s also available from Amazon ($14.22 for 16 ounces).

And if you want to make something from scratch, my friend Jess’s hot chocolate recipe has been my go-to for years! I’ve actually got plans to make it (minus the booze, because I can currently only handle a thimble full of liquor) this weekend. ☃️

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Good gift ideas for people who want to cronch on something delicious

Food- and drink-related gifts? Groundbreaking. But they are classic for a reason! And every year, the food world finds a way to make them feel new/fresh/interesting. So if you’re thinking that a cookbook, kitchen item, or something edible would make a good gift for somebody in your life, you might enjoy this list that my girlfriend and I curated together.

Escali kitchen scale

If I can buy an appliance in a hot color, then that’s exactly what I’m going to do!!! We own this scale in the soft pink, but the pumpkin orange and tarragon green variations are extremely cute as well. In addition to being cute, it seems as if this thing’s nearly indestructible. (My girlfriend has dropped ours a couple of times, and the reviews echo this sentiment.) Get it from Escali for $39.95 or from Amazon for $23.94.

Great Big Stuff’s pasta-shaped kitchen wares

This is the perfect gift for the design-minded, kitsch-loving somebody in your life who’s also something of a Sauce Man. We own and love the penne-shaped garlic peeler and bowtie pasta potholders (read more about them here), but Great Big Stuff also offers an extremely charming mezzelune silicone gripper ($19) as well as a ravioli spoon rest ($19). Get the garlic peeler ($19) and pot holders ($19) from Great Big Stuff.

Farmhouse Pottery’s double oven mitt

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I love safety; other people love using their own shirt as a potholder. Why not marry the two things? Get it from Food52 for $48.

Bodum French press and/or iced coffee maker

I’ve recommended this Bodum French press on multiple occasions now; my girlfriend and I just love it that much! If you want to punch it up a little, add a bag of coffee beans from a local to you (or to them) shop/producer. We love Partner’s Coffee Bedford blend for the french press and the Jumpstart blend for cold brew (the cute packaging is a nice bonus). Get the French press from Bodum ($19.99). Get the iced coffee maker from Bodum for $16.99 (usually $23.99). P.S. This is a good one for white elephant gift exchanges if you want to bring something that people actually like!

Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails

Shannon Mustipher is a Black, queer woman and her book is the first cocktail book by a Black bartender in a century. In addition to being historic, the book is beautiful. (See also: the “Lake at Night” cocktail.) This is a really fun book to thumb through, and a great gift for anyone who wants to make their winter quarantine a little more summery and fun, even if it’s not the most seasonally appropriate. Get it from Bookshop for $27.55, Amazon for $22.25, or your favorite local bookstore.

Luxardo maraschino cherries

I’ve loved/recommended these fancy cherries for years; they are a leveled-up version of the ice cream-stand maraschino cherries most of us are familiar with. They’re a deep red (almost black) color and come packed in a thick, sticky syrup. They’re a great little treat for banana split and cocktail enthusiasts alike (in fact, if you’re already planning on buying your loved one Shannon Mustipher’s cocktail book, these cherries would pair extremely well with it).

You can buy them from Amazon in a big, beefy, 6.6 pound can (that will last you at least a year!) for $86.99. Or you can get the more diminutive 400g jar for $19.28 from Amazon or $19.95 from Williams-Sonoma. (Williams-Sonoma also sells a set of two 400g jars for $38.90.)

Ferm Living ripple glasses

After reading Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails, we decided it was time to get a set of beautiful glasses. We went with the tall/highball glasses, which are unfortunately out of stock at the moment. Their shorter counterparts are equally as beautiful and stylish, however, and you can get a set of four from Ferm Living for $55 (or the Smoked Grey version from Amazon for $55).

Beautiful and practical pantry staples

Food gifts are always a good option for practical people who are hard to shop for, and choosing items that are delicious and beautifully packaged is a good way to level things up. Here are a few of our favorite pantry staples that you could use as the basis of a fancy DIY food basket:

Fancy beans. If you aren’t familiar with Rancho Gordo beans, this New Yorker article is a good place to start. Buy the beans directly from Rancho Gordo for $6–$7 for a one-pound bag or from myPanier for $7–$8 for a one-pound bag.
Harissa Chili Paste. We’ve gone through a bunch of this this year. Get a tube from Amazon for $7.99.
Canned tomatoes. Bonus: the empty cans look great with fresh flowers in them. Get a 28-ounce can of Cento tomatoes from Target for $4.29 or a 28-ounce can of Bianco DiNapoli tomatoes from Amazon for $3.99.

Set of two Brightland olive oils

These have been all over Instagram this year, and with good reason: they really are delicious. While a single bottle of Awake is currently sold out, you can get a set with Awake and Alive from Brightland for $74. As a bonus, add an inexpensive but very useful pour spout to your gift; get one from Amazon for $4.10.

Casamara Club amaro soda

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This is the year my gf and I learned that we’re mainly social drinkers — and without much socializing to do, we’re not drinking much and our tolerance has all but tanked. But these self-proclaimed “leisure sodas” scratch the itch when we’re feeling in the mood for a fancy drink. The packaging is incredibly cute, and they taste like leveled-up, not-too-sweet seltzers.

We both love the Capo flavor, but they’re all delicious so just go with whatever speaks to you. These are also great to keep in mind for the day when we can have parties again and you want to offer an EANAB (equally attractive non-alcoholic beverage) to your sober guests. Get a 12-pack from Casamara Club for $36.

Material cutting boards

My gf and I personally own and love these cutting boards. Not only are they pretty, but the recycled plastic they are made from has the added benefit of helping obscure/mask visible cut marks. They come in six beautiful colors, but Deep, Sand, and Coral are especially lovely. They’re currently on sale at Material for $35, but you can also opt to donate your discount to Drive Change which “is training young adults who were formerly incarcerated and equipping them for the workplace.” You can also save a little money by buying three cutting boards — it’s $70 for a trio — which you could either gift as a set or divide up among a few giftees.

Areaware house-shaped bottle stopper

Remember when I said our tolerances have tanked? Well, these extremely cute stoppers have helped us extend the life of our wine for…a long time. They would make a great stocking stuffer or you could pair them with the recipient’s favorite bottle of wine. Get red, yellow, or blue from Design Public for $8 each, or get yellow or blue from East Dane for $8.

Baking at the 20th Century Cafe: Iconic European Desserts from Linzer Torte to Honey Cake

The 20th Century Cafe is a very cute bakery and restaurant in San Francisco that’s probably most famous for their Russian honey cake with salted honey buttercream served on top of incredibly cute vintage plates. If you want a better sense of what the recipes are like, check out Samin Nosrat’s article on Russian honey cake and the recipe she adapted in conjunction with 20th Century Cafe owner, Michelle Polzine.

Get the cookbook from Bookshop for $32.30, Amazon for $22.88, or your favorite local bookstore.

Dishoom: The First Ever Cookbook from the Much-Loved Indian Restaurant

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The title really spells it out for you!!! Dishoom is a wildly popular, UK-based group of Indian restaurants modeled after the Iranian cafes that used to be readily found in Bombay. (There were almost four hundred cafés at their peak in the 1960s!) So, they’re blending the best of two excellent cuisines together to create something really special. If you’d like to take a peek at some of their recipes before you commit to buying the cookbook, The Guardian published four of their recipes and Delicious published another six, including Dishoom’s masla chai. We’ve made the chai multiple times now and can personally vouch for how easy the recipe is to follow and how delicious the final product is.

Get the cookbook from Bookshop for $32.30, Amazon for $23.89, Target for $30.49, or your favorite local bookstore.

Local bar/restaurant merch

Restaurant and bar merch is a great way to support local businesses and show an interest in the restaurants your friends love and miss the most. (Also, how great is that Cubbyhole T-shirt?!) Merch Aid is a great resource for NYC folks, and Merch 4 Relief is great for folks outside of (but also including!) NYC. Both groups team up with local artists and designers to create exclusive items for small businesses/restaurants that have had to significantly alter their business model due to the pandemic. (BTW, Merch 4 Relief is offering 50% off everything Black Friday through November 30th.)

If you need other ideas, Helen Rosner compiled a list of cool merch from restaurants/bars all over the U.S., which you can find in her Instagram stories highlights (part 1, part 2, and part 3). Or you can just do a gift card that your person can use in the future or for takeout! Think of it as an investment in two things you love: the person you’re shopping for, and the local establishments that nourish so many people. 🍅

More 2020 gift guides:

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Good gift ideas for the sweet, smart, fun, and cool youths in your life

I started thinking about making this gift guide when I was shopping for gifts for my teen brother and my younger cousins, and ended up having so much fun putting the full list together. Is shopping for kids even better than shopping for adults? Honestly…I’m starting to think so!

Here are some of my best ideas for toddlers, kids, tweens, teens, and young adults (and, on occasion, grown people as well).

Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty

I ordered a bunch of these on a whim over the summer and was really pleased; it’s just great (non-messy!) putty! The iridescent ones are truly beautiful, and it’s very fun to squish and play with, no matter how old you are. (The holiday varieties are also so festive and cute!) Get them from Puttyworld for ~$15 each (plus 20% off everything through 11/30) or from Amazon for $8–$15 each.

A record player

I love this for young people who take their music very seriously. (I may or may not have ordered my brother one for Christmas two days ago!) Get this lavender one from Urban Outfitters for $79, and see more colors/options here.

Selfie ring light with phone holder and tripod

For the budding vlogger in your life. Get it from Amazon for $29.69.

A Day at the Barbershop memory game

This is cute! And according to the website, it’s designed to “help little ones get comfy with regular barbershop visits” and “feel at home in a new place.” Get it from Uncommon Goods for $16 or Amazon for $17.95.

Dollhouse room kit

I would have loved receiving one of these when I was young (or…now); instead of building a whole house, you just build a single room. Get the greenhouse from Amazon for $45.99 or a tiny library for $39.99.

Sculpd pottery kit

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This is basically a starter kit for little pot/sculpture projects, and another nice option for a crafty kid. Get it for $49 with this referral link. If you prefer something a little less expensive/more straightforward, a Sculpey variety pack ($19.99 on Amazon) is also a good way to go.

Amazing Area Mazes: 70 Race-the-Clock Puzzles for Budding Math Wizards

I would not be the correct audience for this particular puzzle book, but I am very impressed by the kids who are! Get it from Amazon for $7.86, Bookshop for $8.23, or your favorite local bookstore.

A User’s Guide to Democracy

I interviewed the authors of this book this fall and am a fan! (This is another item that would be genuinely great for adults too!) Get it from Amazon for $13.59, Bookshop for $15.63, or your favorite local bookstore.

The Little Book of Life Skills

I have been a fan of Erin Zammett Ruddy since I read her column every month in Glamour nearly 20 years ago, and was absolutely floored when she asked me if she could interview me for her upcoming book. (I weighed in on the section about showing up for friends.) We talked for like 45 minutes and she was so lovely/smart/fun; I’m so thrilled about this book, which I’d recommend for people 16 and up! Get it from Amazon for $11.99, Bookshop for $18.40, or your favorite local bookstore.

Dot Journaling―A Practical Guide: How to Start and Keep the Planner, To-Do List, and Diary That’ll Actually Help You Get Your Life Together

While this book isn’t specifically for teens, I was very conscious of writing a teen-friendly book as I worked on it, and I do genuinely think young people would like it! Get it from Amazon for $8.49, Bookshop for $11.91, or your favorite local bookstore.

A fun Nintendo Switch case

For anyone who has a very specific aesthetic that is not red and turquoise. Get this one from Etsy for $19.99 (available in three color variations).

Laser star projector

So much cooler and more effective than the stick-on glow-in-the-dark stars we had to contend with!!! Another one I’d be into owning now. Get it from Amazon—currently on sale for $47.99, normally $59.99. (There are also a bunch of different ones in a range of prices, including some for $20.)

Good Vibes neon sign

This sign plus a record player in a fun color? Incredible. Get it from Target for $25.

Karaoke machine

If you’ve got a young JoJo Siwa in the family and their parents are OK with such a noisy gift, you can get it from Amazon for $69.99.

Go Full Fossil necklace

I just love how extra this is; it’s perfect for someone who really loves dinosaurs and wants the world to know. Get it from ModCloth for $37.20 (on sale, normally $62).

Rawr Ambition Fair Isle Sweater

A sliiiiighly more subtle way to wear dinosaurs. Get it from ModCloth for $41.40, on sale from $69. (Available in two color variations and sizes XS–4X.)

1,000-piece zodiac puzzle

This puzzle is extremely cute; I love the art style and the colors. Get it from Galison for $16.99. I’m also into the 500-piece cat zodiac (also on Amazon) and the 1000-piece space puzzle (also on Amazon). And I love Cloudberries’ Crystals puzzle ($23.95 on Amazon) and Poolside ($23.95 on Amazon).

Instax mini camera

I have one of these, and gave my brother one for Christmas last year. Get one from Urban Outfitters for $79 or Amazon for $59.95 (five color variations available). You could also go a different route and give them a couple of disposable cameras ($26.49 for a two-pack on Amazon).

String lights with photo clips

If they’ve already got the camera, these string lights are a cute way to display the photos (or any ephemera that they want to hang up). Get a 7.5’ strand from Urban Outfitters for $20.

Levi’s sherpa trucker jacket

A classic for a reason! For a teen, an adult one should be fine; get one in sizes XS–3XL for $98 (but typically on some kind of sale). For a younger kid, browse all the options here. (Sadly, none of the ones for little kids have the sherpa lining.)

Doc Martens boots

I am losing my mind over all of the cute and extremely cool tiny Doc Martens that exist in the world; it’s impossible to pick a single pair to recommend. The glitter options are obviously fun, but I’m also partial to basic black! (I own that exact pair in my size actually.) Browse all the kids’ styles on the Doc Martens website or Zappos (they start around $50).

Doodle crayons

Get them from Areaware for $7. 🖍

More 2020 gift guides:

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Good gift ideas for cozy types who are always just vibin’

Now that we’ve had a general gift guide and a hip, colorful gift guide, I bring you the gift guide for the homebody in your life who loves doing projects, making sauce, and maybe watching a Ken Burns joint. (It’s me, I’m her.)

Record player

I don’t even like music that much and I would love one of these. Get it from Urban Outfitters for $79. (I also love this one from Urban.) Bonus pairing: a Christmas album like Motown #1s, Kacey Musgraves, Mariah Carey, Dolly Parton, or A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Lex Pott twist candle

Obviously, I recommend Danica candles for anyone and everyone, but if you want something a little more special, these are a great choice. Get one from Coming Soon for $40. (You can also find them at several other retailers, including department stores!)

Storm Cloud

I have wanted one of these — which allegedly predict the weather — for like…several years. Get it from Uncommon Goods for $25.

National Parks greatest hits T-shirt

Parks Project is a good source for gifts in general, and I really like these “Greatest Hits” ringer tees that are available for several different National Parks. Available in unisex sizes XS–XL; get one from Parks Project for $38.

Shearling Danskos

These are a fairly recent purchase of mine and I gotta say: they rule! They are great house shoes and I already love them so much I sort of want a second outdoor pair. Get them from Zappos for $99.

Sunny Side Up puzzle

This 500-piece puzzle from the Girls’ Night In folks is so cute! (There are also three other totally different designs, if you’re interested.) Get one from Whiled for $37.

I’m also a huge fan of Mudpuppy and Galison puzzles (also on Amazon); you truly can’t go wrong with any of them. The Slowdown Studio x Madewell puzzles ($35) are really pretty too. And I’m obsessed with Piecework Puzzles.

Hobonichi Techo

I wrote about this planner last year and stand by that review; it’s a wonderful notebook that would make a great gift. Note: don’t wait to order this one, as it has to ship from Japan. Get it from the Hobonichi store for ~$60 with shipping.

Avian Flight Classic Game Bandana

This is lovely, and as someone who, in the past couple of years, has taken to playing games in parks, I find it very convenient/smart! (There are also two other games/designs, one of which is zodiac themed.) Get it from Galison or Amazon for $24.99.

Baggu flower face masks

These have quickly become some of my favorite face masks; I also see them on people around our neighborhood regularly. (BTW, they are available in several other nice colorways/patterns.) Get a three-pack for $32 from Baguu or Nordstrom.

Knit a Hat: A Beginner's Guide to Knitting

Written by my good friend Alanna, who taught me to embroider, and who is the only person I’d want to teach me to knit. Get it from Bookshop for $15.63, Amazon for $13.38, or your favorite local bookstore.

Gorgeous roller skates

For anyone who has seen skaters all over IG and wants to join in the fun. Get these from Urban Outfitters for $139 (available in four colors). You could also check out Impala (~$98 per pair); a lot of their skates are sold out right now, but a restock is coming soon and their products are really beautiful.

Bay leaf wreath

Greenery and flowers are a really nice gift, especially for people who are hard to shop for. But also for anyone! Also, fresh leaves are apparently way better than dried leaves in soups and stews. I’ve wanted one of these wreaths for ages and finally decided that this is my year! You miiiight be able to get one from a local gardening store or farm, but if not, you can get one from Williams-Sonoma for $54.95. ✨

More gift inspo:

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Good gift ideas for the design-minded kitsch-loving somebody in your life

Last year, I published a gift guide that was 100% inspired by my girlfriend's taste — which is decidedly cooler and way more colorful than mine; as I wrote then, she’s the Claudia to my Stacey. Shopping for someone whose entire job requires them to care very deeply about single pixels can be a challenge… so this year, I asked her to just write the entire guide herself, which she generously agreed to do. So, I’m going to let her take it from here!

If the person you are shopping for is anything like me — a person who has strong opinions about seemingly small details (I often feel the walking embodiment of the “it’s a tough call, they’re so different” scene in The Devil Wears Prada); enjoys camp; and would love to visit a museum exhibit dedicated to Danish chair design, but is settling for browsing Clever home tours from the comfort of their couch for now — then this guide is for you.

Fake decorative drinks

Inspired by Amy Sedaris’s home tour, we’ve bought some fake foods for different spots around our apartment and readers? It rocks. I really love the kitsch/silliness/unexpectedness of finding a food item where it doesn’t belong (on your bookshelf, on a media unit, etc). We started out with incredibly realistic fake drinks (hers and hers martinis on our respective nightstands), and just this week became the proud owners of a loaded baked potato.

If you don’t think your loved one is ready to take the baked potato leap, this red wine spill ($18.50) or PBR spill ($15.50) would be a nice gateway into fake food home decor. Shop all of the delightful options at DisplayFakeFoods.com.

Lotta From Stockholm indoor wool slippers

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Shoes help make my outfits complete, but I’m a big believer in shoes off in the house. Before COVID, I would have settled for socks to keep my feet warm, but in an effort to not feel like a garbage slug, I often try to wear the soft, indoor version of my real-world outfits. That’s where these slippers come in.

In addition to being cute, they’re practical! They keep my feet cozy and warm, but because they’re slip-ons they don’t suffocate my feet either. (I bought these over the summer and was worried about sweaty feet, but was able to wear them right away without any issues.) Get the slip-ons from Lotta From Stockholm for $49.01. And if the person you’re shopping for has especially cold feet, there’s also a boot version ($59.62).

“Outside Clothes” print

If your loved one is a “shoes off in the house” type of person, chances are they’re also a “don’t sit on my bed in your outside clothes” type of person. Get the print from Brownie Points for $45.

Dusen Dusen striped bathrobe

You know those NASCAR driver fire suits? With the head-to-toe sponsorships? I want the Dusen Dusen, normal-person-going-about-their-life version of that. I unabashedly love this brand and everything they make. This colorful robe is ideal for days when you want to look cute, but cannot be bothered to find pants. Although the bathrobe is sold out on Dusen Dusen’s website, you can still purchase it from Coming Soon for $140 (available in sizes S-L and three different colorways).

Lauren Martin Studio posters

Art, in general, can be really expensive, but Lauren Martin’s prints are incredibly affordable. We own her Tiny Diner ($18) and Hang In There ($18) prints (the latter is perfect bathroom art, I can’t explain why), but I also love her Dinner Party ($18) poster. Get these and other prints from Lauren Martin Shop.

Recreation Center mugs

If the person you’re shopping for likes Memphis Design–inspired decor but isn’t necessarily looking to redo their entire home, Recreation Center mugs satisfy that craving. The dipped/coated handle is also nice for anyone who doesn’t love the feeling of cradling a raw ceramic mug in their hands.

I own the red grid mug, but you can also get a slightly more muted version ($40). I’m also a fan of the dot grid mug ($40), and the color lovers in your life might also like the black bauhaus mug ($48). Get all of them from Recreation Center.

Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails

Shannon Mustipher is a Black, queer woman and her book is the first cocktail book by a Black bartender in a century. In addition to being historic, the book is beautiful. Mustipher is a Rhode Island School of Design graduate, and it’s readily apparent in the art direction throughout the book. (My favorite image is the “Lake at Night” cocktail.)

It’s a really fun book to thumb through and a great gift for anyone who wants to make their winter quarantine a little more summery and fun, even if it’s not the most seasonally appropriate. Get it from Bookshop for $27.55, Amazon for $22.25, or your favorite local bookstore.

Face Vessel mugs and carafes

We recommended Group Partner’s face planter last year, and we’re continuing the tradition of recommending objects with inanimate faces with these face vessels by Degen.

These hand blown glass mugs and vases are unique — no two are the same! — which makes them extra special. But be warned that when you order via the preorder link on their site (or via Coming Soon or Mociun) you can’t choose a specific vessel (only the type and size), so it’s a bit luck of the draw. Having said that, they’re all incredibly precious, so you can’t really go wrong.

But if you want a bit more control over what you get, keep an eye out for Degen’s periodic drops (which I’ve learned about through their Instagram).

Get them from Coming Soon: the mug for $44 or the carafe for $55.

“Have a queer day” T-shirt

Just Gay Shit! Sometimes it’s nice to communicate your queerness without adorning yourself in rainbows or having someone scream “PETER’S GAY” every time you come around. If you’ve got a queer friend or loved one, they might like this shirt, too! Get it from Hey Rooney for $30.

A colorful, patterned "statement" mask

This piece about investment masks made me finally realize that it’s nice to have different masks for different moods. These masks come in an assortment of patterns (I own the rainbow cookies mask, but I’m also a fan of the olives and the black and white cookies) and somehow manage to be kitschy and fashionable. (For folks based in NYC: Hart’s in Brooklyn is selling some of these masks and 10% of each mask sale will go to Fair Fight and will help support fair elections in Georgia in the upcoming Senate runoffs!). Get the mask from Steak Diane for $30.

Bodum french press

We recommended this french press in last year’s gift guide, but we love it so much we’re recommending it again.

They’re remarkably hardy — we use ours every single day, sometimes multiple times a day, and they show no signs of wear — and look incredibly cute on our countertop. MoMA’s multicolored options ($25) are incredibly cute, but I’m a big fan of the new lavender option. You can even get a matching lavender iced coffee maker ($23.99). Get the french press from Bodum for $19.99.

The Art of Showing Up: How to Be There for Yourself and Your People

Being a Wife Guy is easy when your girlfriend is as talented a writer as Rachel is! I know firsthand how thoughtful and kind her advice is, and she put so much care and consideration into writing a truly helpful and inclusive book. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who is interested in being kinder to themselves and others. Get it from Bookshop and basically every other retailer here. ✨

Get more gift ideas:

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Good holiday gift ideas for pretty much anyone

It’s (weirdly!) that time of again: gift guide season. In a year when the things we need and want are so dramatically different than they used to be, and when it feels like both nothing and literally everything has changed since last year, it’s sort of hard to conceive of gifts that make sense for 2020. But making gift guides is one of my truest pleasures, so I’m going to try my best!

Last year, I published three gift guides, which still really hold up, imho. You can find them all here:

This year, I’m planning to do a few gift posts, in similar categories as the ones above (plus a couple of new ones). To kick things off, here are the MVPs that I think will work well for a lot of different people!

Chile Crunch

I bought this after a reader recommended it last year and love it on fried eggs and toast especially. Think of it as the new hot honey (which was, by far, the most popular item from last year’s gift guides). Get a jar from ChileCrunch.com for $12.80 or from Amazon for $19.75. (BTW, if you’re looking for DIY/edible gift ideas, you can also make your own.)

Danica taper candles

My precious beauties. (More info on why I love them here.) DM me if you’re obsessing over which color to get or wondering how they look IRL; I own…a lot of them. Get a box of five 9-inch tapers from Danica for $18.50. (Bonus pairing: taper holders — Urban usually has good ones that aren’t too expensive.)

Mexican train dominoes

I was first introduced to this game by Terri and I love it so much! It’s easy to learn and is a very good family game (and it only requires two people, so it’s nice for couples who are spending a lot of time at home together). You can find versions at a lot of different retailers, including Amazon ($39.97) and Target ($24.99), and you can get personalized hubs on Etsy which is a nice way to upgrade a standard set.

The Comfy

This is one of those “as seen on TV” products that absolutely rules. My mom saw it on HSN and sent me a cream one (which is annoyingly no longer available), and I’ll admit I was skeptical at first. But you guys… it fucking rocks. It’s warm and cozy and so soft, and makes life on the couch or in bed so wonderful. (It’s also way better than a Snuggie in, like, every possible way.) Get one for $39.99 from The Comfy (use this referral link to get $10 off) or Amazon.

At-home Escape Room

This is such a clever way to recreate something that really can’t be done in our current pandemic reality! Get it from Uncommon Goods for $50.

Wild One dog leash

This leash is such a beautiful color and it makes me happy every time I use it. (There are also several other colors that I’ve spotted around the park, and that are also lovely.) It’s also durable and easy to clean. Get it from Wild One for $58, and pair it with the coral poop bag carrier ($12) for a very cute vibe.

Yeelight smart color-changing bulb

I talked about this in my lighting post and, since then, a couple people have let me know they bought one and love it. Get it from Amazon for $29.99.

Joy of Cooking

I swear by this classic cookbook; the authors use Wirecutter-esque rigor to develop truly great recipes. They released a new version in 2019, and it’s a good gift for new cooks or more experienced cooks who have never gotten around to buying this classic. Get it from Bookshop ($36.80), Amazon ($20.91), or your favorite local bookstore.

The Tushy

Fun fact: I regularly included a Squatty Potty on my BuzzFeed gift guides and it always sold extremely well. Obviously, anything hole-related is a “know your audience” gift, so use your best judgment here. But if you’ve already given a Squatty Potty, the Tushy is the next frontier, and while installation is not necessarily as easy as they make it sound — it really depends on your toilet, I think — it’s very doable and worth it in the long run. Get the classic on sale for $89 (normally $109).

Clip-on mini ring light

The current reality of very little daylight + lots of video calls makes this little guy a rather nice thing to have around. (I have one and use it regularly.) You can also clip it to your phone for nice selfie lighting. Get one from Amazon for $13.99. 🎁

More 2020 gift guides: Gift ideas for the design-minded kitsch-loving somebody in your life, gift ideas for cozy types who are always just vibin’, good gift ideas for people who want to cronch on something delicious, good gift ideas for the sweet, smart, fun, and cool youths in your life, good gift ideas for anyone who wants to look, smell, or feel nice, and good gifts and stocking stuffers under $30.

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Holiday gift ideas for the well-dressed, blob-loving creative in your life

Hello! I’m back with some more gift ideas for you! Sunday’s list was general gift ideas and Monday’s list was gifts for someone who reminds you of me; today’s list is gifts for someone who maybe reminds you a little bit of me, but whose taste is, say, 25% cooler and 60% more colorful. Like, this person fucks with a simple J. Crew sweater and a can of chickpeas, but also has good taste in music and wears hip art teacher earrings, you know? It is 100% inspired by my girlfriend and the things she owns/loves/has on her wishlist, though there’s definitely some overlap with my own. Anyway, if you are shopping for someone who is the Claudia to your Stacey, this list might be helpful.

Cold Picnic bathmat

I love this brand, and their bathmats are absolutely the gateway drug. I actually bought the one pictured at a sample sale in the spring, but there are a ton of other styles, including multiple boob mats. Buy it from Cold Picnic for $60.

Boy Smells candle

All the Boy Smells candles are beautiful, and the Cedar Stack is really nice but mellow woodsy smell. Buy it from Amazon for $36.

Supersoft mockneck sweater

This was in Tuesday’s gift guide, because, again, it’s so versatile. Available in 13 colors and sizes XXS-3X from J. Crew for $89.50.

Just Say No to Bullshit socks

For when you want to tell your coworkers to fuck off, but can’t. Buy them from Electric West for $15.

Face planter

You know Toilets With Menacing Auras? This planter is, like, the cosmic opposite of that. It’s charming but not overly twee, and has just good, sweet energy. Buy it from Group Partner for $65.

Nothing Fancy: Unfussy Food for Having People Over

Another gift that would definitely appeal to Monday’s homebody! This is a great cookbook — even better than Dining In — and is aesthetically and spiritually aligned with many of the other items on this list. Buy it from Amazon for $20.12 or find it at a local bookstore through IndieBound.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 9

This camera is easy to use, takes super flattering photos, and is extremely fun at a party. (You’ll get way better fun action shots than you do with a phone, honestly.) It’s also a very gentle entry point for anyone who has been thinking about getting into film photography. It comes in 10 colors; get the camera and two packs of film on Amazon for $67.86. (Urban Outfitters also has some very cute exclusive colors, including lavender, yellow, orange, and rose.)

Enamelware serving bowl

This was a purchase directly inspired by the aesthetic of Nothing Fancy, and looks way more expensive than it actually is. It’s a good size for holding a few lemons or onions and some heads of garlic. It comes in four colors; buy it from Amazon for $14.88.

Bodum French Press

This is another gift that looks more expensive than it is. It makes a single cup of coffee or tea and is really easy to use. If someone is lightly interested in getting into coffee, it’s a good place to start. The Chemex gets a lot of attention because it’s so beautiful, but it takes a decent amount of effort to make coffee with it. Meanwhile, this little press is quick/unfussy enough to use before work.

The MoMA Design Store has the Caffettiera French press pictured and a second multicolored one for $20; Madewell has a pastel version for $15; and there’s a light green one and a light blue one on Amazon for $15. If you want to gift it with some coffee, Variety Coffee tastes good and has great packaging. (In Brooklyn, you can buy it at Whole Foods.)

Yellow silicone finger grippers and lavender scraper

These are good stocking stuffers and/or a great addition to the Nothing Fancy cookbook. (Alison Roman apparently loves a scraper.) Buy them from Amazon; the grippers are $6.06 and the scraper is $5.99.

Dusen Dusen hand towels

Dusen Dusen has really unique patterns and prints, and is good for anyone who has walked into a Madewell in the past year and thought, “Boy, everyone sure is depressed, huh?” Most of Dusen Dusen’s clothing and home goods are pretty expensive, so the hand towels are fairly affordable and offer a good amount of color/pattern bang for your buck. Available in four styles; buy them for $20 each from Coming Soon.

Bathing lady dish

Who is she??? This multipurpose dish (for keys, change, jewelry, etc.) is fun and kind of unusual, and has a vintage vibe that isn’t too stuck in a particular era. It comes in five colors; buy one from Coming Soon for $40.

Areaware goober candles

These candles are less “I’m burning my scented candle for self-care,” and more “I have cool blobs on my bookshelf that make me happy, and sure, I could burn them if I wanted to.” Available in four colors; buy them from Coming Soon for $26 each.

Catbird loopdie earring

This shape of these earrings — open at the top and bottom — is fairly unusual, but the earrings themselves are not fussy at all. They are basically gold hoop earrings…that fuck. (BTW, a lot of cool/weird earrings are hard to put on or take off, but these are very user-friendly.) Buy them from Catbird — $88 for the gold pair and $52 for the silver pair.

Catbird teardrop earring

Another pair of “classic silhouette, but more interesting version of it” earrings. They aren’t full-on statement pieces, but they are unique enough to communicate to the recipient “I noticed you have good style so I got you something a little bit interesting.” Buy them from Catbird — $52 for the silver pair or $88 for the gold pair.

And a year of Spotify Premium

Spotify is something most people use every single day, but it’s something most people don’t think about using every single day because it’s literally in the background. So a gift card for a Premium account (or to cover the cost of their current subscription.) ends up being a super practical gift that is still fairly unexpected/delightful. (It’s also a good one for a couple!) Get a 3-month ($30) or 6-month ($60) gift card from Target, or get the $99 annual gift card from Best Buy.

And, of course, you can’t go wrong with some of the OG gift guide items here: the hot honey, the Chups socks, and The Art of Gathering would be my picks. ✨

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Holiday gift ideas for the Everlane-loving, shit-together homebody in your life

While yesterday’s gift idea list was meant to be pretty general, I thought it might also be fun to put together some ideas for people whose taste is more specific. Or, in this case, whose taste is just…mine. Though I don’t actually love/shop at Everlane all that much, I recognize that a Type exists, and I am a part of it! If you’re shopping for gifts for your sister/best friend/girlfriend/wife/some other cozy Millennial (or just…yourself…) this list might be helpful.

A New York Times crossword puzzle app subscription

This is, to me, an ideal gift, because it’s one of those things that is kind of annoying to pay for yourself, but is actually not that expensive as far as gifts are concerned. It’s also just really worth having! I have been cranking through the archives recently to get better at solving/be on Instagram and Twitter less. Buy it for $19.97.

The perfect lemon candle

This is, in my estimation, the perfect lemon candle. Buy it from Williams-Sonoma for $19.95.

J. Crew x Chups socks

These socks spark so much joy for me. After looking at them online every few weeks for like three months, I finally bought myself a couple pairs on Black Friday last year when they were half-price. They were so great that I was ready and waiting to buy them this year on Black Friday when they were 50% off. I am slowly but surely building my great sock collection. They come in four colors; get a single pair from J. Crew for $36 or a pack of two pairs for $62. (And also…definitely buy them during one of J. Crew’s many sales.)

Lodge Dutch oven

This is a great Dutch oven (it’s the Wirecutter pick) and the cream color is really lovely in person. It’s become the most-used pot in my kitchen. Buy it from Amazon for $59.90.

450-piece boob puzzle

A puzzle! With titties! Honestly, what more do you want from me? Buy it from Jiggy (a new brand that also has other, non-boob puzzles) for $40.

USB rechargeable lighter

This is one of those things that I didn’t know I needed until I saw it — during a sale, when I immediately impulse-bought it. It’s very beautiful and also the way it works is genuinely neat; instead of casting a flame, it just sort of…zaps your candle wicks and then they start to burn! Available in four colors; buy it from Food52 for $32.

Chenille throw blanket

For everyone who says, “Can you hand me that blanket?” approximately 10 times a day. Available in three colors; buy it from West Elm for $39 (FYI, it’s currently on sale for $19).

A Shhhowercap

I have had my Shhhowercap for a couple years now, and it is probably the most-used item in my home, now that I think about it. It’s a splurge, but if for anyone who doesn’t wash their hair that often, it’s absolutely worth it. Available in 13 colors; buy the dark pink one from Amazon for $43 or one of the other colors from Sephora.

Teeny hoop earrings

I have a lot of thoughts about gold hoop earrings, but the TL;DR is that these are great earrings. Get them from Catbird — $88 for the gold set and $28 for the silver set.

Supersoft mockneck sweater

This sweater has made a mockneck believer out of me! It’s cozy without being sloppy, and is simple enough that it actually fits a lot of different personal styles. Available in 13 colors and sizes XXS-3X from J. Crew for $89.50.

Velvet shell pillow

I have been in love with these pillows for nearly all of 2019, and finally bought myself one on Black Friday. They aren’t cheap, but are truly beautiful and special. Available in eight colors; buy it from Tamar Mogendorff for $90.

And jasmine mint toothpaste

I just love this fancy toothpaste. Buy it from Amazon for $10.34.

Also! A few items from yesterday’s list would be great for this person too, particularly the hot honey, salt box, The Art of Gathering, beeswax wraps, Home Comforts, and rosehip oil. ✨

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Holiday gift ideas for pretty much everyone in your life

I recently read an article about the proliferation of gift guides on the internet that asserted that no writer or editor really likes making gift guides. This…is not true!!! I fuck with creating gift guides on a deep spiritual level, which is why I’m spending my Sunday putting these together. Please, I’m begging you, let me help you choose gifts.

This is the first of three gift guides I’m going to publish on Just Good Shit this year; it contains the all-around greatest hits that I think would make good holiday gifts for men or women; people you love but also people you don’t know super well; and people who are fairly hard to shop for. I own and/or have gifted pretty much everything on this list.

Mike’s Hot Honey

This was my go-to gift in 2018; it’s unique, delicious, and costs less than $10. Buy it on Amazon for $8.48.

Anomia

One of my favorite new party games! Buy it from Amazon for $13.99.

A pretty salt box

I own this (in the Artichoke color) and have gifted it; it’s an elegant way to store kosher or Maldon salt and keep it handy on your counter. (Very useful when you make a lot of chickpea pasta.) It comes in several other colors; buy it from Amazon for $25.49.