no. 50: extremely specific gift guides, vol. 2
it's that time of year, y'all.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love the art of the extremely specific gift. Where I feel a lot of gift guides fall short is that there are endless use cases within a specific realm of gifts: a generic catch all that tends to result in the lowest common denominator.
At best, overly generic gift recommendations drive overconsumption and clutter. At worst, it can spark super complicated and painful feelings due to the very specific feeling of being misunderstood when someone gets you a gift that is very kind but doesn’t really “fit” you. (perhaps I’m telling on myself here but it’s very very real!).
For what it’s worth: this gift guide is based on extremely specific requests directly from the earlybird audience, and is curated by someone with a deep sense of gift guilt and waste aversion! Think about it like an on demand gift concierge or personal shopper. (If you’d like a sense of my credentials for highly specific recommendations, please see last year's extremely specific guide or this summer’s speed dating for your summer reading list).
HOW IT WORKS:
I’ve grouped all the requests I received into categories, and provide *specific recommendations* for *specific gifts* within each.
Many of these can be considered jumping off points, or ideas for the type of thing (rather than the specific thing that would work for your specific people.
We do not lump men / father’s/ significant others into their own weird, sad category full of whiskey stones and grill stuff. Men are people with interests too!
This is not a sale round up! I am not that person, and this is not that guide! I do make a note of sales when I know they are available, but otherwise, godspeed and go with google.
I do my best to prioritize recommendations from small businesses and artists, including bringing back the fan favorite earlybird-crowdsourced small business faves, included within each section. Everything else is based on 1) things I own and love or 2) things I have deeply researched.
This is a long one, so recommend reading in the browser (not in email!). The table of contents is below, so feel free to skip around - in the browser you should be able to jump to each section!
Okay that’s it, love you!
Xx
Last thing: Because it’s that time of year, I’m doing a 30% off sale for any earlybird subscriptions, which is the lowest it will *ever be*. Great for yourself, fun for a gift, good through EOD Monday 12/2.. Comes out to be… $3.50 / month or $39/year. Click the button below to subscribe today:
table of contents:
Outdoorsy Folks
Homebodies & Hostesses
Foodies
Health, Fitness & Wellness
Fashion, Beauty, & Skincare
Eco-conscious Queens
Arts, Culture & Technology
(New) Parents
Gifts for Kids
The Extremely Specific / Impossible to shop for Extras
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT:
Before we begin, I wanted to share the Brands of WNC website, highlighting small businesses and artisans of Western N.Carolina who have been impacted by this fall’s hurricanes. There are so many wonderful creators and makers to support – let’s show them some love as they work to recover such a wonderful community!
Because this is a free issue for all early bird subscribers, there are a handful of affiliate links in this issue. This means I may get a commission if you purchase something from the link. If that’s not your jam, feel free to just... Google the thing and circumvent the link.
Outdoorsy Folks
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: my National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass, and the Washington State Discovery Pass are one of my most used purchases every year, and work for all of our hiking and camping trips. An annual pass (local or national) supports conservation of public lands, in addition to saving the recipient time and money. Consider an annual pass + another item on this list, as well as an adventure to use them together!
For the one who loves the National Parks: (Hi hello, it’s me) Bring the magic to their home with an amazing selection of maps from Muir Way. Consider a map of their favorite National Park paired with a corresponding National Park scented candle from Seattle small business Good + Well Supply Co. If they are trying to visit all the national parks, there are some lovely marker maps from small creators on Etsy!
For the outdoorsy artist, writer, photographer, etc: I love the Field Note travel size notebooks and sketchbooks (perhaps with handmade natural pigment travel water color set?). You can also never go wrong with a beautiful photobook - a classic Ansel Adams collection, any number of options from nature photographer Chris Burkhard, this stunning leather bound edition of 100 Hikes of a Lifetime (currently on major discount). For the skier in your life, consider this coffee table book showcasing James Niehues, the artist responsible for almost every major alpine ski map in the US.
Small Business Spotlight: Check out Dirigo and Co., a Maine-based small business curating outdoor adventure apparel subscriptions.
For the one who researches and buys everything themselves (aka the MOST COMMON REQUEST): Being married to one of these people, I will tell you —- it’s a real challenge! He knows exactly what he wants, and has probably already bought it back in August. There are a few solutions:
Upgrading the boring stuff: One of my best runs of gift giving for my husband was a period of about five years where I just took note of basic stuff we already had that was getting worn out or could be better, and just upgraded those things while he was distracted looking at some fancy new gadget. The best ones are usually gear that your active outdoorsy person has had for a while, which might be getting worn down or are the cause of consternation on an outing but usually get passed over in the “research and upgrade” department because they aren’t that excited. Think: replacing a cheap plastic igloo cooler with a Yeti cooler, or upgrading a standard (albeit very slow) camp stove with a jet boil.
Opt for gear-adjacent gifts: if they love researching and buying new gear on their own, let’s not stand in their way! Consider a gear maintenance and repair kit (there’s a great selection of things from GearAid) , or a gift card for gear maintenance and repair at your local outdoors shop - ski tuneups at the beginning of the season, fixes and patches for ripped down jackets or tents, etc. (We love EVO in Seattle for ski equipment, and I’ve taken things to REI and Rainy Pass Repair as well!)
Experiences, not things: If there was a common theme in the requests for this section, it was that many of our outdoorsy, hobby focused loved ones know what they want, and buy it themselves. For these folks, I like to prioritize giving experiences related to a given hobby or interest that either helps them level up their skills, or gives us an opportunity to do something together. Think: a full day of ski-lessons during an upcoming ski trip (more $$$) or taking the initiative to plan an experience like a camping trip somewhere they mentioned wanting to go one time.
Need some help to get started on planning a bigger experience trip? I’ve got outdoor and travel guides for the W Trek in Patagonia, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and French Polynesia (scuba diving!) as well as Joshua Tree (CA), Yosemite (CA), Zion National Park (UT), The Enchantments (WA) as well as a list of my favorite hikes in Washington for all abilities.
Homebodies & Hostesses
Once again, I tried to make these a few different categories but the overlap was high so I just combined them. Party people (who love to host) and homey people (who love to be cozy) are different but related. Find where your person is on the spectrum and go from there!
For the one who never uses the big lights: The older I get, the more averse I get to overhead lighting and the more committed I am to cozy lighting, especially in the winter. But only using laps is all fun and games, until you have to walk around the house in the pitch black turning them all on at 4 PM. Solution: smart lightbulbs that you can schedule (and control with your phone) for peak cozy without any hassle.
For the one who has an elite lounge game: One of my BFF’ gave me a Dusen Dusen striped bathrobe as a housewarming gift and it has been a game changer for the cozy vibes in my day to day life – chilly morning showers are more bearable, getting up and shuffling down the stairs in pursuit of coffee feels less like the walking dead and more like a vogue get ready with me. Looking for something a bit more classic? These iconic hotel robes and my favorite pajama sets are also on major sale (and you can easily add a monogram to both),
For the bookworm: I cannot stop thinking about custom book stamps or library embossers (or a whole library kit!) for your friend who is always crushing the newest releases. Bonus: Throw in a gift card from your local bookstore to cover her next read.
For the one whose house always smells amazing: You really can’t go wrong with a nice candle as a gift. Think: Loewe candles, the Tomato Leaves candle from Flamingo Estate for a lower pricepoint, or the new refillable Diptique candles at a higher one. Make it a set: Throw in a structural striker match holder or a matching set of candle care accessories
For the new homeowner (or other recent move): One of my favorite small luxuries is a custom, self-inking home address stamp - it makes addressing holiday cards and thank you notes 9700000 times easier, and is a fun celebration of a new milestone. Make it a set: Add in a package or two of customized stationary and a page of coordinating stamps – no one can ever find them after moving!
For the sentimental one: We all have that ONE family recipe that is passed down on a dirty, smudged recipe card with secret additions and substitutions written in the margin. I’m getting my grandmother’s shortbread recipe printed and framed to go in my kitchen this year, and think it’s just the sweetest homage to food and family history.
For the one giving Martha a run for her holiday party money: She is cooking, she is cleaning, she is curating immaculate vibes for the whole crew, and we are opting for hostess gifts that won’t go bad, (and don’t require cleanup!). The options here truly depend on their style and vibes, so a lighting round:
Custom embroidered linen cocktail napkins are a super thoughtful touch. I love all of the linens from Merci, or consider sourcing vintage monogrammed options if you have more time to sort through and find the right letters
Ceramic Spoon Rests (obsessed with these ravioli shaped ones, currently on preorder!) or a chic, fun shaped bottle opener (like this oyster shell or this fish one!)
Nab a small kitchen oil painting or print of your hostesses go-to order - think champagne and french fries, martinis and weenies, or just good old butter. Throw it in a vintagey looking frame and it’s good to go!
I never know what to do with wine, but would be thrilled with a niche, beautiful bottle of tequila, if you insist!
I’ve been at this a long time but I’m still not above being influenced - I used a Flamingo Estate handsoap *one time* and I still think about it. Their gift sets are all on sale right now and would be a lovely gift for whoever is hosting the holidays this year.
Small Business Spotlight: Y’all came in HOT with these recommendations, especially for homegoods! Custom wood cuttingboards from Windrift Woodworks, Ceramics from Downing Pottery (I’m obsessed with this Orcas series, for the PNW crew!) , Barbie Pots (like these handmade coffee pourovers), or Avenue Potterty (eyeing this salt dome gift set). I will also always wholeheartedly recommend the phenomenal homegoods curation from Seattle-based Woodland Mod and Station Seven – two of my first stops for any kind of gift.
Foodies
*small business spotlights are woven into the recs here!
For your friend who got really into The Bear (... again): Co-star and on-set food consultant Matty Matheson has a new cookbook out (plus perhaps this shirt?). Trying to ball out? Consider the Noma Taste Buds membership.
For the one who is always trying out new recipes: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: there are so many amazing food writers with newsletters and recipe clubs! Gifting a subscription is quick and easy (and goes a long way to support food writers!). A few I love:
- writes weekly meal plans that include grocery lists, meal prep instructions and just a wealth of resources that have made me a better cook.
- has some really innovative recipes, especially for entertaining (i mean pumpkin tiramisu? Immediately sat.)
- is one of my favorite creators to follow and she has a wonderful newsletter packed with (you guessed it) amazing condiments, as well as travel guides and other recipes.
- ’s love letter to plant based eating is one of my first stops whenever I need inspiration. Perfect for your friend exploring a veggie-forward lifestyle!
For the one who’s obsessed with their farmer’s market: Grab one of these amazing canvas farmer’s market totes (so many pockets!) and consider a gift card to their local farmer’s market (I found the Seattle Neighborhood Farmer’s Markets gift options with a quick google) or CSA Boxes for fresh, locally grown produce (I love Salmonberry in Seattle!)
For the one who loves a shoppy shop: Between Erewhon, Pop Up Grocery and Happiest Grocer, it’s been a big year for people who love CPG and trendy food items. Gifting in this vein is a win-win – supporting small businesses, giving your trendiest food friend exactly what they want, and probably getting to try some delicious snacks as a result. A few I’ve bookmarked to give as gifts this year:
Upgrade their spice drawer: The Chef’s Baking Duo from Diaspora Co., the Chef’s Collection from Burlap & Barrel or infused salts from Jacobsen Salt Co. (I have re-purchased this set no less than 3 times).
Go hard on sauces: If the Noma Taste Buds membership is too steep, check out some of their single-items, like this collection of seasonal flavors (I’m dying to try the pumpkin seed praline!). I also LOVE Haxan Ferments, a Seattle-based vinegar and hot sauce company (the Merlot Red Wine Vinegar is unreal).
For the one who’s really into gadgets: We received an Aarke bubbler as a gift one year and it’s one of the most used gadgets in my kitchen. Looks extremely chic, endlessly useful, and always a topic of conversation. As someone who spent years burning the tips of my fingers because regular kitchen tongs were too bulky, I’ve been converted to using plating tongs for pretty much everything and I recommend everyone do the same.
For the one who got really into wine: Gift cards or memberships to small wine clubs! (Halfseas, Bottlehouse and La Dive in Seattle are wonderful!)
For the burgeoning at home barista: As a certified coffee person, I’m giving you permission to skip expensive equipment and mugs (unless it’s *the* mug, benefitting W. North Carolina!) . A few options for you here:
For the one getting into specialty coffee: Highly recommend the advent calendars from Cometeer or Onyx Coffee Lab, two of my favorite places for specialty coffee from small roasters!
For the one who wants to make better-than-starbucks creations at home: Y’all know I have a full book of tips, trips and recipes for the absolute best at home coffee, right? This ebook is a quick and easy gift to get anyone started! (and the art print is a perfect addition to any coffee corner)
For the one with a(n elevated) sweet tooth: I’m always on the hunt for interesting and elevated coffee flavors – usually that means making my own syrups at home but I’ve recently been OBSESSED with small business Transcendence Coffee, which makes craft coffee syrups with whole spices and globally inspired flavors like Persian Pistachio, Maple Black Sesame, and Dutch Speculaas Cookie. Immediately yes.
For the one who always has 37 beverages: I’m going to say upfront that these are splurge gifts, but I cannot recommend a high quality pebble ice maker enough (currently $150 off, which is the best I’ve ever seen!). If you’re going for the gift giver of the year award, I’m pining over this insane / gorgeous smart fridge (lol yeah, right!)
Health, Fitness, & Wellness
For the one who should *really* try out low intensity workouts: We all have (or have been) that high energy, high endorphin friend. Consider gifting them a class or two at a gentle yoga, barre or pilates studio you enjoy and then schedule time to go together. Interested in a lower budget option? Schedule regular outdoor walks together (you can bring the coffee!).
For the one who just got really into yoga: There is something amazing about in person yoga classes right when you start out, both for form and for community! Highly recommend researching local studios and giving them a set of classes as a gift. I can also highly recommend two studios that have online memberships – Commune Yoga (Seattle Based!) and SkyTing Yoga (NYC Based!) They both have a serious library of classes for all levels and flow types, and options for gift cards!
For the one who isn’t drinking right now: I don’t know about you but between pregnancies, anxiety and general curiosity about a low/no lifestyle, many of my friends rarely drink these days. Support that journey with an NA bottle of Ghia Aperitif or Kin Euphorics (and some fun glassware, to round things out!)
For the one who is getting really into sleep hygiene: I recently purchased a daylight simulation alarm and it has been such a helpful addition to my routine (especially in the Seattle winter).
For the one who got *really* into pickleball this summer: Custom Pickleball paddles, obviously??
For the one who's obsessed with her Oura ring: Listen, I’m a die hard whoop girl, but the tiktok trend where girls pairing Oura rings with eternity stacking bands to dress them up is so cute. Grab a pair of these eternity bands – just make sure you confirm if she’s a silver or a gold girl first!)
Fashion / Beauty / Skincare
For the one with big sweater energy: There is almost nothing more luxe than coordinated accessories – grab your bestie a matching scarf & hat or cashmere socks and gloves in their signature color.
For the one who scores the best thrift finds: Snag a gift card to their favorite local consignment or thrift store (and of course schedule time to go together!). Want to have something in hand? Scour vintage sites for a perfect vintage scarf to wrap the GC in!
For the one with great hair: I cannot say enough good things about Crown Affair (so much so that I’m bringing mini products to my friend groups “favorite things” holiday exchange). Recommend the Refresh Set but you can’t go wrong with any of them! Also excellent: Ceremonia’s SPALIDAY kit or the Hair Oil & Scalp Massager Set.
The one with the ultimate night routine: I sampled the Soft Services refillable overnight hand lotion this fall and haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. The lotion smells amazing, the refillable vessel is lovely, and it’s a perfect addition to a night routine.
Small Business Spotlights: The eb crew had tons of amazing recs here, especially in the jewelry department! Vermont based Rackk & Ruin has absolutely gorgeous fine and semi-fine jewelry (I’ll take one of everything from this curated minimalist guide). Seattle designer M. Hisae should be your first stop for artistic fine jewelry like engagement rings or wedding bands – so stunning – while Baleen makes sustainable, everyday jewelry (these u-shaped earrings would make a lovely stocking stuffer!). L.Lu Fine Jewelry sources fine jewelry from small, family owned businesses in New York’s Chinatown, making them accessible to a wider audience. Anna Learns Things makes beautiful beaded jewelry and bags (like these whimsical chili earrings or this bag that would be perfect for your super cool GenZ sister. Staud who?!).
Corporate Girlies
For your extremely polished work bestie: The Olive and June at home gel mani system for salon quality nails immediately hit the top of my wish list for polished nails without spending the time and $$$ at a salon. Looking for something a little lighter? Designer brand nail polishes are surprisingly affordable and this hand luxe balm smells incredible and fights off office dryness.
For the one who will never RTO (but whose home office could use some love): Feeling very seen with this one! A chic desk mat in their favorite color can brighten up the space (obsessed with this color and scalloped edge option!), paired with a nice candle for when you need to ward off the 3 pm scaries.
For the one battling seasonal affective disorder (and a male-dominated workplace): Friends don’t let friends do winter without a happy light. Pair a mini SAD light with support to find / start a women’s circle or other community.
For the one who is just plain burnt out: Something for now, and something for later: a gift card for a massage, and a book that changed my life (Perfectionist’s guide to losing control)
Travel & Experience People
For the carry-on only traveler: I’ve had the Paravel Aviator Suitcase for five years now and it’s an absolutely phenomenal carry-on (currently on major sale).
For the one who is always jetsetting: They more than likely have everything they need, so add the perfect finishing touch with a matching (and monogrammed!) passport case and luggage tag set.
For the long haul traveler: One of my college BFFs has sworn by this cashmere wrap for YEARS - functions as a cozy blanket in the air, or a chic, lightweight scarf once you land. 10/10.
For the one who gets overstimulated: I’m a broken record: I’ve used the Quiet Comfort noise canceling headphones since 2017 and I quite literally will not fly without them. They have been to Bali, Tokyo, Paris, Patagonia, Tanzania, Portugal and about a zillion other flights in between. They hold tf up, and they do the job. Currently on sale 40% off.
For the one who has to be organized: I ride or die for the Dagne Dover Tech Organizer (recommended it last year, will recommend it next year) and it’s a GIFT for anyone who does a lot of work or personal travel. Currently 25% off!
For the ones who only want shared experiences: I’ll be honest y’all next to the “husband who buys all his own gear for his hobby” this was the second most common request. As someone who is married to one of these people, I FEEL YOU. When all else fails: just go ahead and plan an experience! You can go as big or as small as budget and time allows, but the important thing is that you make it memorable and take the onus to do allllll the planning. A few resources that might help:
I’ve got all my travel guides with tips, tricks and custom google maps for a ton of locations up on earlybird, linked here.
I’ve got all my favorite places to stay all over the world (and a few I’m still dreaming about) saved for you here.
I’ve got a canva template to make a little fancy “travel brochure” – add in all your details, update the imagery and get it printed for your person to unwrap!
Ecoconscious Queens
For the one trying to lead a more sustainable lifestyle: There are about a zillion ways to start doing this, and almost none of them have to do with buying more stuff! Support their journey with a secondhand copy of The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide (or Practical Sustainability).
For the ones who thrift everything (and hate plastic): If they thrift everything, you can thrift for them too! Dig into Etsy or Ebay for vintage glassware sets, or gift a family photo in a thrifted frame from the goodwill. (Seattle folks, highly recommend SODO Flea Market for clothes, art, furniture, decor you name it!) You can also pick up small, sustainably minded gifts like beeswax food wraps from local makers.
Arts, Culture & Technology
For an actual artist: I maintain the best thing you can do for your artist friends is to BUY AND PROMOTE THEIR WORK. DO IT!
For your artsy / literary bestie who is way more artsy and hip than you: Listen, we love shared experiences here, and in my experience I just like it when people care about the things I like! Friend mentions a book they loved? Read that book so you can talk about it. Know they have a favorite artist or author? Find tickets to a gallery, concert, or artists talk that you can go to together!
Alternatively, consider special collections from or donations to small literary or arts organizations like Tin House or Copper Canyon Press.
For the one who thinks googling stuff is a hobby: Okay this is so specific but I got it more than once so here we are! we have two very different options here:
ANALOG: Get them a custom notebook to collect and document their “research”.
DIGITAL: I cannot believe I am recommending this, but get them a subscription to ChatGPT Plus for access to real time search and a more conversational search style that’s (currently) free from ads. I have several friends who swear by it (including one who used chatGPT to help them make decisions about which minivan to get without getting bogged down by ads and SEO bait).
For the one on the home decor kick: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it 100000000 times: Friends don’t let friends buy art from Urban Outfitters or Amazon! Some small artists I (and the earlybird community) love:
By Annie B: Ugh Y’all Annie is one of my best friends and just the MOST TALENTED artist. She’s got paintings, puzzles, art prints and does custom commissions (with a speciality in pet portraits!).
Wild Gina Photography: Gina is a fantastic intimate nature photographer - from expansive landscapes to breathtaking shots of a butterfly’s wing, cactus blooms to New England fall foliage.
Erin Oostra - Erin is a Seattle-based artist who specializes in impressionist style paintings inspired by the nature of the PNW. Her work is absolutely stunning, and she offers original works, prints, and customs!
Jasmine Dowling: Jasmine is an Australian photographer and mixed media artist whose work I absolutely adore (and have hanging in my house!). Lots of floral motifs, pastel colors, and interesting techniques.
Karli Fairbanks: Artist and Muralist in Spokane,WA! Karli has a great selection of holiday cards, ceramics, and prints (this “begin again” one is lovely!)
Imogene Grey: A Cyanotype artist who makes striking, whimsical work! There are prints, pressed flower work, and mixed media art.
Sarah Golden: An abstract artist with some really lovely nature-inspired prints (currently running a buy one get one sale!)
Christine Whitmore: Fine Art & Prints - I love block prints, and Christine’s distinctive style! This bow print is adorable!
Paris Woodhull Illustrations: Knoxville, TN., based artist has something for everyone (dying over this “probably anxious” t-shirt and the amazing collection of christmas ornaments)
Laurie Baars: A Seattle-based mixed media artist – I really love her use of color and texture, and am eying one of her smaller works for myself!
The Pet People
For the one whose pet is their entire personality (I got about 87 versions of this submission, so condensing them all into one for brevity): We know these people. We love these people! They love their pets and we love that for them. I cannot recommend a custom pet portrait enough - we got one for my parents after their two dogs passed away, I have one of Minnie and it’s one of my all time favorite things. Such a special way to celebrate our pets! side note: Annie is sold out of commissions for the year, but you can do a gift card, or gift the experience of the pet portrait end to end!!
Other really lovely options: I recently discovered the Lambwolf collective and they make extremely cute pet toys (I’m sorry, a farmer's market set?! A giant baguette??!! )
The (New) Parents
for ~aesthetic cohesion~ I gave these sections quippy titles as well, but if you’re on the outside looking in it can be hard to know! Know that no new parent ever has the same experience, and you probably couldn’t go wrong with any of these. Truly: if your people have had a child in the past year and you get them a gift that is more about them than about / for the child, the thought will genuinely count.
For the one who is starting their TTC journey: how exciting! This gift depends a lot on your closeness to this person and their specific experiences. I really like the Papier Wellness Journals that have daily / weekly spreads for mindfully journaling any wellness journey. Seasons also offers a Pregnancy Journal that takes you from a positive test through delivery, which is really lovely!
For the one with a baby on the way: I will always tell you to give the baby things off the registry! Otherwise, shower mom-to-be with love! I highly recommend gift certificates for prenatal massage, a luxe body oil, or a small gift with baby’s birthstone (one of my BFF’s got me one and it’s still one of my favorite things!).
For the one with a super fresh newborn: START HERE! And then listen closely: people who just had babies are still people with regular interests! Those babies are getting lots of love, and their parents deserve love and celebration and gifts too.
The ones who are sleep deprived: Schedule time to babysit, clean, and/ or cook dinner. Doooo it!
The ones who are sentimental: The days are long but the years are short and suddenly you look up and you have 87000 photos on your phone and your baby is two and you’ve never printed any of them. Gift your most sentimental friends a year’s worth of chatbooks: upload your favorite photos to the app and each month they’ll print out mini photo books and just send them to you. So easy, so cute, and such a great memento.
don’t want to bother with a subscription? a classic polaroid and some film are a great alternative — the snaps I have from the first few months with baby bear are some of my most treasured possessions!
The ones who are outdoorsy: One of the most important things about having kids for me was figuring out how to also do all the outdoorsy stuff we love with our little one. I cannot say enough how much I appreciated my friends without kids who were willing to hike and camp with us – from helping with the dog to holding the toddler so we could put up the tent. Start there! (I also have a full guide for hiking and camping with babies / toddlers and the associated gear – if you want to find a tangible gift, this is a great place to start!)
For… literally anyone: normal gifts related to normal, non-parenting interests. So much of your life in the first year gets absorbed into being a New Parent, it’s nice to have opportunity to do other things – when I asked Mark, he said the thing that stood out to him the most when he was on parental leave was a friend who invited him to a big dinner / music event - was just nice to have a normal night!
Gifts for Kids
For the kids whose parents “aren’t doing screen time: Good on ya! We’re all out here doing our best. I’ve got two recommendations (based on experience):
Yoto Player + Book Cards: A screen free speaker that reads books aloud and plays music. We got one for our niece and nephews last year, and I can’t wait to get one for my kiddo.
Magnatiles: I’ve shared this before but our toddler is obsessed and plays with his every day, multiple times a day. 12000000/10 recommend. .
For the one obsessed with trucks (or other hyperfixated interests): Lots of options here! If we’re trying to minimize clutter (as a parent: this is important) I’m a big fan of “I See Me!” Customizable books - they have one for just about everything from trucks to ballet to specific holidays or self-empowerment.
Pro-tip: If you’re really gunning for the “fun aunt” title, pair a book about the special interest with a special outing to something like a local Touch-a-Truck event. (Other honorable mentions include taking a princess or ballet obsessed tot to a local college or high school dance performance, taking cookies to meet the local fire station, etc. etc. etc.). Bonus points if you coordinate such that mom and dad get to stay home ;)
For the aspiring artist: nab some art supplies in unique shapes (and eco friendly materials from Honeysticks.
For the under 5 crowd : Perhaps I’m generalizing, but last year we got an annual pass to our local zoo for the holidays and it was a SMASH hit. I think we went more than 50 times and likely will again next year. Passes are usually surprisingly affordable (think: the cost of 2-3 regular visits) but double check your recipient doesn’t already have one!
Lastly: I’m a firm believer that books are amazing gifts for kids! Here are some of my favorites:
Our Big Book Of Words, Baby’s Tummy Time Books, Our Little Adventures, and Our Little Library - Tabitha Page Books (0-3 YO). Beautiful books developed by a speech and language pathologist (and artist) that our early talker adored.
Press Here, Mix It Up & Let’s Play (1-5) by Hervé Tullet: These books are all about art, motion, and color, and teach little ones about it through engaging, interactive and playful dots, lines and paint smudges.
Little Naturalists: Ansel Adams, Georgia O’Keefe, Wangari Maathai, Rachel Carson (0-4) By Kate Coombs & Seth Lucas: our little guy absolutely loves these little books about the earth and people who love and care for it! Beautiful illustrations and easy early messages about conservation.
The Rabbit Listened, Ready to Soar, and Goodbye Friend, Hello Friend by Cori Doerrfeld (1-5). Beautifully illustrated books that introduce kiddos to hard topics like big feelings, being a good friend, and change or transitions in an accessible way.
On my list for this year: Here & There by Thea Lu, Ahoy! By Sophia Blackall, Lost by Mariajo Ilustrajo, Feelings by Libby Walden, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.
Bonus, just because: I can’t stop thinking about this Very Hungry Caterpillar sweater.
The “Impossible to shop for” / Swears they Don’t Need Anything / Extremely specific lightning round:
Husband who is obsessed with your toddler and only wants “practical” gifts: Deeeeeep eye roll. All gifts are practical if you use them! I’m loving the vision of a matching/ coordinated outfit situation (matching hats, sweatshirts etc) for an activity they do together. Example: my toddler LOVES to go to Home Depot and Costco with my husband on weekends, and then get cheeseburgers for lunch. Obsessed. A top 10 activity. I’m contemplating getting the toddler a tool belt / both of them a costco sweatshirt as an unofficial uniform for their outings. It’s silly, but they would both get a giggle out of it.
Backup option: get the gear for an activity he’s interested in for the kiddo so that they can have a thing they do together. Bikes, sports equipment, musical instruments, baby baking stuff. Whatever he likes, get the small version for them!
Subtle but specific accessories and clothing that scream “I didn’t vote for him”: My Favorite Season is the Fall of the Patriarchy // Bring on the Matriarchy // Make America for Everyone Sweatshirt
The type-A sister in law who really needs to relax: Time to get her garden gummy on! Try Rose Los Angeles (for the elevated chic vibes) or Offfield (for the runners high vibes).
The dad that doesn’t want anything and doesn’t have hobbies (like really): The best gift is your presence! Plan Dad’s Favorite Things Day™ where you just spend a day doing all the stuff he *does* like together. Home Depot and Costco run! Lunch at that one deli he’s obsessed with! Watch the entire sports game. If your dad is anything like my dad, he’ll get an absolute kick out of it.
For The… sister’s boyfriend who the only thing you know they like is their college football team. We love this. Dig in to find some vintage gear for said college football team (Think: Alabama National Champs 1992 Hat. Roll tide!) GOAT Vintage has some good ones, as does Elle Mae, and Homefield Apparel has a fairly good vintage-esque selection, and there are tons of vintage shops on Poshmark, Etsy and Ebay! This approach also works for dads, brothers, husbands who don’t want anything or buy themselves all the other stuff. everyone loves their sports teams!
The wife who really needs to treat herself: If she needs to treat herself and she isn’t, let’s consider what’s getting in the way! REMOVE THOSE BARRIERS, and then also do the treating. Example: a spa gift certificate isn’t very relaxing if she needs to also schedule a babysitter, make lunches, and write out the routine. Handle all that shit as part of the gift. (and, just get in the habit of doing this more generally. This cannot be a once a year, special occasion occurrence!)
okay that’s it, this gift guide literally crashed my ancient computer a thousand times from all the research tabs. happy gifting, and remember — the best gift is one that is thoughtful, and so rarely is one that is the most expensive.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Some real gems in here!!
This is so wildly incredible. All of it, wow.