The spirit of gathering, sharing, and giving at the holiday season absolutely warms my heart. Gift-giving really is an art and I get such joy from finding that perfect gift for my family and my friends-who-feel-like-family. So, without further ado, may I present some of my top gift suggestions, based on various interests!
For the Chic Homebody…
When I traveled to South Africa earlier this year, I bought many items from Quince… I was blown away by the quality. Every single item I bought has become a wardrobe staple and I have been in *love* with this brand ever since. This will not be the last appearance by them in this guide but these Silk Pajamas make a wonderful gift. As do their cashmere socks!
Faux Feathered Slippers in a variety of colors are perfect for channeling a 1920’s starlet at her dressing table!
And, who could go wrong with a chic bedside carafe and drinking glass set? This pink pair from Maison Balzac had me at hello!
- Links:
- Quince Silk Pajamas (Top, Bottom)
- Quince Cashmere Socks
- Faux Feathered Slippers
- Maison Balzac Pink Carafe & Drinking Glass Set
For the Home Cook
Cookbooks are always a welcome gift. These are all came out this year and are less likely to already be on your friends’ shelves. First, La Vita É Dolce explores Italian desserts with pastry chef Leticia Clark (who also wrote Sardinian Cookbook, Bitter Honey). Next, Celebrate with Babs, because to follow @brunchwithbabs is to love her! And finally, La Buvette: Recipes & Wine Notes from Paris, written by the owner of the famous Parisian café and wine bar.
For a non-book related gift: This set of 4 Spongeware Mugs by Tory Burch can become your giftee’s new go-to morning cup and of course, Chinoiserie kitchen towels are a resounding “yes” from me.
And, if you are planning to splurge, this 24-piece Cutlery Set from Laguiole is an actual *dream*!
- Links:
For the “Drinks First” Friend…
For the friend who loves a good cocktail, The New York Times Essential Book of Cocktails features more than 400 classic and contemporary cocktail recipes. If they are more of a wine person, The Sommelier’s Cookbook is full of great dishes with recommended wine pairings.
If you prefer to gift glassware, these Champagne Coupes from Estelle Colored Glass are beautiful. By my count, there are 16 different colors to choose from so you are sure to find the right shade for your recipient! Alternatively, might I suggest a set of Square-Cut Crystal Highballs?
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For the Fan of Parlor Games…
Two prettied-up versions of a classic game? Sign me up! These Chinoiserie Playing Cards come in a Ceramic Box and this version of Clue is designed to look pretty on your bookshelf.
Next, Piecework Puzzles never misses! The customized scenes in their puzzle sets are works of art in their own right which makes putting them together that much more fun. Only a handful of their puzzles are available on Amazon so I selected these three should you require last-minute, speedy delivery.
- Links:
- Clue: Vintage Bookshelf Edition
- Chinoiserie Playing Cards
- Piecework Puzzles: “Disco Queen”
- Piecework Puzzles: “After Party”
- Piecework Puzzles: “Oy to the World”
For the Beauty Lover…
I took a Merit Beauty Set with me to South Africa and am a total convert! This set is specifically designed for Holiday Gifting with less color-matching required. Similarly, this Lip Palette by Rouje has blendable shades that can suit just about every skin tone.
Made with French Guérande Salt, Sels De Bain Odiférants by iconic beauty brand Buly 1803 are full of minerals and feature a fragrant herbal blend with woody notes. And for drying off afterward, the Aquis Hair Towel is made of microfiber to help dry hair faster, protecting from breakage and damage.
A silk eye mask is a great way to unwind, block out light, and protect the delicate eye area from creases and folds while sleeping. This Mulberry Silk option is very affordable and from Quince.
And finally, these Dieux Skin Forever Under-Eye Patches are a brilliant eco-friendly solution to single-use under-eye masks. Simply use your favorite eye cream or treatment and layer the reusable eye masks on top. The masks help to seal in your skin product to boost efficacy.
- Links:
- Merit Beauty La Fête Set
- Rouje Lip Palette in Madame
- French Bath Salts by Buly 1803
- Mulberry Silk Beauty Sleep Mask
- Dieux Skin Forever Eye Masks
For the New Mother…
When a new baby arrives, so much focus is on the newborn that we often forget Mom just went through a lot! This cashmere robe is ultra-soft for those early weeks at home and has that special touch of luxury she so deserves.
This very helpful little piece of tech means no more cold cups of coffee for Mom! The Ember Temperature Control Mug heats drinks to keep them at a stable temperature. All controlled by an app!
For the Interiors Tastemaker…
Coffee table books galore! It is difficult to go wrong with these classics.
- Links:
For the Disney Aficionado…
Be still my Disney-Loving-Heart! Inspiring Walt Disney looks at the influence of French Decorative Arts on Disney’s early fairytale films such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and more.
The Poster Art of the Disney Parks is by no means a new release but it is a very fun look at the posters used to promote Disney Parks throughout the years. Retro park maps, individual ride posters, and so much more are inside.
Lastly, powerhouse publisher Taschen looks at Disneyland’s history through it’s unique art-focused lens in Walt Disney’s Disneyland.
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For the Epicurean Adventurer…
Adventurous cookbooks whether on sustainably using every part of the vegetable in The Whole Vegetable by Sophie Gordon, or the art of pasta making in Pasta: The Spirit and Craft of Italy’s Greatest Food are a great choice.
Or for more hands-on gifts, a Vegetable Fermentation Kit or Microgreens Grow Kit.
- Links:
- The Whole Vegetable Cookbook
- Pasta: The Spirit and Craft of Italy’s Greatest Food
- Vegetable Fermentation Kit by FarmSteady
- Hamama Microgreens Grow Kit
For the Lover of Luxury…
Quince makes its final appearance in today’s list with three items in the Luxury List: Organic Freshwater Cultured Pearl Drop Earrings, Mongolian Cashmere Crew-Neck Sweater (available in fifteen different colors!), and a Mulberry Silk Pillowcase.
Additionally, these velvet jewelry trays are perfect for organizing favorite pieces and this bag from fashion-influencer-favorite-brand Polène is also a beauty!
- Links:
For the Wanderer…
For those with a Wanderlust Soul, these feast-for-the-eyes books make a brilliant mini-escape.
- Links:
- An American In Provence by Jamie Beck
- Great Escapes Africa: The Hotel Book by Taschen
For the Pet Parent…
These dog and cat ornaments are organized by breed. Add their name and the year for a touch of customization. For mixed breeds, find the closest fit! Order quickly as these are made by an Etsy Seller and make take time to arrive…
- Link:
- Customizable Pet Ornament
For the Avid Gardener…
To help with landscaping, consider a book on Flower Color Theory for some creative inspiration. Or consider some lovely tools such as these high-quality (and very chic!) Secateurs, a Gathering Basket (vintage, so be on the look out for similar options!) and a Gardener’s Apron area all perfect fits.
- Link:
- Flower Color Theory by Phaidon
- Secateurs
- Gathering Basket
- Garden Apron
For the Crafter…
These adorable Beginners Crochet Kits from Woobles come pre-cast with instructions to make sweet animals– be sure to search around as there are dozens of different animals to choose from. Or for something a little more practical, this knitting set teaches you to make your own chunky blanket.
For the One Who Has Everything…
High Camp Supply will send a box of fresh gardenias anywhere in the continental US. There are a variety of boxes to choose from but pictured here is the Vine & Bloom Discovery Box.
