No. 14: Gifts, treats and delights.
From the trustiest resource of all.
The group chat is not only a place for lengthy voicenotes, but also WORLD class recommendations hot off the press from the fingertips of the people I love and trust most. Thank you for making it that much easier for me to shop for you Co, Grace, Dev and Gab :) Without further ado, the gift guide….
I. Colette McDermott
Breville Bambino: Need I say more? This little machine has been a major topic of conversation lately among my friends (especially those who are also poog listeners) needless to say I’m convinced this would majorly improve my mornings without taking up all my kitchen counter space!
Ginny Sim’s ceramic mugs: If you give a mouse an espresso machine, she’s gonna need some Ginny Sim’s ceramic mugs to go with it.
France Luxe hair accessories: I've been inspired by Carolyn Bassett Kennedy’s hair accessories lately and came across these - which are not only sophisticated but also useful for the everyday. A perfect stocking stuffer.
Daiyo rice wax Japanese candles: I love these meditation candles - they have a burn time of 15 minutes - which adds a lovely element of intentionality to your practice.
Noguchi and Greece, Greece and Noguchi – Atelier Éditions Inc: I flipped through this book in a shop recently and was captivated by the imagery – Noguchi had so much reverence for raw natural materials and I loved seeing his imagination at work in such an awe-inspiring setting as Greece. I ended up getting it as a Christmas present for my boyfriend (uhh ohh he reads this newsletter!)
La Soufflerie White Wine Glass: I love these handmade recycled glass wine glasses. Made by a husband and wife duo in France, these sweet glasses are promised to be wabi-sabi and a little inconsistent in size and shape which I love.
II. Grace Dougherty
We’re doing luxe, we’re doing functional, we’re doing fashion, we’re doing vintage honey!!!! Please brace yourself.
Sylvia: This morning (and often) I was reminded of Angela Hill whose highly coveted book Sylvia is currently sold out (resale prices are off the charts), but her newest book Edith is available here at IDEA.
Rira Objects bowl: I’ve already written about these in my Affection Archives feature, but I’m going to write about them again. They are a pretty penny, and some people have those. I am begging for this bowl on my knees. Here’s a cheaper option that’s also terrific and on sale no less!!!!!
Elsa Peretti sterling silver pasta server: I love this “for your friend that has everything” as the gift guides say.
Designer towels: Recently I was at my friend's beautiful home in Sierra Madre (places you’d like to live) and she had vintage designer towels in her bathroom, which I have now been scouring the web for and I think they make such a chic gift. I love giving someone a vintage gift, it’s even more special because less and less people will have it. You can find my favorites here, here, and here.
Cheese Knives: My mother tells me it’s bad luck to give knives as gifts, but if you’re not superstitious these cheese knives are on my list.
Sophie Buhai barette: It’s hard to not mention hair accessories so I will also be begging for barrettes such as this Sophie Buhai one. Cheaper option here.
Tiffany Tulips cachepot: I buy flowers every Sunday at the farmers market and want to put all of them in this sweet pot.
Buly travel hairbrush: A classic thoughtful gift from Buly that you can personalize. Anything from France is immediately chic.
Louis Sherry chocolate truffles: The other night I watched Meet Me in St. Louis for the first time (I highly recommend, it’s not a traditional Christmas movie, but there’s a 30 minute portion towards the end that is some of the best Christmas-y Christmas I’ve ever seen) and there’s a moment that Judy Garland’s (Esther Smith) father (played by Leon Ames) gives her mother (played by Mary Astor) a box of chocolates “sweets to the sweet!”, he says. Behold!!! A tin box of gold, otherwise known as Louis Sherry chocolate truffles. The brand has been around since 1881. I am over the moon. The most timeless gift. I’ll leave you with that.
III. Devon Swartz
DIY lip scrub: do you make coffee every morning? if so, why not use those coffee grounds for a cute little DIY gift. make your own lip scrub!! mix up your coffee grounds + coconut oil and put into a small container that you can definitely get from amazon. easy! it’s cooler and dryer and lips will be chapped out there. a great, homemade solution.
Donate to tree people in honor of someone you love: while you can’t technically “donate a tree” in someone’s name, you can donate to tree people and dedicate it to someone, and that money goes towards their tree care program throughout all of southern california and ongoing reforestation efforts.
Wax Charm candle: I put this brand in a gift guide I made last year, and I am bringing it back…because they are just so charming and fun and girly. I love and want all of them.
The New Yorker: give someone the gift of a new yorker subscription!! even if just for the crossword.
Blackmass publishing zines: zines are just the best. i love how intimate they feel. i want each and every one of their zines.
Edward Wohl cutting boards: these are the sexiest cutting boards ever. all of them are handmade in wisconsin at wohl’s studio. they come in different shapes and sizes and will last for a long time. you can buy directly from the wohl site, but the good liver has a nice selection of them too.
Hot water bottle: my hot water bottle has really changed the quality of my life. it’s pure comfort. this brand makes really cute covers and I promise someone you know is going to be so grateful that you thought of this for them. cozy!!!
IV. Gaby Azorsky
All the gifts I’m giving and wishing for this year are in the theme of: nourishing the essence of a cozy home.
Bodha Incense: Scent is so fun to play with in the home, it shifts the mood, awakens us or helps us unwind from the day. I’ve gotten into the ritual of lighting Bodha incense when I wake up and in the evenings, and really love their offerings. They describe their products as a meditation on fragrance, and I agree. I like the subtlety of their scents, the intention of the experience that they want to create, and the process of lighting the incense in my home.
The Witches Herbal Apothecary: This is the book by my teacher, Marysia Miernowska, for my herbalism school program. I read the book prior to starting the course, and it is so beautiful. It goes through the seasons, herbs through each season, practices, rituals, and recipes for connecting to the Earth. For your friend who loves nature, and is a little witchy / wants to be more witchy.
Activist Manuka Honey: This honey is extremely decadent and anti-viral. One of my favorite host gifts for attending celebrations or staying with family.
Cozy slippers: Really nothing to say here, but I want these.
V. Lastly, yours truly
Antique Boiled egg holders: I love cooking breakfast for the people I love most.. I used to make my brother breakfast every day and he would rub his hands together (partly joking) but also out of actual excitement to see what “chef eddie” as he calls me would be serving that morning. I wish I had these at the time. I like these (Casa Lawa vibes) and these. Very giftable item!
Chanel nail polish: Both useful and chic on a bathroom counter or vanity. And most people wouldn’t buy this for themselves. Rouge Noir is my favorite.
Flowers: Instead of giving someone more stuff.. I always consider bringing someone a flower arrangement. What’s nicer than ringing in a new year with a beautiful arrangement for their entryway or next to their bedside as they close out the year. It’s a treat! If you’re in NY… Saffron BK, Outline Florals, or my friend Taylor makes magic. If you’re in LA… Mila Floral, Isa Isa Florals, Yasmine Mei.
Sophie Bille Brahe jewelry box: $85 for this adorable velvet jewelry box… I have color fatigue… but the green feels royal.
If you’re reading this, you are either super behind on your shopping or one of my favorite subscribers. Either way, happy holidays <3