It’s my annual roundup of holiday gift ideas. A rambling and random assortment of goodies that I love and that are popular on the blog.
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Who needs another gift guide? Not you. Or me.
And yet, I feel compelled to chime in with a few things I love.
Without further ado, here’s this year’s holiday gift ideas …
Books
Books are my favorite gift to give and receive. As usual, I bought my fair share this year and these are my favorite of favorites and particularly gift worthy.
Artful Home by Josh Young is a masterpiece, he inspired me to decorate our dining table with books.
Memories of Home by Heidi Callier is heavily influencing the design of our the little house on 4th.
Patina Homes & Gardens showcases twenty of Brooke and Steve Giannetti’s beautiful projects including Jennifer Garner’s Brentwood home – also featured (with video tour) in Architectural Digest. It’s still a preorder situation, but you can get it directly from the Giannetti’s shop now (check shipping timeline).
Forever Beautiful the third book in Mark D. Sikes Beautiful series no explanation needed.
Architect Gil Schafer III’s Home At Last is the third in a series and my favorite so far.
Country House Living by Nora Murphy features the home of favorite blogger, Molly in Maine.
Lady Pamela by (her daughter) India Hicks is, as expected, stunning.
Nathan Turner’s American Style is a total delight featuring more of his classic, effortless, style.
Ina Garten’s memoir wins for best book title of the year … and best motto … Be Ready When the Luck Happens was worth the wait. I read it and then listened to her audio book narration.
The Paris Novel by food writer Ruth Reichl is delightful.
If you’re a cozy mystery lover like me, Hill House Vintage creator Paula Sutton’s debut The Potting Shed Murder doesn’t disappoint.
Martha: The Cookbook is Martha Stewart’s 100th book. Did you watch the Netflix documentary? I loved it but we need more … a part two. As expected, the design and photography are lovely and I’ve flagged a number of recipes that I want to make, including her waffles this weekend. Up your cookbook gift giving game by including a cookbook stand, I love this one. This easel also makes a good cookbook stand, it’s sold out, but check back.
I loved Myquillyn Smith’s latest, House Rules, and have come to appreciate her cozy minimalist philosophy. Last year she produced a 31-episode podcast of the same name. It’s very good, and thought provoking.
Organizing expert Shira Gill’s latest book, LifeStyled, will debut December 3rd. It’s her third book (Minimalista was a revelation for me … she’s also of the minimalist mindset) and I can’t wait. It’s a welcome gift for your home-loving friends and family and will get them in the right mindset for January’s inevitable organizing frenzy.
Candles
Second only to books, candles are a favorite gifting item and there are so many wonderful options from local and small businesses.
Making the list for the fourth year in a row, the Hood Canal Candle Co. AKA Pamela of Salish Sea Cottage. Her fall and winter collection is sublime and I adore the new vessel options, particularly the mercury glass. Who can resist Apples & Maple Bourbon, Cranberry Prosecco, and Festive Eggnog … and so many more wonderful fragrance options. Note: last day to order December 10th.
My new local favorite is from Jen’s California Candle Co. The beautiful Alamo candle has local wildflowers embedded in the wax. It’s part of her core candle collection which includes the Tahoe (which I recently gifted Kim), Carmel and Presidio. This year’s seasonal offerings are the Holiday and Pumpkin Spice, both reflecting the freshness of Northern California’s fall and winter seasons.
Cozies
Ugg’s Ultra Mini Bootie in Sand is top of my wish list this year. Niece Shelby loves the Ultra Mini Platform.
As a cozy sock connoisseur, Ugg fleece lines socks are the best.
Perfect White Tee’s Ziggy Sweatshirt … with fleece on the outside, is incredibly cozy. I want all the colors. I think it runs a tad small, so I bought a medium.
Quince’s Cropped Cotton Cardigan is by far the most popular item on the blog this year. It’s certainly one of the most popular pieces in my closet. It comes in many colors and can be worn through all four seasons.
Quince knows sweaters and no one on your list will turn up their nose at their gorgeous Mongolian Cashmere Fisherman’s Turtleneck Sweater or Cashmere Ribbed Beanie.
Custom Gifts
Recently I featured my cousin Lydia Makes Art’s holiday gift tags, She’s a talented young artiest and also paints house and pet portraits … which make wonderful gifts. Inquire and order on her website or direct message her via Instagram.
Home Stuff
It wouldn’t be a gift guide if I didn’t include Breville’s amazing milk frother. It’s on the top ten list of things I can’t (don’t want to) live without.
When I was a twenty and thirty-something I wished for high-quality sheet sets under the tree. For some reason good sheets and towels were things I loved, but had a hard time spending my hard earned money on. Quince’s European linen sheets are popular, and even better they’re luxurious and affordable.
Who doesn’t want a Le Creuset Dutch oven … or two? They’re the best and I use mine every week … for soups, stews, pot roasts, etc. The 5.5 quart is my go-to size.
Dansk’s butter warmer is on my holiday wish list. Hello Santa? Ok, I love it because it’s adorable, but it has so many uses. Melting butter, obviously … which is something I do quite a bit. I can also see heating up maple syrup when I make Martha Stewart’s waffles this weekend. And also for making a special cup of cocoa with real chocolate and whole milk. Yum. Or it can just sit out and look adorable.
Throw are always welcomes gifts … who doesn’t want and need more throws? When Kim and I were at Serena & Lily last week we oohed and awed over the beautiful Albion mohair throws. In plaids and solids they’re gorgeous thrown over a sofa or chair … and cozy to curl up in. Best of all they’re on sale!
Serena & Lily’s border frame cashmere throws are also on sale, and have that quiet luxury vibe that never goes out of style.
My go-to ‘house’ throws are more affordable and found at Tar-jay. This chunky knit throw in cream covers nearly every surface our sweet dogs and cat might want so nap on … and are easily washed and dried. If you need more color in your life, this green plaid throw is a beauty, so is this one. And this waffle knit throw in a sagey green is calling my name.
Saje Aroma Nook Diffuser is one of the best gifts I ever received. I turn it on every morning filled with Liquid Sunshine, my go-to diffuser blend.
Kiddos
I literally gasp when I came across the toy and playlet collection from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia at Target. It reminds me of the traditional Playskool toys my little sister had when we were growing up, but these toys and sets are made with wood and a soft, muted color palette that’s easy on the eye (and your home’s interiors).
From playhouses to trainsets, chicken coops to coffee stations, there’s something for every interest and play scenario. View the entire collection here.
Self-Care Essentials
Osea’s popular Undaria Algae Body Oil and Body Lotion now come in a limited edition set.
Laneige’s lip sleeping mask found its way into my stocking last Christmas and I’m hooked. It comes in a variety of – very subtle – fragrances and I use it day and night.I
Travel Accessories
Serena & Lily’s leather passport holders are so chic. As are their matching luggage tag, zippered pouch, and jewelry roll. Coastal blue, navy and chartreuse … how to decide?
These region specific carry-alls are great for travel … packing cosmetics and toiletries. I have the Bay Area version and they offer 15 or more other regions throughout the U.S.
Miscellany
Two-Bottle Wine Caddy comes with a fish shaped corkscrew. Filled it with wine, olive oils and vinegars for a hostess gift … it comes in a bunch of patterns and colors.
William Sonoma’s dried citrus cocktail garnish set is the perfect hostess gift for your cocktail loving friends. Gift one to yourself too. I did.
The Sisters Market is up and running for the season … send a box of naval oranges, or gift boxes like Vitamin C, Tea & Chill and the just released Holiday Box. I learned about The Sister’s Market from Ina Garten who recommends their Cara Cara’s for winter margaritas … they’re not in season yet, hopefully soon.
The Sisters Market Holiday Box
Shop Local
We’re all pressed for time and letting our fingers do the ordering is easy and convenient but some of the most special and unique finds come from our local shops and small businesses. If you live in the Bay Area, these are some of my favorite and most frequented shops for beautiful things.
Danville – Eye for Pretty Home, Flaunt
Lafayette – Misto Lino, White Barn Home, Zahra
Orinda – Garden Nest, Orinda Books, ReChic
Sonoma – Chateau Sonoma
So here you have it, this year’s holiday gift ideas.
What’s your favorite thing to give or receive?
Let me know!
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