I am choosing to view this unsettling omission as a temporary result of needing the banana space for Thanksgiving-specific items. (Although the banana area is now half-full of pineapple, which is perplexing on many levels.) Who knows. Maybe no one eats bananas over Thanksgiving weekend. And I was at the store early on a Monday morning, so it’s possible the banana truck just hadn’t arrived yet? Yes, let’s go with that. I don’t even EAT bananas, but I don’t think I could handle a banana shortage. It would cause a banana panic, and no one needs that, although it is rather fun to say.
The chicken section was a little thin, too – and the breasts themselves looked kind of wan. I don’t care for a wan breast. But I bought three packages anyway; they were on sale and we’re facing down a Winter Storm Warning and we’re in the middle of a pandemic. But there were paper towels on the shelves and everything else seemed to be in stock. Well, except for cleaning sprays; that shelf was still pretty bare. I bought a bunch of canned veggies and some cereal for the food drive at my husband’s hospital, and both canned veggies and cereal were abundant. Notwithstanding the robust stores of food and supplies, I still feel a strong wave of Impending Doom which crests while I’m in the grocery store. (I seriously still cannot pass by a package of flour without gazing at it longingly. GET IT TOGETHER.)
Today’s doom is, in part, brought to you by a little trip I took to Home Depot yesterday. (The other part is the Winter Storm Warning and the neverending pandemic, obvs.) You can order curbside service at Home Depot, which I VASTLY prefer to wandering the aisles of Home Depot, hoping to glimpse a wisp of Home Depot staff member in the distance, let alone actually interact with someone who can direct you to the correct aisle. Curbside service, which I have used twice now, is prompt and masked. Yesterday, I ordered and picked up a sled for Carla. This will ensure that the foot of snow we are promised will turn out to be a measly inch of watery sludge. Anyway, I was waiting for my curbside order when I saw a family exit the Depot with their cart full of paper towels.
At first, I thought they were geniuses. Of course Home Depot sells paper goods! And if you can’t find paper towels at Target, Home Depot is a good bet. (They also have hand sanitizer and lots of cleaning supplies. Hot tip.) Or perhaps they were in the store for normal Home Depot reasons and just happened across the paper towels and marveled at their presence and bought some — beats going to Home Depot AND Target/Costco/your-paper-towel-purveyor-of-choice. But then I quickly slid from congratulatory musing to alarm, and the tableau shifted from one of Happy Family Grabs Bounty Whilst Picking Up Lightbulbs to that of Shrewd Preppers Seek Out Last Paper Goods At Unlikely Source, as when you see disaster films showing people jogging from, like, a Toys R US, with a cart full of bottled water and baby food and ammunition. Okay, maybe not Toys R Us. My panic-fantasies are dated and inaccurate.
I am always on the precipice of panic, it seems, and seeing someone else with paper towels is enough to send me scrabbling over the edge, it seems. Even though lack of paper towels is NOT THE END OF THE WORLD. Even if our supply of paper towels could use a little plumping, perhaps next time I visit the grocery store, we can certainly survive WITHOUT.
Speaking of paper goods, though of a different sort: I could use some more wrapping paper. We are down to maybe four semi-used rolls and one fresh one, which feels a little risky. I have done SO MUCH wrapping and it just now the very beginning of December. Yes, many people plan ahead like this Every Single Year, but this is new to me. And while I am pretty sure I am done with my Christmas shopping, I do keep buying justonemorething and other lovely people keep sending us gifts that also require wrapping. I don’t like to be low on wrapping paper, is what I’m trying to tell you.
I guess you can add a little Holiday Apprehension to the list of Doom Source Material. Some days it feels delicious and festive, other days — like today — it feels tiring and stressful.
Then there’s the other potential/likely source of doom: the resumption of remote learning this week. I think (I HOPE) it will be better than it was in the spring. But I am still dreading it.
This, the week after Thanksgiving, in a Period Of Doom, I am not feeling like cooking at all. AT. ALL. And yet we still must eat, I suppose. Myself, I could probably hibernate all winter on the mashed potato intake of the past week alone. But my daughter probably needs regular feeding. And all the doom and dread makes me crave pasta. One must carbo load to be able to outrun The Fearsome Something that is sending spikes of panic through one’s endocrine system.
In any event, meals must happen. So here we go, an attempt at a menu plan for the week.
One of my favorite categories of articles to read is the Gift Guide. I love Ultra Specific gift guides (gifts for dog lovers! gifts for vegetarians who also eat bacon! gifts for aunts!) and I love Big Broad Gift Guides alike. It’s so fun to see the latest trends in giving (and to see whether Hot Honey will be on the list YET AGAIN), they are a cheering distraction from all the dire news, and sometimes I actually find a gift or two for whom I know the PERFECT recipient! As usual, I have been collecting ideas for gifts ALL YEAR and have put some of them together into a brand new gift guide for your reading distraction.
Even though I bookmark possible gifts all year, I am terrible about a) putting them together in a post and b) actually buying them for their intended recipients. This year, my patented Gift Giving Anxiety is paired with a thick dollop of Shipping Times Are Uncertain and a hefty pour of This Year Needs to Be EXTRA Special, so I’m feeling a little panicked already. Have you already completed your holiday shopping? PLEASE SAY I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS BARELY BEGUN.
Ahem. This is a post of diversion and joy! (Not overwhelm and panic.)
Without futher ado, here is a VERY random assortment of gifts (and many, many books!) I am considering for people on my list (or, you know, hoping to receive). As usual, this is not sponsored, but the Amazon products use affiliate links, through which I get a few cents if you make a purchase. Also, if you are expecting a gift from me this year, please be warned that there are SPOILERS AHEAD. (And check out the 2019 Gift Guide and the 2018 Gift Guide for other gift inspiration, even if the links may no longer be live.)
All photos are from the websites linked to in the gift descriptions.
Just Dance: This has been one of my favorite purchases of the pandemic. It’s available for the Nintendo Switch but I think you can also get a Playstation version. It’s a really fun way to move your body (I get SO sweaty and tired after a couple of songs) and bond with your kiddo, partner, or roommate.
Man Crate Puzzle Box: My husband and I love to play puzzle-style computer games together, and this physical-world option sounds really fun and cool.
Fondue for Two: My in-laws have a tradition of fondue for Christmas Eve dinner. But I don’t know if they would go to all the trouble when it’s just the two of them. This little fondue set would be perfect! Also, it’s adorable.
George & Viv Hand and Foot Cream: Hand cream is one of my favorite things to get for Christmas, and I have been using it SO MUCH now that I am washing my hands and using hand sanitizer more obsessively than ever. This set comes with foot cream – which I also love – and looks so cute and festive.
Just Add Gin: Speaking of my in-laws, which we were, just a minute ago, I have married into a Gin Family. Which is great, because I, too, love gin. This collection of gin mixers would be perfect for several people on my list. Including myself. By the way, if you haven’t tried it yet, Mouth.com is a GREAT company for hard-to-shop-for people, and for people who prefer consumable gifts. I’ve ordered a couple of gift boxes from Mouth during the pandemic, and they have been excellent and fun.
Bourbon Gift Set: Another fun gift for alcohol fans is a tasting collection of mini-bottles. It’s hard to find the right combination of not-too-expensive and enough-for-more-than-just-a-taste. This collection is a little on the pricy side, but it has good sized samples.
Club Bubbly Gift Membership: A champagne/prosessco/sparkling wine club? Yes please! If I were to request a splurge gift, this would be it.
Peanut Butter Fix: This collection of delicious treats would be perfect for my husband, whose favorite food is peanut butter. However, I just got him a Mouth gift box for his birthday, so perhaps I will save this one for Father’s Day.
The Nut Fix: And while we’re drooling over the gift boxes at Mouth, why not consider this package of artisanal nuts for the nut nut in your family?
Work Gloves: If you have someone on your holiday list who works outside a lot, these gloves look perfect – tight fitting, warm, and durable.
Fingerless Writing Gloves: An entirely different type of work gloves, from the TogetherDifferent Etsy store. These would be perfect for the hopeful writer you know… or pretty much anyone who’s hunched over a computer in a cold corner of the dining room trying to work from home.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett: This was one of the best books I read all year. I still think about it. A beautifully written story about identity and the face we present to the world – and how that complicates how we see ourselves – this would make a great gift for the avid reader on your list.
Wedge Fund: It’s probably clear by now that I love to give edible presents. As far as food gifts go, this cheese-and-charcuterie sampler looks delicious.
Offbeat Pickle Box: Or this collection of unusual pickled treats – peaches! beets! cauliflower! – would be really fun for the pickle-lover on your gift list.
Peanut Butter Sampler: I have already mentioned that my husband is a peanut butter NUT, and this sampler might be just the ticket for him this year.
Crab Cakes: My parents love getting crab cakes from, of all places, our local grocery store when they visit. Since they won’t be visiting us for the holidays this year, they will have to wait a looooooong time to get some, so it might be fun to send them some delicious crab cakes as a gift.
Maya the Mermaid: For one of the kids on your holiday list. These dolls are adorable – and each doll purchased means a donation of 10 meals to hungry children all over the world.
Singin’ Smart Educational Songs: When Carla found so much joy learning the 50 Nifty United States song earlier this year, I went looking for other educational songs she might enjoy. This CD has songs about the branches of government, state capitals, bones of the body, and more.
ChopChop Magazine: For families who like to cook together, this magazine seems perfect. Published by a non-profit organization that aims to help build nutritional curiosity, STEAM skills, and literacy by delivering content to families, teachers, doctors, and libraries. It would be fun to pair a subscription with an apron.
Build-It-Yourself Woodworking Kit: Carla saw this in the Lakeshore Learning catalog and requested it for the holidays. I know she would LOVE it.
Black Women Writers Card Collection: One of my favorite gifts to give (and receive) is beautiful greeting cards. This collection, featuring vivid illustrations and quotes from black women writers, would be a delight.
Wooden Succulent Planter: This beautiful geometric planter – made of sustainably grown wood – would be perfect for the friend trying to spruce up their home office, or a family member with a green thumb. (Or not-so-green thumb – even I have been able to keep succulents alive!) Plus, with every product sold, Oakywood plants a tree.
Historic Women Who Dared Wine Glasses: I love these stemless glasses – each one features tidbits about feminist icons like Sojourner Truth and Marie Curie.
Ninja Blender: This is a splurge, but it’s totally worth it. My husband and I got really into making mixed drinks during the early months of the pandemic, and our decade-plus old blender wasn’t cutting it. So we bought a Ninja blender and it is AWESOME. I love the separate blender cups because you can make a single serving of a drink, or a smoothie, or salad dressing, or avocado crema, all without dirtying the entire blender. It sounds like an airplane taking off when it’s in action, but it can blend the bejeezus out of things. Highly recommend.
Lavender Eye Pillow: If you know any teachers or any parents who have been overseeing remote learning this year, might I suggest a soothing eye pillow from LaSalleAve Soap Shop on Etsy? I can just imagine how calming it would be to lie down for five minutes with a warm, delicately scented weight over my eyes after dealing with Zoom lessons all day.
Sleep Spray: Or maybe some calming sleep spray to help a stressed-out friend or loved one get to sleep at night.
White Willow Bath Bombs: Speaking of self-care, these bath bombs sound amazing. If chamomile tea is a cure-all, then steeping your body in a chamomile bath must be even better, right?
Long-Distance Touch Bracelet: This gift makes me a little teary – it seems extra appropriate during pandemic times, when we get to see our long-distance friends and family members even less often than usual. They come in pairs, and when you touch yours, the one your giftee is wearing will light up and vibrate! What a nice way to remind your loved one you are thinking about them.
Amethyst Face Roller: I guess the ubiquity of jade face rollers on gift guides over the years has finally worn me down, and I want one. Except I want this amethyst version because it’s PURPLE.
Animal Print Masks: Carla would love these reusable face masks from the LolaLovesIt Etsy shop – they come in beautiful animal prints and have adjustable ear loops, which I have found to be VERY important in face mask success.
Sacagawea by Lise Erdrich: Growing up in the Western plains, I loved books about Native American life and legends – I hope to instill in Carla knowledge and appreciation of the original inhabitants of the Americas. One of my favorites was the story of Sacagawea, but the interpretations I read as a child were by white authors. This version’s author and illustrator are each Native American women.
Diapers: Maybe not a gift to wrap and put under the tree, but as you make your Target and Amazon orders, it might be easy to add a pack of diapers (or period supplies) to your cart and donate them to your local branch of the National Diaper Bank Network.
Vet Academy: This workbook uses arts and crafts, puzzles, and quizzes to show what life would be like as a veterinarian. Carla would LOVE this.
Moon Cycle Art Print: It’s very tricky to buy art for someone else unless you know them VERY well, but this moon cycle print from NonilyStudio is so beautiful, I imagine you know SOMEONE who would love it.
Let’s Stay Home Print: This appeals to my introvert heart. Plus, it’s VERY appropriate for 2020, especially as we are headed into a new peak of coronavirus cases.
State Pride Coasters: I’m always on the hunt for good coasters, and these are very attractive.
Beeswax Wrap: These reusable food wraps from TheTravelingBeeShop are SO lovely. You definitely have someone on your gift list who wants this starter pack.
Reusable “Paper” Towels: Is there anything more on the nose for 2020 than paper towel replacements? I think not. These cotton towels from CozySimpleLiving on Etsy are so pretty and eco-friendly AND will give anyone uneasily watching the newest paper-towel shortage a sense of much-needed relief. Or you could try a reusable roll from Ecozied – they are made from wood pulp (!!!) and the designs are adorable.
Reusable Sponge Cloths: This is where I admit that I can’t stand sponges. Yuck. But I got a trio of reusable sponges a few years ago and LOVE them. Now that they are wearing out, I’ve been looking for new ones and these Swedish sponge cloths look perfect. I think you’d have to really know your recipient before buying these for someone, but I’m guessing I’m not the only person who would enjoy getting them as a gift.
Fudge Sampler: This gift would be perfect for someone hard to shop for. Or for a colleague, or your kids’ teachers, or someone else you want to spoil without going overboard or getting too personal. While I haven’t tried this specific item, I have had excellent experiences with Nuts.com offerings, so I think it’s a good bet.
Hand Soap: I don’t know about you, but I am ALWAYS on the hunt for soap these days and would be very pleased to get some as a gift. The packaging of this Hand in Hand soap is so cheery – plus, with every purchase, the company donates a bar of soap and a month of clean water to a child in need.
A Cozy Blanket: A blanket is an evergreen gift. The offerings at Beyond Buckskin are absolutely gorgeous – and all the products on the site are created by Native American artists.
The Blinds by Adam Sternbergh: Speaking of evergreen gifts, a really good, fast-paced thriller is always welcome under my tree. This book was based on such an intriguing premise and I devoured every word.
Banneton and Little Crock: I have an enduring love for beautiful and/or odd serving dishes. This little bread and butter/jam set is ADORABLE. I can think of at least five people in my life who could use one of these under their tree.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia: This has been on my to-read list since it came out earlier this year, and I finally ordered it as a treat for myself.
Family Scavenger Hunt: This game looks like it would be great fun to play together – and a good excuse to get everyone up and moving.
Family Feud Home Game: Despite the fact that I can never, ever spell “feud” correctly on the first try, I adore Family Feud and have managed to drag my family along with me. This looks like it would be a fun game to play together.
Jeopardy Card Game, Junior Edition: In honor of the late, great Alex Trebek. My husband and I like to play Jeopardy on our Amazon Echo, but it’s a little too advanced/high speed for Carla to join in. This card game might allow her to finally experience the joy that is Jeopardy.
Kids Against Maturity: This game sounds pretty fun to play as a family, too. Maybe a bit too old yet for Carla though.
What Do You Meme?: Speaking of family games, my husband has been asking for this one, and it gets great reviews.
Stet!: This game is on my gift list for a dear friend who happens to be a fellow grammar/usage snob and who gave me my beloved copy of Dreyer’s English.
Pranayama Wrap: Speaking of my personal wish list, I am definitely asking for this beautiful wrap. It has thumbholes!
Stack the Cats: This balancing gift from Etsy’s KnightingaleCrafts is so lovely, and I think any cat lover (maybe Carla?) would really enjoy playing with it. I feel like it would be the perfect desk fidget while listening to Zoom lectures or trying to edit a chapter.
Sunrise Alarm Clock: My whole family has a difficult time waking up in the dark winter months. I’ve heard great things about these clocks… maybe it’s time to buy one and try it out.
Bunch O Balloons: Listen, this may no longer be the right season for water balloon gifts, but these were SUCH a hit over the summer – and they sold out so frequently – that I think they would be a great Christmas option. Carla and her friends went through thousands of these during our infrequent backyard playdates. (My deepest apologies to the environment.)
Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World: Carla and I studied Frida Kahlo together this summer, but I wasn’t in love with the books I was able to find at our library. A friend raves about Anholt’s books on artists, so I’ve got this book in my Amazon cart.
Kids’ Croquet: This is billed as indoors/outdoors croquet, but we don’t have croquet-safe spaces inside. Perhaps it would be good for those living in warmer climates, though? Or something to keep in mind for next year?
Plush Octopus: There is no way I can justify buying Carla yet another stuffed animal. But SOME child needs this, desperately. It is SO CUTE.
One Leaf Rides the Wind: Carla and I also studied a little poetry together this summer, and she was super interested in formal poetry. This book looks like such a beautiful introduction to haiku.
Beginner Sewing Machine: Carla’s big gift this year will be a sewing machine. She has been SO interested in sewing and designing outfits for her stuffed animals over the past seven or eight months that I think she would really make use out of a sewing machine. I got a ton of GREAT, very specific, VERY helpful advice from Swistle readers about what to get her, and it seems like a beginner option is not ideal (the commenters recommended something durable and high quality, because it will be both easier to use and more likely to LAST). So I have asked around and am considering this Real Sewing Machine. But… it’s so expensive, and the beginner version is much more affordable (especially if Carla decides she doesn’t like it). Decisions, decisions! Made even more complicated because I have NO IDEA how to sew or what you need to operate a sewing machine or what I’m doing.
Art Paper Center: This amazing giant roll of drawing paper would get a TON of use at our house. (When I was a kid, I would have gone wild for the create-a-story paper center as well.)
Stuffed Animals Sewing Kit: While I think Carla has moved beyond the simplicity of this kit (this child taught herself how to make button holes and sew buttons onto fabric), I think my niece would LOVE it. (She’s almost two years Carla’s junior.)
A Computer Called Katherine: A picture book about math and outer space? That centers a real-lifeBlack, woman character? Yes, please.
Rainbow Post-Its: I don’t think there’s any way I could justify spending $31 on sticky notes, but Carla would LOVE THESE SO MUCH. Honestly, so would I.
Mini Kane Backpack: Still rainbow, but on the opposite end of the practicality spectrum: this adorable backpack. And with every bag purchased, this company supports American children and families in need – including by donating fully packed backpacks.
What Are You Going Through? by Sigrid Nunez: The author of one of my all-time favorite books (The Friend) has just come out with a new book. I MUST have this, and I am guessing your book-loving gift recipients need it, too.
The Searcher by Tana French: Speaking of new releases I really, really want for myself. I am a die-hard Tana French fan and want to read anything she writes.
Shed No Tears by Caz Frear: Same thing goes for Caz Frear, whose protagonist Cat Kinsella is electric. This book isn’t out until December 1, but I’m hoping it will still arrive in time for the holidays.
Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline: I suppose if we must think about gifts for OTHERS, and not OURSELVES, I would strongly consider getting this book for my husband. He loved Ready Player One, after all.
Evening Star Coffee: Do you have a coffee lover on your gift list? My husband is a coffee superfan, and I feel like I’ve bought him every coffee toy on the planet. But I can always find him interesting coffee to try! I love that this company uses family farms and native communities to source, process, and produce their coffee.
Coffee of the Month Club: This coffee-of-the-month club sounds doubly awesome – you can treat your favorite coffee lover’s caffeine habit PLUS support a team of firefighters and first responders with one gift!
Sarjesa Tea: Tea lovers like me are always looking for new brands to try. The tagline of this company is “real Canadian tea, supporting real Canadian women,” which sounds like a great reason to try their Earl Grey.
Bread Bag: We’re all accomplished bread bakers now, right? (No.) These bread bags are very cute and would be good for homemade and store bought bread. Maybe paired with a loaf of YOUR homemade bread? Or some yeast and fancy flour? I mean, that would be the height of pandemic gifting, right there.
Olive Oil & Vinegar Dipping Set: If you want to encourage someone’s bread baking habit, give them something delicious to dip the bread in! This option from Williams Sonoma has specialty flavors of oil and vinegar plus little dishes in which to pour them.
Jams & Spreads: Or something delicious to spread on top of the bread. This Holiday Jam from Stonewall Kitchen would be very seasonally apropos. Personally, I love this American Spoon apple and onion jam. It pairs well with a slice of brie, and I hear you can slather it on bread, slap some gruyere on top, and make a rockin’ good grilled cheese.
Bread Baker’s Apron: You will understand why I love the personalized apron from Peculiar People Design. (My name is never used as an example!) But I also love this Bread Is Pain option from Neurons Not Included.
Baguette Baker: For the bread aficionado who has everything?
Silicone Pot Holder: You know I am all about practical gift giving. This OXO pot holder is nearly identical to my current favorite. And I could use another one…
Murder on the Red River by Marcie Rendon: As a mystery-novel junkie, I am always on the lookout for new authors. Especially those who have a bunch of mysteries I can devour. This award-winning novel is the first in the author’s Cash Blackbear series. Rendon is a citizen of the White Earth Nation and I love that her books center Native American characters.
Kitchen Cube: This all-in-one measuring device would be perfect for the person who loves kitchen gadgets. I am so intrigued!
Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell: I read two Lisa Jewell books this summer – Then She Was Gone and The Family Upstairs – and really enjoyed both. I like Jewell’s writing style a lot and both books were fun, twisty thrillers. I’m guessing her newest book will be excellent as well.
Black & Decker Handheld Vacuum: If you really want a romantic gift, this handheld vacuum is… not the right choice. But it IS the right choice for all your daily vacuuming needs. As I posted about a while back, this little powerhouse is a hard-working member of my family and I love it and appreciate it deeply.
Lesser-Mentioned Beverly Cleary Books: Carla and I are reading through the Ramona books again, and it’s obvious why they are so beloved. But Cleary has so many other stand-alone characters that I remember fondly from childhood. I just reread Ellen Tebbits this summer, and am now reading it again with Carla, and I think the main character would resonate with LOTS of kids. Emily’s Runaway Imagination is a fantastic book – I think about the pie crust chapter more often than seems strictly healthy. Mitch and Amyis a classic. Somehow, I don’t think I ever read Muggie Maggie, which is a serious oversight that MUST be corrected.
Science in a Jar: If you know a child who likes science – and who has a parent who enjoys helping them with science as long as there’s not a lot of HOOPLA involved – this book is excellent. Carla received it as a gift last year, and it’s been an enduring favorite. It contains a wide variety of simple experiments and most of them require very little in terms of Extra Purchases. My favorite was when we bought white carnations and used some scientific principle I am forgetting to color them with food coloring. We also used jars filled with water to paint our nails, turned eggs into rubber using vinegar-filled jars, and this weekend Carla wants to make a cloud in a jar. Highly recommend.
Ask a Scientist: Carla is such a curious and inquisitive kid and she has SO many questions about SO many topics these days. I think this book would be excellent in both satisfying her curiosity and encouraging her to continue asking questions.
Bees: A Honeyed History: At one point this summer, Carla had a brief fascination with bees. This beautiful book has been in my Amazon cart ever since.
Outdoor Explorer/Bug Catching Kit: Carla’s uncle got her something similar to this kit for her birthday and we have since spent MANY MANY HOURS outside looking for bugs. It was a very successful present, is what I’m saying.
Beginner’s Science Lab: Carla requested this specifically and I am strongly thinking about it.
Arts & Crafts Supply Center: This is another gift Carla specifically requested. The Kid Made Modern arts and crafts supply library, which she got as a gift last year, was HUGELY popular with her, so I know she’d love this version. But I don’t know if I can stand the thought of finding pom-poms and pipe cleaner fluff all over my house for another year. Maybe YOU or someone you know can.
Alma and How She Got Her Name: Carla and I read this together over the summer and LOVED it. It’s such a beautiful story about family pride and cultural traditions and reading it sparked some lovely conversations about how we decided on Carla’s name.
Play Money: I think this might be just a titch too young for Carla now, but it might be perfect for my niece.
Rubik’s Cube: I broke Carla’s 3×3 puzzle cube a few days ago, so I think she needs a new, bigger one.
Wireless Headphones: Speaking of broken, SOMEONE broke Carla’s headphones. And since we have remote learning in our future, we need a new pair.
Mozart Music Cube: If you have a baby/young toddler on your gift list, please get this for them. Carla had an earlier version of this music/instrument combination toy when she was a baby and she LOVED it.
Mini Silicone Spoons: Speaking of fun colors, this set of mini spoons would be fun and practical! (I bought two mini silicone spoons from Joann Fabric last year and they have been one of my favorite and most-used kitchen purchases.) (Joann doesn’t seem to carry them anymore, hence the Amazon link.)
Striped Mixing Bowls: I couldn’t resist adding these bowls to my own wish list. They are so pretty!
Rainbow Whisks: I have also found that having more than one whisk – and a small one, at that – is very useful to have around the house. These rainbow whisks are super cute, to boot!
Gumball Machine: Carla made a recent offhand remark about wanting a gumball machine, and I remember getting one when I was a kid and loving it. This would be so fun for kids of so many ages.
Blankie 3-Pack: This would be a perfect gift for a new baby. I mean, no one can predict which lovie is going to become The Beloved. But if you give THREE of the exact same blankie-with-doggy-head, then your recipient can breathe a little easier in case one of them gets lost or pooped on or accidentally set on fire.
Happy Blankie: Here’s where I make my annual plug for a Happy Blankie for the baby/child in your life. The company donates a blanket to a child in need with every purchase, which is awesome. Plus, the blankies are amazing: cool and satiny on one side, soft and plush on the other, in a variety of adorable shapes and colors. My daughter has the pig version, and it is her One True Lovey and I am pretty sure she will sleep with it for the rest of her life.
Garmin Vivofit Jr. Watch: It seems like every sevenish-year-old I know has this watch. And I understand why – it’s awesome. Carla got one for her birthday and it helps her understand time better. It has little pre-set timers she can operate, which means that she brushes her teeth for the right amount of time and can go swing for thirty minutes without me having to bother her and can tell without me hovering when we need to get out the door for school. It monitors her physical activity and gives her rewards (in the form of a little video game and watch skins) if she has 60 or more active minutes. AND, best of all, we can assign her chores that she can mark complete on her watch and use to earn points toward… whatever we want. It’s an excellent multi-use watch and I have a friend whose eleven-year-old loves his as well.
I Am Enough: Carla’s class read this book at school this year – and did a whole study on respect and self confidence, which I loved. Carla came home and asked if we could get it from the library, which we did. I love the lyrical beauty of the words as well as the message. It’s a book that would be a good addition to anyone’s home collection.
The Wonder of Birds: National parks have had a hard time during this pandemic year, so buying something from your favorite park’s gift shop (and maybe pairing it with a donation in your gift recipient’s name?) is a great way to support these national treasures. This book – about the miraculous aviary world – sounds absolutely fascinating.
Aspen Leaf Ornament: This ornament is so pretty – and I think it’s so cool that it’s an actual aspen leaf, preserved in rose gold.
Glacier Map Socks: These socks would make a great gift for so many people.
Yellowstone Puzzle: Have we had a long enough break from the early pandemic puzzle craze to need a new one yet? I think so.
Book Club Puzzle: Speaking of puzzles, my husband would LOVE this one. It’s 1,000 pieces. It looks hard but not TOO hard. And it features books!
Adventurist Backpack: Or perhaps an adult in your life needs a new backpack? I think a lot of us have spent more time exploring the outdoors now that indoor activities aren’t advisable, and this backpack would be EXCELLENT to take on a hike or a picnic. The design is so sleek it reminds me more of a handbag than a backpack. Plus, with each backpack sold, the company donates 25 meals to families in need across the U.S.
Pajamas with Feet: Listen. The concept of pants with feet does not appeal to me. I need my feet CLEAR. If I could help it, I would never wear socks. But my husband NEEDS these. He is due for a new pair of flannel pajama bottoms. And he can’t stand to have cold feet. So this seems PERFECT. (Plus, if your feet get hot, there is an option to fold up the footies.) Way to go, random Instagram ads! You know my heart yet again!
Pair of Thieves Underwear: I have it on good authority that these boxer briefs are very soft and comfortable.
Fancy Socks: This is far more than I prefer to spend on socks, but my husband LOVES socks with unusual patterns, and these are VERY attractive.
Steel Owl: I have been seeing ads all year, claiming that I would like these birds, and in fact I DO, and have several people for whom I think they would make excellent gifts.
Schitt’s Creek Dish Towel: You know I can’t resist a fun dish towel. You also definitely know someone who would appreciate one that says Love That Journey For Me.
Cat Dish Towel: As far as dish towels go, this is the one I am coveting for myself this year.
Friends Trivial Pursuit: I have a dear friend whose all-time favorite TV show is Friends. This would be perfect for her.
I’ll Be There for You: And I can make it a themed gift and add this really great book, which I read and enjoyed at the beginning of the pandemic.
Disney Princess Collection: Carla had a Big Accomplishment this summer and earned this collection of Disney princesses as a gift. After you get past removing them from the very secure packaging, it is an excellent group of dolls. There are ELEVEN of them, first of all, which is awesome. They are roughly the size of Barbies (though they can’t share Barbie clothing) and there are a LOT of them, which is awesome. My only (mild) complaints are 1) Moana, who admittedly has a different body type, is nonetheless disproportional compared to the other dolls, which annoys me and 2) WHERE IS MERIDA? I guess she doesn’t really count as a Disney princess, but she’s my favorite. And 3) Why isn’t Belle in her signature yellow dress? Anyway, if you are looking for a knock-their-socks-off gift for a kid who still enjoys princesses/playing with dolls, this should do the trick. It’s pricey, I know – but you can get a pack of seven princesses from Target for much less. (But you do get fewer dolls.)
Aerogarden: Carla already had a kids’ version of this at-home gardening system, and I got a bigger one for Mother’s Day, and I LOVE THEM. Fresh herbs all the time – or lettuce! Or tomatoes, which we haven’t tried! It is very easy to operate, sustain, and clean, and it’s fun to do with kids or by yourself and it’s wonderfully cheering to have something green growing even in the winter months.
LEGO Brick Box: Even though we got Carla a medium-sized bin of LEGO for her birthday, we also got her a LARGE bin of LEGO for the holidays. A) It was on sale at Costco and B) she plays with LEGO ALL the time and will definitely love and use additional bricks.
Jurassic World T-Rex: What kid wouldn’t love a dinosaur for the holidays? Carla and her grandparents got to visit a dinosaur exhibit at the zoo a few months ago, and Carla LOVED IT. So they sent her this T-Rex as a holiday surprise.
Digital Orchestra Subscription: If you have a music lover in your life, consider buying them a subscription to their favorite performing arts organization’s digital concerts… Or making a donation in their name. This year, performing arts organizations all across the country are suffering. These are most often non-profit organizations that rely on a combination of ticket sales and donations to cover their costs. With greatly reduced ticket sales, and with new challenges to face (like how to pivot to digital programming, and how to keep their artists safe), the pandemic is hitting orchestras, dance companies, and operas really hard. There are so many worthy causes to support – especially this year – and I know that when you have limited funds to give, choosing between an orchestra and a food bank seems like a no brainer. But as you are purchasing presents for people this year, consider whether supporting an arts organization might fit into your gift giving plans.
Gifts of charity: Obviously, we all know how to make charitable donations if we so choose, and there are so many wonderful organizations that are doing great work in our country and around the world. It’s a personal thing, when and how much and where to donate. Besides gifts of cash, which are always needed, I think we are all aware that giving food and supplies to our local food bank, buying books from our favorite independent bookstore, or purchasing gift certificates to our favorite local restaurants are great ways to combine gift-giving and philanthropic support. I wanted to share two new-to-me options in case you are looking for a way to give something that feels more tangible/personal than money. Carla and I usually shop for a child in need by grabbing a child’s wish off of an angel tree in a local business. Obviously, we’re not really going into local businesses these days, so I looked for an alternative and discovered that WalMart and the Salvation Army are offering an online Angel Tree program through which you can buy gifts for kids in need and WalMart will ship them directly to the Salvation Army of your choice. This removes the element of walking through the aisles of Target and picking out toys for a specific child, and it eliminates the need for wrapping the gifts, both of which I enjoy sharing with Carla, but obviously doing it all online is a much safer option this year. I also recently learned about Choose Love, which allows you to buy things like food, blankets, and winter clothing for refugees arriving in Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S.
That’s all I’ve got, Internet! I hope you find something for everyone on your list! And of course I would love to hear what YOU are already planning to buy/receive for the holidays.
I am 99% sure that my Christmas shopping is complete. But there’s always that last-minute panic that I didn’t do enough, and so I am thumbing through all my last-minute ideas to see if there’s one final something I really need to get for someone on my list.
One of my go-tos for last-minute gifts is subscriptions. They tend to make for great last-minute gifts because you can order them at the — wait for it — last minute, print out a cute little confirmation email and stick it in a card, and voila! An instant gift. Or you can send them via email from your bed on Christmas morning.
Plus, I’ve tried a good number of gift subscriptions. It may be that I am not a creative gift giver, or that I have people who are VERY hard to buy for. It may be that most of my family lives far away, and so shipping is always a factor. It may be that I love the idea of receiving (and, therefore, giving) regular gifts that arrive in the mail. Whatever it is, I have tried a LOT of gift subscriptions. So I feel like I have a good handle on what’s a good value or a fun treat or not worth the price.
Here are some of my favorites – tried-and-true as well as new.
For (Mainly) Grown Ups:
Peanut Butter: My husband loves peanut butter more than pretty much anything. So I got him a peanut butter subscription from Amazing Clubs a few years ago… and we kept renewing it every six months because he loved it so much. Eventually we quit, but I would definitely renew the subscription again in a few years.
Books: My brother got me and my husband a joint Book of the Month Club membership that we loved so much we extended it for a few years. The selections each month are great and if none of the books speaks to you, you can defer your choice to the next month.
Puzzles: I recommended this puzzle-of-the-month club in my gift guide last year. And I ended up getting my husband a subscription and he loved it so much I renewed his subscription for Father’s Day. You get access to SO many puzzles, and you can either accept the puzzle that the company suggests for you or choose your own.
Clothing: I have tried both Trunk Club and Stitch Fix, and I LOVE Stitch Fix. The boxes are smaller than Trunk Club (which means fewer items), but I like the variety. And I think the algorithm they use to determine what clothes you will like is better. Getting a subscription to Stitch Fix (personal link) would be amazing.
Socks: I got my husband a Sock Fancy subscription for his birthday. He is loving it so far – so many outside-the-box socks for him to try!
Cookies: We tried a couple of cookie subscriptions, but they were disappointing. However, that was a few years ago when these subscription services were brand new and hadn’t worked out all the kinks. So I am eyeing this cookie subscription from Cravory as an idea for some of the people on my list with a sweet tooth.
Bacon: My dad is a big fan of high quality bacon, so one year we got him a bacon subscription from Zingerman’s. It’s pricey, that’s for sure, but it’s GOOD bacon.
German Food: My husband LOVES German food, and I think he would get a kick out of this German Food Box, which offers 6-8 authentic German products in each box. It’s very expensive though – so I’m still just thinking about it.
Spirits: I got my father a Scotch tasting kit from Flaviar last year, which he enjoyed. And I think a gift subscription would be a really nice gift for someone you really love who particularly loves spirits. The year-long gift membership is very pricey ($300 as of this writing), but your giftee gets one tasting kit each quarter, four full-size bottles of premium liquor, and some other intangibles that might appeal to your giftee or might not.
For Kids:
DIY Science: If you have a kid on your wish list who loves science and/or putting things together/discovering how things work, I highly recommend the Kiwi Co subscription box. (I know, I know – this was on last year’s gift guide as well. But it’s really good!) Carla’s grandmother got her a subscription back when she was a wee “koala,” and we were able to switch to a “kiwi” when she needed something more challenging and she loves it. She’s now at the age where she can complete the activities herself, which is really cool. Less cool is that then we have Beloved Projects all around our house for eons until I angst myself into finally, stealthily throwing them away. There are crates for kids from age infant (how????) to age 11 – and even crates that appeal to people of all ages.
Gift Memberships: Some of the very best gifts we’ve ever received have been gift memberships to local museums and zoos and botanical gardens.
Sandwich Kit: I know this is a pretty specialized gift for a specific type of person, but we got this Reuben sandwich kit for my parents when they stayed with Carla earlier this year, and they loved it. It’s a HUGE amount of food, but it’s such a treat for a Reuben sandwich lover.
Escape the Crate: I haven’t tried this, but it sounds like such a good time. Every other month, you get an escape-room style game delivered to your home to play with your family and friends.
Cooking Class: My husband and I have taken a couple of cooking classes at Sur La Table, and they are really fun. I think there are even classes that younger kids can join, too.
Digital Gifts:
The following don’t come in the mail, which makes them perhaps even more appropriate as last-minute ideas:
Storyworth: I have been reading about Storyworth for years – and this might be the year I give it to my parents and in-laws. I would love to have them start recording their memories for future posterity.
MasterClass: And, for literally everyone on my list, including me, I have been thinking about a subscription to MasterClass. There are so many options here! Lessons taught by actual experts in their fields! Because it’s pricey, I am going to hold off on this for 2019… but it’s something I am really glad to know about for future gift-giving opportunities.
Audible: My husband asks for an Audible gift membership literally every year. Will this be the year someone gets him one?
Amazon Prime: Although we are definitely cutting back on our use of Amazon – for so many reasons – Prime could be an excellent gift for a lot of people on your list. It’s not just free shipping, you also get access to tons of movies and TV shows.
A Fantastic Book: Yes, you could totally give your friend or family member the gift of endless reading options with Kindle Unlimited. But I also want to plug my friend Kristina’s excellent first novel again. It’s called Weight of Memory, and it’s a spine-tingling but surprisingly heart-wrenching book about one woman’s quest to preserve the memory of her dead brother. She is publishing the book via InkShares, which is kind of like a Kickstarter for writers. You can read sample chapters before you buy, but a digital copy is just $10 and it will not disappoint.
Gift Cards: This is the easiest digital gift there is, which makes it seem a little boring. But I don’t really know ANYONE who doesn’t like getting a gift card to one of their favorite retailers. Etsy. Amazon. Barnes & Noble. Target. iTunes. Starbucks. Your gift recipient’s favorite restaurant or donut shop. Your local independent bookstore. Your local skating rink. There are so many options that might offer digital gift cards!
