Tis the season for holiday gift guides! I know everyone and their mother churns out one of these, but I’m hoping mine will be a bit different. To be completely honest…I sometimes feel like gift giving in general can just be wasteful. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not anti-gift giving and I do acknowledge the role I play (as an influencer) in consumerism, but I think we could all benefit from chilling out a little lol. So, in an effort to still provide some gift ideas but not lead you to feel like you HAVE to buy a ton of stuff…I put together a list of more practical, holiday gifts that will get used over and over again. Hope it’s helpful!
I would also caveat by saying that I think experiences are worth so much more than material items. If it’s within the budget, consider getting your loved ones an activity or adventure that you guys can do together. In the past, I’ve gotten Kyle tickets to different sporting events, flights, and even a sauna + cold plunge experience. Besides the cost…these are easy gifts and you can usually buy them last minute. Print out a piece of paper, throw it in a bag or box and watch them be so surprised! It also gives you both something to look forward to so it’s like a gift that keeps on giving.
One last thing before we get into it – last year, Kyle created a website called Giftopedia, where you can create a holiday wishlist and share it with your friends and family. It’s an easy way to let people know what you want, while also making sure you don’t get any duplicate gifts. Just set up your account, create a wishlist and add links to the gifts you want! It’s free btw 😉 Let us know what you think of it!
For the Kitchen:
I’m guessing this is the section you’re most excited for. There are a TON of kitchen gadgets and fun food products out there so it’s hard to narrow it down, but I promise these are some of my favorites…tried, tested & loved. Any foodie will appreciate these gifts!
- Ninja Combi – Okay, I know it’s ironic that I’m starting with an expensive gift…but this thing really is worth every dollar. It essentially replaces several different kitchen gadgets (air fryer, oven, rice cooker, toaster) because it has so much functionality. This is the perfect gift for kitchen gurus OR those who are just getting started with cooking. Specifically, the Combi Meals setting is ideal for quick weeknight dinners…you can cook everything (protein, veggie & starch) all at once and it’ll be ready in under 20 minutes. I use mine several times each week! All of my Ninja products have lasted years…so they are worth the investment in my opinion.
- Cast Iron Skillet – Ah, the humble cast iron skillet! A staple in kitchens for the longest time, and for good reason. It’s a special cooking experience and truly just gets better and better every time you use it. They’re surprisingly quite affordable too…especially compared to all the over-hyped cookware sets that we see on social media these days (iykyk).
- Farmhouse Pottery Bowls – This beautiful pottery is handmade in VT and is just the most beautiful mix of rustic and modern. It’s sturdy and will last a lifetime! Truly you can’t go wrong with any of their products, but I recently got a few of their pantry bowls and I am just obsessed. The smallest one is perfect for matcha because of the spout, and I often use the large one for mixing baked goods (or dunking my face in it for ice baths LOL, we love a multi-purpose gift). You can save money by buying one of their “seconds” which usually only have minor, barely noticeable flaws.
- Weck Jars – Don’t laugh! Any foodie or organization aficionado would appreciate some new Weck Jars! They are top notch quality, made in Germany, and honestly contribute to a great kitchen aesthetic. I use mine for storing all sorts of things – overnight oats, leftovers, pickled red onions, sourdough starter, coconut milk…the options are endless.
- Sparkle Syrup – As a Vermont native, it would be wrong for me to not include some maple syrup in this gift guide. Runamok is a VT-based company that has really modernized maple syrup. They aren’t your average maple syrup jugs…they are definitely more of a special gift. They have a variety of unique flavors with beautiful packaging, but I think the Sparkle Syrup is especially fun for the holidays! You can use it to make some pretty eye-catching cocktails or mocktails.
- Non-Alcoholic Spirits – As someone who doesn’t drink much anymore, I absolutely LOVE when someone gets me non-alcoholic spirits or any mocktail fixins. It means a lot when someone shows their support of your choice. I have a few favorite brands…Ritual and Seedlip. I’d say Ritual products are much closer in taste to traditional spirits while SeedLip is more of a unique drinking experience. If you want to go above and beyond, make a whole gift basket with some non-alcoholic spirits, a mocktail book and other helpful tools like a shaker bottle, cute glasses, etc.
- Nut Butter Gift Set – One thing’s for sure…we are a nut butter household (read: absolutely unhinged & proud of it). Anyways, one of our favorite brands is Spread the Love because of their simple ingredients and drippy texture. They do cute gift sets with several nut butters & jam, which I think would be the perfect gift for a fellow foodie. If you really wanna make them laugh, get them a 15 lb pail of PB instead.
For the Home:
I’m the furthest thing from an interior designer, so these home items are a mix of simple, realistic, sentimental and fun. Just a few things that work for everyone’s homes, no matter their style!
- Branch Basics – Swapping out your everyday cleaning products for more natural, non-toxic brands is one of the easiest switches. If you want to encourage one of your loved ones to do so, get them a Starter Kit! It comes with the concentrate, all the spray bottles, foaming soap bottle, laundry detergent jug and the oxygen boost. This one bottle of concentrate usually lasts me up to 3 months!
- Anecdote Candles – I end up gifting at least one of these candles every year because I think the sayings on them are hilarious, and who doesn’t love a candle!? They are mini and cute…the perfect thing to display in your house.
- Personalized Travel Adventures Print – I got this as a wedding gift for Kyle 🙂 It’s such a sweet way to capture all the special places you’ve been to with your partner, friend or family member. The seller allows you to pick any special destinations and memories within each place (a specific building, landmark, food, etc) and they will illustrate it for you. Be sure to plan in advance for this one as it takes several weeks for them to design it and it also ships from the UK (which really only took a few days for me). This frame works well with it.
- CB2 Dishware – The dishware you see in every single one of my videos! They are matte which is perfect for videos but also just super aesthetic even if you’re not a content creator. I know plate bowls are all the rage right now and the “pasta bowl” in this set is like the epitome of a perfect plate bowl.
- Parachute Towel Set – We just got these towels as a wedding gift and they are PLUSH and dreamy! Towels will always be a good gift idea…you simply can never have enough.
For the Mind, Body & Soul:
This category is all about self-care! Gifts that are perfect for those that like to move their body, be mindful and take care of their brain, better themselves everyday, and of course…stay comfy, cozy!
- Bala Bangles – I’m not reinventing the wheel here, but Bala Bangles continue to deserve a spot on every year’s holiday gift guide. They are great for at-home pilates and barre workouts, and I know some people even wear them on their ankles or wrists to make their walks a bit more challenging. I own both the 1lb and 2lb sets and I’d say the 1lb set is more versatile, if you had to pick between them.
- Oura Ring – Think of this is as an Apple Watch (with more functionality) in ring form. I’ve had mine for about 6 months and absolutely couldn’t live without it. My favorite features are the sleep analysis and compatibility with Natural Cycles, which I use to track my cycles and as a natural form of birth control.
- Five Minute Journal – This makes journaling really approachable and easy to stick with because, as the name implies, it only takes about 5 minutes. There are prompts for each morning and night which center around gratitude. I must say…the quotes at the top are my favorite part! I’ve gone through at least 4 of these so far, and I think it’s an incredibly helpful daily practice.
- Eberjey PJ Set – As someone who was on the receiving end of this gift, I can say that it was a dream gift. A comfy, cute PJ set that makes you feel like you have your life together lol. I actually own the short set, but the long set would probably be better this time of year.
- Kindle Paperwhite – The Kindle changed my life! As much as I love the satisfaction of flipping pages in a hardcopy book, the Kindle is so much easier to manage. It’s small, lightweight and you can even see it while reading on a sunny beach. I also love that you don’t have to go back and forth to the bookstore or the library, everything is just available for download whenever you want. I swear it encourages me to read more. If you want to go above and beyond, you can gift your special someone a Kindle Unlimited membership to go with it. It’s about $12/month, and gives you access to a lot (although not all) of the popular books.
- Turkish Cotton Bathrobe – I’m sorry but a bathrobe just feels like peak luxury. Even if you’re only wearing it for 5 minutes after you get out of the shower…those are the most relaxing 5 minutes of your whole day. Kyle just got me this one and I adore it! It’s thick, plush (but doesn’t feel like a blanket), has a hood, pockets and is beautifully oversized for extra comfort.
For the Gals:
Although so many of the gifts I’ve already listed would be great for the gals in your life, here are a few more fashion-inspired and practical ideas! Keep it simple with staples that they will use over and over again.
- Vuori Hoodie – I’m way late to the game, but Vuori was my favorite discovery of 2023. All of their products are great, but I especially love this light & stretchy hoodie. It’s so cute with leggings for a casual outfit, or to throw over a tank top and head to a workout class in. I find myself wearing it several times a week so I’m definitely getting my money’s worth!
- Veja Sneakers – I’ve had these for about 2 years and have worn them too many times to count. I think they’re one of the most versatile yet stylish shoe on the market. After you break them in, they’re really comfy and perfect for those trips where you’ll be walking a bunch. They work with jeans, leggings, sundresses…just about anything. Another similar brand that I recently tried on are Flamingos, which are completely vegan, if that’s your thing!
- MZ Wallace Tote Bag – Here’s the thing about me…when I find something that I love, I use it to death, literally. I remember purchasing this MZ Wallace bag 5+ years ago on sale to use as my big girl work bag when I had a “real” job in college. It felt like a splurge in the moment, but considering I’ve used it as my personal item for every single flight since then…I’d say it was well worth it. You will be SHOCKED at how much fits in it.
- Slip Silk Hair Ties – The only hair ties I use! These skinny scrunchies are made out of silk so they cause less damage and creasing in your hair. They’d be great as a stocking stuffer or small gift idea! After years of usage, they definitely do stretch out…but I just wrap it around one more time than I usually would & it doesn’t bother met.
- Birdie Personal Safety Alarm – It’s sad that I even have to recommend a product like this, but always better to be cautious. I have this alarm attached to my keys and it makes me feel safer walking by myself. Plus, it’s actually kinda cute & discreet!
For the Guys:
It’s so tough to think of new gift ideas for the man in your life, especially if you’ve been together for a long time! Here are a few things that Kyle swears by…maybe they’ll give you some inspo 🙂
- Lululemon City Sweat Hoodie – For all the simple guys out there, this hoodie will become their new wardrobe staple. Kyle has it in 3 colors and wears it more often than he’ll admit. It’s lightweight and stretchy and can be dressed up for a casual dinner date or dressed down and worn to the gym.
- Ooni – This is a splurge for sure but is perfect for the pizza-obsessed man in your life. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping out fresh pies in your backyard every weekend. A few extra tools that I recommend to go with it are the protective carry cover, pizza turning peel & thermometer gun.
- Air Tags – This sounds goofy but if your man is always losing things (or just likes to be really organized), get him some Air Tags! They can be placed inside your luggage, wallet or attached to your keys, and then tracked from your phone.
- Fjall Raven Backpack – Kyle just got this backpack before our honeymoon and wow…it came in handy for traveling! It’s also cute and trendy, so you don’t feel like you’re a high schooler walking around with their backpack on.
- Oliver Capbell Sneakers – If your man is a shoe snob like mine (lol), they’ll appreciate some fancy sneakers! Definitely on the pricier side but a really great dressier option for the casual, modern man. Kyle wore these for our rehearsal dinner and several times on our honeymoon.
For the Mothers & Mother-In-Laws:
Moms deserve the world, but they can be so hard to buy for! I’m sure you’ve already exhausted all the basic gift ideas, so here are a handful of unique gifts that are sure to make her feel loved.
- Red Light Mask – This is a splurge for sure, but it might be a great option for the Mom who seems to have everything. With daily use, red light therapy has been shown to have anti-aging and acne-fighting benefits. A true luxe spa experience, at home, and it only takes 3 minutes per day.
- Hydrafacial – Treat your Mom to the ultimate self-care experience: a hydrafacial! It deeply exfoliates your skin and extracts all the junk (literally, it’s gross), leaving you glowing. Getting them once per month in preparation for the wedding totally transformed my skin. Find a salon/spa near them that offers hydrafacials and get them a gift certificate! They’re perfect for any and all skin types.
- Skylight Frame – This is a digital picture frame that allows family members from all across the country to send photos to their loved one’s frame. My grandma and mother-in-law both have this and I know it brings them so much joy.
- Gardyn – I’ll admit, this is a big splurge item! But if you and the siblings are going in on a gift for Mom, consider getting her a Gardyn. This is a hydroponic indoor garden system that let’s you grow your own produce year-round. Whether your mom is an avid gardener or doesn’t have a green thumb at all, she will have so much fun with this gadget (speaking from experience). My code MADDIE will get you 20% off!
- Custom Letterpress Stationary – This small business creates the most beautiful letterpress pieces (we used them for our wedding invites)! I just think letterpress feels so timeless and special, yet simple and minimal.
For the Fathers & Father-In-Laws:
Dad’s might just be the toughest category. They either have everything or want nothing. That’s why you gotta tap into one of two types of gifts: the tear-jerkers or…food.
- Butcher Box Subscription – If your Dad likes to cook or grill, hook ’em up with a Butcher Box subscription! High quality, grass-fed beef, free-range chicken and they’ve even expanded into wild-caught seafood products. You set the frequency it ships, the size of each box, and even have the option to pick the exact cuts.
- Digital Meat Thermometer – This goes hand-in-hand with the above gift! Are you sick of Dad claiming to be a grill master but always having to cut into the chicken to figure out if it’s done? Get him a meat thermometer and all of your live’s will be changed. My confidence in cooking meat skyrocketed after using one of these. I’ve also heard great things about the Yummly Smart Thermometer, but haven’t tried it out yet.
- Hand Drawn House Sketch – A cute and meaningful Etsy gift that would be perfect to celebrate your family home or a new home. I feel like Dads would nerd out over this.
- Artifact Uprising Photo Book – When in doubt, get Dad a sentimental gift. Artifact Uprising makes some high-quality photo books that act as a really nice keepsake or coffee table book. Fill it with family photos or photos from a special trip or event that happened this year!
- Handwritten Embroidered Handkerchief – So I got this as a wedding day gift for my Dad, but I think it’s great no matter the occasion. Guaranteed to be a tear jerker! They will embroider a note in your handwriting. Dad can use it or frame it!
For the Pets:
It’s Calli’s first Christmas and you better believe I’m going to spoil her. This list is short and sweet, but these items have helped us survive life with a crazy puppy. Feel free to supplement with all the toys (I always go for cheap TJ Maxx ones because they’re just going to rip them up anyways).
- Petcube – For the nosy, helicopter dog or cat parents lol. We attach this to Calli’s crate so we can spy on her when we leave the house or just when we miss her at night while she’s sleeping. There’s an app that goes with it which allows you to check the video footage, listen to them, and even talk back if you want.
- Ruffwear Harness – This harness clips and adjusts in several places, which seriously makes it so ideal for the barrel-build of a GSP. If your dog is between sizes, I’d suggest sizing up.
- Orvis Collar – Although not the most aesthetic, this is a really practical collar as it’s reflective and has your dog’s info on it in case they get lost. Everything from Orvis is great quality too!
- Puzzle Games -I think I would’ve lost my sanity without these. Puzzle games are a great way to stimulate your dog’s brain which actually tires them out more than physical exercise. This brand has a variety of puzzles at different skill levels.