In Defense of the Humble Gift Guide

and, of course, the gift guide itself

I almost didn’t make a gift guide (I know, WAHH) for two reasons.

1: Gift giving is a sacred art form to me, something I practice all year round. By making a gift guide around the holiday times, I was nervous I’d be encouraging impersonal, gimmicky gifts. I also felt a weird sense of defensiveness around the act of gift giving, in a very my love language is not your costume sort of way.

2: I’ve heard a lot of anti-Gift Guide sentiment lately, which to me reads as an extension of the contemporaneous recommendation culture gripes. I was nervous people would think I’m just some other white girl who writes about the shit she likes on the internet. And would that be the worst thing?

credit: jelsanaves

I was in the trenches this week, fighting both of those mental battles, and I’m happy to announce that the gift guide inside of me has prevailed. But because I can’t leave my perception of self open to others interpretation, allow me to provide some reasoning for how I got here.

Gift giving is so, so much fun for me. It always has been. It’s a form of self-expression. It’s a way that I, a person with an earnestness allergy, can tell people how much I care about them. However, I understand that gift giving is absolutely dreadful to other people, so my goal is not for these gifts to be prescriptive, but for them to spark an idea or remind you of a similar object your friend had mentioned a few months ago.

Also, like I said, I’m giving gifts all year round — it’s when the thought strikes, not when Jesus was born. Sorry to that man, I guess. Therefore, none of the gifts on this guide will be holiday-themed. My hope is that these gifts ideas are just as appropriate for friend’s promotion, a birthday, a graduation, a random day when you’re feeling generous.

Oh, and let me address the recommendation culture thing real quick. Don’t hate me, but I actually like reading about the silly little items that girlies (or guys, I’m an equal opportunist gift guide reader) on the internet recommend. This checks out with my whole looking into people’s fridges thing, and my adoration for the blogs that inspired it.

I don’t think people have such a problem with recommendation culture as they do with the flattening of taste. But lord knows we do not need another essay about either of those topics, so I will cut myself off there.

So now we’ve arrived, and I present to you, my gift guide. Because at the end of the day, what I care most about is that nobody on this planet receives a bad gift. We have a long way to go, but I trust you’ll do your part.

I almost made the categories receiver-based (gifts for your friend, gift for your colleague, etc) but it’s actually none of my business if you decide to give your boss an LED light mask.

my favorite form of Joan Rivers

---

Under $50

Rachel Saunders Journal

My corniest opinion is that the world would be a better place if everyone journaled. I think Rachel Saunders’ are lovely.

EADEM Le Chouchou

One thing beauty brands and their consumers can agree on is that lip balms are a blessing to society. The Eadem one has prevailed as the sleeper hit of my lip balm power rankings. I have it on good authority that the entire floor staff of Artizia’s Soho location now swears by it.

The Great Lip Balm Showdown

I’m going to continue to spread the Le Chouchou gospel — it’s truly the gift-iest lip balm of the bunch, fitting into the difficult but highly necessary category of substantial, yet inexpensive gifts.

Saie Glowy Super Gel

I don’t believe in the concept of stocking stuffers, or makeup as a gift, come to think of it. However, I will make an exception for this item. It’s a secret trick that makes people think you have glowing skin, and the color options are pretty hard to mess up since its so sheer.

Lazy Jamie Extra Fancy Citrus Squeezer

BTW this is engravable. Chic.

I’m going to be raw and honest with you all: I drink hot water with lemon every single morning. I will not be taking further questions at this time. What this means is that I have a close relationship with my lemon squeezer, so I was beyond thrilled to upgrade to this lil guy. Joy is being sparked every morning.

Plum Sykes Book Collection

I’ve said this on TikTok and I’ll say it here – Plum Sykes novels are canon. Think of them as the perfect mix of Real Housewives and Downton Abbey; high class, first world drama. There is no better form of escapism to me. Select titles include Wives Like Us, Bergdorf Blondes, and The Debutante Divorcee.

Bink Water Bottle

I think most water bottles are either ugly or too small to be conducive to my 3L per day lifestyle or both. That is, until I found Bink. For some reason, I find them to be so adorable, with and without the straw. And because I fit the girl-with-the-emotional-support-water-bottle meme, my sister refers to this as my Binky. Fine.

Salt + Stone Mini Deodorant Set

Yes, I am suggesting you buy deodorant(s) as a gift for someone. These are the only natural ones that work (full saga here), they smell fantastic, and because they’re so mini, you can conveniently stash them in every bag you own.

Ghia Ghianduja

I’m bringing one of these to every holiday party I go to. It’s such a great gift if you’re going to someone’s house and you don’t reaaaally know them, so you don’t want to spend big $, but you also want to impress them. Just make sure they don’t have a nut allergy.

OMAD Skincare Instant Firm + Lift 2.0 Sheet Masks

I meditated with my legs up the wall to really commit to the bit

I strongly dislike sheet masks, not just because they signify a superficial self care trope, but also because they’re functionally annoying. HOWEVER, these masks from OMAD Skincare are worth any hassle. IDK what to say besides that they actually do what they say they do: firm and lift.

---

Under $100

CAP Beauty DIY Bundle: CAPnola + The Coconut Butter + The Magic Spice

I’ve been such a fan of CAP Beauty for so long; I’ve been known to spend hours just browsing around the website, taking in all of the stunning brand photography. They now have a limited selection of in-house pantry items, all of which are superb, so I think it’s fun to make your own bundle depending on your receiver’s taste. The CAPnola is mandatory though.

Moon Juice Sleepy Magnesi-Om and Mocktail Kit

My nightly dose of Magnesi-Om is a treasured ritual for me, and the only thing that could possibly make it better is this Hudson Wilder glass with an adorable cherry cocktail stirrer. Sleepy Girl Mocktail is now Sleepy Woman Mocktail. Ugh, not my best.

*The housewarming / dinner party gift version of this would be the Ghia x Sophie Lou Jacobsen Totem Glasses and bottle of Le Fizz. Equally fabulous, just different use cases.*

Abel Scene 02

I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about room sprays recently for this story in Vogue (!!!) and this one has really stuck in my routine. I leave this one on my nightstand and spray it around my room before I get under the covers and it makes me really happy. I don’t really know why, but I won’t over-intellectualize it, for once in my life.

Soft Services Soap Home + Buffing Bar Duo

I don’t shut up about Soft Services, as I told Hotline Skin’s Jolie de Feis this week, but it’s for a good reason — everything they make is remarkable. They have a genius way of creating sexy products for unsexy skin conditions (I wrote about that whole situation here), making them equal parts practical and covetable. There’s no better body exfoliant than the buffing bar, and if you pair it with a ceramic soap home, you’ve got yourself a top tier gift.

Simone Rocha Rizzoli Book

I know I told you I wouldn’t tell you who to give your gifts to, but I think you should give this to your friend to make them feel like you think they have good taste. Hope you stuck with me through that sentence.

Brightland Foolproof Salad Dressing Duo

I’m not a great chef, but I make a mean salad. I wrote about how making a dressing for the week is an act of personal self care, but what I failed to mention is how much a good vinegar can make all the difference. My current hyper-fixation dressing is this champagne vinegar from Brightland whisked with their olive oil and a huge dollop of Dijon. As Wolfgang Puck would say, it’s so simple.

Monastery Universal Balm

I have a design-crush on this brand, so that alone sold me on their products (and qualify them as great gifts). My pick is the Universal Balm, because as the name suggests, it works for everyone. Also, their hand towels are setting a new standard for merch.

---

Under $200

Salomons XT-6 Sneakers

I know, I know — say something original, Katie. But there’s a reason why everyone is fawning over these shoes online. They’re so comfy. And versatile! Finally — a shoe I can walk long distances in and then go to dinner in? I’m about to get pair #2.

Hyperice Vyper 2.0 Foam Roller

I discovered this product’s existence at my local E*****x a couple weeks ago and I’m embarrassed to admit it blew my mind. Of course there needs to be a Hypervolt + Foam Roller all in one! GENIUS. Get this for the person you were going to get a Theragun for, and then thought, shit, I think I bought them that last year.

Rocky’s Matcha and Yayee Chawan Matcha Bowl

Matcha-making is a beautiful ritual that I can see myself getting into at some point, now that I’ve discovered how much I enjoy the taste of a good one. What really makes me want to become a home matcha person, though, are all the matcha accoutrements that Rocky’s sells. This one has

tariro makoni

’s stamp of approval and that’s all I need.

Crap Eyewear Sunglasses

Maybe I look like an 70s porn star. Maybe it’s more of an Urban Outfitters model aesthetic. Who’s to say? I spent a lot less money on these than most people do on quality sunglasses, and the quality is, ironically, very good. They usually have some sort of BOGO deal, so keep an eye out.

Rōz Cleanse + Care Kit

I really tried to make this a holiday-free gift guide that just so happened to be released in time for the holidays, but I had to make an exception for this one. Roz’s hair products are fantastic — my favorite shampoo and conditioner to date. Plus, the smell alone makes my bathroom 10x more spa-like. The cleanse and care kit feels like a REALLY good deal, and it comes with a sandalwood comb and — get ready for it — a tube press. It really doesn’t get better.

Kotn Nile Rib Loungewear Set

This top and these bottoms look so dreamy. Together, they accomplish my goal of looking tidy while feeling comfy, sans athleisure.

---

Big Ticket Items

Current Body Light Therapy LED Mask

I’m officially one of those girls who spends at least 10 minutes in Robot Mode each day. In my defense, friend of the newsletter

Jolie De Feis

(who should just be Plant Based’s resident esthetician at this point) rides hard for LED in your skincare routine. The Current Body LED Series 2 is my pick, although Omnilux also makes a great one for a little less.

Abel Objects Epps Bracelet (or anything, honestly)

Kelsey, who you may recall from her Into the Fridge feature, is not only a warm and wonderful person, but a really talented jeweler. Her pieces are really special, a great gift for anyone you’re really trying to knock it out of the park with.

Catbird Petite Coupe Gold Ring

A second jewelry option for my ballers on a budget. I’ve loved my Catbird pieces for a while, and I knew they’d have the perfect subtle-yet-interesting ring to complete my current fingerscape (?). This is another website where I could kill hours of my time if left unchecked.

Week of Sakara Meals

She tastes beautiful too. AND she’s discounted this week…

Some of the best gifts are ones that alleviate an already necessary task / expense and add a touch of fun. Your bestie already has to feed herself for the week, why not just make it colorful and delicious and stylish? Just make sure it’s a week where the granola and pink milk is on the menu. Please, for me.

Fellow Black Stagg Electric Tea Kettle

I drink an ungodly amount of tea in the winter (actually, all year round, if I’m keeping it real). I also live in a NYC apartment with very limited counter space. I also have 0 patience for waiting for my water to boil. The only thing that checks those boxes is an electric tea kettle that’s sleek enough to warrant a permanent spot on the counter.

Walter Water Filter

Some people have pets, I have Walter

My obsession with this ceramic countertop water jug is the crunchiest thing about me. It can be purchased at Dimes in NYC (don’t talk to me about the eponymous ‘square’ until you’ve eaten at the restaurant) or online, and is particularly crafted to fit a Boroux, née Berkey, filter. Another wellness-enthusiast / design-appreciator’s dream.

---

New York Wellness Experiences

A facial with the best: Elizabeth at Ställe Studios, Jolie de Feis at Practise, Sofie Pavitt at Sofie Pavitt Studio, or Kristen May Lee at Onda Beauty

These are the hottest tickets in town. Hopefully you can get off the waitlist at one of these options. :)

A day pass to Spencer’s Spa

A gorgeous spa that doesn’t cost a million and a half dollars for a day pass in downtown Manhattan.

Private Pilates Class at Natural Pilates

The instructors at Natural Pilates are some of the best in NYC. What’s more is that they’re also lovely people. A 1-1 class with Chadwick, Mokhigul, or Stef is a great gift for anyone on the Pilates spectrum, since it’s inherently tailored to the person’s skill level.

2 Week Unlimited at Sky Ting Yoga

skyting

A post shared by @skyting

Sky Ting is back baby! The new studio is stunning, not to mention there’s a whole contrast therapy situation. A 2 Week Unlimited Pass is enough time to try all the bangers — including Bonnie Crotzer’s Fascia Flossing class — and then some.

Mellow Bar Mani Pedi

So far, this is the best non-toxic nail salon I’ve found. It’s obviously pricier than a normal manicure, but it lasts twice the time frame, and you don’t have to apologize to your fingernails for subjecting them to chemicals. Perhaps that’s just me.

---

What I’m Asking For

LYMA Laser (lol)

Just in case any incredibly generous benefactor is reading this, I had to throw it on here. The LYMA Laser is the talk of the town and I’m dying to see what all the fuss is about. I understand price-value bias, and yet, it’s still working on me. The $2K+ price tag means it has to be good, right?

Splits 59 Airweight Set

I told you, that’s why I asked all those pilates instructors what they like to workout in! I need new activewear, so I’m going to take Chelsea’s and Georgia’s recommendation and run with it.

Omega Juicer

Daphne Javitch, my trusted health coach, refers to this as the Manolo Blahnik of juicers. I make juice every morning, so after 3ish years, my Breville is looking pretty ran-through. An upgrade is on the horizon, and this could be the one.

Donni. The Pop Pant

I love Donni’s whole deal. Yeah, that feels right. The clothes are high quality, and they do a great job of straddling that line between comfortable and stylish which I mentioned is what I’m targeting. I have my eyes on The Pop Pants as a non-denim, non-trouser pant option.

An Air Fryer

I’m done with my performative “I don’t need an air fryer, I have an oven with a convection setting” crap. I don’t like when my apartment smells like roasted broccoli for a full 24 hours. I’m caving. But if I’m going to do it, I’m going to do it all the way. I want the one with a toaster oven and grill, too.

A Brand New Bedding Set from Tekla

I want the Floyd bed too, but that’s another story. I’ll quell my home renovation dreams with a linens update and stare longingly at their holiday photography in the mean time.

---

Don’t forget, the best gift of all is a hand-written card sent via snail mail.