holiday gift guide for the lady in your life who is really hard to shop for.

I am that lady that is really hard to shop for. It’s a good thing Steve really doesn’t know how to even login to my WordPress because he would probably give you a peek behind the curtain of just how “truly miserable indeed” that I am to shop for. It’s just that… money doesn’t grow on trees, ya’ll. So if he gifts me something, I want it to be just the right something that is worth spending our money on. He also doesn’t love getting me what I’ve asked for. It’s supposed to be a surprise, he says. As I read this back, and imagine you reading it in your own homes, I’m wondering if I should delete it for fear that I sound like a monster but you know what, I’m going with it. This is me! I think he probably goes into a cold sweat whenever Christmas or my birthday draws near. Anyway, here are some things I would genuinely love (a few of which I already have, noted below), all different price ranges, some from smaller shops, and others from larger. And, when you can, shop local… especially this season!

Also, I am proud of this gift guide. If I used words like curated, I would say here that it is a very curated gift guide list that I developed over several weeks (months? In my mind, anyway) and after many internet and local shop browsing hours. Without further adieu. 

01. These Pallares kitchen knives. I’ve used them, they’re fantastic, they’re beautiful, and they’re made in a 100+ year old workshop in Spain. When I need a new knife, it’ll be one of these. They’re incredibly cost-effective too.
02. Socks are one of those things I don’t want to spend a lot of money on but when I do have a nice pair of socks, it brings me such joy. I go digging for that special pair and pull them onto my cold feet with such happiness. Here’s a really great pair that will always look good coming out the top of any of your shoes too. These are that similar sort of style, though less nice (I do own them. Wish they were a bit taller.) And finally, one more pair–I like the stripes.
03. A really nice bag coffee beans, or maybe even a Trade Coffee Co. subscription to try a few different roasters? You can schedule it as often as you like, and it will make recommendations for you after you take a little quiz, and rate ones you’ve tried. So far, we’re enjoying this one enough that we edited our queue so we’ll get it again. Some of the other brewers I’ve seen over and over: Stumptown, Counter Culture, and so many others that are escaping me right now; locals: Little Wolf is fantastic. Finally, this is a gret place to support the local shops (if they sell beans) that might not have the foot traffic they’re used to because of COVID.
04. This cozy robe that looks the same today as the day I bought it. You guys know I love a robe. It makes my gift guide every single year. Why wouldn’t it? I’m a big advocate for robes.
05. This beautiful letterpress calendar. It is so lovely, I can even imagine framing some of the months after the year is up.
06. This napkin set, priced well and the perfect wrinkly-ness that you don’t have to worry about ironing them.
07. One skincare product that she can use in addition to whatever she’s already doing to make her face feel like a baby’s the next morning, and–bonus–it’ll also make it brighter too. Or a safe lipgloss in beautiful packaging (clove is the best shade ever).
08. A wooden butter or cheese knife that looks beautiful on your charcuterie board, or used every day just to spread butter (that’s what we do, anyway).
09. A ceramic mug. Pulling out a mug you love every day for coffee or tea or hot chocolate is a lovely thing.
10. A small batch, wonderful-smelling, perfectly branded soap. Maine Soap. Locals–buy this at Greenhouse Goods! I am on my third one of these, and I love them so much. Might I recommend the clove and citrus one for winter?
11. Mother sweatshirt. I love this sweatshirt a lot.
12. The perfect gray beanie. It just is, and a gray beanie is the best beanie.
13. This is one of those you only get one thing and it is a perfect sweater that you will never take off of your body. I keep eyeing this and I really, really love it. Like really.
14. How about some beautiful books? A book of poetry that you’ll feel deep in your bones, a book that’ll make you want to hug the person closest to you and never let go, and a book that will make you want to pour yourself a cocktail and throw a dinner party.
15. Really beautiful linen pajamas that are classic and will only get better with time.
16. Such a nice scrub with Dead Sea Salt, and lavender, and the best oils to exfoliate and moisturize your skin. Love Osea.

Other easy ideas: a gift card to a local restaurant! A gift card for a pedicure or facial or massage.

2019’s gift guide–I have some clear favorites.