10 Gift Ideas
From the most comfortable pajamas to a clever personalized gift that will keep on giving.
Last year I promised myself that I’d have all my holiday shopping done, wrapped and all, by the first week of December. Ambitious, I know! But imagine being able to really enjoy the holidays without stressing over that final gift for Uncle Louis or spending a late night wrapping at the 11th hour. I have exactly one month from today so, here’s to getting ahead of the holiday shopping! And on that note, I’ve compiled a list of ten gift ideas that might spark some inspiration for you…
Be sure to check out my other gift guides… Under $100 finds, Courtside and Homebody Holiday… happy shopping!
1. The Perfect Fisherman Sweater
When I think about the holidays my mind wanders to those perfectly slow days at home, sitting by the fire, doing a puzzle or watching a Christmas movie, mug of something warm (or spiked!) and wearing a layered look of pajamas, socks and a chunky knit sweater—and if you’re asking me it’s got to be a classic fisherman sweater. It’s the knit I end up wearing well into February and feels so classic winter in my book. This one by Alex Mill checks every box and I love that it’s a cardigan—ideal to throw on over tees or pajamas. Also side note: Alex Mill just came out with a gift guide today and it’s full of ideas—I particularly like the “neutrals edition”.
2. Custom Matchbooks
Coming up on Thanksgiving and I can’t think of a better, more creative gift than some custom matchbooks to brand your hosts lovely abode. I found this shop on Etsy or this website that gives you basic templates that you can customize the wording. Package them with a beautiful candle and a brass wick trimmer and it will be a memorable gift. I might have to snag these shiny silver matchbooks for our home—casa de W? So extra, so necessary.
3. Slippers
Even the “hard to shop for” friends and family can’t deny that a fresh pair of slippers around the holidays sparks some joy. I personally am a longtime lover of the Jenni Kayne shearling moroccan slippers, they’re easy to kick on and off and the smoke color is the prettiest neutral. Also the quality of the shearling feels special. However these look amazing for chilly mornings and the UGG Tasman slipper has an indoor/outdoor sole that could manage a coffee run.
4. La Ligne Pajamas
I bought the kids version of the La Ligne pajamas for my girls last February as a Valentine’s Day gift and every time they wear them I’m reminded that I need a pair too! The cotton keeps getting softer with every wash, the material is a t-shirt fabric, and I just love the classic piping design. I equally love the J.Crew options (and pricing!) like this red striped set or this classic blue.
5. Adina Reyter Charm Necklace
I’ve gone completely off the deep end with all things Adina Reyter and can’t get enough of all her fun charms, chains and the many ways you can wear them all. Her charm necklaces have been the first thing I recommend to my friends husbands when they ask me what jewelry they should buy their wives because overtime they can add a charm, switch out a chain or pass them on to their kids one day as an heirloom. Especially love all the beads that you can add to different chains like this one.
6. Varley Sweatpants Set
The softest sweatpants I have ever slipped on my limbs! Varley is the elevated route for that Saturday morning uniform—a quick walk with the dog, a jaunt to grab coffee or just an easy day at home. All the styles have a sophistication to them and I love the quality of the fabrics and hardware. You really can’t go wrong with any of the colors and styles, they’re all so stunning but here are a few call outs that are my personal favorites… the relaxed sweatpant in Ivory Marl, which I saw a girl wearing out and about and immediately feel like I need them now… paired with this half zip sweatshirt or the Roxbury Zip Through Sweatshirt that zips from the bottom so you can style it a few ways.
7. LaoLao Cashmere Wrap
Not only is this a beautiful gift to give but I absolutely love the company and the quality of their cashmere. Each piece is thoughtfully hand-knitted with the finest Mongolian cashmere making it insanely soft and the wrap is an absolute dream to travel with, snuggle over your babies, style with heavier coats and tie around your neck for added warmth, the chicest adult blankie. The adorable mini scarf would also make a great gift, the California girls’ winter accessory—the styling options are so fun.
8. Row Bag
There’s always a Row bag on my wish list and if you’re going the designer route, I’d have to include something from the “it girl” brand that’s equal parts sophisticated and cool. The famous Margaux bag is back (probably not for long!), this drawstring bag I’ve had my eye on, the Park bag in black suede and this color I just can’t stop thinking about, also the size is one of my favorites.
9. Lessons and Gear
I recently started playing tennis and it’s been such a fun addition to my routine that this idea was the first one to pop in my head for the Holidays. Whether it’s pickleball, yoga, tennis or pilates, giving someone a gift card for lessons and classes alongside some gear is something I know I’d be so excited to receive—and also how fun to give a gift that keeps on giving! I created a tennis/pickleball gift guide on my site with everything from paddles and rackets to dresses and sneakers… but I wanted to call out two other sets I’m a fan of—Nylora sets (the softest, most comfortable) and Live The Process bodysuits (obsessed with the fit and style).
10. An Experience
The older I get the more I value an experience over something material and it’s usually the first thing I tell Todd to get me if he’s stumped. This past summer we went to Kona Village Hawaii (shared our experience here) with the girls and it was an unforgettable family trip. Everything about the property felt perfect from the rooms and food to the family friendly beach and service. The memories we made are some that I’ll look back on for years to come, the ultimate gift if you ask me! A few gifts for the ultimate beach getaway… these Marysia x Amanu Bakoven sandals, this ocean blue bathing suit, straw tote (another great etsy find) and classic black sunglasses by YSL.
You can find more gift guides on my site!