In my utopia, there wouldn’t be designated present times. I love the idea of unexpected gifts, just because. My kids think this idea blows.
While I’m not down with holiday music and decor until after Thanksgiving, I am a fan of early gift shopping. When I procrastinate, it turns into an stressful obligation, and I inevitably end up settling for something that I feel meh about. I also just can't with crowds, lines and parking.
If, on the contrary, I start keeping a list of ideas as they pop into my head year-round and shop early, gift buying becomes fun, and alleviates a portion of the season's stress.
We live in a world of instant gratification, and we have become trained to believe that everything we want can show up on our doorstep in two days. Trust me, I'm all about that world. But I’m also all about the satisfaction of a mission with a hunt, and that's just not available in Prime.
I once saw a Barney’s New York billboard that simply said “Give Good Gift”. That billboard has stuck with me for years...I love it. And you know what? If I could swing by Barney’s for all my gift-giving needs, I’m sure I would make a lot of people happy. But that would be too easy, so let’s break it down.
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What do YOU want?
Hands down, the best gift anyone could ever give me would be a cleaning lady. I’m not suggesting you get someone a cleaning lady. That could go wrong... But I do recommend thinking about what you yourself would want as a gift as a starting point when thinking of what to buy for others. Think about some of the best gifts you ever got, and maybe even make yourself a wish list because why not? Here's my wish list.
Pair it.
Take an everyday gift, and kick it up a notch. Accessorize it, if you will.
Coffee Table book + Coffee
Book + Readers (or PJs or a throw)
Matches + Candle
Stationary/Cards + Postage Stamps + Custom Return Address Stamp
Laundry Bag + Rolls of Quarters
Fashion Magazine Subscription + Lipstick (for summer, Magazine + Sunscreen)
Tarot Card Reading + Scarf or Statement Necklace
Give a gift that keeps on giving.
Getting mail is fun. Magazine subscriptions were always my go to gift for girlfriends in college. Now I love the more grown-up subscription services, like Birch Box, FitFabFun, Blue Apron, or Hello Fresh.
"Win" the Dirty Santa Swap.
I basically want people to fight over the gift I bring to these White Elephant parties. So far my success stories were with cleaning product gift baskets and Scratch-Off Lotto tickets inside a jello mold (use a ziplock).
Be practical.
Lipbalm - I love me some Sugarlips by Fresh or Rosebud Salve
Minimizer bra - For the chesty ladies in your life who want a magic bra that makes them skinny.
Hair Ties - Anyone with hair long enough to tie back needs hair ties. Trust me. They disappear. They get stretched out and dirty.
Socks - J Crew's No Sock Socks are the only ones I've found that stay put.
Rolls of Quarters - You know... parking meters, laundry, tacos.
Not Just for Men...
Soft tees and the weekender bag from Everlane (If there's a waitlist for the tees on Everlane, my stylish neighbor says COS tees are "like butter".
Not Just for Kids...
Lush Bath Bombs + Robe
Bandaids (Kids love Bandaids. Give them an assortment of cool designs, and tell them they can use them whenever they want.)
Magnatiles
Balancing Blocks
Washi Tape
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls + PJs (This book is a must have for every kid you know)
Hair Ties + Wet Brush
Fabrics + Sew Kit
Cool Coloring Books + Color Pencils
How-to-Draw Books + Sharpies and/or Flare Pens
Make 'em laugh.
So many chuckles available on Etsy, but order it early, like right now.
Get 'em drunk.
Why not choose some booze based on the label? I once tracked down wine with a bicycle on its label for my spin instructor, and got a good laugh when I brought 50 Shades of Grey wine (It's a thing) to dinner.
Check out this article on well-designed wine bottles
Champagne + Bubble Bath
Beer + Deck of Cards (Art of Play has some great designs)
Coaster Sets are perfect pairing for anything drink-related.
For the non-drinkers, sub out the beer for sodas. Everyone loves Mexican Coke, or hit Galco's Soda Pop Stop in Highland Park for a killer soda and beer selection. (Look in the archive for a post I did on that place. They have beer bottles in the shape of Buddha for your yogi friends)
Be Thrifty.
Thrift store booty can act as one-of-a-kind flower vases and catch-all dishes.
take it easy.
If, after reading this, you are still wondering what to get your person, go to any of the following Atwater Village or Silverlake boutiques, where you can pretty much close your eyes and point, and you will end up with something fabulous. I could write an entire post on each of these places. Purchase anything from here, and you're winning.
The Postal Works at 2658 Griffith Park BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90039 has a surprisingly great gift selection, and is next door to Magpie's Soft Serve, so yeah...
Thank your host.
Hostess gifts and thank you cards are classy, and you are classy.
think ahead.
On the day after Christmas, when all ornaments are on sale (and are practically free), go buy a lot of them and pack them away for next year. You will be so ahead of the game in 2018 when you attach an ornament to that bottle of wine for parties and dinners, and your kids show up at their playdates with ornaments for their friends. The ones pictured below are from World Market.
P.S. It might be November, but I promise these gift ideas work year-round for a variety of occasions
P.P.S. I believe in judging a book by its cover, so stay tuned for gift wrapping post
*gift photo from lovethatparty.com.au