As many of you know, I am a connoisseur/intense roaster of the annual Goop gift guides, so I have opted to prepare my own gift guide to present an example of what people might actually want as gifts this festive season.
Gifts for Cooks and Foodies
Wooden Spoon - black cooking utensils might be toxic now, so invest in some good wood ones like these handmade ones from Rancho Gordo!
Sustainably-sourced spices from Burlap and Barrel - might I recommend Cali Guisada by Illyanna Maisonet and Ranch by Sohla and Ham?
$11.99 for a single jar or $33.99 for a set of three, Burlap and Barrel
What Goes With What by Julia Turshen - Julia Turshen is an amazing cookbook writer and this cookbook is super creative and easy to use - she makes these fabulous charts that show lots of variations on a simple formula.
Gifts for Men
I've simplified my men's gift guide even further from last year, using simple key words to sort men by their primary interest areas.
Gifts for the Fashionista
"I'm a luxury few can afford" sweater - pay tribute to Princess Diana and throw some shade toward "King" Charles with this one.
Bag hanger - keep this little clip on hanger in your bag so you never have to set it on the dirty ground when the restaurant in America doesn't have hooks. I specify "in America" here because literally every single other country provides diners with countless options for where to put their bags safely off the floor but for some reason the only places in America that give you a place for your bag are Michelin three star restaurants.
Gifts for Travelers
Last year, I listed an airplane foot hammock on my gift guide, noting that I'd never tried one but wanted one. This year I can happily say I did purchase one and it's a dream.
L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Zip Top Bag - I recently got a new Boat and Tote and opted for the zipper top, which I had never carried before. The zip top is a GAME-CHANGER. The zipping part folds neatly inside the bag so you can carry it as a regular open Boat and Tote but you can also zip it closed for extra security. This bag has quickly become my go-to carry-on thanks to its ludicrous capaciousness and the zipper (I recommend size Medium or larger). Make sure to get the long handles so you can wear it over your shoulder. Bonus points for a hilarious monogram.
Hanging Toiletry Bag - this thing is insanely efficient and a fraction of the price of the Dagne Dover version while also providing better organization features. A wonderful instance of the dupe being a better product than the original.
Gifts for the Home
Inflatable Tube Guy - Are you looking for the perfect piece of decor to give your home that je ne sais quois and/or to cultivate an immaculate "used car lot" aesthetic? Look no further!
Normally I would never recommend shopping at Zara, but these table lamps are gorgeous and the first reasonably-priced ones I've found in my year+ quest to find cordless rechargeable table lamps so meals at home can feel like eating at a restaurant.
Clorox Toilet Wand System - This revolutionized my toilet cleaning in an amazing way. I didn't know it was possible to have such a positive toilet cleaning experience.
Gifts for Literate People
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten is a wonderful memoir. It's a fun read because she sprinkles in her catch phrases and you can hear her in your head going, "How bad could it be?" It's also interesting to learn more about her life and how she got started as the Barefoot Contessa.
The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr is a fun feel-good read that includes a bunch of different puzzles within the book itself.
The Night Parade by Jami Nakamura Lin is a beautifully written and illustrated book that tackles extremely heavy topics (death and mental illness) through the lens of Japanese, Taiwanese, and Okinawan folklore. It's incredibly powerful and moving.
Gifts for Your Trump-Supporting Relatives
Cal-Organic carrots purchased between August 14-October 23, 2024 and a donation in their honor to the Center for Reproductive Rights, Abortion Access Front, Planned Parenthood, or National Network of Abortion Funds.
Beauty Gifts
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick - You need to order this from somewhere that ships the Asian formulas to the U.S. because it has ingredients that are not FDA-approved. This shit is magical. The Asian and European UV filters last longer, break down less easily, and feel so much nicer on your skin. They also don't burn your eyes.
Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion - As a lazy person who hates putting on lotion but doesn't want parched skin, this stuff is a real must-have. You put it on in the shower and rinse it off, which somehow feels SO MUCH EASIER than putting lotion on after getting out of the shower.
Satin car headrest cover - These are a game changer if you don't like the back of your head frizzing when you sit in the car. They function like a satin pillowcase, reducing friction between your hair and the headrest.
Gifts for a Gen Z
Crew socks - Gen Zs love a good dad-inspired fashion moment, so take advantage of this great multi-pack deal and stuff their stocking with more stockings! $16.99 for 6 pairs, Target
JNCO jeans - I can't wait for Gen Z to learn about what happens to long, wide-leg jeans in wintertime.
Gifts for your Furry Friend
Ben & Jerry's Dog Ice Cream - I used to get my furry friends a different brand of dog ice cream, but I've never seen Purina speak out against police brutality so I switched over to B&J's because I like their values. Allegedly each cup is many servings, but when I accidentally gave a whole cup to my dog grandchild she loved it and turned out fine.
Eduardo the Shrimp Taco - I love that dog toys always come with the most insane names especially considering their destiny is to get shredded to bits.
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