Holiday Gift Guide
We’re over a week into December. If you’re anything like me, you’re just starting to realize how long your shopping list truly is.
Personally, I lean toward really practical gifts. I love things that make my life a touch easier or enrich my day. I think of my loved ones each time I use them! So this year I rounded up some useful gift ideas that they'll enjoy day to day.
You’ll notice my choices are pretty unisex; Whoever your loved one is, they’ll probably love a thoughtful, well-made gift.
Classic Hoodie - American Giant
True Story: Last year I purchased these sweatshirts, touted as “the greatest hoodie ever made” for my brother and his wife. I own one and I like it so much I thought they might enjoy them too. This year he added a second to his wishlist saying, “I wear this hoodie All. The. Time.”
Travel Folio - Bellroy
I feel a little pang of jealousy every time we travel and my husband pulls out this sleek wallet at TSA. It is just the right size to house your passport, travel documents and International money (most bills don’t fit nicely in our American wallets!) Best of all it zips up tight to keep everything together in one secure place.
Everyday Face Cleanser - Alder of NY
One thing I’ve noticed as my husband and I crossed into our thirties is an increased interest in, well, keeping our youthful glow. Gift some indulgent tools to up their skincare game.
Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm - Aesop
This balm works great on jewelers hands. It's sure to do wonders on dry, hardworking mitts. The scent is pleasantly unisex and not overpowering.
Ravine - Stellar Factory
A cooperative card game that simulates being stranded on a desert island. Forage for food, fight off predators, build a shelter — just keep your party alive until rescue! 20 minutes of playtime means it’s not too complicated to understand and quick to get underway.
ReVolt Headlamp - Black Diamond
A USB Rechargeable headlamp will come in handy whether it's for hiking, working under the hood, or just to take out the trash.
The Ellis Knife - James Brand
A multi-function knife that’s thoughtfully designed. It’s slim and easy to attach to your pack, keys or carabiner.
Planters - Convivial Production
I discovered Convivial earlier this year and I have since made many-a-purchase for my home. (spot Convivial products here, here, and here from our last photo shoot!) Ultra modern, white porcelain and amazingly priced ceramics made in Kansas City, Missouri. Everything about their process is thoughtful and well designed. Wares range from planters and vases (for the plant lover in your life) to coffee mugs and dinnerware sets.
The Glif - Studio Neat
Maybe you're a reluctant 'Instagram husband' ready to relieve yourself of your duty. Or maybe your partner laments always being behind the camera and never in the photo with your kids. Enter: The Glif. It's a clever little smartphone holder that attaches to tripod, gorillapod, or stands on its own, so you can set the timer and be hands-free for your photos. As a creative, I love the Glif for shooting process photos when I need both hands!
Messenger No.3 - Moop
Moop bags is an example of stellar small-batch manufacturing with commuters in mind. The Messenger No.3 is an easy size to carry around every day, large enough for a laptop, iPad, and a well-loved book, plus the rest of your daily essentials. Each waxed canvas bag is created in downtown Pittsburg and stitched to order.
Salt Fat Acid Heat - Samin Nosrat & Wendy MacNaughton
Maybe you devoured the Netflix documentary and you’re hungry for more (terrible pun, I know.) But the book of the same name, Salt Fat Acid Heat dives into the joys of cooking with Samin’s infectious energy and beautiful illustrations by Wendy MacNaughton. My husband turned me onto this book after he tearing through it himself and it’s as fun as it is informational. 
Items from CaliforniaFireHelp.com
This gift still requires you to make your own selection, but did you know that the proceeds of California Fire Help go directly to relief efforts of the Camp Fire and our state's other devastating wildfires? Each item on this site was donated by the creator. I donated three pairs of earrings myself! So just know that you can feel good about any item you purchase here, big or small.
Candles - Homesick
This one’s especially thoughtful for the friend that’s far far away. Homesick candles know that scent is a powerful part of memory, so send a little nostalgia from a specific state or city to your hometown pal.
For the loved one who has everything
Make a donation in their name.
My suggestion? Check out World Bicycle Relief.
Each Buffalo Bicycle created by World Bicycle Relief costs just $147. WBR donates these bicycles to villagers in rural Africa so they can spend more time on their schoolwork and less time traveling tens of kilometers on foot just to get there (a trek which is exponentially more dangerous for young women.) Reliable transportation increases attendance, improves performance, and helps students get to school ready to learn.
And, hey! If you’re new here:
I’m Corey and I make jewelry. In my experience, it makes a pretty fantastic gift. You might want to check out more gift ideas from me here.
