Gift Guide: For Your Friend Who Always Has a Book in Her Tote
Most under $50
Today’s newsletter has lots of images and might cut off; you can view the full version on the web.
It’s gift guide season at Downtime! So far, I’ve published a list of 18 cozy gift ideas, gifts for her, gifts for guys, gifts you can personalize, and gifts under $50. If you want to see the complete list of gift guides in one spot, I’ve put them all on my ShopMy page.
In today’s letter:
18 bookish gift ideas, including a great idea for kids
Your best Thanksgiving recipe recs + what I’m making
Giveaway announcements: last week’s winner and this week’s giveaway
Save the date for our special Downtime book club Zoom
Coming up next: Gifts for babies/kids, and my answers to your most challenging gifting conundrums this year (many of which made me laugh).
First, a message from today’s partner…
Plumper, smoother skin for winter? Yes, please.
I’ve been trying out a couple of Medik8 products people have been raving about lately, and they’ve become the two things I reach for on nights when my skin feels a bit tired. I slather on the Liquid Peptides Advanced MP serum after my cleanser for a hydration boost, which feels like a good “extra step” for evenings when I want my skin to look a bit more bouncy the next day. The Advanced Pro Collagen+ Peptide Cream is formulated to boost your collagen levels, giving you a plumper, smoother look. Used together, they’ve made my winter routine feel nourishing without adding toooo much effort.
Medik8 is running its biggest sale of the year: 30% off sitewide now through Dec 2. Shop the sale now—no code needed!
Thanks to Medik8 for sponsoring today’s unlocked letter!
Gifts For Your Friend Who Always Has A Book in Her Tote
While I love gifting and receiving books (and highly encourage them, specifically chosen from your local bookstore!), I also genuinely appreciate a cozy, bookish gift. Here are a few ideas…
Personalized magnetic bookmarks, $12, because losing your place is for other people.
A bookish bookmark cross-stitch kit, $28, to work on while rewatching Gilmore Girls for the 47th time. Nothing feels cozier than stitching a tiny stack of books into existence.
Books Are Magic hat, $28, for weekend errands and library runs.
A curated children’s book subscription from one of our beloved local D.C. bookstores, $20/month. Such a delight, and they can curate it based on your child’s age. Especially good for nieces, nephews, and tiny readers who like getting mail. I’m very close to getting this for Lily…
Cloud sticky index tabs, $6, for the friend who treats her books like sacred texts and annotates accordingly. These make every margin look like a dreamy weather report.
A ChappyWrap blanket, from $85, to curl up with while reading. The floral print is peak cottagecore.
Donate a banned book in her honor, $15ish depending on the title. You’ll feel like literary superheroes together.
A pretty reading journal, $34. So she can jot down all her brilliant thoughts and book ratings after finishing her 50th literary novel of the year.
An enamel pin that says Tell Me What You’re Reading, $14. It does all the socializing so she doesn’t have to.
A genius elastic pen pouch, $11, so she can keep all her trusty pens and highlights in one spot (on top of her journal).
A Bookshop.org gift card, any amount, because nothing beats picking out your next favorite novel while supporting indie bookstores.
Libro.fm audiobook credits, from $15. Perfect for long commutes, nap-trap walks, or folding laundry while listening to a twisty plot.
An “Everyone Reads Romance Novels” tee, $32, because it’s true (or it should be).
A customized library stamp, $11, for the friend who lends you books and then politely hunts you down for them three months later.
A cozy candle trio, $60, including one scent that smells like reading books in a magical forest. (Use code ALISHA15 for 15% off.)
Pretty pastel highlighters, $6, for the close reader in your life who highlights everything.
A flannel-pattern Kindle case, $32, which looks like the coziest fall day.
A Kindle Paperwhite, $149, a little portal to every book she desires. Alternatively, a Kobo e-reader if she prefers to scribble and highlight.
Bonus: browsing your local bookstore. Most bookstores have such a great curation of book-adjacent gifts already: think puzzles, book lights, sticker books, coffee table books, cozy socks. I had the best time perusing through ours last weekend with Lily and picked up quite a few gifts there!
» Browse the full curation of bookish gifts here.
And ICYMI:
My no-fail gift rec for parents and in-laws…
Is an Aura Frame. The setup is easy, the app lets you easily send photos straight to the frame, and you can pre-load it with family photos so it’s instantly delightful. Imagine a “WE LOVE YOU!” video from the grandkids upon opening—aww. We’re loving the 12” Aspen frame in our home. Use code ALISHA for $40 off until Dec 2nd.*
A quick Friendsgiving outfit dispatch…
I had ten minutes to get dressed last night, so I reached for the comfiest combination I know: this HATCH maternity sweater (30% off sale right now), stirrup leggings, and my Weejuns loafers, which I can’t rec enough. I was comfortable all night, even after consuming lots of purple sweet potato pie (!) and chasing down a toddler.
The surprise MVPs of the night, though, were my earrings, which I wear almost daily. Two friends asked about them, which delighted me to no end. I have the mini version in silver in my cart as we speak, as they’re having a 25% off sale. A STRONG rec.
A few more standout new-to-sales picks…
Appointed: 30% off everything. If your aesthetic is more minimalist, you’ll like their planners. From a small woman-owned biz based in D.C.
Banana Republic: 40% off full-priced purchases, including excellent cashmere (!). I have and recommend this 80% cotton, 20% silk blend sweater. Their men’s cashmere pieces would make great gifts.
Canopy: Up to 50% off everything. This humidifier is one of my baby registry MVPs; it’s $99 right now, down from $159. Buying it for the baby’s nursery!
J.Crew: 40% off everything with code FRIDAY. Love this brushed cashmere v-neck and the white rollneck sweater.
Marine Layer: 25% off everything. If you’re shopping for a guy, this brand seems to be quite popular with them. Looking at a few sweaters and pants for Corey…
Reformation: 25% off everything. Can’t decide between these stripes or these…
Shopbop: 25% off everything with code HOLIDAY. I have and recommend these simple ankle boots, and these popular AGOLDE jeans are on sale.
🪄 Our big sales spreadsheet is being updated daily—I love watching the anonymous little avatars pile in. 👀
Three things I’m eyeing for myself…
I tested this zip-through jacket and it checked every box for my practical and cozy era. Their winter sale should be happening very soon.
The double-sided zip has come in handy for my bump. Deeply invested in this gorgeous grape-purple situation. 🍇 I’m this close to ordering these allegedly magical pants: petite sizing, rave reviews, and they’d pull double duty for pregnancy and whatever comes after. Does anyone have them?
I bought this easy sweat set for now and postpartum: sweatshirt and joggers, both under $40 at Aerie. And this heated round brush, which I’ve heard good reviews of and am excited to try.
And one thing I’d buy right now if I didn’t already own it…
These noise-canceling headphones. Would make a great “big ticket item” gift.
*sponsored mention
Save the date for our special Downtime book club Zoom!
Mark your calendars: our November–December book club is happening on Wednesday, December 17th at 11 AM PT / 2 PM ET. We’re reading Heart the Lover by Lily King and joining forces with Leslie Stephens and her newsletter community for a live Zoom discussion. Very excited to discuss this one!
The Thanksgiving recipes Downtime readers are most passionate about…
What are you making for Thanksgiving? I’m making a simple baked mac and cheese and classic sweet potato casserole. Though someone at Friendsgiving brought one with a cornflake topping, and I’m now hunting down that recipe…
This comments thread had so many great ideas! Here were 3 of my favorites:
“Simple Is Best” Stuffing (Bon Appétit). A classic shared by reader Amy — truly the perfect baseline stuffing.
Butternut Squash & Caramelized Onion Galette (Smitten Kitchen). Reader Anna’s “no one can resist this” pick.
Libby’s Classic Pumpkin Pie. Submitted by Sarah, proving that sometimes the thing on the back of the can really is the best.
I hope you have a wonderful and delicious Thanksgiving.
This week, I’m giving away: A day-to-night kit from ROZ, one of my absolute favorite haircare brands.
To enter: Please like this post and “restack” it via the Substack app or web app for an extra entry! (For transparency, restacks help me reach new people and grow our audience, which is a big goal of mine.) I’ll choose a winner on Wednesday.1
Congrats to reader Thalia, who won beauty goodies from CAP Beauty and other brands last week!
A reminder that I’m donating 10% of this month’s paid subscription revenue to the Capital Area Food Bank, a local organization in D.C. that provides equitable access to food and opportunity to people struggling with hunger and food insecurity. A huge thanks to my paid subs whose support allows me to do this! xx
CONTINUE READING FROM THE DOWNTIME ARCHIVES—
Quick links:
If you’re a brand interested in sponsoring the letter, please reach out to kristin@downtimenewsletter.com.
This newsletter may contain affiliate links, which means when you buy something through my link, I may receive a cut of the purchase at no cost to you. Any gifted items from brands are denoted as “gifted.” I occasionally work with sponsors, who help me keep some of my content free, and these are clearly noted as “sponsored.” Thanks for your support of Downtime.
Winner must be at least 18 years old, based in the U.S., and a paid subscriber to the Downtime newsletter.
I’ve had those Ruti pants for a year, bought during last year’s BF sale :) BTW I’m 5’2 and initially got a petite pair, but found them to end at an awkward area around my ankles - exchanged for the regular version and they are the perfect length now!
A friend just gifted me teas from NovelTeas. Not only are the books puns excellent, the Pemberley Pu-erh, Pippi Oolongstocking, and Anise in Wonderland teas are delicious! They also have bookmarks and mugs https://novelteatins.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopXLL5MNRntMj73uFdad9qvm0xv1j_xXWZXLwj2XhxJQEwLVYcg