Gifts for Your Cool Mom Friends and the Impossible to Shop For Guy
I browsed so you don't have to. 80+ gift ideas inside...
Today’s newsletter has LOTS of images and might cut off; you can view the full version on the web.
Three gift guides, one email: the result of hours and hours of browsing, research, and vetting. I’m excited to share what I’ve found for you!
ICYMI: I’ve lumped together my guides this year for your convenience. I published the first mini installment, a list of 18 cozy gift ideas, last week.
Just want to scroll?: If you’d rather just see the full list of gift guides in one spot, with zero commentary from yours truly, then hop over to my ShopMy page for your browsing convenience.
Coming up next: I’ll have a Black Friday sales cheatsheet going out, plus gift guides for Bookish Gifts, Gifts Under $50, Gifts for Babies & Kids, and Splurge-y Gifts (Just For Fun). Plus, my answers to your toughest gifting conundrums this year. Whewww. Stay tuned!
K, LET’S GET INTO IT.
xo, Alisha
But first, a quick bedding rec…
According to our reader chat, everyone seems to be in a bedding-refresh mood, and my top rec for you is Brooklinen. Their Black Friday Sale is on now for 25% off sitewide, and up to 40% off bundles. This is their biggest sale of the year, so don’t miss out! Below are my picks…
In our home, we’re big fans of the cozy ribbed quilt for topping our bed with, this waffle robe and matching towels that would make a great gift, and the down alternative pillows and fluffy comforter. This striped super-plush robe looks super giftable, too.
*Sponsored mention
Gifts are so personal, but I found a few special things that would be a foolproof pick for any woman in your life who wants to be stylish, practical, and FUN.
I just love a cozy fair isle beanie, and this one is gooood.
I’ve got these cashmere gloves on my wishlist; they have tech-finger-pads so you can still use your phone.
These slippers look so cozy.
Give your girl the gift of a fun, steamy romance: 831 Stories makes the best-looking of the bunch. This latest release is on my nightstand now.
A clever pillow for the White Lotus fan and/or Parker Posey fan in your life.
Everything from this beauty brand looks so elegant and would make a special stocking stuffer gift. I love their concealer, but this pretty blush is my top gifting pick.
Really, really good socks for under $15. (ALISHA20 for 20% off)
Did you hear? Alison Roman’s got a new cookbook out, and it looks so beautiful and highly giftable.
A pretty knot ring from a local jeweler and store I love here in D.C.
This cool-girl barette would make a perfect stocking stuffer.
» Browse my full curation of 30+ (!) gift picks for her here.
Some of the most memorable gifts I’ve received are the ones that went the extra mile—like a DIY project or adding my name or initials to something special—even if the item itself wasn’t fancy. Here are a few ideas to help you do the same…*Tip: Always check the lead times and shipping cut-offs for customizable gifts!
Omg this bunny is just so, so sweet. Perfect for a new parent.
A customized book stamp for your book club friend. I want this!
You can have these gorgeous totes hand-painted with your giftee’s monogram. The brand graciously gifted me one, and it’s a great size for schlepping all the things.
I love the look of these monogrammed and embroidered waffle pouches.
A custom stationery set is always a good idea.
This classic gold circle charm can be engraved with whatever you’d like—including a portrait of your beloved pet.
News to me: You can get my favorite travel tote custom embroidered. Cute cute CUTE. This tote fits everything and more, 10/10 would recommend.
Also news to me: Did you know that you can get the softest hair towel in the world monogrammed, too? (ALISHA15 for 15% off)
I really want this chiccccc engraved pill box, from Etsy.
» Check out my full curation of gifts you can personalize here. And send me your ideas—I’m always looking for more in this category.
Below are some gifts for the Impossible-to-Shop-For Guy in Your Life. Aka…a lot of husbands I know. :) I acknowledge that “guys” is not a universal concept; much of this gift list is heavily influenced by my husband and his interests (music, golf, old fashioneds) and some of my, er, gentle influences on him (natural fiber sweaters, using good facial cleanser vs. nothing, etc., etc.). Enjoy!
Compression packing cubes, if he travels a lot for work.
A cashmere quarter-zip for under $100.
If he’s a Dodgers fan…or wants to be one, now.
A chic merino and leather tray to keep all his miscellaneous items in order on his desk.
A sonic toothbrush that looks better than the one he already has.
A memoir by DJ Mark Ronson. Great on audio (he narrates)! An alternative: Credits to Libro.fm to download audiobooks of his choice.
A simple toiletry bag for under $70.
If he’s a whiskey lover, this beautiful glass might do the trick.
Cozy plush robes for the homebody.
Some solid noise-canceling headphones that look good, too.
I haven’t met one guy yet who hasn’t been impressed with these sauces. (Sample size: 2, but still….)
A bonus pick from Corey, an avid golfer: A wristband device that I can best describe as “a thingy that helps you improve your golf swing.”
» Browse all my picks for guys here—over 30 solid gift ideas.
Endnote: Gifts are fun, but giving back is cooler. I’m donating 10% of this month’s paid subscription revenue to the Capital Area Food Bank, an organization local to D.C. A huge thanks to my paid subs who allow me to do this!
CONTINUE READING FROM THE DOWNTIME ARCHIVES:
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Love this format of 2 gifts in each pic - makes it so easy to scroll/read on my phone and not have to go up and down a bunch of times!! This list looks fab!
You doing all this research is the gift I didn’t know I needed.