Love this, Alisha! The most thoughtful gift I’ve ever received was this year actually— for my 30th birthday, my husband collected 30 letters written to me from friends, family, loved ones, teachers, bosses, coaches and beyond! It was so incredibly thoughtful & meaningful… and FREE! 🤣 I am a total words of affirmation girlie so having dozens of hand-written letters to go through was the perfect gift!
LOVE this gifting formula and highly recommend seeing Small Things Like These when it comes out--it was brilliant, and I think Cillian Murphy's best performance ever. As for thoughtful, low-cost gifts I've received, I have two: growing up, my mom always reached for her 1992 Fannie Farmer cookbook, and I always joked that I wanted her to will it to me. For Christmas a few years ago, she tracked down a practically untouched copy of the exact same edition and wrote her own recipe edits in it. We now send each other suggestions, and since it's the same edition, we can even share page numbers! The same year (lots of emotional tears on this particular Christmas lol), my best friend found an artist on Etsy who painted old records and commissioned a special piece that depicts my favorite line from my favorite musical (which she also loves). I treasure both of them!
Wow those are such thoughtful gifts, and I love how the cookbook gift offered an opportunity for you and your mom to connect over something!! 🥹 That’s actually a great way to think about gifting: what could I gift that could strengthen a relationship/friendship through its use?
With all of the cheese in the world, can I just say that your gift guide makes me feel like you are giving a thoughtful gift to us, the readers?! There is no filler here - just the most lovely things. I am going to get one of my bffs the claw clip in the sage color (her fave) because it will look so pretty against her hair. Somebody is going to get that bow candle holder, and it might be for my sister but maybe also for me :)
For best low-cost gift, in our 20s one of my friends got me a single chocolate mouse from L.A. Burdick and a card with reasons why she was happy we're friends. We're in Boston so she went to their shop and they wrapped up the mouse especially nicely in tiny box. I still have the card stored in my box of memories and read it from time to time; I'm 40 now and still remember it fondly!
I love this idea! Receiving books from my friends always makes me feel so seen!
Can I also suggest another idea for non-reader friends? I’m donating to organizations in their honor that support the causes I know we mutually care deeply about and then writing them a note explaining why I chose that charity or organization. It’s been a really scary and sad few months and donating to these causes in my friends’ honor feels like a really tangible way to say, “I see you, I love you, and we’re going to get through *this.*” Last year one of my friends donated to a reproductive rights organization in my honor and then sent me a handmade Christmas ornament shaped like an IUD as a memento of the donation. I freaking love it!
Love this, Alisha! The most thoughtful gift I’ve ever received was this year actually— for my 30th birthday, my husband collected 30 letters written to me from friends, family, loved ones, teachers, bosses, coaches and beyond! It was so incredibly thoughtful & meaningful… and FREE! 🤣 I am a total words of affirmation girlie so having dozens of hand-written letters to go through was the perfect gift!
Oh this is so special! And that it spoke to your love language is ❤️❤️
What an incredible gift!
LOVE this gifting formula and highly recommend seeing Small Things Like These when it comes out--it was brilliant, and I think Cillian Murphy's best performance ever. As for thoughtful, low-cost gifts I've received, I have two: growing up, my mom always reached for her 1992 Fannie Farmer cookbook, and I always joked that I wanted her to will it to me. For Christmas a few years ago, she tracked down a practically untouched copy of the exact same edition and wrote her own recipe edits in it. We now send each other suggestions, and since it's the same edition, we can even share page numbers! The same year (lots of emotional tears on this particular Christmas lol), my best friend found an artist on Etsy who painted old records and commissioned a special piece that depicts my favorite line from my favorite musical (which she also loves). I treasure both of them!
Wow those are such thoughtful gifts, and I love how the cookbook gift offered an opportunity for you and your mom to connect over something!! 🥹 That’s actually a great way to think about gifting: what could I gift that could strengthen a relationship/friendship through its use?
you had me at cozy little luxuries
my subject lines are working 🤝🕯️🕯️🕯️
With all of the cheese in the world, can I just say that your gift guide makes me feel like you are giving a thoughtful gift to us, the readers?! There is no filler here - just the most lovely things. I am going to get one of my bffs the claw clip in the sage color (her fave) because it will look so pretty against her hair. Somebody is going to get that bow candle holder, and it might be for my sister but maybe also for me :)
For best low-cost gift, in our 20s one of my friends got me a single chocolate mouse from L.A. Burdick and a card with reasons why she was happy we're friends. We're in Boston so she went to their shop and they wrapped up the mouse especially nicely in tiny box. I still have the card stored in my box of memories and read it from time to time; I'm 40 now and still remember it fondly!
What a sweet memory! And thank you for the kind words, I'm so glad the gift guide is helpful for you! Lucky friends :)
Love the book/little treat combo! I read Small Things Like These last winter + it was the perfect cozy hug.
Yes!! I can't wait for the adaptation.
Same!!
the chocolate mice…I’m obsessed
They’re from LA Burdick and iconic!
LOL this line: One thing about most of the women I know is…they’ll go wild for a pouch.
So true!
🤣 The amount of times I’ve had to talk myself out of buying Yet Another Pouch.
I love all of the jewelry from Shelter! Thank you for sharing!
Shelter is WONDERFUL! Mallory designed my engagement ring! She has the best eye.
So so honored to have my little earring included in this round up 🥹 Thank you, Alisha! 🫶🏻
It is so stunning!
I love this idea! Receiving books from my friends always makes me feel so seen!
Can I also suggest another idea for non-reader friends? I’m donating to organizations in their honor that support the causes I know we mutually care deeply about and then writing them a note explaining why I chose that charity or organization. It’s been a really scary and sad few months and donating to these causes in my friends’ honor feels like a really tangible way to say, “I see you, I love you, and we’re going to get through *this.*” Last year one of my friends donated to a reproductive rights organization in my honor and then sent me a handmade Christmas ornament shaped like an IUD as a memento of the donation. I freaking love it!
Genius!!