Holiday Gift Guide

A little something for everyone and every occasion!

I love to give a gift. It almost feels like a fun game, thinking back to previous conversations with the person I’m gifting for to see if any Easter eggs were left — the mention of a store they love, a food they’re really into, a trip they have on the calendar, etc.

I have a running note in my phone called GIFTS where I store ideas if they come to mind. Jotting those ideas down in real time helps me avoid a scramble come holiday time, birthday time, or when someone needs a “JB” — a Just Because. This is something my mom is a master of.

This guide is, of course, for the holiday season! I’ve included a few different categories — the ones that feel most relevant to my life right now. Hopefully some or all of these resonate with you too! Without further adieu…

FOR KIDS

I always enjoyed buying a gift for a kid before becoming a mom, but now I get extra excited because I know that when I’m gifting the thing, it’s something that has been tested and approved by a real-life toddler.

Custom Baby Board Books through Artifact Uprising - These take time, but the best gifts often do. I think the PEOPLE I LOVE book is SO sweet and truly does help identify friends and family. You can get even more creative and do an ALPHABET book to help your little one learn letters.

MODU Dreamer Set - There’s a an indoor playground / café near us that has these and Bode loves them. They’re kind of like giant Legos that you can ride on, push around, etc. and good for kids ages 0-6 so you’ll get your money’s worth out of the investment.

Bookroo Subscription - My Aunt Mary got Bode a subscription first his first birthday and it’s been so much fun to receive a box of three new books the last few months. He legitimately loves the books, as do Brian and I which is arguably even more important because we are the ones reading it over and over! Books are always a great gift.

Magnetic Me Jammies - There’s nothing like jammies that are easy to get off and on in those middle of the night changes. These are buttery soft, come in so many great colors and patterns, and we have continued to purchase at least one pair of these at every age.

Kyte Baby Sleep Bag - This bamboo sleep sack was gifted to us by my friend Kelsey when Bode was born and we loved it so much that we got the size up a few months ago. The 1.0 is great year round, no matter the weather. We’ve gifted it to several friends since too!

Otis Bear - My good friend Willa is an incredible artist who creates beautiful bears out of old quilts and textiles. They’re filled with rice and lavender and smell amazing. She says on her site that they, “Can be heated for a a stomach ache, cooled for a bruise/sore muscles/headache, or as is for comfort (the weight is relaxing like a hug).”

Plan Toy’s Wooden Food Toys - I’ve seen a lot of play food sets for kids, but Plan Toy’s play sets are my favorite I’ve come across. Saying this here because he can’t read yet: Bode will be getting some for Christmas! They have lots of different options, look nice, and are made sustainably. If your little one isn’t into food and cooking, they have so many other amazing toys. Check them out! It’s a good brand to know.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Membership - I love an experiential gift. Brian’s parents got us a membership when Bode was born and we have used it well. It’s perfect for all ages and it’s been really sweet to see him grow with the seasons, moving from being pushed around in a stroller under the cherry blossoms to toddling through the rose gardens to now sprinting across the lawn as we await the Lightscape. This is honestly a great gift for anyone.

FOR HER

All the items speak to what I’m seeking most these days… some good old self care. They’re good for any cool girl in your life, but I think new-ish moms in particular would pinch themselves for any of these gifts.

Paume Sanitize Trio and Paume Age Defying Trio - This sanitizing gel, balm, serum and cuticle/nail cream is the winter gift your hands didn’t know they needed.

Undo Hairware Claw Clips - I got myself this tortoise claw clip over the summer and wear it multiple times a week. It feels chic and goes with everything.

Two Trick Pony Perfume by Ranger Station - My friends Jordan and Steve opened their Nashville-based fragrance store in the West Village earlier this year and I’m thrilled about it. All of their scents are truly wonderful, but I’m the biggest fan of Two Trick Pony. I’ve been stopped more times than I can count by people asking me what I’m wearing. And it’s unisex so Brian can wear it too — I actually got this for him as a Father’s Day gift this year and have more or less stolen all of it. We sometimes joke and say, “What’s mine is mine and what’s yours is mine.”

True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil - This product is already saving my skin as the weather changes and gets colder. I have unbelievably dry skin, so my hunt for deeply moisturizing products is eternal and this oil gets my approval. It also smells amazing, like fresh roses. I’ve yet to try their Chebula Extreme Cream, but can imagine how lux it would feel to add a few drops of the pure radiance oil into this cream and apply before bedtime.

Sézane Gaspard Cardigan - I recently purchased this cozy cardigan in black. I sized up to a Medium (despite Sézane’s recommendation to go a size down because I like everything oversized) and I’ve been wearing it nonstop. It instantly makes me feel more dressed up when I throw it on, it’s not scratchy, is effortless, you can wear it with the buttons in the front or back. Extra points for versatility!

DONNI Pointelle Simple Crop Pants - I don’t own these, but they’re on my wishlist. I can feel how comfortable they are by just looking at the photo of them. I think the bell pepper color is cute for the holiday season, but you could also play it safe and stick to black or ivory.

Olio E Osso Lip and Cheek Balm - The name of my getting ready game these days is quick and easy and this super hydrating balm takes care of both my lips and cheeks. It comes in five shades and is made with olive oil, beeswax and shea butter and feels ultra nourishing.

Saie’s Glowy Super Gel - I love all of Saie’s beauty products, but this is a really solid one that I continue to use over and over. Sometimes I add this to my foundation and other times I wear this on its own. It gives a perfect natural dewy glow to the skin!

Underwater Weaving’s Retro Travel Tote - Erin, the founder of Underwater Weaving, is a genius when it comes to shape and color. Her handwoven tote bags are one of a kind and truly so stunning! I especially love these retro totes and the lobster shade for the holiday season.

FOR HOME

There’s something special about a gift that becomes part of someone’s everyday life. It A small object that fills their space with warmth or a vessel that adds texture and color to spark joy. These are a few things that I actually have in my home and am loving, especially in this season.

Field Stool from Sundays - We just got this stool in lemon and love it! We use it as an extra seat at the table and as a side table. It gets our parental thumbs up because it has rounded edges and we don’t have to worry about Bode hurting himself too terribly if he falls into it. It’s also sturdy! We almost got the walnut color (and might have to get one of these in the future), but love the playfulness of the lemon and that you can still see the woodgrain through it.

Shinola Hotel Candle - I think this candle about more than any other candle I have ever burned. My husband went on a work trip to Detroit about five years ago, stayed at the Shinola Hotel where this candle was burning throughout the building, and wouldn’t stop talking about how amazing it was when he got home. In my curiosity, I decided to splurge and order one. And it lived up to the hype. It smells like Japan — a perfect mix of smokiness, leather, and sweet cherry. I have no notes for it, pun-intended.

Hand sewn Stocking by Blank Supply - I’m putting another Blank Supply item on here because I love Willa’s things that much! We got one of these stockings for Bode last year for his first Christmas and had her hand stitch his name on there in a bright poppy red. It’s something we’ll keep forever!

Vintage Point and Shoot Film Camera - I got Brian this very camera earlier this year after doing deep research and reading some trusted articles and we have used it almost every day to document Bode and our life. Analog is in, folks! I don’t know if the “home” category is completely accurate for this gift, but I’m putting it here because ours lives on the mantel for easy grabbing. We’re trying to capture candid moments so we never forget them and every time we get a roll of film developed, it feels like Christmas.

Tulip Drum Light Cover - We have a lot of boob lights in our apartment and got a Tulip cover for the one in Bode’s room earlier this year. It’s a game changer, instantly warming up the space and drawing the eyes upward in a positive way! They have a lot of pretty patterns and shapes to choose from.

Soil To Studio Table Linens - This Brooklyn-based studio works with local artisans in India to block print gorgeous table linens and more! I had the honor of working with Swati, the STS founder, at a dinner over the summer and am now the proud owner of a few of her linens. I use them all the time and think they instantly make a table more welcoming.

FOR THE HOST

If I’m going to someone’s home for the holidays, I don’t want to show up empty handed. A small treat is the least I can offer for to say thank you for the time they took cleaning, planning, cooking, and prepping. Most of these things are edible, but I’ve mixed in a few other beloved items as well.

Heraclea Olive Oil Pairing - Create Dinners did an event with Heraclea over the summer and it was my introduction to the brand. I’m now a huge fan and use their olive oils all the time. There’s a mature and early harvest that pair so nicely for cooking and finishing. I also really appreciate how beautiful the bottles are and that they look nice on the counter.

Tre Drop Paper Goods - I feel really lucky to be in the know on these… Tre Drop is a brand new company founded by two moms who wanted to created an elevated paper plate and I’m here to report that they did it! The first time I saw them, I thought they were real stone. They make small plates, big plates, and coasters in two shades.

Spring & Mulberry Bar - Who doesn’t get excited about a good chocolate bar? No matter how full I am after a big meal, I can always find room for a piece of dark chocolate. Spring & Mulberry is a date sweetened dark chocolate, so even though it’s not completely true, I tell myself that it’s healthy. The mixed berry is my favorite, but honestly they’re all delicious.

Sabre Bistrot Spreader with butter - This butter knife is the perfect stocking stuffer, IMO. I will always get excited about a good kitchen utensil and this is a favorite of mine that I’ve gifted multiple times. And what would this knife be without some gourmet butter to go with it? I love Ploughgate Creamery butters made out of North Bennington, VT or you could go for the “world’s best butter” which I have yet to try but want to. I may have to pre-order and gift it to someone on my list this year!

Ghia Blood Orange Spritzes - Ghia has been a longtime favorite of mine, and I usually go for their Lime & Salt, but their newest Blood Orange flavor may take the cake. They’re great for a crowd or a party and non alcoholic, so any drinkers or non-drinkers can partake.

Pygmalion Taper Candles - If you know anything about Create Dinners, you know we love a taper candle on our table. These UK made candles add such a lovely pop of color to the table. The only flaw with them is that they’re so pretty your recipient may never want to burn them!

DAE Bottle Cover - This bottle cover by DAE would make such a delicate addition to a wine being gifted. I love the idea of someone pulling it out and dressing a special bottle of wine on display at future gatherings after the holidays — for someone’s birthday, to celebrate an engagement, a new job, and so on.

Create Dinners Tote Bag - Obviously the host in your life needs one of our oh-so-sturdy, extra large tote bags for all their market runs, event production errands, and schlepping all over the city! I use these bags every single day and, we know I’m biased because I had them made, but LOVE them.

Happy holiday shopping, everyone! I hope you find the perfect things for the people you love and if shopping overwhelms you and you’re not looking to spend, write a heartfelt handwritten note. Probably the best recommendation in this entire post?

xx

Kate