The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
The holidays are finally here! YAY! And if you’re anything like me, you love spoiling your loved ones with gifts that make them go. Some families and friends ask each other what’s on their wishlist, while others want their gifts to be a total surprise. So, to make the whole gift idea process easier for you, I put together the ultimate holiday gift guide!
This gift guide features my favorite aesthetic brands, including small businesses and black owned business that could use your support this holiday season! (Plus, what’s better than discovering a dope, underrated brand?)
Welcome to the ultimate holiday gift guide. Enjoy! xx
Food and Kitchen
Always Pan by Our Place
The do-it-all pan! It has a non-toxic, non-stick ceramic coating, comes with a spatula, steamer basket, modular lid, and pour spout. And, the Always Pan comes in 6 beautiful colors to liven up any kitchen. Fun gift idea: Include your favorite recipe inside the pan!
Milk Frother by Smeg
For the coffee lovers in your life, enhance their coffee-making experience with the most beautiful milk frother on the market. Coffee is not only about taste, but the experience as well. This Smeg Milk Frother is absolutely jaw dropping and brings the cozy coffee shop right into the heart of the home.
Ripple Cup by Sophie Lou Jacobsen
(Small Business, Solo artist)
To say I’m in love with these is an understatement! I bought my first one last month and fell in love with the design and feel of it in my hands. They are 6oz so they are ideal for wine or juice as opposed to larger drinks like coffee, smoothies, or tea. Sophie is a one-woman business and her glassware is stunning, eye-catching, and funky-chic.
Cold Brew Tea Bottle by Anthropologie
Talk about a fun and functional gift! I love these cold brew tea bottles that are made from 100% naturally refined materials. They have a sleek design, heatproof glass, and offer a fun twist on tea. I feel like it’s always more exciting to drink something if it’s prepared in a beautiful way. Even if it’s just water! Imagine all the teas, fruits, and herbs your friends or family can put inside these.
Matcha Golde by Golde (Black-Owned Business)
There’s something so therapeutic about preparing matcha at home. Golde is all about superfoods and making wellness more accessible. All their formulas are 100% natural and vegan-friendly. And best of all, they are a black-owned, small business totally killing it!
Double-Walled Insulated Coffee Mugs
Another must-have for coffee lovers and hot drink sippers alike. I get asked about these mugs all the time on Instagram; they truly are the star of the show! These double-walled insulated mugs maintain the drink’s temperature whether it’s hot or cold and elevate the experience of your favorite drinks throughout the day.
Nathalie Lete Titania Serving Platter
(Solo artist)
I remember running to see this piece when it caught my eye in Anthropologie. It is a hand-painted ceramic platter perfect for bringing in love, warmth, and tasty snacks. Something about hands always make me feel welcomed and cared for. To me, this platter represents the gift of giving. It would look stunning in the center of the dining table or on the counter with snacks to grab on the go.
Still Glasses by Ferm Living
Speaking of drinks prepared in a beautiful way, I wanted to include a glassware brand I discovered called Ferm Living. These glasses come in a set of two and are great for an individual or couple, for your loved ones who enjoy everything around them to be beautiful and unique, and for the one’s who seek beauty in the mundane. I’m already thinking of yummy drinks to put inside!
Home Decor
Hannah Candle | New York (Small Business)
Hannah Candle is a Korean-founded, small business by Bonam Kim. Her candles represent the female and male form and come in various colors. “Hannah” has a variety of meanings which led her to choose the name for her brand. Bonam told me, “In Korean, Hannah means “one,” for Judaism, heavenly grace, in Arabic it represents happiness, within Japan, a flower, while in Maori it's the act of glowing.”
Ceramic Decorative Knot
(Small Business at West Elm)
Speaking of decorative objects, this hand-made ceramic knot is perfect for stacking on top of coffee table books, bookshelves, or on top of dressers, desks, and tables. Its neutral color makes the piece versatile and its texture brings in an earthy touch to the home.
Black Taper Candle Holder
Wow, these are stunners! I’d literally buy them if I didn’t already own a bajillion candle holders. Individual candle holders always look best in a pair of three and I love varying heights of all of these together. They are modern, elegant, and have a touch of funk which will instantly elevate any surface these are put on.
Ceramic Planter by Clay Nikki Ceramics
(Small Business)
Nikki is a fellow Instagram follower of mine who is just about to launch her ceramics business! She is mega talented and makes planters, mugs, vases, and so much more. Sign up for her newsletter to be notified when she launches on Dec. 5 so you can shop her pieces just in time for the holidays!
Architectural Digest Coffee Table Book
For the interior designer, one in the making, or the general interior enthusiast. This coffee table book features 464 pages filled with photographs and writing from Architectural Digest’s rich history and archive. It’s more than just decoration, it’s a beautiful book that you can cozy up on the couch and get lost in. Decorate as is or pair it with an eye-catching object placed on top!
Marble Decorative Box
When it comes to home decor, I find the most stunning pieces usually have an important textural component. Not only does the marble offer contrast and visual interest, but the fluted silhouette offers depth, texture, and body. This marble box is perfect for storing jewelry, but its versatility allows for so much more. Think: soap bars, tea bags, cards, and more.
Purple Kush Candle by Boy Smells
Boy Smells is such a unique candle company and they’re all about breaking down the gender binary and championing self love. These candles are equally feminine as they are masculine in scent and design. The most unique smells are the ones with pot in the ingredients. How dope ;)
Speckled Duo Candlestick Holder
(Small Business at West Elm)
This candlestick holder is a must for a table centerpiece, dresser, outdoor dining in the backyard. The curves make this piece so organic looking, especially with the speckles. It’s also just an unexpected holder with the two candles “floating” in the center. Boho beach vibes, check!
Wellness
Piecework Puzzles (Small Business)
I don’t know about you, but puzzles have been making quarantine a lot more fun and tolerable. And they’re a great way to decrease screen time because we all know how much more we’ve been spending time on our phones this year! Gift this to the workaholic, the social media gal, and the loved one who needs a little extra me-time and a little less stress-time.
Merry Jane’s The CBD Solution: Wellness:
How Cannabis, CBD, and Other Plant Allies Can Change Your Everyday Life
CBD is ~everything~. I personally take CBD every day and also have a variety of products with the ingredient like lotion and drops I put under my tongue. And no, you don’t get high…unless you want to ;) Gift this book to your friends and family who might benefit from learning about CBD and incorporating it into their daily routine.
Gua Sha 3-Piece Set (Women-Owned)
Gua Sha is a traditional healing technique used in East Asia for massaging and “scraping” the skin. They aid in releasing tension, sculpting, encouraging lymphatic drainage, and boosting blood circulation. Enhance this gift with a clean, non-toxic face oil for the ultimate duo.
Summer Fridays The Hydration Kit
Because the hype about Summer Fridays is as real as it gets (I’ll literally be wearing the Jet Lag Mask to my grave!) This is one of my most-used skincare brands that I always recommend to my family, friends, and followers, especially those who have dry skin and prioritize non-toxic skin care.
Cork Fitness Roller
For the fitness lover but also more importantly, for the friend who works on their computer all day and complains about neck pain. Not only is this cork roller *chic* (yes, I just called a roller chic) but it’s a life saver for releasing tension in the back and neck, taking a moment to breath, and hearing those satisfying back cracks along the way.
Mindfulness Cards
This is a great idea for a little stocking stuffer or an extra present to stack on top of your main gift! This year has been hectic and it’s been challenging to find our peace and quiet our mind. These cards are all about setting intentions, learning how to cultivate awareness and peace, and how to enjoy the little things that make up our day-to-day lives.
Fuzzy Weighted Blanket
Need I say more? The first time I experienced a weighted blanket was in a spa in Boulder, Colorado and I kid you not, I did not want to get up. The weight of the blanket made me feel so relaxed. I felt like I was in a little cocoon that was protecting me from any anxiety that might creep inside of my mind. Weighted blankets are meant to aid in sleep and promote a sense of ease (and I 100% validate these claims). Get one for yourself while you’re at it too!
Believe in Yourself and Do What You Love
For the recent graduate, the entrepreneur, and the one who traveled the path less followed. In a time of immense uncertainty, nothing is more empowering than reminding someone you love that they can DO IT. They will achieve their dream, especially with your support.
Liha Shea Butter (Black-Owned Business)
Liha is a black-owned business I discovered a couple months ago and felt it was totally in line with the values you and I share! The brand mixes West African roots with British attitude to create organic, vegan beauty products. Aside from she butter, they also have oils, candles, and roller balls!
Mask and Ponytail Holder Set
Can this get any cuter? I’ve been admiring cute masks for months and now time to pull the trigger! Have you just wearing a black or blue one these past months? Because same and they aren’t necessarily *fun*. Make the mask experience for your loved ones (and yourself) more exciting with a floral print & matching ponytail holder!
Fashion
The Pangaia (Sustainable)
The brand all about saving our planet, coziness, and LOTS of colors! The Pangaia features sweats, sweat shorts, hoodies, tees, and more. Each item has their iconic labeling describing the product’s sustainability such as “This hoodie is colored with an environmentally friendly dye, creating using a recycled water system. The fabric is made from a recycled and organic cotton mix.”
Balfern Leather Jacket by AllSaints
A splurge and for good reason. This is the ultimate, hands-down, best leather jacket on the market, I SWEAR. I own this and it is such a timeless, buttery-soft jacket to wear all year round (and don’t even get me started on how cute it looks with mini dresses and white sneakers.)
JW Pei Bags (Sustainable & Vegan Leather)
There’s something about elevated basics that really stand out in such a beatiful way. This vegan leather bag matches any outfit and adds a fun texture moment with the ruched handle and body. Say bye-bye to boring and hello to this beauty!
Classic High-Wasited Denim by Agolde
I am a firm believer that denim is supreme and lasts forever! Nothing separates a girl from her favorite pair of jeans. One of my favorite denim brands is AGOLDE for classic fits like high-waisted straight leg jeans, or trendy denim like their icon criss-cross waisted jean (which I own and wear way too much!)
Cozy Wool Beanie (Sustainable)
Spice up this cozy gift idea with a beanie made with a wool and alpaca mix to keep those ears and head nice and toasty (and stylish!)
Tall Black Leather Boots by Frye
You can’t go wrong with a well-made tall, black, leather boot. I haven’t taken mine off since I got them! They are classic, make every outfit look so chic, and I love that the ankles are more snug so the boot looks and feels like it fits properly. These are a must in any wardrobe!
Wrap Mini Dress by Lioness
This wrap dress is another elevated casual piece that I feel every gal needs in their wardrobe. It’s an ode to the classic button down tee but instead features a plunge neck and tie at the hip for a chic, stylish look. Pair this with tall black boots, a chain necklace, and a black bag and this outfit will turn heads.
Tommy Beaded Bag by Staud
This bag is so beautiful and comes in a variety of colors! I chose this one in particular because it adds not only a textural component with the tiny beads, but a pattern that’s neutral enough to match with any outfit. It’s a statement that can really enhance a regular, casual, solid-colored outfit. Just imagine: Black jeans, white tank, black booties and sunglasses, and this bag! Cool girl alert.
Two-Toned Black Pleather & Beige Trench Coat
For the fashionista who ~isn’t like most girls~. This two-toned trench coat combines classic beige with a black vegan leather twist. Talk about a trendsetter. It’s the perfect way to spruce up an outfit and achieve that it-girl vibe on the go.
The Perfect Black Heel
This is the perfect black heel that doesn’t feel outdated. The square toe adds an updated look, elevating casual outfits like jeans and a tee. Elevate these heels by wearing them with an oversized blazer, sweater dress, or chunky knit.
“Happiness Runs” Fitness Top by Free People
For the athletic girl or for the girl who’s the exact opposite, this top is incredible for light workouts, running errands, or lounging around the house. It’s stretchy and insanely comfortable and get ready for this… this top comes in 38 different colors! 1% of sales also benefit their non-profit partner Girls Inc.
Blue light Blocking Glasses
For the gal always in front of her computer and phone screen, especially during the night time. Gift these blue-light blocking glasses as a fun stocking stuffer!
Cozy Lounge Set
This is such a cozy set to lounge around the house in. The top and shorts are extremely light weight and the top has really long sleeves to achieve that cozy, scrunched up look around the wrists. The shorts have an elastic waist and the lettuce edging throughout is so darling.
Large Corduroy Patch Tote
Oh, would you look at that, a black bag! This large tote is perfect for running errands or carrying your belongings on the go. The woven pattern adds so much character and so does the corduroy texture. This can easily be worn with any style of outfit, dressed up or down, or even as a bag for the beach or picking up local flowers. Caaa-uuuteee.
Jewelry
Oma the Label (Black-Owned Business)
Oma the Label is a black-owned jewelry business who has stunning jewelry from statement rings, earrings and necklaces! Their jewelry is plated in 18ct gold over brass (Oh, and their chain necklaces are my favorite.) Their jewelry is an easy way to spruce up any outfit.
Mejuri
My GO-TO jewelry brand, hands down! 95% of my jewelry is Mejuri so I had to rave about them. I adore their solid gold, gold vermeil, and sterling silver pieces and I wear them literally. every. damn. day. Click below to apply my 10% off discount code!
Cuffed by Nano
Another amazing small business and their jewelry is recycled 14k gold filled, 14k solid gold, and sterling silver. They’re bracelets fit PERFECTLY; they aren’t too big which is always so hard for me to find. Lastly, they partner Hands Together For Haiti to provide tuition and meals for children in Haiti.
Aureum Collective
Aureum Collective is a small business run by one of my favorite influencers, Cass Dimico, and her husband. My boyfriend just gifted me one her necklaces and they’re even more amazing in person! So shiny and elevated (and so sentimental for me personally.) The necklaces are perfect for layering.
For Him
Cooling Pillow by Tempur-Pedic
Because I swear, the male species just runs hot! Gift this cooling pillow to make his sleep a little more sound and peaceful!
Record Player with Bluetooth
For the guy all about music. This record player is covered with neutral, textured fabric that perfect to use as a functional home decor piece. Even better, it has bluetooth so he can steam from his phone or computer!
Roshe One Nike Sneakers
A go-to sneaker thats stylish, versatile, and can be worn for workouts or for running around town! They are super breathable and can actually be worn without socks (if that’s his vibe, haha.)
Black Cable Knit Sweater
I swear, guys are sleeping on cable knit sweaters! They look so nice and maybe I’m biased, but my guy looks so handsome when he wears them. *drools* I guarantee yours will too! Stick with a neutral color like black for the most versatility.
Beer Tumblr
Take his beer drinking to the next level with this stainless steel beer tumblr. The etched snake design is cleeean and so badass.
Elevated Grey Crewneck
This grey crewneck is an elevated and the line down the center makes it so much more stylish! This can be worn with sweats, jeans, or with a white button down shirt with the collar sticking out.
Dry Gin by AMASS (Small Business)
I discovered this brand on Instagram a bit ago and had to include it! AMASS makes clean botanicals for modern life. Inspired by plants, they use natural botanicals to transform social and self care rituals.
Oculus Quest 2: Virtual Reality Headset
If he’s a gamer, he NEEDS virtual reality! I can’t even begin to explain how fun, engaging, and thrilling it is to play games in virtual reality. And if you’re gifting this to your boyfriend, you won’t be able to resist playing it too. (Trust me!)
Photography and Content Creation
Adventure Presets by Haley Ivers Gift Card
Yep, that’s me and gift cards are now available! Gift your creative friend a gift card to shop my Adventure Lightroom Presets. It never expires! And, they can choose to shop the desktop pack, mobile pack, or bundle pack!
External Hard Drive
A photographer’s dream - storage space! This 1TB hard drive is lightweight, compact, and reliable. (And, it’s the one I use too!)
“The Nifty Fifty” Canon 50mm Lens
It’s called “The Nifty Fifty” for good reason! This extremely affordable lens is light weight, has razor sharp image quality, and has a 1.8 focal lens for drool-worthy bokeh and out of focus backgrounds.
35mm Film Camera
This super-fun film camera is approachable and easy to use. It has a built in flash and is compatible with color and black and white film!