We’re almost a week into December and it’s getting real. Here’s a breakdown:
- 18 days until Christmas Eve
- 6 days until the start of Hanukkah
- 3 days to find that special holiday party outfit (prime party weekend is upon us)
- 12 days (give or take) to purchase and ship the perfect stocking stuffers and/or gifts
- other things to fit in the next 18 days: cookie baking, holiday lights viewing, friend and family visits, attending a holiday performance, gift wrapping, menu planning, workouts to make up for the holiday indulgences. I think the list goes on. It’s no wonder that work productivity is on a landslide for the rest of the month. Take a deep breath and exhale.
Confession: gifting is a major weakness of mine, but don’t give up on me yet. A big part of it can be attributed to my lack of planning, usually related to too much work…which ends in a gift that isn’t well thought out or personal…which ends in me being really stressed out about the whole thing…which ends in me not feeling good about what I’m gifting. My frugality doesn’t help either. I sometimes make gift decisions based on a price tag rather than optimizing for the moment.
The other part of it is that gift giving and receiving is my least favorite part of the holidays (exception: kids). It’s everything else that makes the holidays special (to me): decorations, music, lights, movies, gatherings, and food. The gifting part seems to bring out the worst in some people. It’s so often over the top, commercialized, and transactional. Furthermore, in my experience, it ends in one party or the other feeling bad or breaking the bank to meet expectations. And, wouldn’t it be nicer to spend money on having a nice meal with someone, or doing something fun together, or traveling to see someone, or donating time or money to make less fortunate kids feel special?
Ok…my confessional turned venting ends here. Gift giving CAN be fun. When you take away the factor of time, one can find fitting gifts that are unique, thoughtful, personal, and even humorous. Lucky for me, I have some time on my hands this year, and so I’ve curated a list of some pretty cute gifts for the foodies in our lives. This holiday season is therapeutic for me given my crazy work schedule the last many years, so this gift guide is my next step in self-therapy. I’m trying to make gift giving fun again with proper planning, research, and creative options. So, here goes…my first gift guide.
Note: this list includes affiliate links.
- These designer and personalized wooden spoons would look so cute peeking out of a stocking. It strikes a cord with me because I have an “Emily” wooden spoon from 1970-something and I still cherish it. Little did the gift giver know it would be so fitting!
- Leather wine bag – well, this may turn into the stocking, but it’s too pretty not to include…and it holds WINE! Whether it be date night or a night out with friends, we like to share some of our favorite stashed wine. It’s a great opportunity to drink the wine that we love, and a welcome savings from the restaurant wine list. Of course, sometimes it’s nice to discover a well curated wine list too. For the former, this bag is the perfect vessel for transporting your special bottles.
- Ok…I can’t create a gift list without including Flour & Co’s “we are so good together” mug. This mug was a favorite at the bakery and the message is oh so appropriate for the holidays. I just so happen to be drinking hot chocolate out of one daily. Flour’s friends, Butter, Sugar, Egg, and Milk make pretty cute coffee companions. Include your favorite coffee beans and a coupon for a coffee date and you’re golden.
- Dish towels that pack fun – hehe…these are irresistible and perfect for the foodie who has everything. I love the puns and humor, and who can’t use more dish towels!?
- Main Squeeze canvas bag – fresh and practical, this canvas bag (plus other designs with equal parts humor) will be the new shopping companion…maybe groceries for a dinner that includes you!
- Modern set of 5 wooden utensils – sometimes cooking feels easier when you are using pretty cooking utensils! Time to toss the melted or hand-me-down versions for these.
- Frameable 2018 calendar art – these would look picture perfect on a kitchen wall. Maybe some people still prefer a paper calendar?!? The art got me.
- Talk foodie to me print – well, isn’t this clever. It made me smile when I saw it which is sometimes all you need in your stocking…and on your wall.
- Modern pepper and salt mill – ok, I’m always on the lookout for sleek and attractive table mills. Foodies can’t get enough salt and pepper. Ours take up a whole seat at our table, so sleek is the operative word for me. Want these…
- Whisk notecards – We sold this artist’s cards at the bakery and I’ve always liked their simplicity. And, a handwritten note can go a long way to making someone’s day.
Note: this list includes affiliate links.
Enjoy the season, gifting in whatever way makes you feel special and festive. Remember: it’s the thought that counts and time together or meaningful words is the best gift you can give. Happy Holidays!
xo Emily
Also published on Medium.
