PERIODICAL I: DECEMBER
Hi Everyone!
I'm not really sure what I'm doing here, but I get SO many messages about what I'm wearing, where I'm eating, or what I'm making - that I thought I'd start putting it all down into an email. To be honest, I'm a shopaholic addicted to detail and getting lost on the world wide web or is it in the world wide web. Usually, I get inspired by something then go on a two hour spiral of clicking until I find something worthy. All I can tell you is that this is the process with everything at my desk, in my house, in my kitchen, and in my closet.
The bright side is I am starting this piece so you can all benefit from my finds! I can be your very own personal shopper. This is all a work in progress for me, so I'd absolutely love your feedback (just reply to this email). This first email was tough because I did not know where to begin. However, in the spirit of December - the theme here is gift giving!
FOR THE SECRET SANTA YOU BARELY KNOW —
$150 OR LESS:
My go to right now is a food or wine subscription. Ester's or Helen's Wine Shopare my favorites for wine. For coffee - La Colombe and Blue Bottle. For meat lovers, Olympia Provisions is perfect. For people who don't drink or eat (confusing), make their homes beautiful with this flower subscription!
$100 OR LESS:
This range is perfect for some kind of "small leather good" like a card holder or a natural leather key chain or luggage tag. My liking for natural leather transfers from my husband's love for it. He loves anything that becomes more beautiful over time! However, if you aren't into waiting for the light leather to eventually turn dark, a dyed camel brown or black are also safe choices. Oh, and this backgammon travel set is pretty cool, too.
$50 OR LESS:
You can probably find a cute cookbook or a classic coffee table book for this price. For guys, you might do something like this cool Eggleston book or this book about wood. Not to say men don't cook! With a cookbook, you can get some rare ingredients like this fresh black garlic. Sounds weird, but it's actually pretty magical.
$20 OR LESS:
This range usually ends up being a "silly" gift that ends up in a give away pile, but there is room for creativity!
For females with a bit of spunk, you could get some eccentric ZARA statement earrings. If the person ends up having no idea how to wear them - suggest an all black outfit, a bright colored lipstick, and these earrings at a holiday party!
For a drinking male, you could create a little whiskey set: an ice tray that makes *sleek* ice (yes, nice ice is a thing) and a simple rocks glass. These old fashioned whiskey stones are also a hit with scotch enjoyers. If he isn't a drinker - a deck of cards from this site would be pretty sweet, too.
FOR YOUR BOYFRIEND’S MOM —
It's important to put some thought into this one!
This is a relatively neutral gift and will make her feel like she's on a tropical vacation!
If she likes to cook, Ottolenghi is always a hit!
If she likes to be pampered, these Joanna Vargas masks are so soothing and hydrating - and honestly, fun to use!
If she likes to shop, this book is perfect for her home.
If this is overwhelming, just get her a simple planted orchid because they are low maintenance and last forever. Extra credit if you can find the waterfall orchids!
FOR YOUR BEST FRIEND —
This is way more personal, but here are some funky options for your
- fashion forward friend: cat-eye Sunglasses or a statement purse
- homebody friend: some neutral, but hip coffee mugs
- gardener friend: some herbs for that green thumb!
I know gift cards have the reputation of being less personal, but you can totally make them special! Help your girlfriends upgrade their brows or beauty game or you can let your boyfriends pick something out that is made in the USA here.
Now that felt like a lot of content and I still wanted to add a blurb about cooking in this holiday email. After all, a significant part of this month requires tons of food and indulgence! Should I send another email out with recipes? Thoughts? Stay tuned!
xx
Roxanne