2019 Gift Guide: Your Favorite Grown-Ups

Friends — welcome to the most spectacularly visually UNimpressive gift guide you’ve ever seen on the internet, ha! It’s been a hot minute over here, and though my time is short right now, I’ve been collecting gift ideas for months and can’t let Black Friday sales pass us by without offering up a few ideas for the ones you love!

But first, let’s talk about something. I think we can all agree that the best gifts are personal to the recipient, and perhaps even say something about the giver, and/or about the two’s relationship? What, then, would I have to offer as you search out gifts for your people? Why are we here??

The short answer: while I can’t pretend to shop for your sweet mom who calls you every Monday on your drive home from work, your sister who just moved to a new city, or your husband who is adjusting to life as a dad of two, I can offer up my best ideas for gifts that have been hits with the people I love. My hope is that somewhere in the list, you’ll find something that DOES speak to a personal connection — or will at least get your wheels turning!

With that, let’s get this show started!

For husbands, dads, and brothers:
— A pair of Allbirds. John has the Runners in natural grey and loves them so!
— Our friends brought this camping and I’ve wanted one ever since (they really work and we really need one for our backyard!). It looks kind of scary, but it shoots salt (!), which “decimates flies on contact.”
— The comfiest joggers. John has a similar pair and changes into them almost every day after work in the winter. So cozy!
— An old-school mug with one of his favorite places on it.
— A fun book comparing ballparks then and now
— Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit. I didn’t know this existed until a few months ago and now I must have it?!
— A subscription to the Goodnewspaper (a quarterly print publication filled with really good news – and great design)
— A custom photo mug. I had this lightbulb moment earlier this year that cute/slightly cheesy photo products don’t just show up on your doorstep when you have kids – someone has to get you them. Get him one :)
— Sagrada or another great board game for a group or for two
— Tickets to a sporting event, concert, or comedy show. I got John tickets for Jim Gaffigan two years ago and it was a huge hit!

Also: take a peek at last year’s gift guide!

For moms, sisters, and best friends:
— Pretty silicone lids if she’s trying to create less waste (also great: beeswax storage wrap)
— A canvas toiletry case made by artisans in Haiti
— A pink woven vase (going on my list!). Also this and this woven basket.
— A beautiful salad or fruit bowl
— The coziest socks (I love the gray color – and pom poms!)
— Cute ear muffs, for those who aren’t hat people (and this for those who are). Also in buffalo check.
— A dainty cityscape pencil cup
— A bold bud vase
— The new book by Garden & Gun (I’ve already picked this up for someone on my list!)
— The fuzziest, comfiest pullover
— A happy mug (literally) to brighten her mornings (or a citrus tumbler for later in the day)
— A leopard foldover clutch
— Knit tech gloves (love the hearts!)
— A pearl barrette
— Three earring options: raffia hoops, tortoise hoops, or gold stars
— A modern gold locket (print out a photo for it!)
— An Instax mini (we love ours!)
— These floral melamine plates — a dupe of the coveted Caitlin Wilson ones! They are used daily in our house!
— The most buttery soft leggings. I have and love the Havelock Blue!
— Ballet-style pom pom slippers
— A ceramic KitchenAid stand mixer bowl (so pretty!!)
— A cooking class you can take together

Last year’s gift guide here!

For parents or in-laws:
Obviously many of the above options would be good fits, but a few additional ideas…

— A sculptural watering can
— A pretty insulated cooler bag (especially if your in-laws take long road trips like mine do!)
— A lovely fireplace basket (or log holder)
— A gorgeous wreath straight from the wilds of Maine (my favorite!)
— An indigo block print tablecloth. We have and love this one!
— The coolest wooden puzzles
— A pretty straw hat (my Mom and I both have a similar one and get compliments all the time!)
— PowerSheets, because they’ll help her figure out what’s next with the kids all grown up
— A magazine holder. Bonus: include a subscription — my current favorites are Bon Appetit, Our State, and The Atlantic.
— Cafe lights, if they have a little outdoor area. Offer to hang them as part of the gift! :)
— Pretty potted rosemary
— A cool pillow showcasing their home state (look closely!)
— A keepsake interview book, to record their stories
— A quirky baking kit, because retirees have time on their hands
— A gorgeous gold cookbook and tablet stand
— A sweet frame with a picture of grandkids, because that’s all they really want :)
— A cooking class they can take together
— Tickets to a show, concert, local river cruise, train excursion, sleigh ride, etc.! (<– all things my in-laws have done and enjoyed, ha!)

More ideas here!

Of course, keep in mind that these categories are just starting points – mix and match to your heart’s content! You know your loved ones best!

If this is helpful (even sans photos), I would love to hear! Kiddo and stocking ideas hopefully coming tomorrow! Happy shopping! :)

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