2020 Gift Guide: Your Favorite Grown-Ups

This style seemed to work well for us last year: nothing fancy, just a list of really great gifts that we’ve given, own, have on our wishlists, or are considering giving to our loved ones. With sales popping left and right this week, my hope is that somewhere in this list, you’ll find something that speaks to a personal connection with one of your loved ones (always the best gifts!) — or will at least get your wheels turning :)

For husbands, dads, and brothers:
— Stylish sunglasses. John just bought two pairs after cracking his Ray Bans – a very similar style at a lower price point!
— An at-home car wash. I did this when John started a new job a few years, and it made his car look mint condition.
— A cutie little cork planter for his desk (he can pin a favorite photo to it!)
— A matching tee with his favorite mini – big dipper/little dipper or head chef/sous chef
— A phone sanitizer/universal charger… because COVID
— The softest joggers
— A subscription to The New Paper, a daily email digest of fact-first top news based on impact to tech, business, politics, and world affairs. John has been subscribing for a few weeks and loves it! Considering for brother-in-law gifts.
— A mini shop vac for keeping his vehicle clean – in a great size!
— This is a spendier item, but a new office chair (especially if his at-home version is looking sad after this year)
— Because they’re beloved favorites in our house and I can’t ever leave them off a gift guide: Allbirds and Landmark Project tees

For moms, sisters, and best friends:
— Would it be weird to gift someone a tissue box cover? Because this one is really pretty.
— Write the Word | Fruit of the Spirit. MY FAVORITE – it’s baaaaaack!
— The chicest blue-and-white yoga mat, of all things
— A pretty little silver bow frame (pop in a photo of you two!)
— Turns out needlepoint patterns are weirdly expensive?! Feed her hobby with a modern pick from here (based in Raleigh!) or here.
— A one-size-fits-all pink Breton stripe tee (really – I have one and love it!)
— If she’s into coffee table books, this peek into the Obama White House’s interior design looks neat. Or, for a different twist, this book written by two past administration’s social secretaries, and this one written by a Chief of Protocol. Or, of course, Elizabeth Holmes’ brand-new treatise on royal style!
— A “mama” sweatshirt made with Liberty fabric (!)
— The Nester’s new book on decorating and hosting year-round
— Amanda Kloots’ jump rope – pair with a subscription to one of her classes! Love being able to support this sweet mama.
— An art print of reminders for daily encouragement
— A pebbled leather wallet. This is the one I bought earlier this year and I LOVE it! I have the Stone color with a gold monogram.
— A tee for your favorite gardener
— A pretty blush travel mug
— A cozy sweatshirt for your favorite reader

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

— A pretty blue-and-white tablecloth
— A custom leather luggage tag/keychain (lots of neat shapes!)
— An electric kettle that looks good (love the matte black) and works beautifully. We gave it to my in-laws and it was a hit!
— A cheese board inspired by a Schumacher pattern
— A set of PowerSheets (I just think they are the coolest, most unexpected but potentially life-altering gift for empty nesters!)
— A highly-rated, gorgeous collaborative game
— A rain barrel made from upcycled pickle barrels here in NC
— Very sweet ceramic platters featuring kiddo handprints or footprints (no matter where you are in the country!)
— Travel mugs featuring illustrated favorite destinations
— A cozy ChappyWrap blanket in a pattern that matches their decor or interest
— A wireless phone charging pad so they don’t have to scramble for a cord (I got John one for his birthday and he loves it!)
— A scratch-off poster of 100 essential novels
— Custom notecards with her grandma or his grandpa name, for sending to littles (“From the desk of Pop Pop”)

Of course, keep in mind that these categories are just starting points – mix and match to your heart’s content! Feel free to check out last year’s grown-up gift guide, too. You know your loved ones best!

What gifts are you planning to buy this week? I’d love to hear! Kiddo and teen ideas coming tomorrow. Happy shopping! :)