After I share our bookish holiday gift guide each year, it’s become a tradition to share a sampling of what I’m giving or adding to my own wish list this year. In that spirit, today I’m sharing a round-up of gifts I’ve loved to receive over the years, some of my favorite go-to gifts, and a few things on my own wish list. I hope this helps you finish your holiday shopping!
(For more ideas, check out the 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 editions.)
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Ember Mug
The perfect gift for coffee lovers and slow sippers, the Ember mug keeps your drink hot for an hour and a half and comes in several fun colors. It feels like such a luxury, making it the perfect thing to gift.
Slippers
Who doesn’t love slippers? L.L. Bean makes a great classic for men and women, and we also love Land’s End’s options. Will and I gave each other L.L. Bean slippers years ago and still use them daily during the colder months all these years later.
Flower delivery subscription
I’ve written about why you should probably just buy the flowers and allow yourself the small joys. Gifting a fresh bouquet delivered every month to someone you love could be such a great way to send them some happy. Whether you schedule a one-time delivery for the new year or a monthly or quarterly delivery for months to come, flowers bring great joy and the spirit of new life both when you first give the gift and when fresh flowers arrive on your loved one’s doorstep.
Perpetual calendar
An undated calendar is a beautiful way to keep track of birthdays and important dates, and many of us (raises hand) vastly prefer it to the alternative of having birthdays just pop up on my phone. Etsy has lovely ones, like this one and this one.
MasterClass membership
An annual pass to MasterClass is an off-the-beaten-path option for the learners in your life, and those who love experiences more than things. They can take unlimited classes on a whole host of topics like economics, coffee and espresso brewing, yoga, and more. One of our team members received this as a gift last year and looooved it.
Bombas socks
We have given and received lots of socks over the years. For every item sold, Bombas donates one item to those experiencing homelessness. We first connected with Bombas because they sponsor What Should I Read Next and have since given them piles of cash money to buy socks for every family member plus lots of friends: get 20% off your first order by using this link and the code READNEXT. (Psst—I especially like their sweater socks and snowflake socks for right now, plus their adorable frilly rib socks.)
Throw blanket
Around here it’s impossible to have too many throw blankets, especially headed into the colder months. Pottery Barn has some great classics like this Faux Fur Throw, and the L.L.Bean throws are beloved for good reason, like this Fisherman Cabled Fleece Throw. Our Book Club Community Manager Brigid shared more about her favorite throw on the blog recently: at that price point I have to give it a try!
Homemade goods + a cookbook
I’ve gifted many homemade goods over the years and I’ve loved pairing them with a cookbook in the past. I like the idea of giving someone Snacking Cakes: Simple Treats for Anytime Cravings with an already made snacking cake, or with a bag of chocolate chips or fresh apples or pears to make one of the recipes in the book. Or preserved lemons (homemade or store-bought) with This Will Make It Taste Good by Vivian Howard. More cookbook suggestions: 8 beautiful, practical cookbooks you’ll turn to again and again.
Zipper pouches
Everyone needs a good zipper pouch (or ten, ha!) for holding precious cargo like favorite pens, travel accessories, snacks, etc. Make it fun, make it fancy, or make it flowery. You could even use these as a way to wrap a more substantial gift!
Plant pot + trowel
I love spreading plants around my home, and a small plant pot paired with a trowel makes a great gift: I love this Rifle Paper Co. one from Target and Etsy always has great options.
Home baker’s gift basket
If there’s a home baker on your list, I like the idea of pairing fun measuring spoons with an oven mitt, cookbook stand, great digital thermometer, or even specialty (consumable) baking ingredients like vanilla paste or cocoa nibs.
Home cook’s gift basket
For the passionate amateur chef in your life, it’s fun to gift slightly nicer versions of the things they use all the time: elevated seasonings like this tub of Maldon sea salt (if you know you know) or this truffle salt for finishing off steaks; an affordable but high-quality chef’s knife; and some Momofuku Chili Crunch.
One Line a Day Journal
I love this flexible journal that has room for one line a day, for five years. Use it as a memory keeper, as a gratitude journal…maybe even a reading log? The possibilities are endless. (Our team member Ginger is a huge fan of these line-a-day journals!)
Fujifilm Instax Mini polaroid camera
‘This modern update to the classic polaroid camera makes a great gift, and keeps giving memories with each picture printed. We got one as a family gift 10+ years ago: it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Clear acrylic bookends
These streamlined bookends are a step up from the old-fashioned metal ones–they’re strong enough to hold up your books and don’t take up unnecessary shelf space. They’re especially great for open-ended shelving.
Tea
I love to give and receive tea from my favorites, Rishi Tea (turmeric ginger, please) and Harney and Sons (hot cinnamon spice or Paris decaf); pair it with an interesting mug for a good bundle gift. Find more tea recommendations here.
Hand Towels
It’s easy to think about things like hand towels with only utility in mind and not beauty. That makes it extra fun to give beautiful, colorful hand towels as a gift, especially if you’re familiar with the person’s style or color preferences. This is a fun one from Anthropologie, or go for something wintry.
Hummingbird feeder
Lots of us are headed into the gloomy months where we live, and the promise of hummingbirds returning in the spring can add a spark of anticipation to a sleepy season.
Laptop charging cable holder
There’s almost nothing as frustrating as reaching for your wallet and pulling out a nest of charging cables. This spooling laptop cable holder is perfect for travel, remote working, or just keeping your organized at home.
The Velvetiser
Hot chocolate lovers–this one’s for you. The Velvetiser makes the most decadent hot chocolate you’ve ever had at home. You add your favorite milk, and a packet of real chocolate flakes and this gadget creates creamy hot cocoa.
What’s on your wish list this year? What are your favorite gifts to give? We’d love to hear more ideas in comments!
P.S. Need more gift ideas? Check out these posts:
