A Few of My Favorite Things: The TBHB Holiday Gift Guide

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01. Charcuterie board and tools. Perfect for a foodie or frequent entertainer. Consider a large, round food-safe wooden or stone board, cheese knives, and small ceramic bowls for dips, olives, and nuts. I like this affordable board from Target.

Image source: Canva

02. Table linens. Essential for any foodie photographer or hostess with the mostest. Consider linen napkins and cotton tea towels in neutrals, seasonal patterns, or the color of their kitchen decor.

Image source: KingdomofComfort, Etsy

03. Cast iron cookware. Cast iron is perfect for any home cook or frequent camper. You can make anything from steak to brownies to pizza in it. I own a few from Lodge and I really like them. With proper care, it’s a gift that could last a lifetime!

Image source: Canva

04. Handmade ceramics. Search Etsy and local gift shops for unique handmade pottery. Every time they use their special mug, plate, or bowl, they’ll think of you! One of my favorite local ceramicists is Mary Carrol (her mug is pictured).

05. Unique kitchen tools. This could be unique to the person — what they already have and what types of foods they like to make! A donut baking pan (like this one), hand-held mandolin for slicing veggies, a food processor or blender, and air fryer are all great ideas.

Image source: www.target.com

06. Reusable storage containers, jars, and baggies. Every avid home cook is always in need of an assortment storage containers to store their creations in. I prefer glass for storing leftovers and Stasher bags for on-the-go snacks, freezing fruit, and refrigerating cheeses.

Image source: www.stasherbag.com


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01. Soft cotton robe. If they don’t already have a cozy robe to wrap themselves into, they need one now more than ever. This soft, cozy yet light Cloud Cotton Robe by Parachute is perfect for working from home and self-care Sunday alike.

Image source: www.parachute.com

02. Handmade wall art. Handmade weavings (like this one by Em Well Crafted), art prints, and framed photographs from small businesses can be unique gifts to add warmth and nostalgia to their home.

Image source: @em.well.crafted, Instagram

03. Aesthetic essential oil diffuser. The options for essential oil diffusers have gotten way more modern looking and sleek, making them almost functional art. This Stone Diffuser by Vitruvi is made of matte terracotta ceramic and would look beautiful in any home!

Image source: www.vitruvi.com

04. Non-toxic candles. Similar to the diffusers, I love a candle that doubles as a beautiful home accent. P. F. Candle Co. makes subtly scented, non-toxic soy-based candles in amber apothecary-style jars. The candles last a while, too! My favorite scent is Sweet Grapefruit.

Image source: www.pfcandleco.com

05. Quality loungewear. There is nothing a homebody needs more than comfy clothing to lounge in. I’ve been loving Richer Poorer for simple yet high-quality basics. Their bralettes and women’s boxers are amazing! They also have fleeces made from recycled materials and sustainably sourced cotton tees.

Image source: @richerpoorer, Instagram

06. Wool slip-on sneakers. These Allbird’s wool loungers  are like walking on clouds! They have the comfort of a slipper with the look of a slip-on sneaker. As a plus, the materials are sustainably sourced and machine washable.

Image source: www.allbirds.com

07. Book of the Month subscription. Gift your homebody a Book of the Month subscription service where BOTM shares curated book picks and they get to choose which one they want to read. Books are sent every month (with an option to skip) for 3, 6, or 12 months depending on the package you decide on.

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01. Cocokind skincare gift kits. Cocokind is my favorite minimal-ingredient skincare company and lucky for us, they’ve curated gift kits for all your friends and family members’ skincare needs. Pictured here is the dry skin kit with two of my favorite products, the matcha face moisturizer and oil-to-milk cleanser.

Image source: www.cocokind.com

02. Face mask bowl and brush set. Boost that Self-care Sunday up to level two with a mixing bowl and brush set for your favorite avid masker. I can attest that face masks are easier and more fun to put on (not to mention less messy) with a little brush.

Image source: www.shopterrain.com

03. Subscription to Headspace meditation app. Skincare is fun and all, but self-care is more than just face masks and serums! Gift a subscription to a meditation app like Headspace to help your friend or family member manage stress and nourish their mental health. (P.S. I definitely recommend the Sleepscapes, they’re like a fun visualization bedtime story!)

Image source: www.headspace.com

04. Kinship mint mud mask. This is a newer product for me but I already want to shout about it from a rooftop. This minty mud mask by Kinship is packed with skin-loving ingredients like clay, lactic acid (for gentle exfoliation), and probiotics. It purifies without stripping your skin, making it great for sensitive skin. Afterwards it feels like your pores are taking a giant breath in for the first time and it’s wonderful!

Image source: www.kinship.com

05. Journal. 2020 has been ROUGH and we’re all searching for new ways to take care of ourselves. A blank, quality journal can be a great gift for anyone — they can use it for writing out meal plans, shopping lists, recording memories, or expressing their thoughts and working through their feelings in a constructive way.

Image source: Canva

06. Facial Stone Roller. Have a friend that is like really into taking care of their skin? This is for them. Using this roller is like getting a mini-facial treatment every time they use it. Even better, tell them to store it in the freezer for a soothing and de-puffing facial treatment!

Image source: Canva


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01. Furbo dog nanny camera. With quarantine puppies and clingy dogs, and the transition from WFH to leaving home approaching for many, a Furbo dog nanny cam is a fun and functional gift. They can keep an eye on their dog to make sure they’re safe and comfortable, send treats, and talk to them through a speaker. As a bonus, you can get them a nanny subscription feature which sends them a cute summary video of their dog’s day and alerts them to certain behaviors.

Image source: www.chewy.com

02. Matching mask and bandana set. Pandemic, but make it fashion. And really, is there anything cuter than seeing people matching with their pets? Consider this trendy matching face mask and bandana set the elevated BFF charm bracelets they never knew they needed!

Image source: www.thefoggydog.com

03. Custom pet portrait mug. Last year for Christmas, Alec got me a ceramic cup with Clementine’s face on it by Sissy Moon Ceramics (a favorite local Portland artist). It’s literally my most treasured possession. Unfortunately, they aren’t open for commissions at this time but this custom camper mug on Etsy is just as adorable (and with a friendly price tag!).

Image source: SarahDeBonoShop, Etsy

04. All-natural dog nose and paw balm. Winter isn’t just tough on our skin, it’s rough on our dogs’ paws and noses, too! I love this minimal, natural ingredient balm specially made for dogs by Franklin and Whitman. It makes the perfect stocking stuffer and is a thoughtful, useful gift your friends and family members with dogs will surely appreciate.

Image source: www.franklinandwhitman.com

05. Dog mom hat. Baseball hats are in and these dog parent hats are a cute way for your friends and family to show how proud they are of being a dog person. Available in trendy colors and embroidered with “dog mom”, “dog dad”, “dog person”, “dogs are my favorite people'“ or “dogs 2020”, there’s a hat for anyone and everyone.

Image source: www.lucyandco.com

06. Barkbox subscription. A dual present for four legged friends and their parents, the Barkbox subscription delivers treats, toys, and chews right to their door. Each month has a different theme and features exclusive products. And if you know a heavy chewer, there’s a SuperChewers Barkbox option, too.

Image source: www.shortyawards.com

07. Doggie daycare gift card. If you know someone with a dog that works, travels often, or just needs a break every now and then, a doggie daycare gift card is a thoughtful and useful gift. We send Clementine to Dogtopia for socialization occasionally and she boards there when we travel. I definitely recommend seeing if there is one or another comparable doggie daycare in your city!

Image source: www.dogtopia.com


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01. National parks poster. The Parks Project website is filled with great gifts, but this interactive poster really caught my eye! It reminded me of a scratch off poster but more grown up and aesthetic. If you know an avid hiker, traveler, or outdoorsy person, it could make a fun conversation starter in their home or inspire their next great adventure!

Image source: www.parksproject.us

02. Fanny pack. Say what you want about the look and style of fanny packs, but there’s a reason they made a comeback! When we got Clem, I bought one to keep her bags and treats in while we walk and it’s been a game changer. I love the style and size of this one by Herschel. It would be an especially useful gift for avid adventurers because they can keep their snacks, keys, phones, and masks at the ready while keeping their hands and shoulder free!

Image source: www.herschel.com

03. Hiking socks. Listen, durable and comfortable socks are hard to come by! While socks have always been the punchline of lame holiday gift jokes, these Bombas are no ordinary socks. They’re moisture-wicking and temperature controlled for whatever adventure comes their way. They make a great stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift for anyone who likes to lace up and hit the trails!

Image source: www.bombas.com

04. Lightweight reusable water bottle. Nothing screams “I love the planet” like kicking single serve water bottles to the curb. A reusable water bottle like this Lightweight Widemouth Trail Series by Hydroflask can travel wherever without weighing them down.

Image source: www.hydroflask.com

05. Homesick destination candle. In searching the internet for a pine scented candle (there are many, btw), I came across this cool site called Homesick which has candles inspired by cities and places all over the country. This one from Oregon has “notes of fir needles, pine, sandalwood, and cedar fill the hiking trails. Sweet maple syrup and juicy pears mix with roasted hazelnuts” and sounds just about the most amazing smelling thing ever. If there’s a place that’s near and dear to their heart, especially during a year where traveling has been so limited, a candle inspired by it could win you the best gift award.

Image source: www.homesick.com

06. Cocokind MyMatcha stick. An essential in every bag I own, especially my hiking fanny pack! This small wonder is just 3 ingredients and can be used to moisturize and nourish chapped cheeks, hands, and lips.

Image source: www.cocokind.com

07. Girlfriend Collective activewear. The sustainable and size inclusive brand, Girlfriend, makes leggings (and other things — outerwear, sports bras, sweats) from recycled water bottles. They come in trendy colors, fit great, and last a long time. We love an environmentally friendly brand that celebrates women of every color, size, and age!

Image source: @girlfriend, Instagram


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01. Plant or plant subscription from The Sill. What a wonderful world it is that we can order a plant online and have it shipped (and arrive healthy and vibrant!) to right to a doorstep. Gift your green thumb friends or family members a new plant babe from The Sill this holiday season. Better yet, gift them a monthly plant subscription! Packages include pet friendly plants, plants for beginners, and low-light plants.

Image source: www.thesill.com

02. Plant humor pins. A perfect stocking stuffer for the quirky plant parent in your life.

Image source: www.thesill.com

03. Moisture, pH, and light meter. More of a functional gift than a glamorous one, this three in one meter checks the soil’s pH and moisture level and gives you an idea of light exposure. If you know someone with a beginner’s green thumb or finicky plants, they’ll surely appreciate this!

Image source: www.thegardenersshop.com

04. Dried flowers. If you know a plant lover that can’t keep a single plant alive, dried flowers can be a beautiful, timeless alternative. With proper care, they can last forever and will add life to rooms without enough light or homes with less savvy plant parents. You can find single dried flowers like billy balls or eucalyptus or send a dried arrangement like these from Etsy.

Image source: www.bloomist.com

05. Aesthetic mister. Many tropical plants and ferns treasure a little humidity. A glass mister is a perfect gift for the trendy plant parent who loves to give their green girls a little midweek spa treat.

Image source: www.shopterrain.com

06. Plant Lady mug. This adorable handmade mug that looks like a terracotta pot is the perfect gift for any plant lady in your life. I can’t imagine a better way to start a morning off than a cup of coffee surrounded by plant babes!

Image source: ShelbySellsCo, Etsy

07. Plant care / self-care reusable tote. A reusable tote with a self-care message is the perfect nod to loving the planet and loving yourself. Be sure to check out all of The Sill’s tote merch for one that matches your plant parent’s personality.

Image source: www.thesill.com


While I’ve tried to include gift ideas at different price points, I realize that with everything going on in the world, budgets may be tighter than ever this year. One of the main purposes of this blog is to make wellness more accessible and I understand what a privilege it is to be able to afford giving gifts, especially during such a tough economic time. The intention of this gift guide is to give you some idea inspiration as well as specific gifts so that you can find something within your budget to give.

Remember what the giving season is really about: showing your loved ones how much you love and appreciate them. No matter what you give, the thought and intention behind your gift is more important than the gift itself. So if you can only give something small or something free, know that these gifts will be just as appreciated — even more-so — because they’ve come from your heart!

Below are some free (or almost free) ideas:

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01. Write a letter. Everyone likes a love letter! Write down a few of your favorite memories together and reasons why you love and appreciate them. If you’re writing from a long distance, share some ideas of what you’d like to do together when you reunite!

Image source: Canva

02. Cook them a meal. Invite your friend or family member over for a home-cooked meal! There are plenty of recipes that are both budget-friendly and will wow your guests. Consider making a pasta or vegetarian dish to make if both easy to prepare and affordable.

Image source: Canva

03. Make them a rad playlist. Bring back the mixtape by curating a thoughtful and unique playlist with songs that remind you of them. Consider making a themed playlist associated with different memories like a “Cooking with Mom,” “Road Trip to the Coast,” or “College Girls Night Out”.

Image source: Canva

04. Grow them a plant. If you have a green thumb, consider propagating them a plant from one of your own babies. It’s completely free and shows that you thought of them ahead of time and nurtured their gift over time.

Image source: Canva

05. Regift with thought. I know regifting is usually considered tacky, but hear me out! Sometimes we get gifts that we don’t love or won’t use. If you’re like me and have a small space filled with intentional things, collecting things that don’t work can cause unrest. If you’ve been gifted something that you know someone else would use and enjoy, regift. But don’t just randomly regift something that you don’t want to someone else who won’t want or use it because that’s not cool. Additionally, if there’s something in your home that a friend really loves but you’re considering donating it, consider gifting it to them with a special note.

Image source: Canva

06. Print your favorite photo. Gifting a framed print of one of your favorite photos of the two of you or a memory from somewhere you’ve traveled is a thoughtful and inexpensive gift. You can print the photo using a service like Shutterfly for a few dollars at most, and purchase an inexpensive frame from Target or a thrift store. And don’t forget to print one for yourself!

Image source: Canva

07. Plan a “day”. Plan out a day filled with all of your favorite adventures together. It can be completely free like visiting a free museum, going hiking, or relaxing on the beach. Or it can include a movie ticket, ice cream, or coffee! It can also be a group thing if you have more than one friend, and is especially valuable if you don’t often get to see this person.

Image source: Canva

Happy gifting! And while you’re filling your baskets and curating your gift list, don’t forget to treat yourself, too!

Wishing you a warm, happy, and healthy holiday season,

Angela


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