The holidays are upon us which means hunting for holiday gift ideas. We search for anything from a hostess gift to use as a thank you for hospitality, to providing a small gift to a friend who needs a pick-me-up or a gift for a loved one.
Here are Avery’s 10 thoughtful holiday gift ideas that you can pick up locally or order from small businesses:
Hostess Gifts:
- Acorn Vase (MoMA version) – This beautifully designed vase allows you to witness a simple acorn grow into a magnificent oak tree. I received it as a present from Michael and I love it! It can thrive for up to one year in the vase. Once matured, the oakling can be replanted outside and the vase reused for a new acorn.
- Gruet Vineyards Brut Rose: If you do not know the hostess’s taste in wine, bring something bubbly. The Gruet Rose is festive and amazing for the price. Thanks for the tip Jen! You can find other suggestions in Everything you need to know about sparkling wine.
- Follain Candle No 2: This luxurious candle gives off a delicate aroma of white tea, lavender and fig leaf. Hand-poured in the USA, it is made of a sustainable vegetable wax blend and is my favorite.
- Flowers: I do not suggest bringing flowers to a party or dinner party. Your hostess is already busy greeting guests and preparing for the event to deal with flowers. What will delight your hostess is to send a flower arrangement shortly after the party. Use a local floral artist. For those who live in the DC area, I love Atelierashleyflowers. For bonus points add a handwritten Thank you note.
Small Holiday Gifts and Stocking Stuffers
- Figaro Cigar Cutter: The elegant Figaro Cigar Cutter is an award-winning stainless steel cigar cutter made of “420 sandblasted” stainless steel and perfect for any cigar smoking friend.
- Jennifer Behr Vespera Bobby Pin Set: We all need a little extra hair sparkle. The Vespera bobby pins are a constellation of Swarovski crystal stars. And I love the Chloe Crystal Pony cuff with peach and lime Swarovski crystals.
- Body Smoother Kit: We all need to get rid of the flaky skin so a dry brush and a moisturizer are useful gifts. Try the Conscious Coconut dry brush and organic coconut oil. For instructions on use check out How to Polish Your Skin.
- Brooklinen Silk Pillowcase: I like to sleep on a silk pillowcase to help with frizzy hair and wrinkles. Brooklinen is my favorite as it is made with mulberry silk(the best) with the best silk weight (“momme” count). It also packs perfectly.
- Due Cigni Tuscany Chef’s Knife: The full tang blade on these Chef’s Knives are made with stainless steel and adorned with an artisan olive wood handle. For the really serious chef, check out the Red Dot Award Winning Coquus Cuoco Chef Knife in Herringbone Damascus.
- MyMatcha moisture stick: I love to travel with this in my tote. It is great under the eyes for dark circles and puffiness. I use it on my lips, the back of my hands, and on my neck.
My other holiday tip to find the perfect gift is to peruse one of the locally-owned and elegantly curated shops in your area. This is a win-win for you and the local economy. My favorite in the DC area is June B Sweet (fine gifts and sweets) where everything in the store is lovely and tasteful.
Enjoy these holiday gift ideas and remember during this busy season to take a minute to do something that helps you relax.
