In keeping with tradition, I’m coming in hot with a last-minute gift guide. As much as I’d like to think that one day I’ll be the kind of person who has their holiday shopping done before Black Friday…it’s just not a likely scenario. And I’m okay with that! I hope this list helps you finish up your shopping (or get started haha!).
Let’s go!
FOR THE HOME CHEF
Every single person that remotely enjoys cooking or prepares a lot of meals at home NEEDS a Thermapen. I use mine every single day. It’s absolutely key for perfectly done meats and seafood but I also use it for things like baked goods, baked potatoes, water temp and more. It’s currently on a wild sale on Thermapen’s website (I’ve never seen it this low priced) and also available on Amazon.
I know this seems like a steep price to pay for an instant read thermometer when there are so many other cheaper options on the market, but the Thermapen reigns supreme in performance and durability.
A few more ideas:
- What foodie doesn’t love high quality balsamic and olive oil? This gift set is fab and I like this brand a lot!
- I use this little countertop oven/air fryer/toaster every.single.day.
- A legit espresso machine for the coffee lover.
- You can never go wrong with a wood cutting board and a good wooden-handled chef’s knife.
FOR THE BUDDING BAKER
How about a gift bundle with everything they need to bake sourdough at home?
- A quality dutch oven (splurge here, steal here)
- Digital food scale (splurge here, steal here)
- Proofing baskets (oval here, round here)
- And of course a starter! You can ask around and find one or order one. (And if you’re in Charlotte, I’ve got you!)
FOR THE YOGI OR MAT CLASS LOVER
A Liforme yoga mat! They’re functionally amazing because they’re designed to be nonslip so you don’t need a mat towel over them when sweating. Liforme mats also offer alignment guidance which can be helpful. But by far the coolest thing about these mats are the insanely gorgeous designs that are offered. Some of them are truly so visually stunning to look at like the tropical paradise, rainbow and mindful garden. They also offer customizable mats which is such a fun gift option!
My other highly recommended yoga mat is the Manduka pro. It’s thick and cushioned so comfortable to workout on and lasts FOREVER. I had one for 10+ years and only got rid of it because I wanted a “fresh start.” It actually comes with a lifetime guarantee.
FOR THE GRANDPARENT
Photo gifts are where it’s at! We do a customizable photo mug for my grandmother every year and she looks forward to drinking her coffee out of them. I highly recommend this company – the mugs are oversized and really great quality.
She also loves her digital photo frame. I can change the photo on it from an app on my phone! We prefer to do one photo at a time instead of a rotating slideshow and she usually lets me know when she’s ready for her photo to be changed…or I’ll update it when I have a cute new one of Finn.
FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES TO BE COZY
I’m here to tell you to believe the Lola hype. Finn is obsessed with his and we just gave one to my mom for her birthday and she has gone on and on about how warm, soft and cozy it is. She uses it every day for her couch perch. I would recommend the medium size for a comfortable throw. The baby blanket size is great for little ones!
I have these PJs from Target in two different colors and they are crazy comfy!
Lastly, check out this Ember smart mug that keeps your drinks warm!
FOR THE HEALTH NUT OR ONE ON A HEALTH JOURNEY
I am 18 months into my Oura ring ownership and I am OBSESSED! This ring has been hugely instrumental in changing my sleep habits for the better. It also counts my steps, connects with an app to track my cycles, accurately warns me if I’m getting sick and helps me track metrics like resting heart rate and HRV over time. I use the Oura ring as a healthy lifestyle tool and my Garmin for fitness tracking. The Garmin has some of these capabilities but not all – and I cannot sleep in a watch. I only take my Oura ring off to charge it every five days or so.
I have a more detailed post about my Oura ring experience coming soon. I just can’t say enough great things about it.
FOR THE BEAUTY GIRLIES
A few things I’ve been absolutely loving lately for ya to choose from:
- Dr. Jart Face Masks – this 12-pack gift set is a wonderful choice!
- Amika Deep Conditioning Hair Repair Mask
- Dae styling cream – I use this for slick backs and blow drys! Bonus – smells AMAZING!
- The holy grail for winter face moisturizing – the jar will last forever!
- I just got this super lightweight hair dryer and it’s so good! Easy to hold, handle and pack and comes with various attachments that are magnetic and so easy to put on and take off!
- The best body oil ever. The scent is so lovely and it is hydrating without being greasy in the slightest.
- I know fragrance is so personal but I have been obsessed with this warm vanilla orange blossom mini from Dolce + Gabana.
FOR THE KIDDOS
Finn is a scooter guy through and through! So much so that we also keep one in Florida! We love the Micro brand and there are so many great options for all ages!
- Toddlers (1-3)
- Little kids (2-5)
- Bigger kids (5-12)
- Teens
My grandmother has gifted Finn a Highlights subscription for the last couple of years and recently signed him up for these activity boxes too. They’re SO well done!
More ideas:
- Finn enjoys drawing and uses a coloring set like this several times a week.
- We have loved these bath bombs to bring a little fun to bath time. They have really cute resin toys inside and Finn has enjoyed collecting them and playing with them.
- Finn never gets tired of the stomp rocket launchers!
- This might be a toddler toy but Finn still pulls out his musical instrument box.
- He also listens to his Tonie box daily!
- We are loving reading the Magic Treehouse series together.
FOR HIM
My dad lives in these Lululemon shorts. Always something I gift him!
Also consider…
- A great basic but stylish t-shirt
- Car vacuum
- Mini massage gun
- Rechargeable cordless screwdriver
- A nice sport duffle for the gym
FOR THE RUNNER
- Running socks (can never have enough and they make such a big difference)
- Sunglasses
- Open-ear headphones
- Trigger point foam roller
- Single-serve salty electrolytes
DON’T FORGET EXPERIENCES!
I think experiences are one of the best gifts you can give! Whether it’s a local cooking class or a vacation these are often some of the most memorable gifts! I gave Finn a Disney Cruise last year and this year he wants to do a ski trip!
THAT’S A WRAP
I hope this is helpful for finishing up your holiday shopping! Merry, merry!
