An obsessive gift guide
Gifts (mostly under $150!) I’ve actually given and received as an obsessive gift-giver
I said it once and I’ll say it again: I love a gift guide. I love to online shop, and it’s a great tool to find new products and give me fresh ideas. So while I will continue to peruse all the gifting content Substack has to offer… I don’t have the budget (or the correct recipients, honestly) for the inundation of ultra chic and designer-price-range gifts being touted. Love that for you all! Honestly, I’m not cool enough!
While I will not be trying to convince you how cool and obscure I am, I do love giftgiving! And it’s been fun for me to cultivate a little list of gifts I’ve either given or received that have continued to be obsessed over. Because in my opinion, the best gifts are: things that hold meaning, things that bring delight but the recipient wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves, and things that will actually get kept and used. All the items below have fit this description, for me or someone else. And almost all of them are under $150! I included a *danger section* with a couple higher priced items that are truly worthwhile (and on sale!), as well as a homemade gift idea section, because that’s a practice that’s also near and dear to my heart. These gifts also mostly work for men or women, but I did include a section of gifts I’ve specifically gotten for men, because GOOD GOD are they hard to shop for.
Without further ado… enjoy!
For someone working on self-care
The coziest slippers, Bombas, $70 (currently 25% off!)
Cute, so comfy, and somewhere between a structured slipper and a plush sock. I specifically asked for these last year, and I’m still obsessed.
Reusable eye masks, Dieux skin, $25 (currently $20! Also available at Sephora)
I use these every! single! day! and I love them so much. They’re a great daily luxury that actually has impact. I gift these often. I recommend pairing with an eye cream of your choosing.
Sunrise alarm clock, Philips, $149
This is something I specifically asked for as a gift but I’m so glad I did. It’s a much better way to wake up, I can sleep without my phone in my room, and it’s been helpful as someone who struggles with depression. Worth it, but no one wants to spend this for an alarm clock, making it the perfect gift!
Tried and true lip mask, Laneige, $24
Getting skincare for people can be a little risky, but this is a universally loved product, and for good reason!
A face-friendly ice mold, Amazon, $8
I was gifted one of these on a bachelorette trip and it became such an integral part of my morning skincare routine that I repurchased when I lost mine while traveling. It’s just an easy way to ice your face every morning—refreshing, depuffing—and if the science doesn’t back that up, don’t tell me about it because I really enjoy it!!
Best at-home mani kit, Olive & June, starting at $55 (currently 25% off!)
Truly such a great kit for getting high-quality manicures at home. I’ve been a devotee for years now, and I really look forward to my regular nail time.
For someone spending a lot of time in the kitchen
A counter-worthy recipe tin, Rifle Paper Co, $38 (currently $26!)
This reigns as one of my favorite gifts I’ve ever received, and was a success when I gifted it, too. If it’s in your wheelhouse and it would be meaningful to the recipient, fill out a few recipe cards with your favorites or with dishes you’ve shared together (my grandma did this for me!).
Easiest kitchen thermometer, Thermoworks, $39 (currently $29!)
My cooking confidence went through the roof when I received one of these and could properly cook my meat—it’s a must-have! For a slightly more elevated version, the Thermapen is the holy grail, and only a little more expensive.
A salt cellar, Crate & Barrel, $27
This was the first gift I received from my wedding registry and probably my most-used. I love it, I use it every day, I can’t imagine not having one now. I linked the one I have, but obviously there are lots of options.
Butter warmer, Schoolhouse, $65 (currently 25% off!)
This is a fun staple for the kind of home cook who already has every gadget. It’s practical, and cute enough to serve sauces or gravy out of, too.
A ravioli spoon rest, BooBooClay, $22
I found this creator on Instagram and was in the trenches trying to buy one of these before they sold out. Husband to the rescue! It’s so whimsical but chic, and there’s lots of fun styles—she’s even offering a Harry Potter collection right now.
THE coffee liquor, Mr. Black, $23
The key to making an incredible espresso martini in the comfort of your home! What’s not to love? Can also pair with Trader Joe’s ready-to-use espresso.
For the full-hearted homebody
A cutesy New Yorker puzzle, New York Puzzle Company, $25
Analog activities are IN you guys! I found this at a Christmas market and bought it for a friend, but ended up getting gifted one by someone else and was so delighted to receive it. There’s so much great artwork to choose from. (I’ve never bought from them but I’ve been eyeing these lately, too!)
A quality framed photo, Artifact Uprising, starting at $46
Especially if there are life events or trips to commemorate, this is a sweet option. They also have other products like photobooks or framed photo ornaments! Just be sure you’re using a high quality image.
A meaningful coffee table book, by Liz Bell Young, $28 (currently $18!)
A coffee table book your giftee will actually read! Let There Be Havens is perfect for the homemaker who loves to host and brings meaning into every gathering.
Cocktail napkins, Anthropologie, $24 (currently 30% off!)
A fun gift for someone who loves to host, and a gift they probably don’t have or wouldn’t prioritize buying.
Personalized stationary, Papier, starting at $26
I was gifted this for my birthday this year and honestly felt so seen by it! It’s an elevated, intentional item perfect for those trying to work on their mail game (me).
An inspiring picture book, by Charlie Mackesy, $18
This is a sweet gift for a child, a tender-hearted adult, or anyone needing some sweet encouragement. It’s beautiful and full of heart!
For anyone, but especially for dudes
A desktop whiteboard, Quartet, $25
Also great for a work-from-homer! Listen, I don’t know why men seem to love a whiteboard, but they do, and my husband does. This is a very used gift in our house.
A fun sneaker, KARHU, $118
Most of us have a classic sneaker or two, but we may be more reluctant to buy something with a little more color that can bring some pizzazz to our wardrobe. I got these for my husband last year and he’s had a lot of fun styling them.
A gentlemanly apron, Williams Sonoma, $29
Listen, the cute lil aprons abound, but if you have a man in your life who enjoys to cook, grill, bake, etc, he needs an apron, too! And not a cheesy one. The one my husband received a few years ago is no longer available, but I linked a simple one from WS. More ideal (and more of a splurge) would be a canvas apron from Hedley and Bennett.
A good pair of joggers, Lululemon, $128
Every gift-giving holiday my husband asks for one thing: sweatpants. If there’s something he always needs and never wants to buy himself, it’s quality loungewear. Lulu no longer carries the last pair I bought him, but these are close.
For the not homebody
A travel cosmetics pouch, Rifle Paper Co, $58 (currently $40!)
One they’ll actually use! I travel a fair amount but this is something I neglect to buy myself. I don’t know if I would’ve picked this out but it’s a gift I’ve gotten a ton of use out of. I appreciate that it’s a sturdy material that wipes clean (because why would we store liquids in fabric!).
A good weekender bag, BÉIS, $108
Stylish, practical, and a great gift. All my luggage is from this brand and I highly recommend it!
Personalizable waterproof picnic blanket, Mark & Graham, $129
I never would’ve thought to ask for this but it’s a gift I often use! Also customizable with a letter or monogram.
Flight-friendly eye gels, Patchology, $22
These are obviously a good self-care gift as well, but I’m putting them in this section because I religiously use them for overnight or redeye flights.
For someone in need of wardrobe staples
THE BEST cuff bracelets, Created Bracelets, $75-250
If you know me in real life, you know I have an arm full of these that I never (yes, really never!) take off, and there’s a fair chance I’ve gifted you one. They’re very quality, they go with everything, and they’re highly customizable, so they can carry lots of meaning. I’m their biggest fan!
A chic baseball hat, Anthropologie, $42 (currently 30% off!)
A goes-with-everything hat for a traveler. I personally have the Paris one and love it! Explore the other city options, too.
A classic crewneck cashmere sweater, Nadaam, $98 (currently $78!)
This cozy and elevated wardrobe staple is a little luxe and fits every wardrobe—men or women!
THE legging, Lululemon, $98
It feels almost silly to put the famed Align legging on here, because duh, but seriously—I’ve tried the dupes, these can’t be topped. I was gifted my first pair because it’s something I personally struggle to spend money on and I’m asking for another pair this year. No one is going to be mad to receive these.
For someone who loves their dog TOO much (guilty)
Baguette snuffle toy, Lambwolf Collective, $32 (currently 35% off!)
This brand has THE cutest dog (and cat!) toys, and most of them have snuffle features that keep your pup occupied and satisfy some innate behaviors. Some people wouldn’t want to spend this on a dog toy (understandable) so it’s a fun gift since they’re aesthetically pleasing and hold up super well!
A stylish dog sweater, FURB, $45 (currently $38! Use code AHIGGINS10 for 10% off)
This brand has the sweetest lil outfits and accessories for your pup, so shop around for other options! The linked sweater just happens to be my favorite.
Any home accessory from Anthro’s dog collection, starting at $12
As a mini dachshund owner (which is a cult), I have been gifted multiple Anthro items, including a tea towel that’s no longer available and this adorable figurine, as well as buying myself the mug I linked above… okay and this one, too. Anthro is churning out chic dog-adorned accessories right now and I try to resist but it’s all so good! Socks! A beaded bag! Hair clips! I feel this needs to be studied but until then I will be a part of the problem.
DANGER ZONE
These are gifts beyond what I would consider a normal spending limit, but for a close loved one, a special occasion, or a group gift, I can’t recommend these enough and some sales were too good to not share!
THE best (and most stylish) coffeemaker, Moccamaster, $389 (CURRENTLY $261!!)
I registered for this for my wedding and did not receive it because it IS expensive… so I used the money we were gifted to buy it for myself, so that counts. Either way, it does not disappoint, and this sale is crazy.
An heirloom quality leather tote, FOUNT, $508 (CURRENTLY $406!)
My parents asked me if I wanted laptop money for my college graduation gift, and I instead requested this—no regrets! I’ve had this tote for a full ten years and it looks good as new. Incredible quality, a crucial wardrobe staple, and the recipient will have it forever.
THE dutch oven, Le Creuset, starting at $270
Listen, this really is the best of the best. The quality is outstanding, the colors are stunning, I use it SO MUCH, and I truly believe I will be passing this onto my children. If this is out of your gifting price range (same, this was a wedding gift!), Le Creuset has lots of smaller items of high quality that make for great gifts, like tea kettles and baking dishes.
Homemade ideas
My husband and I started the tradition of exchanging a homemade gift every year when I was unemployed one Christmas while we were dating. A needed reminder that gifts do not have to be expensive to be meaningful or special!
Paint a scene or a photo that’s significant to you
Doesn’t have to be perfect, just meaningful! Try out watercolor to make it more abstract (AKA, less need for precision).
Sculpt some refrigerator magnets
I’ve done this as a group activity with oven-bake clay and it’s SO FUN and a little silly.
Sew an ornament
I may or may not be working on this this year! Shoutout to this Substacker and her guides that sparked the idea for me.
Embroider something special
Years ago, someone embroidered a hoop for me with a quote from my childhood favorite movie, and it’s still one of my favorite gifts I’ve received!
FIN. Happy shopping!
Phew! You made it. Thanks for reading. This is typically where I’d include my current obsessions, but this seems like plenty for now. In the meantime, let me know: some of your favorite gifts to give, what have been the best you’ve received, and if you have a specific gift quest you’re on—I’ll take my best shot at it!