Great Gifts to Give & Receive: Shipping Deadline Edition
Get your orders in now, because the end is nigh!!!
Man, where did 2024 go? I actually don’t want to know the answer, because 2024 — apart from our puppy and my wife’s pregnancy — was not kind to us. It is no longer welcome in our halls and I’m looking forward to putting it behind me forever. How strange that a year filled with such auspicious numbers was so wretched! These final weeks were mercifully short, though. It almost makes me grateful for the scrunched gap between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Various anxieties and personal projects have eaten up my time lately, so much so that I am far behind on my gift-purchasing (and requesting, apologies, family). Needless to say, time is of the essence! There’s only a few days to go before shipping cutoffs start to hit. Once that starts, the jig is up.
These last few days are when everybody starts to come out of the woodwork. Names that you’d forgotten suddenly pop up on your list, you run out of host gifts and you suddenly find yourself in a bind.
Whew.
Breathe!
I have a sneaking suspicion that you may find some relief here — a collection of crowdpleasers and thoughtful but generic items that are welcome under any tree or in any stocking. Good luck! You can do it!
Fancy Matchbooks, $14: One year, I decided I would buy a bunch of these and give them to everybody I was spending Christmas morning with. Why? They’re affordable but thoughtful and there is something wonderful about striking an elite match. A patrician ritual of sorts.
A Shoe Horn, $295: Years ago, I was splayed out on an ottoman in a department store, contorting myself into a pair of boots. In retrospect, they were really stupid looking — a fact exacerbated by my flailing attempts to put them on. The boots are forever ugly, but a shoe horn would’ve saved my dignity. (A $55 option here.)
Leg Candles, $75: Hot people love the leg candles by Dada Daily. A few years ago, they dotted almost every gift guide you could find. But in my book, they’re timeless! They turn any flat surface into a glassy ocean with a beautiful person taking a dip. And they bring a little wink to your candlesticks. Beware, they are delicate!
Rich Bitch Soap Sampler, $82: I am a bar soap evangelist. I love Wary Meyers and Dr. Bronner’s — which each have their own unique qualities. But, I’m sort of taken with this soap sampler. I’ll fully admit that it’s the packaging that’s getting me here, but I’m not above getting excited about unwrapping a new bar of soap with a unique scent every couple of weeks. (Note, these are sample size not full size!)
Ceramic Anthora Cups, $17: A history lesson! These instantly recognizable cups, made famous by New York City delis were designed by Connecticutian Leslie Buck. Though they’re not as ubiquitous as they once were, they’re still an important part of New York and design history. An easy layup for fans of New York who may be longing for nostalgia.
A Ridiculous Gold Step Ladder, $490: We’re not tall people in our house, but we are big on storing upwards. So we have a step ladder, which is hideous and drives me insane. For years I’ve wanted this beautiful and sleek Japanese one by Hasegawa. It’s the epitome of things that I feel bad spending that much money on, but am happy if somebody else does. Which is what Christmas is all about!
Snaky Candleholder, $170: You can always depend Laetitia Rouget for unique, pretty and slightly odd gifts. I’ve given her work as gifts many times and it’s almost always well received. Some people just can’t handle it. I love snakes right now.
Corn Lamp, $994: You might be familiar with Stray Dog Designs work, which has been on Anthropologie’s website for a couple of years now. But, the selection on her own site is larger and more interesting. The corn lamp is very expensive, but there are some other pieces, like these finials, that are more approachable.
Tabletop Lighter, $195: These are 100% intended to be used for drugs, but there are other uses for lighters if that’s not your thing. They’re also a fun thing to collect — I knew somebody once that collected snuff boxes and after a few years they had tables covered in them. Very odd but charming (they’re sadly no longer with us).
Beady Box for Stuff, $118: I’m pretty lost when it comes to gifting stuff for teens, but whenever they’re on my list, I look to Susan Alexandra. This box is made in her trademark bead style and is just like, a nice thing to put trinkets into. And it’s cool.
Fancy Wine Key, $265: I’ve mentioned these already, but everybody should have a reliable one. If you’re unfamiliar…this tool has a blade for peeling wrappers, a corkscrew and a bottle opener. One of the most effective tools in my kitchen, truly. (More affordable version from Big Night here.)
Snake Lamp, $584: We’re back to Stray Dog Designs for this one (which is also pretty pricey). I love snakes in home decor, mostly because this hotel we stayed at in New Orleans had them everywhere. Added bonus as the next lunar zodiac year is Year of the Snake!
Classic Mirror, $599: Schoolhouse used to have a store in Tribeca and it was a big part of my regular window shopping route. Over the years I came to love almost everything they make and this mirror is no exception. (It’s also one of the few items in their “ready to ship” section.)
Met Merch, $35: Support museums and look hot. It’s easy!
Blue Wall Plug Sconce, $280: Schoolhouse again! We have two of these in red and they’re one of the most complimented things in our home. I love this soft blue color and it has the very convenient wall plug option. Uncomplicated light!
Entry Level Art, $290 and Up: I majored in printmaking at college. So as you might guess, it’s one of my favorite mediums. When I started collecting art as an adult, Hugo Guinness prints were one of the first things I looked for. They’re not prohibitively expensive (especially unframed) and there are plenty of options to choose from at John Derian.
The Best Headphones, $170: I know that airpods have a monopoly on the bluetooth market but these are the best. They charge super fast, are completely waterproof and the noise canceling is almost scarily powerful. I cannot live without these. Changed my life!
Cool Vase, $34: We’re going through a bit of a thing in our house with daisies. There are a lot of reasons — none of which you need worry about. That said, anything made of daisies is welcome and this vase is quite affordable! (There’s also a hamburger one that I love.)
Bulldog Related Stuff, $48: If we’re not going through a daisy phase, we’re going through a bulldog phase. Bulldogs are simply perfect beasts. If they’re not your “thing” don’t worry, there are other napkins! (And they’re not all animals.)
Italian Pitcher, $105: This is a beautiful one of one pitcher at Fig and Wasp in Waverly, Alabama. If you ever find yourself out in Waverly — go! It’s full of really great pieces.
Ice Bucket, $325: Look, during the holidays we drink a lot of champagne. I can confirm that there is something infinitely more festive, romantic, sexy and grown up about having it on ice in a nearby bucket. It’s better than the fridge, trust me!
Ceramic Cigarettes, $120: You probably won’t get these in time for the holidays as they’re made to order, but they’re a great addition to a bookshelf. I don’t smoke but I like them anyway. It’s a hot person’s trinket. And we’re all hot people.
Other Fancy Matches, $30: Colorful and uncommonly fun to strike. Like a tiny fireworks show in your house. These have been on my gift list for literal years. (I always give them, too!)
Gold Anatomically Correct Heart Sculpture, $165: A heart of gold? Sure!
Kitsugi Anatomically Correct Heart Sculpture, $315: Same thing but broken. I also cannot confirm this was actually made using the Kitsugi process or if it’s just painted on.
Blank Keys, $15: We spend too much time talking about keychains when we should be talking about actual keys. A great stocking stuffer and conversation piece. It’s all about the details, guys!
Leather Valet, $150: You won’t be able to put too much in one of these leather trays, but they’re the perfect catchall for loose change, fortune cookie fortunes, etc. The corners also snap closed so you can flatten it for travel. A lovely desk accessory.
Big Lips, $80: These are weird — but kind of cool? They certainly fall into that “candle you own but don’t light” category, but I’m sure somebody on your list would appreciate them. Who doesn’t love giant lips?
Lemaire Ring, $320: More men should wear jewelry. I’m not saying things should be iced out — but a clean, minimal and sleek ring is a great addition to a complete wardrobe. I searched for a long time before finding something that fit the bill but this one is perfect. (Not exclusive to men either, of course.)
Festive Tapers, $15: As we’ve filled our home with candleholders of all kinds, we find ourselves in desperate need of pretty tapers. These are cheap cheerful. And are more “Dark Academia” than overtly holiday.
Snake Match Box, $75: As mentioned previously, I am into snakes right now. But if you’d rather not bring serpent iconography into your home, there’s a clover option. (These are an easy stocking stuffer for everybody.)
Hotel Soap, $10: When you think of “it” hotels in New York, it’s pretty hard to top the Carlyle. It’s the home of world-famous Bemelman’s bar, stately rooms and beautiful interiors. Their online shop has a few branded pieces including this soap, a keychain and a luggage tag. Low prices for crumbs of luxury.
Grown Up Pen, $100: Fountain pens are a very wealthy sort of accessory. I blame Hollywood portrayals of tycoons and villains. They can get pricey fast, but this brass option from Mashburn is a nice entry point. Be careful though, expensive pens is a slippery slope!
Wicker Urn, $488: I find containers like this endlessly useful. We fill them with dog toys, blankets, and sometimes food if people come over. These are specifically designed to sit on top of a wicker column, but I think they look better solo.
With that, I’m done for now! I hope you’ve found these guides useful. They’ve been a joy to put together. If you still need ideas: try this one I did for , this witchy one I made, this other one, or the one about my favorite menswear pieces on sale.
Until next time!
Janooz
This blurs the line between extremely useful and completely insane in the best way possible. ✔️