Costco had a couple of the Lego flowers kits in the Christmas toy aisle (next to the Star Wars advent calendar, which has also been a great gift!) I got one to send to a friend but kinda want to keep it for myself!!
Love this! Adding some of those floral Lego sets to my cart! One of my go-to gifts for people in my life this year is the Pura Home Diffuser - through an app on your phone you can set it to different scents to wake up to or arrive home too. Pretty cool! And the scents are light - not too overpowering. I would keep an eye out for black Friday/cyber Monday deals. They also sometimes show up on Deal segments on talk shows.
Food gifts are great for the people who have everything - specialty olive oils and balsamic vinegars, fun hot cocoas. If you know someone who loves truffle flavor - The Trufflest is my fav!
For my friend who is constantly dehydrated, I got her a personalized tumbler from my other friend who makes them (all proceeds go to charity in honor of her husband who survived cancer.) I got her a Killing Eve one that was a simple design because she’s not into too much stuff. She’s now well hydrated & shows me she’s still using it regularly.
For my foodie friends I like to get those snack boxes with food from other countries (also good for travelers!)
For my husband this year, I’m getting him some Point Reyes cheese. 1) that was our first romantic getaway and we knew we were in love 2) then we got engaged there. 3) We tried a point Reyes Grilled Cheese at the Grand Californian and it was THE BEST GRILLED CHEESE! So I’m ordering him a box of cheeses lol! We’ll share it as we watch TCM Christmas Day.
Every year, my family and I choose a theme when we draw names and then everyone gifts the same thing (sweatshirts, pjs, slippers/socks, etc). It takes some of the surprise out, but we also know it's something everyone wants. The theme this year is banned books, which is 100% credited to Caissie for suggesting them as a gift on the pod. We range in ages 5-75, so it will be an interesting collection!
Caissie, thank you for this! I’m finally coming out of a 7 year holiday funk. My mom was Christmas to me, and when she died the holidays lost all of their shine. I of course still loved the family time, but other than that, it was just another day. I’m finally feeling a little bit of the holiday spirit this year. ❤️ I’m getting my sister a throw pillow that has one of my mom’s handwritten recipe’s printed on it. It was my sister’s favorite dessert she made. I haven’t gotten it in the mail yet, so I can’t vouch for the quality just yet. The Printed Gift is the company. Hoping it turns out!
I love Paul Lowe Ceramics. He only sells via Instagram. His pieces are beautiful, useful, unique and not pricey @paulloweceramics
I also love to support musicians. Most are really struggling right now. Donating to https://musicares.org/ really helps struggling musicians to be able to continue with their artistry!
One night of my kids Hanukkah gifts is always a donation in their name to something they care about. Musiccares is always a good one for the teens!
Someone gifted me recently a water color set and pad. I’ve never painted. But I loved the gift because of the invitation 🫶🏼
Get a bunch of tickets to see Waitress the movie in December with a group of friends!
My church is part of a group of churches in the DC area that sells Al Ard olive oil and it's a great product! We sell only at Christmas time but others sell all year. We donate the proceeds to Palestinian causes.
Forgot to add that Caissie, your writing and hearing what you have to say on the pod are like natural Xanax for me without the negative side effects 😂which my nervous system really needs right now! ♥️
Posting some of my BBF's businesses with perfect gift assortments. Small businesses are feeling the pinch right now so let's send them some love!
MARCHE RUE DIX - my long time friend Nilea owns concept store slash wonderland and she does it all - apparel, accessories, body, home fragrance and special collabs. Lots of natural skincare, home scents, beautiful candles, tea that is very gifty: https://marche-rue-dix.myshopify.com/ or IG: marcheruedix
Based in Brooklyn. My favs are the senegalese incense, all of the skin care, glass jar candle. They also have a cafe next door and sell their secret hot sauce online.
Room Shop- BF Shelly founded a very fun accessories brand, she uses deadstock and aims for zero waste, I love the bags and rosettes for hair. Based out of Philly. Her IG :Roomshop
Quail Store- Ashley just opened a new concept store in Philly for things you might not find elsewhere - for your elegant but quirky design friends: https://shopquailstore.com/ - also based in Philly. IG Quail_store
Howl Mercantile- Kimi runs this whimsical Colorado based general store with a lot of local artisans - for your outdoorsy mountain lover friends: https://howlmercantile.com/ IG Howlmercantile
Jill Lindsey- based in Brooklyn, Jill runs a shop and cafe with tons of community programming and features her own stuff as well as a lot of local artisans, check out the "local love" section. She is big into creating your own magic, taking care https://jilllindsey.com/ IG jilllindsey
If you are in NYC and looking for private chef or supper club vibes - check out Pisces (eat@pisces.nyc). My friend Lauren does it all, but one of the things she recently started doing is supper clubs but also does lots of private chef'ing in NYC.
Lastly, for my CA friends that want to keep it local or pop in somewhere, try Maggie's Long Beach boutique Burke Mercantile https://burkemercantile.com/. IG burkemercantile - she has a few gift guides up on the site and impeccable taste, this is where you'll find an amazing design edit.
I have the Dyson cordless vacuum. I love that it is dual voltage (at least the one I bought in German was). Here's the deal though.....We move every 2-3 years. Next summer we move again, but now we can't have batteries in our shipment (air or sea freight)......so what's this gal planning to do? Take off all attachments and stow those, put the main portion that has the battery in her carry on! Yes! I will the crazy woman at security walking through the scanner with a cat and having a vacuum in her bag. The things we do for appliances we love....lol.
Oh I forgot my suggestion...lol. I've done monthly subscriptions for people. My oldest loves quirky socks and got her a monthly sock subscription (with tax about $15/month). My youngest loves painting and one year she had step by step paintings subscription (like the sip and paint but at home in PJs).
My rec is experience gifts. I’m planning on taking my sister on a glass-blowing date as her gift. There are so many cool things you can get on Groupon if you need inspiration!
Also, as an artist, may I recommend checking out artisan craft fairs with truly hand-made items? If you see something that sings to you, maybe it will make a great and unique gift for a friend? Jewelry, hand blown glasses, cocktail kits, aprons, cool lights, etc. etc. You give something cool and you help an artist, yay!!
I have sent quite a few people items from Soap Distillery. If you have friends and family who like booze and a silly joke. It’s all soaps, scrubs, lip balms based around different alcohols. Then the packaging has funny little slogans on each one.
My favorite is beer & cigarettes. It smells very good even though that real life combo is so gross.
I went to the website after finishing my first post because I haven’t been to the site since last Christmas. They now have some smells that are drinks other than alcohol like peppermint hot chocolate etc.
I don’t really have any recommendations at this time, but I second (or 3rd) the Dyson vac. Love that thing. I also love reading everything you write, Caissie. It makes my heart happy. Happy Holidays, everyone!
when Caissie said use it more often- fireworks went off in my head realizing that the cord is what makes vacuuming seem like a Whole Thing instead of just a task that can be done as needed little by little. wow wow wow I’m a bit of a vacuum nut so I already have a robot and a super supreme hypoallergenic, but oof. Cordless could be a game changer 😂
Alicia, it’s the “whole thing” that always turns me off, but Caissie’s right. You use that cordless vac until it’s done & that’s your excuse to plug it in & continue another time.
I gifted my parents a Dyson cordless last year--for same reasons you listed here. Soooooo incredible for dog hair on hardwood floors and carpet.
Not kidding--I could hear them fighting like siblings over a new toy. “You knew I wanted to vacuum downstairs, and now the battery is dead!” They friggin love that thing.
LINKS:
DYSON CORDLESS VACUUM https://amzn.to/49BY48X
MOCCAMASTER COFFEE MAKER https://amzn.to/46gsUBe
LEGO FLOWERS https://amzn.to/3sBfeD2
PASTA MAKER https://amzn.to/3R1yuD3
BOP-IT https://amzn.to/3sM8GkS
SPIDER-MAN BATH SET https://amzn.to/46dnFCl
DONUT BATH FIZZES https://amzn.to/3R2Q1L1
SLIME SOAP https://amzn.to/3QC04Fw
DR TEAL’S SLEEP BATH SET https://amzn.to/3ufffgd
BEN SHERMAN BATH SET WITH ROBE https://amzn.to/3QPPkDM
MINI PROJECTOR https://amzn.to/47dHxq4
Costco had a couple of the Lego flowers kits in the Christmas toy aisle (next to the Star Wars advent calendar, which has also been a great gift!) I got one to send to a friend but kinda want to keep it for myself!!
Love this! Adding some of those floral Lego sets to my cart! One of my go-to gifts for people in my life this year is the Pura Home Diffuser - through an app on your phone you can set it to different scents to wake up to or arrive home too. Pretty cool! And the scents are light - not too overpowering. I would keep an eye out for black Friday/cyber Monday deals. They also sometimes show up on Deal segments on talk shows.
https://pura.com
Food gifts are great for the people who have everything - specialty olive oils and balsamic vinegars, fun hot cocoas. If you know someone who loves truffle flavor - The Trufflest is my fav!
https://www.truffleist.com/
I have heard so much about Pura! Glad to have a firsthand rec from a friend!
For my friend who is constantly dehydrated, I got her a personalized tumbler from my other friend who makes them (all proceeds go to charity in honor of her husband who survived cancer.) I got her a Killing Eve one that was a simple design because she’s not into too much stuff. She’s now well hydrated & shows me she’s still using it regularly.
For my foodie friends I like to get those snack boxes with food from other countries (also good for travelers!)
For my husband this year, I’m getting him some Point Reyes cheese. 1) that was our first romantic getaway and we knew we were in love 2) then we got engaged there. 3) We tried a point Reyes Grilled Cheese at the Grand Californian and it was THE BEST GRILLED CHEESE! So I’m ordering him a box of cheeses lol! We’ll share it as we watch TCM Christmas Day.
Every year, my family and I choose a theme when we draw names and then everyone gifts the same thing (sweatshirts, pjs, slippers/socks, etc). It takes some of the surprise out, but we also know it's something everyone wants. The theme this year is banned books, which is 100% credited to Caissie for suggesting them as a gift on the pod. We range in ages 5-75, so it will be an interesting collection!
Oh, wow! I can't wait to hear what you all get each other!!!
Thanks tons Caissie - I’m for sure getting 2 of your recs!
My favorite gift idea for people who like entertaining is personalized paper cocktail napkins or paper guest towels for their powder room.
You have to plan ahead to get them in time, but everyone loves them and uses them year round.
You can just put the family name on them (NO “ ‘s ”), a name you give their home (think “Kasa Kismet”), or a family saying.
This co I’ve used keeps them cool and not cheesy:
https://www.foryourparty.com/napkins
Oh, I love this one! Such a thoughtful, useful and fun gift.
As a pro house cleaner, I LOVE when a client has a cordless dyson!! It’s just about strategic vacuuming so the battery lasts🤣
YES! I need to grill you for more pro tips because, Makayla, my house is a little shambles right now.
Oh no!! Please do, I’ll try my best🫶
Caissie, thank you for this! I’m finally coming out of a 7 year holiday funk. My mom was Christmas to me, and when she died the holidays lost all of their shine. I of course still loved the family time, but other than that, it was just another day. I’m finally feeling a little bit of the holiday spirit this year. ❤️ I’m getting my sister a throw pillow that has one of my mom’s handwritten recipe’s printed on it. It was my sister’s favorite dessert she made. I haven’t gotten it in the mail yet, so I can’t vouch for the quality just yet. The Printed Gift is the company. Hoping it turns out!
I am glad you are feeling a bit of the old magic again. What a thoughtful gift!!!
I’m trying to find gifts that also support people in need. I found these olive oils that support Palestinian farmers. https://zatoun.com/
https://www.alardproducts.com/
I love Paul Lowe Ceramics. He only sells via Instagram. His pieces are beautiful, useful, unique and not pricey @paulloweceramics
I also love to support musicians. Most are really struggling right now. Donating to https://musicares.org/ really helps struggling musicians to be able to continue with their artistry!
One night of my kids Hanukkah gifts is always a donation in their name to something they care about. Musiccares is always a good one for the teens!
Someone gifted me recently a water color set and pad. I’ve never painted. But I loved the gift because of the invitation 🫶🏼
Get a bunch of tickets to see Waitress the movie in December with a group of friends!
My church is part of a group of churches in the DC area that sells Al Ard olive oil and it's a great product! We sell only at Christmas time but others sell all year. We donate the proceeds to Palestinian causes.
Forgot to add that Caissie, your writing and hearing what you have to say on the pod are like natural Xanax for me without the negative side effects 😂which my nervous system really needs right now! ♥️
Posting some of my BBF's businesses with perfect gift assortments. Small businesses are feeling the pinch right now so let's send them some love!
MARCHE RUE DIX - my long time friend Nilea owns concept store slash wonderland and she does it all - apparel, accessories, body, home fragrance and special collabs. Lots of natural skincare, home scents, beautiful candles, tea that is very gifty: https://marche-rue-dix.myshopify.com/ or IG: marcheruedix
Based in Brooklyn. My favs are the senegalese incense, all of the skin care, glass jar candle. They also have a cafe next door and sell their secret hot sauce online.
Room Shop- BF Shelly founded a very fun accessories brand, she uses deadstock and aims for zero waste, I love the bags and rosettes for hair. Based out of Philly. Her IG :Roomshop
Quail Store- Ashley just opened a new concept store in Philly for things you might not find elsewhere - for your elegant but quirky design friends: https://shopquailstore.com/ - also based in Philly. IG Quail_store
Howl Mercantile- Kimi runs this whimsical Colorado based general store with a lot of local artisans - for your outdoorsy mountain lover friends: https://howlmercantile.com/ IG Howlmercantile
Jill Lindsey- based in Brooklyn, Jill runs a shop and cafe with tons of community programming and features her own stuff as well as a lot of local artisans, check out the "local love" section. She is big into creating your own magic, taking care https://jilllindsey.com/ IG jilllindsey
If you are in NYC and looking for private chef or supper club vibes - check out Pisces (eat@pisces.nyc). My friend Lauren does it all, but one of the things she recently started doing is supper clubs but also does lots of private chef'ing in NYC.
Lastly, for my CA friends that want to keep it local or pop in somewhere, try Maggie's Long Beach boutique Burke Mercantile https://burkemercantile.com/. IG burkemercantile - she has a few gift guides up on the site and impeccable taste, this is where you'll find an amazing design edit.
I have the Dyson cordless vacuum. I love that it is dual voltage (at least the one I bought in German was). Here's the deal though.....We move every 2-3 years. Next summer we move again, but now we can't have batteries in our shipment (air or sea freight)......so what's this gal planning to do? Take off all attachments and stow those, put the main portion that has the battery in her carry on! Yes! I will the crazy woman at security walking through the scanner with a cat and having a vacuum in her bag. The things we do for appliances we love....lol.
🤣🤣🤣
Oh I forgot my suggestion...lol. I've done monthly subscriptions for people. My oldest loves quirky socks and got her a monthly sock subscription (with tax about $15/month). My youngest loves painting and one year she had step by step paintings subscription (like the sip and paint but at home in PJs).
I love this! Caissie you’re so great at this.
My rec is experience gifts. I’m planning on taking my sister on a glass-blowing date as her gift. There are so many cool things you can get on Groupon if you need inspiration!
Love this! Also, Bop-It!? Awesome!
Also, as an artist, may I recommend checking out artisan craft fairs with truly hand-made items? If you see something that sings to you, maybe it will make a great and unique gift for a friend? Jewelry, hand blown glasses, cocktail kits, aprons, cool lights, etc. etc. You give something cool and you help an artist, yay!!
Yes! Great idea!
I have sent quite a few people items from Soap Distillery. If you have friends and family who like booze and a silly joke. It’s all soaps, scrubs, lip balms based around different alcohols. Then the packaging has funny little slogans on each one.
My favorite is beer & cigarettes. It smells very good even though that real life combo is so gross.
I went to the website after finishing my first post because I haven’t been to the site since last Christmas. They now have some smells that are drinks other than alcohol like peppermint hot chocolate etc.
I don’t really have any recommendations at this time, but I second (or 3rd) the Dyson vac. Love that thing. I also love reading everything you write, Caissie. It makes my heart happy. Happy Holidays, everyone!
when Caissie said use it more often- fireworks went off in my head realizing that the cord is what makes vacuuming seem like a Whole Thing instead of just a task that can be done as needed little by little. wow wow wow I’m a bit of a vacuum nut so I already have a robot and a super supreme hypoallergenic, but oof. Cordless could be a game changer 😂
Alicia, it’s the “whole thing” that always turns me off, but Caissie’s right. You use that cordless vac until it’s done & that’s your excuse to plug it in & continue another time.
Kelly, that made my day. Thank you!
It’s true, Caissie! I’m glad I could share my love.
I gifted my parents a Dyson cordless last year--for same reasons you listed here. Soooooo incredible for dog hair on hardwood floors and carpet.
Not kidding--I could hear them fighting like siblings over a new toy. “You knew I wanted to vacuum downstairs, and now the battery is dead!” They friggin love that thing.
HAHA! I love that. Never thought I would be psyched to vacuum?