Holiday Gift Guide 2020
I can’t believe it’s already time for holiday shopping! I am seriously determined to get all of mine done early this year. I have a feeling that people are still going to be avoiding stores, which means lots of online orders, which means shipments could get backed up! So if you’re ordering online like me I would say get started sooner than later, and if you’re heading to the stores - stay safe! Here you’ll find a round up of some of my favorite items that would make great gifts, as well as a few things on my wishlist this year.
Hope you guys enjoy this, and if you end up purchasing anything on it I would love to know what you think! P.S. - you can click each image to be taken to the websites. Click below to be directed to a certain section or feel free to scroll!
For the Foodie
I swear this is the holy grail of garlic presses. You can put the garlic clove in the press without peeling it and it minces perfectly. No hassle no mess. This thing is industrial and saves me time in the kitchen. There’s not much else to say about it, I’m just so shocked at how convenient it is and absolute love it - great stocking stuffer.
You never know just how badly you need a knife set until you have one. Kory and I got this set last year for Christmas and it has been a game changer in the kitchen. If you cook a lot it’s for sure worth it to have. Worth the investment, just take care of them. Not sure if they’ll be cutting the same deals this year, but it was on mega sale last year on Black Friday.
I was pretty much influenced by, everyone, to want one of these pans. I’ve heard great things and definitely want to give it a try! It’s nonstick and can be used to fry, saute, steam, and even comes with its own wooden spoon. Not too mention - what a pretty pan!!!
This is the butter of all butters. Honestly, it’s addicting. I like to use it in smoothies, spread it on fruit, or - just straight up eat it out of the jar with a spoon. I tell EVERYONE about granola butter. If this was in my stocking I would legit be so happy (hint hint Kory if you’re reading) and I think your friends & fam would be too!
Hello, hot chocolate! This cacao powder loaded with herbs, medicinal mushrooms, and superfoods would be a delicious surprise for the foodies in your life! One of my favorite morning rituals is making a warm nourishing drink, and this powder would be the perfect addition!
I just recently switched to pour over coffee & I don’t think I can ever go back! I do LOVE coffee, but I also just love the ritual of it. Taking a few minutes in the morning to make coffee this way and then enjoy it is super special. It also just tastes extra fresh to me, that’s probably just in my head but I’m sticking to it. Not too mention - how pretty is it!
This is on my wishlist this year! I feel like this is the last gadget I “need” to complete my coffee kit! It just seems super convenient!
I can say with certainty that I use at least one bowl from this set every time I cook. I’ve had this set since college and it’s still holding up well and looks great. They’re not only functional, but you can also stack them away for easy storage, which is great to save space!
I got this set a couple of years ago and it’s held up great! It’s cute, but I also use these as my main measuring cups - they aren’t just for looks! If you are into food photography, like me, it makes for a great prop as well.
Gift Card to a Local Restaurant
Local restaurants have really taken a hit this year. It’s more important now than it every has been to support these small eateries! If you know your friends/family favorite local places to eat, get them a gift card to help support the business. Of course I used a picture of Buona Forchetta because that’s one of our fav’s in SD!
For the Hikers
Before you eye roll at me, hear me out. My grandma gave me sooo many socks every year growing up and I never appreciated them until I went to college and had to trudge across campus in snow halfway up my calves. Then once I moved to CA and started doing more hiking I extra appreciated a thick sock that keeps my feet protected from blisters. I’ve linked here Smartwool socks at REI, and as I’m typing this a lot of them are on sale.
I love these! I’ve had a couple since college and now we take them hiking and use them day to day as well. They hold up and they keep drinks hot or cold for hours. We like the tumblers, canteens, and the stemless cup for coffee (but now they have actual coffee cups as well so if you get one you will have to let me know how you like it!)
I purchased these hiking shoes before our trip to Yosemite last year and they are great. It didn’t take much for me to break them in, I just wore them around the house before the trip, and (knock on wood) I’ve never had blisters when wearing them. Since that trip they’ve gone on other trips as well as assisted me on shorter day hikes. They dry fast and have a good grip.
Kory wanted to get a shoe that he could wear more often than just hiking, so he went with this shoe and has loved it! He’s worn it on our longer hikes, but also just wears it for day to day activities.
These are an investment, but worth it in my opinion. They are the perfect layering piece, and I love the option to keep it a little more breathable or button it up to keep your neck warm. I’ve have two Patagonia pullovers for about 5 years now and both are still in great condition - I plan to wear them for many more years!
There’s been one too many times that I’ve forgotten to pack sunscreen (or just didn’t think I need it) on a hike & ended up with a burn! Now I always keep sunscreen in my backpack so that I’m prepared. I haven’t tried this one from cocokind yet, but I love their line for the clean ingredients - & I have heard awesome things about this product!
You absolutely need a backpack for hiking! It certainly doesn’t have to be this specific one. I do like having one with with side mesh pockets for my water bottle so it’s easily accessible. It’s also nice to have different zipper areas so you can keep snacks separate from other things, like extra layers!
For the Newlyweds (or Soon to Be!)
This cookbook is totally gorgeous and full of delicious recipes. It’s made keeping in mind that cooking is - well, better together! Liz packs her recipes with flavor and makes it a fun experience to get in the kitchen and cook as a pair. Any newlyweds will love it.
Anyone who knows me knows I love a good grazing board. These are such a great wedding gift because they’re super personal, and who knows maybe you will be lucky enough to be invited over for cheese and wine! I don’t personally have one but I linked an Etsy page full of them, would just be sure to read reviews!
When Kory and I moved to California a few years ago we started a running list of things we wanted to do during our time here. We kept an ongoing note on our phones, but I think this notebook is too cute! There’s something fun about actually writing things rather than typing them, and then you can use the pages to write about the adventure after you complete it. I think is awesome!
For the Beauty Lovers
Briogeo shampoo + conditioner has been a game changer for my hair. I first purchased the scalp revival a few months ago when I had some product build up and immediately fell in love with this brand. Since then I’ve continued to purchase their sets. Cleaner ingredients than other products and they ACTUALLY work and smell amazing. Win, win, win! I’ve linked to their Holiday Bundle page on the website.
I’m not kidding when I say this is the most luscious body lotion I have ever used. It is perfectly whipped and smells amazing. The jar it comes in is great for traveling (something I def keep in mind when purchasing things like this), and it lasts you a while! Because it’s so thick a little goes a long way. It keeps your skin hydrated even in the most harsh conditions (brought it to Utah this past summer when it was super dry & it saved my legs).
If you’re lucky enough to live in the San Diego area you will not regret getting your best friend, partner, parent, sibling, WHOEVER a gift card for a facial at Shop Good. I have been getting my facials here for years (and briefly worked here before moving!) and just absolutely love them. Each esthetician is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to holistic individualized skincare. They use nontoxic, clean beauty lines for the facials and they also have lots of great skincare and beauty options in the shop. With only 2 locations you’ll feel good supporting this small business.
This is the face mask of all face masks. Gentle enough to use a few times a week, yet offers a light tingling sensation so you can feel it going to work. It is incredibly smooth and offers a calming aromatherapy of vanilla. I have already gone through one jar of this mask and can’t wait to get another.
I love sundays nail polish! It’s nontoxic, and comes in a wide variety of beautiful colors. I dream of visiting one of the New York locations one day to experience one of their manicures! Pro tip - adding two layers of their clear top coat gives it a gel like finish! P.S. - code “allaboutwell” gets you a discount at checkout!
For Those Who Like Clothes & Jewelry!
These pants aren’t called “butter” for no reason. They are literally so soft and stretchy! The best leggings that you will want to wear year round. Light enough to wear in the summer but cozy enough to to cuddle up in during the winter. I personally love the high waist, and I know from experience from working there for a couple of years that momma’s-to-be love them as well.
Okay okay I know another legging, but I wear leggings so often that I want them to feel real good and last a long time. These are great for sweaty workouts and just for day to day activity.
There’s not much to say except this sweatshirt is cute af. I love a good pink and red combo! I. think it’s safe to say we could all use some encouraging + positive affirmations this year and this sweatshirt does just that. It’s for sure on my wishlist!
Kira has designed a variety of beautiful pieces! I’ve had my eye on this for a couple of months now, I think it’s such a unique everyday piece! With each purchase from her world collection, Kira is donating a portion of the funds to Girls Going Global, empowering young women in underserved communities. This is such a special gift!
Flutter is one of my all time favorite boutiques. Every time I visit my home town I stop in to see what’s new! They have a wide variety of women’s clothing items, shoes, jewelry and more. 9/10 if someone asks where a clothing item of mine is from - it’s Flutter. I chose this pic because I’m just obsessed with this little jacket, but they also put together their own gift guide on the website!
How ca-ute are these masks!! Mask wearing isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, so we might as well make them cute! These hand dyed masks are very soft and breathable, so your skin gets a little break! I get so many compliments on this mask.
This is the robe of all robes. Seriously, I’ve had my fair share of robes and this takes the cake. It is super cozy and fluffy! I would stay in it all day if I could.
Okay so I asked Kory what he suggested I include on this portion of the gift guide for guys, thinking he would say shorts or something. Nope, he suggests these lululemon boxers (& he also wanted me to include their socks). He says they don’t ride up, they’re flexible, they don’t crush your balls, and they seem seamless. You heard it here folks.
Okay, these are more along the lines of what I was thinking when I asked Kory for recommendations! I purchased these pants for him a couple of years ago and he immediately became obsessed. We also got some of our friends hooked on them! Apparently they are just super comfortable, but they look nice!
For Your Partner
Listen, oral hygiene is 100% underrated. I think it’s sexy to floss everyday and brush twice a day. If your partner is, er, lacking in that area - this might be a great incentive for them! Not too mention these look so sleek hanging in the bathroom and they come with a travel case. Kory and I both love our Quips! I linked the starter kit, but we have never personally used the toothpaste or additional accessories.
Let me disclaim this with - Barnes & Noble is very nostalgic for me. My immediate family loves reading (or at least growing up we did), so you could find us at Barnes & Noble all the time. We would buy our books and then sit in the little cafe area reading and sipping hot chocolate. The membership offers such great perks that it basically pays for itself after purchasing 2-3 books. We all love a well read educated partner right?!
Okay I don’t know if it’s just Kory and me (or if we’re just getting old???), but I swear we are always having aches and pains, or just sore from a workout. We have both fallen in love with this CBD relief cream. It tingles and immediately feels cooling on the skin. We packed it when we went on our hiking trip to Utah and it saved us!
I love cards! I think they are so personal and special. I would say cards are the one thing I have trouble letting go of - I hold on to all of them! That said, Kory and I give each other cards for every birthday and holiday. Even though we see each other everyday, it’s a nice way to express our gratitude and love!
For the Dog Lover
What dog doesn’t love a frisbee?! This brand of dog toys is super durable. Some of the only ones Lulu hasn’t chewed right through! We have a couple of other items from them, but the frisbee is by far her favorite and has lasted for over a year now.
When Lulu was a puppy I loved buying her cute little collars, but after moving to CA and bringing her to the beach all the time I quickly realized those didn’t last long. They would snag, get moldy, smell, etc. A friend told me about these collars that are waterproof and we LOVE it! She’s had hers for two years now and it still looks great. You can also engrave their name and your contact information on the collar.
Okay, admittedly Lulu won’t sleep on her dog bed anymore because she’s spoiled and will only sleep in our bed or the couch (LOL). But, when she was a pup she loved her dog bed. Bow Wow Beds are so cute and customizable. You can pick your fabric, font, and where you want to place the name! I’m tempted to buy another just to give it one more shot, they’re too cute!
This thing has been such a game changer. We bring it hiking, to the beach, on longer walks - really anytime we get Lulu out of the house for an extended period of time we take this bowl with us to put her water in! It’s especially nice during hotter months so you know your pup is staying hydrated.
Mallory McCamy Pet Portraits
Okay - I’m obsessed!!!! Who doesn’t want a painted portrait of their fur baby hanging in there home??? I know I do. Mallory painting are all incredible so even if you don’t have time this year to get your hands on the pet portrait - check out her other work as well!
And while we’re on the subject of pet portraits… why not get a custom phone case with your pup on it so it feels like they are with you everywhere you go?! Okay, I realize I’m a bit dog obsessed and these items aren’t for everyone. But I think they’re so cute!
If you’re in need of some new gear to rep to the dog park, this hat is the perfect accessory! I love the simple script font. It shows your kinda a crazy dog person, but like it’s not too in your face…. ya know???
For the Home
These candles are seriously too cute! They are hand poured soy candles in recycled glass. Many of them poured in to recycled wine bottles, but some speciality items (think cute glass Christmas trees) for the holidays as well! The owners pour these candles right from their own kitchen, so they are truly unique and made with care. Also - the thoughtful packaging is an added bonus!
Ooookay, I’m pretty much obsessed with this blanket. It’s kinda scary how well Instagram ads know what to target me with. Anyways, I love this vibrant yet homey pattern and would die to curl up with this blanket. Superstitchous is based out of San Fran and they use 100% upcycled yarn to make their blankets. Lots of cute patterns on the website!
There are so many small shops that support local vendors in selling their ceramics! I just happened to find these at Midland Shop which is local to LA, but feel free to scour the internet for ones that feel like you! I am super into ceramics, and while sometimes it’s tempting to get the $5 mug from Target, spending a little more but supporting local feels more in alignment with me right now!
I’m a sucker for a good tea towel. I love hanging different ones on the stove for different seasons, I think they freshen up the whole kitchen! It’s also no secret that I love food photography, and tea towels make great props. I think these ones that I found on the General Store website are just too cute!
~ Practically ~ Free Gift Guide
Baked Goods: There’s something so special about receiving baked goods from others! Knowing that they put their time and love into them makes it truly a special treat. If you don’t know what to give someone in your life - offer them some sweet treats. It’s fun for you to make them, and for others (and yourself) to eat them!
Meditation: Meditation has personally impacted my life for the better. I can’t speak for all, but I do know it has helped a lot of others in my life as well. Starting my mornings with mediation allows me space to come back to during the day. When I’m feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or just need to pause I know I can come back to my breath and meditate. Teaching your loved ones the power of meditation might really positively impact their life. A great way to give this gift? Just start a conversation about it! Tell others how it has affected you, and recommend starting off trying it for just a couple of minutes. You can even tell them about apps that walk you through meditating (I personally love Unplug). If you insist on giving a physical gift as well, it pairs perfectly with cozy sweats and blankies.
Offer a walk and a coffee date: As I get older, I realize there’s not much that means more than getting to spend quality time with people I love! It would probably mean more than you’ll ever know if you call up your friend, aunt, grandpa, or whoever and ask them to get coffee (or tea if that’s your thing) and go for a walk. Spending this time together is more valuable than any item you can purchase in a store.
Give someone a phone call or write them a card: Again, there’s not much that means more than getting to connect with others. If there is someone you’ve been “meaning to call” for the past few months, pick up the phone and give them a call! Better yet, write them a card! I absolutely love sending and receiving snail mail. It makes me so happy when I open my mailbox and have a letter waiting for me, and I hope others feel the same! You might really make someones day.
Journal: Offering a journal is a sweet gesture to remind someone to add mindful activities into their daily routine. Journaling can help relieve stress as well as offer small reminders of what we are grateful for each day. A journal is a meaningful sentiment, and will likely be much appreciated!