Holiday Gift Guide 2023
The holiday gift guide is here! Here are a few of my favorite things (many of which I already own or are on my Christmas list this year).
For the Travel Lover
Monos Carry On Luggage (Code: EARLYBF for 30% off)
This was on my Christmas list this year (and already purchased thanks to my parents)! My sister-in-law introduced me to the brand a few years ago.
These are great since they fold up. I bring them with when I travel, and they’re great especially when you need a little extra to bring home from all of your souvenirs.
Cadence Magnetic Travel Containers (Code: BESTGIFT25 for 25% off)
I’m trying to get away from so many disposable travel toiletries, so these are on my wishlist.
My husband and I both wear compression socks when we fly, and these are a great pair.
For Kids
We saw these at the Renegade Craft Fair this summer, and my kids loved them! It’s on their Christmas list.
Anything from Mochi Kids is great, and they’re one of my favorite shops. We have several tshirts from there (both kids and adults), and they’re so soft!
We have the French set, and the Korean set is on my wishlist!
My kids are really into Legos right now…but what kid isn’t?!
Pajamas from Smaller Things
We have these, and they’re also my favorite pair for the boys to travel in (I always have them in pajamas on the plane). We always get so many compliments!
For Moms
Anything Sezane
This should be no surprise that this made my list! I’m always keeping my eye on their newest collections…and fingers crossed for a Chicago store or popup soon!
Spa Gift Card
One of my favorites is Aire Ancient Baths & Spa. I’ve been to both the Chicago and Barcelona locations, and there are several other locations worldwide.
As I get older, I’m starting to pay more attention to my skincare routine. I tend to go for more European and Korean skincare products.
Great for moms because our coffee always gets cold! I understand now the Goldilocks story line and why Mama Bears porridge was cold.
I’ve been doing my own nails a lot more lately, and this set is on my Christmas list. I love that it’s plant-based, vegan, and cruelty-free…and easy to remove!
For Dads (with input provided from my husband)
Whether your guy loves a dram of whisky or a pint of craft beer, the options are endless.
To be fair, he said anything golf related. I think golf balls are easy for someone like me who knows nothing about the sport to gift…and they’re a great stocking stuffer! This personalized set will hopefully help them find their golf ball when they inevitably lose it on the course.
Steaks, jerky, or one of my husband’s faves is meat sticks from Gene’s Sausage Shop in Chicago. My sister once gifted my husband a meat crate for Christmas!
We’re big fans of Dark Matter coffee, but there are several more options out there for your coffee lover.
Adam’s new favorite things…he finally understands why women love leggings so much lol! He has a couple pairs from Marine Layer, and I have a pair from Vuori. We can both attest to how comfortable these pants are!
For Grandparents
We’ve gotten this gift for both of Adam’s parents in previous years.
This is a great way to make sure grandparents always have the latest and greatest pics of their grandkids.
These are always a cute option!
Another alternative to Storyworth is a Legacy Box, which will digitize all of those old home videos and photographs.
What grandparent doesn’t love a mug with the adorable faces of all their grandchildren? They can see their grandkids’ faces every morning with their favorite cup of coffee or tea.
Now for some gifts inspired by my recent travels both near and far…
For the Chicagoan (young and old)
A classic tee for a classic Chicago dish!
Anthropologie had a really cute one, but it’s sold out. Alice & Wonder, a local Chicago boutique, has a great array of Chicago gifts!
Neighborly is another one of my favorite shops for Chicago gifts. I wish I had found this swaddle when my kids were still babies!
This is like Where’s Waldo, but with Chicago scenes. We have this book, and my kids love it!
Anything from Thatch Studio is great! She also has other watercolor prints of other towns (which is another great gift option for the travel lover).
For the Francophile
Prints from Everyday Parisian
I have a few of Rebecca’s prints, and it’s amazing how her prints can transport you right back to Paris! Every year she makes a Paris and Italy calendar, and how perfect is this calendar & note card set?! She also has some new Paris-inspired attire (sweatshirts, hats, and totes)!
I’ve stopped counting how many Eiffel Tower ornaments I have…one can never have too many!
Different one comes out every year…I personally like some of the previous versions better
Adam loves a good candle…and I love a good pine-scented candle. I love that these candles come in classic vessels that can be reused once your candle runs out.
If you read my Paris blog post, you know that this has become my favorite parfumerie. I stopped in and restocked on my favorite scent, Ile d’Amour, while we were in Paris!
For the Scotland Lover
Really you can’t go wrong with Harris Tweed anything. When we stayed at the Dunstane House (now The Roseate) in Edinburgh during our 2022 trip with friends, our rooms keys had these keychains. I absolutely loved them, and immediately ordered them as soon as we got home.
This is on my wishlist (which I plan to gift myself lol). I love a good tartan blanket and scarf!
Any whisky makes a great gift. The best part of this gift (besides a delicious dram of whisky) is that you get a square foot of land on the Isle of Islay through the Friends of Laphroaig Program. (Unfortunately, we have learned you can’t claim more than one plot.)
We love “hairy coos” in our family. Now you can “have” one of your own. There are several websites that you can do this with, many of which will send you a highland cow stuffed animal as a thank you.
The Art of Coorie: How to Live Happy the Scottish Way by Gabriella Bennett
I haven’t read this yet, but it’s on my list. TBCO even has an option to add this to your gift box!
Happy shopping!
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