Last week I shared my holiday gift guide for kids, and as promised, I’m back this week to share some gift ideas for the grown-ups on your list. The items on my list are things I’ve bought, or been gifted, and use often. If you are looking to support some small businesses this holiday season, I’ve denoted those with (SB). And you can always buy books from local bookstores in your area to support local too.
- If you are looking for some new candles for holiday gifts, or house warming gifts, or even just to treat yourself, look no further. These Freres Branchiaux candles are my new guilty pleasure and I’ve already given them as several birthday gifts. They’re great quality candles that smell amazing, but also don’t overwhelm your space with fragrance. And they’re made by a trio of brothers who started a family business, which is just so darn cute. These make great hostess gifts but shipping can take a while so order early! (SB)
- I feel like nice luggage is something we rarely buy for ourselves but often times can make all the difference. This sturdy waxed canvas weekender is the perfect bag for that rugged man in your life, and it can be personalized with a monogram. I’ve already ordered multiple for a few guys on my list.
- Personalized return address stamps making sending holiday cards a breeze. I bought one for myself years ago and have since given several as holiday or housewarming gifts. You can get them as self-inking, but I prefer the old school method of the rubber stamp with wooden handle and separate ink pad – that way I can change the ink color to suit the cards I’m sending. There’s tons of fonts and layouts to choose from for a completely customized and personalized gift. (SB)
- For the avid baker on your list, you can’t go wrong with the Kitchenaid ice cream maker attachment. This is by far the most used kitchenaid stand mixer attachment I own, as ice cream comes in second, only to pizza dough, for things I use my Kitchenaid mixer for the most. My kids love to help in the ice cream making process too!
- I’ve put Yeti cups on my favorites’ lists before and they just keep coming out with more cups in even more colors! Maybe I’m bias because Yeti is an Austin born company, but their products stand the test of time, and you’re sure to find the perfect glass for anyone on your list – they even make a Yeti dog bowl! Or, if you’re feeling really generous, you can splurge for one of their coolers – they’re sure to please that special person on your list.
- Ya’ll, I will tell you about my paint gun until I am blue in the face, because every time I use it, I can’t get over how awesome it is. This Critter Siphon Gun is the perfect gift for any DIYers on your list – its my favorite DIY tool of all time. Its super easy to use, even easier to clean up, and you can’t beat the price. Its a win-win-win.
- Okay, speaking of GOATs (greatest of all time), this page a day calendar is THE best grandparent gift. The social print studio calendar is made with thick, sturdy paper that shows off 365 photos of your most favorite people/things. Can you see why this is a great gift for grandparents? I fill this calendar up with photos of the grandkids from the entire year, then the grandparents get to filter through them, one picture a day, and it just puts a smile on everyone’s face. I’ve been ordering these for a few years now (even my husband requests one to put on his desk at work) and everyone loves them so much that I can never not give them as gifts from here on out.
- I love giving a set of nice coasters as a gift (they make a nice hostess/house warming gift too!) because again, I don’t feel people buy nice coasters for themselves. I am actually making the coasters I am gifting this year (check out my post about the process here), so I can customize them to the person’s style and aesthetic.
- With the pandemic forcing many people to spend more time at home, I know a lot of my friends and family are looking to update and refresh the spaces in their home. Myquillyn Smith offers great tips on the process for decorating and furnishing your home so that it feels polished and cozy in her book The Cozy Minimalist Home. This would be a great read for anyone in the nesting mood or any new homeowners.
- Keeping with the ‘home’ theme, last year I gifted personalized coir doormats, with a checkered plaid rug for a layered look, and they were a huge hit. I stenciled plain coir mats with porch paint, but you can also find tons of cute doormats like the one above in stores and online.
- Eliana at Made by Eliana makes the most beautiful pottery by hand in her studio in Austin, Texas. Her collection right now has these beautiful planters, along with other items, that would bring joy to any plant-lover you have on your list. Her work is truly gorgeous and one of a kind. (SB)
- I love to see small businesses adapting and thriving during uncertain times. Karl at Cut Arts is a master in cutting silhouettes by hand as you sit in front of him, and now he does it live over Zoom! My kids thoroughly enjoyed watching him cut their profile while interacting with him over an internet call – and what parent (or grandparent) doesn’t want a silhouette as a sentimental keepsake? And have no fear, if you have squiggly kiddos, Karl can take a screenshot while on Zoom, or use a photo to make the silhouette. Sign up for a Zoom session here! (SB)
- We received a similar thermal tote several years ago (ours has our beloved Jayhawks logo on it) and it gets used often in our household and is holding up great. Its the perfect sized bag to bring a few drinks to a friend’s house or picnic and the quality is superb.
- Another alternative for keeping your drinks cold (or warm) is this Coleman stainless steel growler. They’re great for camping and other outdoor activities – we use them to keep our margs cold on the beach 😉 and they’re great quality for the price.
- Lastly, not pictured, I love to give magazine subscriptions as gifts – they’re the gift that keeps on giving all year long. And many school fundraisers have magazines as part of their offerings, so you can support your child’s (or grandchild/niece/nephew/etc) school while gift giving. Some of my favorites are Better Homes and Gardens, Southern Living, HGTV Magazine, Garden and Gun, and Highlights (for the kiddos).
Do you have any grown-up gifts your find yourself gifting over and over again? Or something you’ve received as a gift that you absolutely love? I’d love to hear about them. Comment below or connect with me on instagram @elleandjaydesign.
