GIFT GUIDE 2025

Hope this isn't too late...

I tried to get this out sooner, but life got in the way. Here are some ideas that you hopefully haven’t thought of or seen elsewhere and still have time to get. Also, this is behind a paywall because there are very few affiliate links.

KRAUM

I worked with Annie years ago when she was at Glossier and later, Soft Services, I trust whatever she has to sell me. I am not a makeup girly, but this product is beyond. The packaging is insane and every detail has been thought of. This would be perfect for any makeup lover in your life or maybe even an artist (I might get a set for my husband who is an ace at painted hand lettering and has a very detailed project going on). Kraum Micro Brush Set.

LEATHER GLOVES

Winter is here in NYC and it sucks, but a nice pair of leather gloves makes it a little easier to step outside. I just got a pair of these for myself and love that I don’t have to take them off when I need to use my phone. Bloomingdales Cashmere Lined Leather Tech Gloves.

ZABAR’S BAGEL SPREAD

Zabar’s was where we got bagels when I was a kiddo and just epitomizes New York for me. Also, there’s nothing like NYC bagels. My mom sent this to my in-laws last year and I might just have to copy her this year. The tree ornament is cute too. Zabar’s Smoked Fish Gift Kit.

UNDERWATER WEAVING

I don’t remember how I first came across Underwater Weaving, but I have long loved baskets and would love to make one myself. I have yet to do that, but I bought a kit for a friend for her birthday and it was a hit. This is perfect for the crafter in your life. Underwater Weaving The Harvest Basket Weaving Kit.

SOAP

I know soap is usually boring, but this is emphatically not. I bought my mom the small bar set for her birthday and it was promptly passed around the table and everyone was delighted and surprised by it. Not only is the smell unique, the packaging is extra special. Loewe Tomato Solid Soap soap on a rope and liquid.

PET PORTRAITS

Our pets are the best. My mom found an artist years ago who painted the best portraits of our childhood Terrier and later, my own family’s dog, and I cherish them. While Sasha didn’t paint those, I have since given or suggested these to a couple people who currently have pets or have recently lost one. By Sashy Watercolor Pet Paintings.

EMBROIDERED BUTTON DOWN

An art director I was meeting was wearing a crisp button down with her initials on the breast so I immediately inquired about it. She told me it was LL Bean so here you go. You can put the embroidery on the breast or cuff. Look at any shirt you already have (especially if it’s a vintage men’s button up) to figure out sizing. I love all the shirt color options and would keep the embroidery tonal. While I think this is a great gift for anyone, I think it would also be a perfect for any new or expecting mother with their new child’s initials (button ups are great for breastfeeding).

RETRO VIEWFINDER

I had something like this as a kid, but my husband gave me one for Christmas a few years ago with photos of my son. It’s fantastic. Image 3D Retro Viewfinder.

CRUNCH LABS

If you don’t already watch Mark Rober on youtube, start. He’s a former NASA engineer who makes these amazing video of him figuring out how to fill a pool with jello or how to prevent his backyard squirrel from stealing all the bird feed. He also makes STEM kits for kids and adults. I started a subscription for my nephews lat year and told their mom to let me know if they loose interest (as kids are wont to do) and I’ll cancel. Not necessary - she said they look forward to it. And my husband orders adult ones from time to time. Crunch Labs Kits.