Favorite gifts to give and receive

In keeping with tradition, today I’m sharing a round-up of gifts I have loved to receive over the years, some of my go-to gifts, and a few things on my own wish list. I hope this helps you finish your holiday shopping.

All gifts featured here were chosen because we love them. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. More info here.

Reading valet

The Book Nook Reading Valet has so many uses! Easily carry the essentials from room to room, mark your place in the book with the triangle, and even hide your phone inside the triangle so you’ll stay free of distractions.

Homemade goods + a cookbook

I’ve gifted many homemade goods over the years: spiced nuts, tiny loaves of pumpkin bread or poppy seed cake, already-frozen balls of cookie dough, peanut brittle, sauerbraten, and candied grapefruit peel. In more recent years, I’ve started pairing the good with a cookbook. Possibilities include preserved lemons with This Will Make It Taste Good by Vivian Howard or a snacking cake + Snacking Cakes: Simple Treats for Anytime Cravings. More cookbook suggestions: 8 beautiful, practical cookbooks you’ll turn to again and again.

Printable wall art

There are so many directions you can go with inexpensive printable wall art. This Anne Lamott Bird by Bird quote is perfect for the person who needs a reminder to take things one step at a time. Add a simple frame if you want!

Coffee Subscription

We love coffee around here. We have a Trade Coffee subscription to supplement our orders from independent roasters. (We also still refer to this crowdsourced list of 45 sources for great decaf coffee when we want to shake things up!)

Plants

Poinsettias are a common holiday gift but there’s no reason not to branch out. Plants, flowers, succulents…there are so many possibilities, depending on what your loved one enjoys and is capable of caring for. I ordered my purple oxalis on Etsy in 2019 and she’s doing so great. You can buy individual plants or a subscription from Succulents Box. Or there’s this Grow Anywhere Meyer Lemon Tree!

Bathrobe

This adorable gingham robe from Draper James comes highly recommended. (For better or worse, the product photo also makes me want to cut bangs again!)

Bombas socks

We have given and received lots of socks over the years. For every item sold, Bombas donates one item to those experiencing homelessness. We first connected with Bombas because they sponsor What Should I Read Next and have since given them piles of cash money to buy socks for every family member plus lots of friends. Get 20% off your first order by using this link and the code READNEXT. (Psst—I especially like their sweater socks and snowflake socks for this time of year.)

Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator

A kind friend gifted me Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator (in Sandalwood) and I am in love with the smell. It swiftly became one of my new favorite things. (For more ideas along these lines: 13 skincare favorites for winter weather.)

Food gift box 

There’s a food gift box for just about every whim and craving. Harry & David is a traditional choice, of course. Williams Sonoma has a wide variety of gift baskets and crates to choose from, like Pasta Night or Pizza Party. For a fresh option, Rincon Tropics offers a Seasonal Mixed Fruit Box. Or there’s always cookies from Spoonful of Comfort. You could also put together an assortment of food your town or state is known for!

Pajamas 

Pajamas can be a cozy luxury, making them a thoughtful gift option. All the women in my family love their Soma pjs. (Pictured above: Cool Nights Long-Sleeve Top + Pants Set, Cool Nights Short-Sleeve Top + Pants Set, and Embraceable Long-Sleeve Pajama Set.) I’m also partial to this crisp poplin set from Lake.

Repurposed Sari Napkins

I’m a big fan of fabric napkins and these Repurposed Sari Napkins fit the bill. They make a a great gift on their own or you could even use one to wrap something small. (Back in the day I used to make these myself!)

Beauty Boxes

Beauty boxes make a great gift for the person who seemingly has everything, beginning with tweens, because the fun is in using them up! These boxes make it easy and enjoyable to experiment with new products and discover new favorites. My girls love their Ipsy Glam Bag subscription. Another great option is the Dermstore BeautyFix box.

If you’re not sure about a subscription, Sephora always has tons of fantastic gift sets to choose from.

Throw blanket

As it gets colder, my family believes it’s impossible to have too many throw blankets. Few things are better than the sight of everyone cozied up with their favorite blanket as they read, work on homework, or watch a show. L.L.Bean throws are beloved for good reason, like this Fisherman Cabled Fleece Throw.

Tea

I love to give and receive tea from my favorites, Rishi Tea (turmeric ginger, please) and Harney and Sons (hot cinnamon spice), accompanied by a cute mug. This year I added Pukka Lemon, Ginger & Manuka Honey herbal tea into regular rotation. More tea recommendations here.   

Advent Calendar

Advent calendars don’t have to be given before the holiday (nor do you have to wait until December 1 to start enjoying one). I never wait to open up this one from Liberty of London that I enjoy getting for myself as a REALLY nice gift. On the more affordable side, check out options from The Body Shop and Sephora.

What’s on your wish list this year? What are your favorite gifts to give? We’d love to hear more ideas in comments!

P.S. Need more gift ideas? Check out these posts:

• The 2023 MMD gift guide for book lovers
• The 2023 MMD gift guide for bookish kids
• 4 easy gifts for the men in your life
• 15 giftable books for every reader
• Book gifts for your hardest-to-buy-for loved ones (more literary matchmaking!)
• 100 stocking stuffers that will actually be appreciated, don’t feel like a waste of money, and won’t be broken/forgotten/destroyed by New Year’s