I can’t believe it’s time to write another holiday gift guide. Even though there’s very much still a pandemic happening, writing this guide this year does feel a lot better than last year. Last year I was doing tons of online shopping (OK, I still am) but I was doing it mainly because I didn’t think we’d ever leave the house. And while most of my shopping is still online, it feels just a tad more hopeful now. Or is it just me? At any rate, I’m excited to bring to you my 2021 holiday gift guide.

I stand behind every product mentioned in this guide and hope you’ll find something you like for yourself or for a friend or family member. Like last year’s guide, there’s a little something for everyone.

Ready to start shopping?

2021 holiday gift guide

Blk & Bold Coffee
Black-owned company
During the beginning of the pandemic, John and I tried out lots of different coffees and Blk & Bold was one of the coffees we discovered. They offer whole beans, steeped coffee and teas. You can buy directly or from Target.

Cravings: All Together
This is Chrissy Teigen’s latest cookbook. If you (or someone you know) loves cooking, Chrissy Teigen and deliciously easy recipes, this cookbook is for you. I have all three of her books and they all have great recipes inside. I’m still working my way through the latest one but I can already tell you, it’ll make a great gift.

Cocoa Asante Chocolates
Black-owned company
These are the most delicious and decadent truffles. They’re handmade (right here in Chattanooga), rich and not to mention gorgeous. The truffles (even the chocolate bars) are like little works of art (that you can eat). Cocoa Asante chocolates make awesome gifts for the chocolate lover in your life.

Momofuku Soy Sauce
Yep, my 2021 holiday gift guide includes soy sauce. We discovered this soy sauce when John bought us this awesome bundle from Momofuku (which also makes a great gift). While I love all the things included in the bundle the soy sauce is the real star, trust me. It’s not like what we buy at your grocery store; it’s so flavorful and perfect. We’re definitely adding more to our pantry this holiday season.

Post Meridiem canned cocktails
Talk about a delicious stocking stuffer. I first discovered these a year ago when the company sent me a sampling to try. Ever since then, I’ve been a fan and a customer. If you’re short on time or not well-versed in making cocktails, these tiny but powerful beverages are great to have in your fridge. They’re all delicious but the margarita is my favorite.

Fine jewelry from Valerie Madison
Black-Owned business
Years ago I discovered Valerie Madison (can’t remember how) and immediately made John start following her on Instagram. She’s based in Seattle and makes the most gorgeous jewelry featuring everything from diamonds to birthstone gems. I purchased this ring as a treat for myself on Mason’s first birthday and I currently have my eye on a diamond pendant necklace (hello, John, in case you’re reading this).

Tee or sweatshirt from Mindful Fee
Black-owned business
I just recently became a fan of MindfulFee and her business. I was watching Insecure and noticed Molly wearing a t-shirt that I found cute. Fast forward a couple of hours and the costume designer from the show (who I follow on Instagram and LOVE) shared info about Molly’s shirt so naturally, I purchased a similar sweatshirt. Get this.

Gift card from Zenni Optical
Finding glasses is usually a nightmare for me – not really but I like the dramatics of saying that. And while I’m usually a Warby Parker girl, I was extremely bored by their current offerings. I asked on Instagram and Zenni Optical was recommended by a ton of folks so I gave them a try and so far so good. If you have a glass-wearing friend or family member who keeps putting off buying new glasses, this is a great gift to consider.

Jeans from Madewell
I finally gave in and bought some jeans (similar ones linked) from Madewell earlier this year and I like them. Particularly, the high-waisted option was a major score for me after having Mason. I wouldn’t mind if there were more Madewell jeans were under my tree this year. Score them for the denim-enthusiast in your life.

Bless Our Mothers shea butter
Black-owned company
Until recently, I’ve never been a shea butter user but because of this product, I’m a firm believer now. Shea butter (especially this brand) doesn’t just sit on top of your skin like most lotions. Bless Our Mothers shea butter smells delicious and makes your skin feels perfect all day (no, seriously…all day). And I have to brag a bit because the company was founded by my friend, Tisa.

Pattern Beauty treatment mask
Black-owned company
I do not enjoy washing my own hair if I’m being completely honest but this treatment mask makes the process just a tad bit easier. When I must do my own hair, this mask makes my hair more manageable whether I’m wearing it naturally or straightening it. I know this mask is pretty popular and it recently came back in stock. So go get it while it’s available!

Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Black author
I love reading but I rarely do it. Like ever. During the beginning of the pandemic and the beginning of my parenthood journey, I decided that I was going to read this book. While I didn’t finish it in the time I thought I would, I recently picked it back up and I couldn’t put it down. It’s beautifully written. This is a great gift for the avid reader (or a not-so-avid reader) in your life.

Getaway House gift card
John and I recently experienced a stay at a Getaway cabin and it was delightful. Sometimes you just need one quiet outing and this was perfect. A gift card here would be great for the parents in your life or an overworked friend in need of a getaway.

Sophie Rose linen & room mist
Black-owned company
Sometimes after you change your sheets, the detergent smell just isn’t enough. This Sophie Rose linen mist is light and it doubles as a room spray too. I love her products (we’ve ordered her candles for kits at The Chattery).

Ambitious Girl (book)
Black author
Mason’s only a year and a half but she always brings me this book to read. Probably because she resonates with the illustrations inside, which are all well done. We have three copies of this book (don’t ask) and it’s definitely a crowd favorite.

Mama Bear straw cup
Straw cups are great when your kiddo is starting to learn how to drink out of things besides bottles but the problem we ran into is that a lot of straw cups just…well, suck (pun intended). They leak or they drip – whatever. We have every brand you can imagine and so far, this one has been my favorite (and Mason’s).

Calmoseptin diaper rash cream
I know this may not seem like a “cool gift” for a kid but if you have friends who are parents of young babies, this is an awesome stocking stuffer. Mason has had one major diaper rash and being who I am, I took her to the doctor and was told to use this cream and what do you know, it worked like magic. Get some.

Keet children’s chair
There’s nothing cuter than a child sitting in an adult-type chair but a mini version. Does that even make sense? Mason needed a chair to sit in so we got her one of these and it’s a hit. They even have ones that recline or have cup holders. Ours is pretty basic but it still gets the job done. We love it (and it won’t look terrible in your living room).