It’s that time of the year again when I get super excited to create and share my holiday gift guide. I generally ponder this post all throughout the year making sure to provide somewhat of a variety of items. I do my best to keep this guide simple. I don’t love sifting through pages and pages of holiday guides that don’t necessarily have a focus. Hopefully, you find my yearly holiday gift guide helpful and succinct.
There are three new things to consider this year, though:
- I’ve added a new home goods section. If we don’t love it, I’ll remove it and carry on business as usual in 2024. If we’re into it, I’ll keep it around.
- There’s one extra product in each section this year. Typically, my guides have 5 gift suggestions per section. This year, I decided to make it even and list six gifts.
- Lastly, I’ve included the price next to the items so you can understand what you’re getting into before you shop!
As usual, here’s a reminder of last year’s gift guide if you’d like to revisit it or need even more gift ideas.
Ready to start shopping? Let’s go.
P.S. Every item mentioned is something I’ve tried first-hand.
2023 holiday gift guide
Please note: sales mentioned may be complete at the time of viewing this.
- Vornado Room Heater
This may not be the most flashy gift to give yourself (or someone else) but if you live in a house or apartment that isn’t as cozy as you’d like, this heater is a good choice. We have one and it works wonders. It also has a “tip over” safety feature so if it tips over (or even when you pick it up to move it), it turns off. BUY HERE ($65) - Elena Johnson Art (Chattanooga-based artist)
I met Elena as a result of the markets we’ve hosted at The Chattery. Her art is so beautiful and realistic. Last year, John and I purchased a cute little mushroom painting that currently hangs on our coffee bar. Art (especially locally-made art) makes the best most personable gifts. BUY HERE (prices vary) - ekg Pottery (Chattanooga-based artist)
Another local artist I met as a result of our markets at The Chattery. I’m so in love with Elizabeth’s work. I’m now the owner of the cutest espresso mugs (with matching saucers) and plan on buying more things. In fact, she may be working on a limited-edition collab for The Chattery next year! BUY HERE (prices vary; DM her for inquiries) - Levoit Air Purifier
Again, not a “sexy” gift but if you value clean air in your home, this is it. I love that it helps with smoke and fumes in the house (like when we cook and things get out of control – whoops). The one linked here is a more updated version than the one we have. BUY HERE ($250) - 16oz Drinking Glasses (with lids & straws)
I bought these for my iced coffees at home and I love them. It’s a set of 4 and they come with little brushes to clean the straws too. BUY HERE ($14) - Staub Four-Piece Baking Set
I bought these a few weeks ago and they’re great. They don’t take up a lot of space (it’s a pretty small set) and they’re oven-safe (yes, even the bowls) up to 572 degrees. And it’s Staub so you can’t go wrong. BUY HERE ($70 on sale; reg. price $130).
- Bodum milk steamer (and frother)
Not to be confused with the handheld milk frother I included on last year’s list. This is an electric one that has three different settings: warm froth, cold froth and simply heating milk or hot chocolate, no frothing. I’ve been using this one for about a year now and I like it (it’s coming in handy for the cooler mornings). There are probably better ones out there but this one will do for now. But don’t be surprised if something similar ends up on another holiday gift guide list. BUY HERE ($50) - New York Times Cooking subscription
I’ve had an NYT Cooking subscription since 2022 and it’s one of my absolute favorite subscriptions. There are so many recipes, and some of them have videos – I can’t say how much this is a great gift for the cook in your life (or for yourself). You can save recipes and categorize them in different folders (which I love). There’s also an option for gifting. MORE INFO HERE ($40 per year) - Nespresso VertuoPlus Deluxe (repeat from last year)
We love our Nespresso so much I decided to add it again to my gift guide. Nespresso makes other machines besides the one I listed and you can head to the Nespresso site to compare them. I just love how easy it is and the coffee is delicious. I love trying out different coffee pods (especially the seasonal ones) but our go-to pods are golden caramel (coffee), melozio (coffee), orafio (1oz espresso), double espresso scuro (2oz espresso). BUY HERE (on sale $140; reg. price $199). - “Everyday Grand: Soulful Recipes for Celebrating Life’s Big and Small Moments: A Cookbook”
I love Jocelyn (a.k.a.”Grandbaby Cakes”). This cookbook has everything from delicious sweets to yummy savory items too. BUY HERE ($18) - Nooga Honey Pot wildflower honey (Chattanooga-based)
Another entrepreneur I know because of The Chattery. Carmen has not only taught classes with us but she has also participated in our markets too. Earlier this year, John and I purchased honey from her and we’ll probably never go back to “basic” honey (sorry). She’s also a beekeeper and the honey is from rescued bees so it feels nice buying from her. BUY HERE ($12) - Gruet bubbles + popcorn kit
I got a chance to visit the Gruet tasting room when I went to Santa Fe and I’m a huge fan. I shipped a couple of bottles back home and 100% recommend doing the same for the bubbly-loving friend in your life. Bonus: if you live near a Costco, I recently found Gruet brut bubbles there! BUY HERE ($65)
- Burberry Quilted Cardholder
I love my little cardholder! It has made my purse a bit more organized. On the rare occasion that I have cash, I can stick a dollar or two in the middle (not ideal) but it works. The cardholder linked here is the exact one I have but in a different color (dusty rose). Mine is in a brighter pink (called Lola) but I haven’t been able to find it online. BUY HERE ($300) - Parachute Turkish Cotton Slippers
I love these slippers and the quality is really good! At the time of publishing this guide only white and blush are available. I already have my eye on the shearling wool ones for next year. BUY HERE (on sale $31.20; reg. price $39) - Herschel Fifteen Hip Bag
I never thought I’d be a hip bag person and here we are. I love this one so much I’ve contemplated getting it in a different color. I have one in leopard print (duh) and currently on the Herschel site, there’s only one color available so the link to purchase will take you to Amazon which has a few more color options. BUY HERE (average sale price $23; reg. price $35) - Charmking ankle compression socks
Another Amazon find. I first discovered these after giving birth. They’re inexpensive and comfortable. I have them in both ankle and regular lengths. I’m linking to the black ones but the brand also has tons of other colors and designs. BUY HERE (on sale $14; regular price $18) - Oryany “Milla” Leather Top-Handle Bag
I saw this purse on a woman in a coffee shop earlier this year and thought it was so cute. I found it at Neiman Marcus and bought it for my birthday this year. It’s the perfect size and I love that it has a top handle and a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap. BUY HERE ($278) - Quay ‘After Hours’ Sunglasses
I love this brand because they’re not super-expensive but the quality is good. I’ve had mine for years (and yes, it’s time for an upgrade) so I’ve been shopping around for a new pair. The ones linked here are my exact pair and they come in different colors too. BUY HERE (Standard $65, Polarized, $85)
- Bloom CBD bath bombs (Chattanooga-based)
I’m not a huge bath person but when I do, I indulge in a Bloom bath bomb. Afterward, you’ll sleep so well – not to mention the bombs smell good. My favorites are the Aphrodite and Protect Your Energy. BUY HERE ($18) - Pivo Pod Lite
If you need some assistance making content, try the Pivo. I bought one earlier this year and one of the unique qualities is that it has a 360 auto tracking once you connect it to your smartphone. I also have the travel case and the remote control but it has lots of functions. They usually have a ton of specials and bundles so oftentimes you can get the pod and some other accessories for a good deal. BUY HERE (on sale $80; reg. price $109) - Calpak Packing Cubes (5-piece set)
I am a believer in packing cubes. I honestly don’t know how I packed for trips without them. I have them in “pink sand” but I really wanted them in polka dot but they were always sold out (they’re back now). Seriously, run and get these. BUY HERE (on sale $54; reg. price $68) - Glossier G Suit Soft Touch Matte Liquid Lip Crème
I got a targeted ad for these a while ago and I love them! They’re matte but not drying and come in a variety of colors. I currently have two in the Jet and Pilot colors. These would make great stocking stuffers for the lipstick lover in your life! BUY HERE ($22) - Makeup Eraser Toner Puffs (repeat from last year)
I’m repeating these because I love them so much. In fact, I just ordered another set. These puffs eliminate the need to use disposable cotton rounds when you apply toner AND they’re machine washable (they come in a nifty little laundry bag). Because of the holiday, I was able to get two sets for the price of one. Makeup Eraser is offering BOGO on everything on the site using the code ‘pumpkinpie’. The promotion ends 11/28. BUY HERE ($15) - KNC Beauty Retinol-Infused Eye Masks (5 pack)
I’m sure I’ve shared these before. They are absolutely one of my favorite beauty items. Not only do they work but they look super cute when you wear them. BUY HERE ($25)
- Creative Discovery Museum “Team Discovery” membership
We decided to get a membership on a whim last year and I’m so glad we did. We’ve already gotten our money’s worth and we’ll most likely re-up for 2024. The Team Discovery membership includes unlimited museum visits for two same-household adults and up to four children each visit. BUY HERE ($140 per year) - Camelbak reusable water bottle (14oz)
Not only is it cute but it keeps Mason drinking her water throughout the day. Win/win. BUY HERE ($15). - Play-Doh Mini Ice Cream Play Set
Mason got this for her birthday and for us, it resulted in hours (OK maybe one hour) of pure quiet time. Six months later, she’s still playing with it. This was truly heaven sent AND it doesn’t take up too much space. BUY HERE ($16) - Crickt Kids Carry-On Suitcase
While Mason hasn’t been on a plane yet, we snagged this suitcase for our family getaway this summer. It has tons of compartments and fits everything we needed for Mason. This one is soft but the brand also makes hard case ones too. BUY HERE ($45) - Dot Markers Activity Set
We got this for Mason on a whim while trying to incorporate some art time at home. She loves this little set and we love watching her create art with it. BUY HERE ($15) - Gift Card from The Book & Cover (Chattanooga-based)
The Book & Cover is a bookstore we absolutely adore. Whenever I’m in the mood for reading (I’m doing my best), my first stop is always The Book & Cover. Not only can I get my books there but they have a great section for the kiddos. Mason got a gift card for her birthday and she loved going and picking out some books. (VISIT THEM)
