2021 Holiday Gift Guide
Happy holidays, everyone! Now that we’re officially into the Season of Giving, it’s about time I share with you my favorite gift ideas for everyone on your list. 2021 has been a heck of a year with a lot of everything in it so why not finish the year in style by finding wonderful gifts for the most important people in your life.
You know I love to shop and nothing is better than shopping for gifts for family and friends; however, I find the actual giving of the gifts even more rewarding, personally. I love to give gifts that make people happy and are items they will love, enjoy, and use in some form or another. So, let’s get gifting, shall we? I have organized the guide into categories and every item in each section is linked to the specific product(s). Enjoy!
Happy Holidays! :)
Cookbooks
My favorite titles on our bookshelf. We turn to them time and time again for making delicious weeknight meals (and some on the weekends, too). Cookbooks make wonderful gifts for the chefs in your life.
Note: I have only provided links through indiebound.org which helps locate independent booksellers near you. Please consider supporting small businesses this holiday season.
Dining In: Highly Cookable Recipes
Dinner for Everyone: 100 Iconic Dishes Made 3 Ways
Half Baked Harvest: Super Simple
Nothing Fancy: Unfussy Food for Having People Over
What’s Gaby Cooking: Everyday California Food
Baking-Specific Titles
My favorite cookbooks for baking the best cookies, cakes, and more sweet treats. Note: several titles above include great dessert sections, too!
The Cookie Book: Decadent Bites for Every Occasion
Martha Stewart’s Cookie Perfection
Milk Bar Life: Recipes & Stories: A Cookbook
The Perfect Scoop, Revised and Updated
Snacking Cakes: Simple Treats for Anytime Cravings
Gluten Free Gift Basket
Here’s a unique gift idea: treat someone to a collection of the best (and most delicious) gluten free goodies from The Market. Take it over-the-top by including a cookbook (or two!).
A fancy cocktail at The Bancroft bar.
Restaurants for dining out (or in)
What better way to continue to support the restaurant industry this year than with a gift card? Give the gift of a great meal!
All restaurants below offer gluten free options and/or menus. I have visited all of them multiple times and highly recommend each one. As always, please notify the restaurant of any dietary restrictions prior to ordering. Always trust your gut!
ADELITA (Concord)
THE BANCROFT (Burlington)
BARCELONA WINE BAR (Brookline)
BURTON’S GRILL AND BAR (love the new Lynnfield location!)
BURRO BAR (Brookline)
CRAVE BEVERLY (Beverly)
DAVIO’S NORTHERN ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE (Chestnut Hill location is our favorite)
FRANK (Beverly)
IL CASALE (Lexington)
LA MORRA (Brookline)
LEGAL SEA FOODS (Chestnut Hill and Seaport locations are our favorites)
LONE STAR TACO BAR (Allston)
LOVE AT FIRST BITE THAI KITCHEN AND BAR (Lexington)
MYERS AND CHANG (South End, Boston)
OAK LONG BAR AND KITCHEN AT FAIRMONT COPLEY PLAZA BOSTON (Boston)
OSTRA (Boston)
PUBLIC KITCHEN (Wakefield)
RED HEAT TAVERN (Wilmington)
SAKURA ORGANIC (Wakefield)
TAVERN IN THE SQUARE (Burlington location is our go-to)
TEMPO BISTRO (Waltham)
THE STONES COMMON HOUSE AND KITCHEN (Stoneham)
TWIST BAKERY CAFE (Burlington and Millis)
WOODMAN’S OF ESSEX (Essex)
Chic napkins and menus at Frank.
HOME
Gifts that are useful, practical, and stylish for everyone’s daily life.
Crate&Barrel Bistro 8” Bowl - my favorite dish to make everyday meals look extra-special.
The Container Store Plastic Storage Bin with Handles - the best small containers for organizing everything (I use mine for skincare and haircare products).
Diptyque Scented Candles - luxe candles that have subtle scents and are so pretty to keep on display.
John Derian Handmade in NYC Decoupage Collection - it may be near impossible to only pick one of these unique pieces, but selecting a handmade piece of art for someone’s home is always a thoughtful gift idea. I have a few in our home and each one has a special meaning; they’re a terrific gift!
Le Creuset Heritage Rectangular Casserole - one of our most-used kitchen items. The square version is excellent as well.
Lodge Cast Iron Pan Covered Deep Skillet - we use cast iron for the majority of our cooking. This skillet is fantastic.
Loopy Cases Smartphone Case - my absolute favorite phone case for those of us prone to accidentally dropping our phones. I love the variety of designs available!
Matchbook prints by Charles Ryan Clarke - if fun, memory-filled art is on your list, then I’d highly recommend one (or more) of these matchbook prints by photographer Charles Ryan Clarke. We have a few of these, from places we visited on our honeymoon, in our home, and they make me smile every time I walk past one.
Matouk Milagro Bath Towels - never underestimate the power of an awesome towel. These luxe towels are super-soft and come in a wide-variety of colors. I love the (large) bath sheet to dry off after a shower and the hand towels are perfect to keep by the sink. A luxurious gift that they won’t expect!
New England Loom - vintage rugs have become a passion of mine since moving into our home and this small, local business is one of my favorite sources for finding unique, vintage pieces. Make an appointment online to visit the small shop located in Wenham - it’s overflowing with incredible rugs! It will be hard to pick just one…
Sferra Celine Throw - a luxurious cotton blanket at a reasonable price? You got it. I love these blankets because they’re not too heavy and can be kept on the couch year-round. I love the variety of colors, too.
Silpat Perfect Baking Mats - my favorite to use when baking cookies. Nothing sticks and they’re easy to wash!
Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase - worth the hype! A luxurious gift that helps tame your hair and keep your skin soft - while you sleep!
Tiffany & Co. Bone China Paper Cups - my favorite “cup” for fancy cocktails or just water! These are such a fun gift for those who like to elevate their everyday drink-ware.
No Kid Hungry Tools for Change Silicone Spatula - my favorite to use when mixing cookie and cake batter. There are so many fun designs to choose from and 30% of the price goes to a great cause.
Williams Sonoma Goldtouch 6-Piece Essentials Bakeware Set - I use this line of bakeware and couldn’t be happier with the quality. This set includes everything you need to get baking all of the essentials. ;)
Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker - I love having music available throughout our entire house. This wireless speaker is the perfect size to keep in any room where you need to play your favorite tracks at the press of a button.
Apple AirPods - I haven’t used headphones for a long time, but after many friends and family have raved about these, I think I’ll be adding them to my wishlist this year. :)
BEAUTY AND self-care
Gifts for those who love - and deserve - a little self-care (all of us).
Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash - the best, luxe hand soap that we keep at every sink.
Biossance Skincare - I love this “clean beauty” brand that makes awesome products that work. I use the cleanser, toner, gel moisturizer, eye cream, and resurfacing night serum reguarly. The brand’s site often has sales and promos for sets of products, as well.
Cle de Peau Radiant Corrector for Eyes - I’m wearing minimal makeup these days, but this eye corrector pen brightens the under-eye area and works as a light concealer. Nice gift! Also, I love this brand and most of their products consistently get rave reviews.
Dyson Supersonic hair dryer - An incredible gift that’s worth the investment. My hair has never been this soft or shiny - plus the total time needed to dry my hair has dropped dramatically.
Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener - A splurge gift that makes the morning routine infinitely easier. I love that this hair straightener is wireless, heats up in seconds, and makes my fluffy, frizz-prone hair smooth and sleek in just a few minutes. A magical item, indeed.
Elemis London Skincare - An excellent brand from the UK that has numerous products to make your skin look its best. I’m partial to the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30, Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash, and the Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm.
Goop Beauty GOOPGLOW Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator - The hype is real and this product does what it says. This is the first exfoliator that hasn’t caused irritation and I happily use it weekly.
Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara - A clean beauty brand that makes a fabulous mascara is possible. Strongly recommend this one!
Necessaire Body Care Products - I love this brand! The Body Lotion, Body Serum, and Hand Cream are my favorite products (all available fragrance-free). I’d recommend a gift set so the recipient can try it all!
Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Honey Mask - one of my favorite masks that routinely gives my skin a healthy “cleanse” and leaves it looking brighter and smoother. A very good gift!
R+Co. Bel Air Smoothing Shampoo + Conditioner - my favorite combo that makes my hair feel healthier, look better, and smell great. Big fan of this brand overall and have been pleased with all products from the brand.
Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother Styling Creme - I heard the hype and have been hooked ever since. Using a very small amount of this in my hair prior to blow-drying helps immensely taming volume, fighting frizz, and makes my hair so soft! A quality hair care gift, indeed.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence - A luxe product that I use morning and night (after toner) before the rest of my skincare routine. It’s a cult favorite and I’m pretty sure it’s helping with the glow.
Slip Small Slipsilk Scrunchies - I love these for keeping my hair back because the silk is soft and doesn’t pull; and the silk is helpful for preventing a bump/crease in my hair. Handy!
Supergoop! Suncreen Products - the best sunscreen, period. I use the Unseen Sunscreen under makeup (or even if I skip it), Glow Screen for a bit of subtle shimmer, and the CC Screen for a bit of coverage to go along with the necessary SPF.
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream - I love this thicker cream for daytime use during the winter (perfect for dry skin). Great packaging and one container lasts a long time!
Tory Burch Non-medical Printed Face Masks (set of 3) - we’re all wearing masks, still, so why not show up in style? I love these because they’re comfortable, stylish, easy to wash, and all proceeds go directly to charity. Win-win!
VistaPrint Face Masks - The other brand of masks that I wear everyday. There are countless designs to choose from and rest-assured that they are comfortable, adjustable, and breathable. Available for adults and kids.
Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum and Treatment Essence - in the category of “splurge,” but these products are incredible. I’m planning to re-order in the new year and cannot wait. This brand has been on countless “best of” beauty lists for a while and it’s no surprise why.
STYLE
Alex Mill - I got hooked on this clothing brand after I finally placed an order this fall for a crop-length denim jacket and a button-back sweater. I love the classic styles, neutral colors, and go-with-everything options. The button-back sweater is fantastic as it doubles as a cardigan and I love the cozy Charley Rib Sweater for cold winter days.
Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA - Perfect for wearing around the house, or walking to the beach, these water-friendly sandals are super comfy and a fun gift for anyone who loves the classic Arizona style in a more sand-friendly style. For Birkenstocks, I tend to buy the “medium/narrow” size option.
Dudley Stephens Fleece - Whether you go for the classic Park Slope style or the longer (with pockets) Cobble Hill or any of the other comfy and environmentally-friendly fleece tops from this small, women-run business, you know you’ll be warm and chic all winter long. And from experience, once you own one, you’ll want another, and…
Everlane The Organic Cotton Crew - A simple T-shirt that fits well and is perfect for layering with everything. Why not give the gift of convenience? These tees have quickly become a wardrobe staple.
Everlane Felted Merino Half-Zip Sweater - one of the coziest pieces for the coldest winter days, I love this sweater’s soft texture and effortless look to elevate an everyday outfit. Available in several colors so I’m pretty sure the recipient will order a second right away..
J.Crew Dreamy Pajama Jogger Pant - The ultimate “chill all day” pants that I wear every night for watching my favorite shows. The comfiest pants, ever. I’d recommend sizing down as they run a bit big; several colors available.
J.Crew Bike Short in Signature Flex - The price point is incredible for these great bike shorts, my go-to for long walks and Peloton rides. There are plenty of fancier bike short options out there, but I strongly recommend this very affordable version for everyday workouts (or just lounging!).
Jenni Kayne Mules - Super-comfy slides make a wonderful gift. The hardest part will be picking the color! I’m partial to the suede and shearling version.
Lululemon Vinyasa Scarf - The best winter scarf that’s super-warm and super-comfy. It’s tough to find a scarf that does the job while still being stylish and practical (read: good for bad weather). This is it!
Longchamp Le Pliage Cuir Top Handle Bag - I love this elevated, leather version of Longchamp’s runaway hit. I use it daily and find it’s the perfect size for the essentials plus a few extras when necessary. A luxurious, but practical gift!
Superga 2750 Cotu Classic Sneaker - My wear-with-everything sneaker that is low-profile, but still big on style. I wear these the most during the summer, but I try to wear them for as long as possible (comfy right out of the box).
Vuori Clothing - One of my favorite CA-based brands for comfy, chic athletic-wear that doubles as loungewear. I love the Performance Jogger and the Alpine Sherpa Jacket. Styles available for men, too, which means Seth has become an instant fan as well.
J.Crew Cashmere - there are plenty of great sweaters at J.Crew, but why not go above-and-beyond and give a luxe gift of cashmere? I’ve been extremely impressed with the quality of their (super-soft, sustainable) cashmere sweaters and routinely wear the cashmere boyfriend sweater, button-up collared sweater, and the over-sized cashmere t-shirt.
New Balance Sneakers - comfort is paramount these days and I have a newfound appreciation for the NB sneakers. I wear the 996 style daily and the 327 for long walks and outdoor activities. With a wide-variety of colors and excellent prices, it’ll be hard to pick (gift) just one pair..
Sezane Clothing - order them a gift from France and you’ll be the star this holiday season. I love this Certified B-Corp brand for their luxurious sweaters, chic cotton tops, and overall cool-factor on every item they make. The free shipping (from France) on orders over $200 doesn’t hurt, either. Plus, their packaging is incredible with each item wrapped in tissue and the faintest semi-floral scent. Trust me, it’s good!
The GREAT Sueded Toggle Sherpa Coat - I love this LA-based brand that makes comfy, and cool, loungewear and awesome jackets. I bought this fuzzy statement piece that is a bit oversized, but perfect for layering with thick sweaters. A beautiful gift for those of us preparing for months of cold days ahead.
The GREAT Trail Sweatshirt - another favorite from this California-cool brand that has an oversized fit, but is perfect for layering and just looks more interesting than a standard sweatshirt, I think. :)
Hermes Clic Clac H Bracelet - an iconic piece that they will wear forever, bracelets in this collection are timeless and just work with every outfit. The hardest part will be picking which design will go with their wardrobe. ;)
Even more?
Find my guide to winter outerwear, right here.
Find my guide to loungewear, right here.
And my top picks for workout wear, here.
SEASON OF GIVING
Please consider making a donation to one of these wonderful organizations this holiday season.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Massachusetts General Hospital
MSPCA Angell Animal Medical Center
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Enjoy!
Here’s to a a happy and healthy holiday season and the joy that comes from welcoming in a new year.
We can’t wait for you, 2022!
Thank you for being here and being a member of this wonderful community. :)
Happy Holidays!