2020 Holiday Gift Guide
For the people in this world that mean everything to you. We’re nearing the end of 2020 and everyone means everything to someone. Now, it’s time to buy them a gift. Welcome to the 2020 Gluten Free Mollie D Holiday Gift Guide!
This year’s guide is overflowing with ideas for everyone and anyone on your list. 2020 has been a year so let’s wrap it up (pun intended) by spreading joy, giving gifts, and sending goodness near and far. The Guide has been organized by category and items in each section are clickable links, listed alphabetically.
Happy Holidays!
Cookbooks
All of the titles below have a permanent spot 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!
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!).
DINE OUT - AT HOME!
What better way to support the restaurant industry this year than with a gift card? Give the gift of a great meal in the comfort of your own home - no cooking required! Takeout and delivery options vary by location.
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!
DAVIO’S NORTHERN ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE
LOVE AT FIRST BITE THAI KITCHEN AND BAR
OAK LONG BAR AND KITCHEN AT FAIRMONT COPLEY PLAZA BOSTON
THE STONES COMMON HOUSE AND KITCHEN
Need more options? find my Boston restaurant guides, right here.
HOME
Gifts that are useful, practical, and stylish for everyone’s daily life.
Breville Smart Oven Pro - we received this as a wedding gift years ago and it’s one of the most-used appliances in our kitchen. I love that it can handle everything from making toast to re-heating leftovers (and cookies) to actually turning out a pretty great pizza.
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. We have a few of these in our apartment and each one has a special meaning. In turn, I have given them as gifts multiple times and they’re always a hit.
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 - once I made the switch to this phone case I never looked back. I never drop my phone and I love the variety of designs.
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!
Moglea Notepad - this small business based in Iowa makes the most-beautiful paper products. Lately I’ve been loving their notepads, but everything they make (hand-painted) is so unique and special.
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!
Skandinavisk Scented Candles - another excellent scented candle that’s subtle and a beautiful item to keep on the coffee table. The Skog scent is perfect for the holiday season.
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. ;)
Urban Stems Orchid - We received a beautiful orchid at the beginning of this year and it’s still thriving! Seth is very good at taking care of plants, but regardless, it was such a thoughtful, long-lasting gift that really has enhanced our living room’s look. Send someone a flowering plant this holiday season and it could last well into the New Year.
BEAUTY AND SKINCARE
Gifts for someone who deserves a little self-care (which is all of us).
Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash - the best, luxe hand soap that we keep at every sink.
Beauty Counter Skincare - if you’re looking for clean beauty, then look no further. I’m using several of their products right now, especially enjoying the Countertime Radiance Serum, Counter+ All Bright C Serum, Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel, and the Counter+ Charcoal Facial Mask.
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. Love it!
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.
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, Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream, 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 Personal Care Products - I love this relative newcomer to the clean beauty scene. The Body Lotion, Body Serum, Body Exfoliator, and Body Wash are excellent. All available fragrance-free too, if needed. They often offer gift sets of their most popular products for a reduced price.
R+Co. Television Perfect Shampoo and Conditioner - my current haircare routine makes my hair feel healthier, look better, and smell great.
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.
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. Cheers to this brand for making it cool to take care of skin and protect it from the sun.
Ursa Major Skincare - I love this VT-based skincare brand for their commitment to clean, natural ingredients as well as their commitment to the environment (it’s a certified B-Corp). My favorite products include the Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant, Golden Hour Recovery Cream, Fantastic Face Wash, and Fortifying Face Balm. I would also recommend the Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum and the Bright & Easy 3-Minute Flash Mask.
STYLE
Dudley Stephens Fleece - Whether you go for the shorter Park Slope style or the longer (with pockets) Cobble Hill or any of the other stylish, comfy, and environmentally-friendly fleece tops this small, women-run business create, 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 The Texture Cotton Cardigan - A basic cardigan that works well with jeans, workwear, or sweats. A gift for someone who is always looking for a great black sweater.
J.Crew Mockneck Sweater in Supersoft Yarn - A classic winter-time sweater in a variety of colors for a terrific price. It’s soft, cozy, and would make a great gift.
J.Crew Dreamy Pajama Jogger Pant - The ultimate “chill all day” pants that I wear every night for watching various Netflix series. The comfiest pants, ever, would make one heck of an appropriate gift for this holiday season. I’d recommend sizing down as they run a bit big; several colors available.
Jenni Kayne Everyday Slim Crewneck - A luxe sweater that fits beautifully and will last for years to come. A great introduction to this chic, California company.
Jenni Kayne Mules - Super-comfy slides make a wonderful gift. The hardest part will be picking the color! I’m partial to the cheetah-print and the shearling options.
Lululemon Navigation Stretch Down Jacket - My new favorite workout wear! I wear this over a thin layer in the morning for chilly walks and am plenty warm. A great gift for the outdoor fitness enthusiast or someone who enjoys wearing stylish, practical jackets.
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!
Madewell The Perfect Vintage Jean - Who wouldn’t love a new pair of jeans? One of my new favorite styles for the season that go with everything and get comfier with every wear (size up on this style since they aren’t stretchy).
Madewell Estate Cocoon Coat - One of my favorite gifts during the holidays is a new coat. How timely! This one is beautiful and fits oversized in a good way - layer up and stay extra-warm all season long.
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).
Tory Sport Sherpa Fleece Color-Block Jacket - A fun twist on the sherpa jacket with bright patches and an oversized (but chic) fit. A great gift for the coat collector in your life.
Tory Sport French Terry Chevron Hoodie - A very stylish sweatshirt for when a basic one just won’t do. I love the chevron detail, and the high-low design. Super-comfy and despite being oversized, fits well under most jackets.
Tory Burch Printed Face Mask, Set of 3 with Pouch - One of Oprah’s Favorite Things and for good reason! These are some of the most comfortable masks I’ve worn and I love the floral design. Purchasing the masks is also a donation to two great charities (none of the cost is profit for the company).
Vince Warren Slip-On Sneaker - Another of my favorite everyday sneakers. They are very lightweight, comfy, and go with everything. Perfect gift for someone who likes to be chic walking down the street.
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, breathable, and most of all - what we should all be wearing for the holidays. Kids masks available as well.
Vuori Performance Jogger - One of my favorite pairs of “comfy pants,” these would be an excellent gift for someone that loves to lounge (or workout) in style. Several colors available!
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 gift 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 healthy holiday season and the joy that comes from welcoming in a new year.
Thank you for reading and being part of this wonderful community. :)