A Holiday Gift Guide
Just in time to take advantage of all the post-Thanksgiving sales, I have compiled a gift guide. Two criteria dictated which things made the cut. First, I only included items that I personally love (hence the major coffee focus), but (I hope!) will nonetheless have fairly widespread appeal. And second, each item is special and meant to embody “quality over quantity.” Like many people, I am guilty of mindlessly shopping at places like Amazon and Target even though high-quality, handmade items aren’t always prohibitively expensive. While some of the items below can be found at such retailers, for the most part, these gift picks are unique, handmade, or both. What is more, they won’t break the bank.
While I am sympathetic to the view that the holiday season is perhaps too focused on shopping and gifts, I don’t think that there is anything intrinsically wrong with including gifts in the celebration. If you too embrace an excuse to treat the loved ones in your life to something special, read on!
As a current subscriber, I can say with confidence that Augie’s coffee subscription is just awesome. Really, it takes something ordinary—the fact that most of us already buy coffee and drink it every morning (and afternoon for some!)—and brings it to the next level. If you’re interested in gifting something that’s useful and delicious, all the while supporting a small business, then consider a subscription, or even just a few bags, for the coffee-lovers nearest and dearest to you. Check out Augie’s here.
In conjunction with Augie’s coffee, I have two pieces of coffee gear to recommend. The first is the AeroPress coffee maker (purchase here or at several major retailers). The AeroPress makes terrific espresso or American-style coffee and is about $30. Brewed with this tool, coffee tastes less acidic without the sacrifice of flavor or intensity. If you’re going to make coffee like Augie’s, then use a method that doesn’t let high-quality beans go to waste.
As to the second coffee gadget, the Nespresso Aeroccino is a milk frother that actually works, unlike cheaper hand-held frothers (purchase here or here). It’s somewhat of an investment at around $100 but is certainly more cost-effective in the long-run if you replace your coffee shop purchases with homemade espresso drinks. I own a late model Nespresso frother and it has stood the test of time and a lot of use.
If the gift recipient you have in mind is a bigger fan of wine than coffee, then consider picking out a few bottles from Berryessa Gap. As a former resident of Davis, which is quite close to this winery’s tasting room, I was introduced to this wine by a Winters-area friend. I have since gifted it to wine-loving friends—and will continue to do so—because it is really good. With a surprisingly reasonable price tag, this special gift is still affordable. I personally love the Barbera (for $24 here), although you can’t go wrong with anything they offer.
I first discovered Bios Apothecary when I was on the hunt for real bay rum aftershave for my husband (here). I purchased a bottle in addition to some pre-shave oil and hoped for the best. It would be an understatement to say that my expectations were exceeded. The beautiful packing, gorgeous glass bottles, and most importantly, unbelievable formulas, have made me a repeat customer. I have yet to try their women’s skin and bath products, although given my husband’s rave reviews about their men’s products, I have no doubt that they are fantastic as well.
For the kids in your life, you must check out Bannor Toys. These handcrafted wooden toys check both the form and function boxes as they are beautiful and will be loved by the littles in your life. My son’s bookshelf is decorated with these blocks that spell out his name. I chose the maple-cherry-walnut combination and it is precious. I plan to snag a teether and a few other toys until he is old enough to practice spelling his name with his blocks.
Last but not least, check out Goosebumps for all your baby, blanket, and women’s loungewear needs. I have two swaddles for my baby from Goosebumps and absolutely love them. The fabric is buttery soft and the prints are super cute (for example, click here). For a beautiful robe, check out this and this. Or for a cozy women’s set, check this top and this matching bottom. Finally, I can’t get over this two-piece baby/toddler pajama set or this newborn knotted gown. Too precious to pass up!
Happy Holidays!
Alison