Happy holidays! I've purchased about two of the twenty something gifts I need so I'm still on the lookout. I'm certain you've seen a lot of these lists as of late, but I can't help but find them intriguing. We are sharing a few of our favorites finds from this year - a couple we own, others we want. I put a (H) next to Hugh's contributions :) As a tortured soul of a gift giver, I appreciate reading other peoples' favorite things to help jog ideas. I shared a few good finds with Yahoo Food and here is our list from last year in case you fall down a shopping rabbit hole. Because Amazon makes things too easy, they also have a wishlist where you can send toys to children in the hospital or here is a list of resources for toy drives or adopting a family in the Los Angeles area but I'm sure you can research a similar list in your own city.
Breville SmartOven : Hugh picked this out as our aniversary gift. It was a rec from The Sweet Home and we are both equally obsessed with it for different reasons. Hugh can manipulate the perfect piece of toast and I can fit a 9x13 pan in there (!!). Our toaster oven is likely the most used appliance in our home - which is weird or sad or awesome I don't know. But since that is the case, we were alright splurging on one that was amazing. It's just super well thought out and designed. I always appreciate when I can get a solid recommendation on a kitchen appliance and this is our top pick this year.
Stone Cold Fox Handtowels: Because a guest bathroom should be more put together than mine. I want a set of those tan linen ones!
Madewell Transport Tote: I am not a purse person so the fact I am suggesting one speaks volumes in itself. There aren't a ton of pockets or details and that's maybe why I love it. It is aging beautifully, holds a little or a lot and matches everything. Never ever in my life have I owned something that my fashion designer sister purchased after me and she recently bought one for herself so there's that.
Sunday Suppers Everyday Plate: Karen and her team who have the gorgeous blog, book and studio in NYC just opened a shop on their site. There are a handful of things I would love, but I have a special place in my heart for plate/bowl vessels and these are simple and stunning.
Mod Fox and Little Woolf Kids Bedding: It's harder to find cute crib sheets than you'd think. Both of these shops have some different and fun prints that would be a great gift for an expectant mother on your list! Gah, that little boy. I can hardly handle his cuteness.
Hatched Baby: Speaking of cute baby things. If you are looking for something special for a mini person, there are some adorable items here. Curran has this super soft coverall and if there wasn't sweet potato mash on it consistently, he would wear it daily.
Noonday Collection: I was recently introduced to this company and while the jewelry is pretty, I extra double like that they work with artisans in developing countries to create economic opportunity for the women making the goods. I have worn these earrings most days since I got them.
Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 Pancake: (H) This is my current "daily life" lens. It's a compact little guy at a fun focal length and it yields some quality imagery for the price point. The real bonus is it's size. DSLRs can be obnoxious, and while this lens won't suddenly allow you to pocket your camera or anything, I've found it much more pleasant to casually carry around and photograph with compared to any other DSLR (or point and shoot, tbh) set up I've tried.
Death by Living by N.D. Wilson: (H) This is the best book I read all year. Laughter. Tears. Highlighter and dog eared pages. Rereading. Telling anyone who'll listen about it. It's that kind of book.
UE Mini Boom Wireless Speaker: (H) I know, sort of random, but I think the point of these sorts of lists is to pass along the things we use and love, and we end up using this thing just about every day. Our kitchen cleanup dance parties, garage organizing dance parties, and impromptu yardwork dance parties (you get the idea) are vastly improved beyond what the built in iphone speaker ever allowed for.
Cookbooks: So many favorites this year! Many of which I've shared recipes from. I am anxious to cook from Plenty More from the famous Ottolenghi. Ashley's book Date Night In comes out in a handful of days and I can confidently speak to its striking recipes and sweet stories. For the vegetable heavy cooks I've really enjoyed At Home in the Whole Foods Kitchen, Green Kitchen Travels and Vibrant Food. And for the entertainer, they'll need Sunday Suppers, or the self published dream project from The Yellow Table.
Quitokeeto Mason Studio Apron: I don't usually wear aprons but maybe I would if I had this one. Those pockets!