For those of you who took one look at the title of this blog post and said “Oh here we go!”…trust me, I get it. We’ve barely just put a pin in Halloween 2020, and here I am leaping into the gift giving season. It seems rushed - but my intentions are to help everyone navigate this upcoming holiday season in a way that will take some of the stress out of it. This year, more than any year in the past, the majority of Americans doing ALL of their holiday shopping online is going to grow astronomically. With COVID restrictions, a lot of malls in certain states are still not open. Not to mention that there is going to be a significant drop in the amount of people who typically travel to visit family members, meaning that they’re going to be shipping their gifts instead of delivering them in person. To top it off, the United States Postal Service has been under duress due to the funding issue, which has resulted in slower delivery times. With all of this being said, having a game plan to shop online, and to do so earlier, rather than later, is my solution to experiencing less stress during the holidays. Are y’all with me?

This year for my gift guide, I decided to focus on gift ideas that can be used at home, instead of focusing on age or gender. Like it or not, 2021 is also going to be a year where we find ourselves spending less time traveling, and more time at home. If we’re going to be at home, let’s make it as comfortable and fabulous as possible!

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Cookbooks Perfect For Holiday Gifting

2020 was the year that a lot of people learned how to cook. During the pandemic, cooking from home became the new normal and our cookbooks became essential items to help us add some variety into our daily meals. If you need to get a gift for someone who feels most at home in their kitchen than any other room in their home, then any of these cookbooks would be a perfect holiday gift. Each of these cookbooks are easy to follow and don’t contain ingredients that are difficult to source.

Magnolia Table: Joanna Gaines

Magnolia Table is infused with Joanna Gaines' warmth and passion for all things family, prepared and served straight from the heart of her home, with recipes inspired by dozens of Gaines family favorites. The cookbook contains classic comfort selections from the couple's new Waco restaurant, Magnolia Table.

Be sure to check out her other book as well. Magnolia Table, Volume 2: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering.

Cravings - Recipes for All the Food You Want to Eat: Chrissy Teigen

Maybe she’s on a photo shoot in Zanzibar. Maybe she’s making people laugh on TV. But all Chrissy Teigen really wants to do is talk about dinner. Or breakfast. Lunch gets some love, too. Chrissy’s cooking inspiration and restaurant recommendations from her travels are all here in both cookbooks.

Be sure to check out her other book: Cravings: Hungry For More

Half Baked Harvest Super Simple: Tieghan Gerard

Tieghan Gerard is known both on her blog, Half Baked Harvest, and in her cookbooks for her beautiful meals and thoughtful recipes that taste even better than they look. There’s something for everyone in the 125 easy, show-stopping recipes: fewer ingredients, foolproof meal-prepping, effortless entertaining, and everything in between, including vegan and vegetarian options!

Be sure to check out her other book: Half Baked Harvest Cookbook: Recipes from My Barn in the Mountains.

Modern Comfort Food: Ina Garten

Home cooks can always count on Ina’s dependable and easy-to-follow instructions in her cookbooks, with lots of side notes and tips for cooking and entertaining. In this cookbook, she shares 85 comfort food recipes from special weekend breakfasts to quick weeknight dinners, from cocktails to dessert that are sure to satisfy your deepest cravings. The recipes are so good that you will find yourself making these cozy and delicious recipes over and over again just like her other cookbooks.

Be sure to check out her other book: Barefoot Contessa at Home: Everyday Recipes You'll Make Over and Over Again.

Pamela Salzman - Quicker Than Quick

In her second book, popular cooking instructor and author of Kitchen Matters shares her easy, healthy recipes and kitchen hacks that make home cooking a breeze without compromising flavor or nutrition. I’m so fortunate to have taken in-person classes from Pamela because I learned so many valuable tips about meal prep and cooking with fresh, whole foods.

Be sure to check out her first cookbook, Pamela Salzman - Kitchen Matters

Kitchen

Calling all foodies! If it is true that the way to a person’s heart is through the stomach, then why not feed the love with a gift for the kitchen. Many of us have been spending more time slicing, dicing, chopping, cooking and baking more than ever before, so a new kitchen item would be a welcome addition. Here are some great gift ideas that any chef would want to have this year.

Le CreuseT: Round Dutch Oven

This is that one VERY special kitchen gift that any person who loves to cook would want to have. One of the great things about Le Creuset pots and pans is that they are timeless and last forever. Because there are so many different sizes and colors to choose from, ideally it would be best to find out what size pot and color your intended recipient wants prior to purchasing this as a gift. I would also recommend purchasing these items from a retailer like William-Sonoma or Crate and Barrel where the recipient can return it if the size is not what they need.

Fab Slabs: Grazing Platter

When having people over to your home, formal or casual, a grazing platter is a wonderful way to present your appetizers or desserts. This particular style comes in 5 different lengths, and they are all unique in color. A grazing platter is a versatile gift because not only can it be used for entertaining, but it can also be used as a cutting board. The natural oils in the wood, along with the unique processes that this company uses, ensures that the product is naturally and permanently antibacterial for as long as you own it. It is designed to be durable and stay in beautiful condition even after extended usage. Code: LOVEWINE25 for 25% off!

Crate & Barrel: French Kitchen Marble Lazy Susan

The French really know how to do it when it comes to preparing an impressive charcuterie board with delicious meats, cheeses, bread, fruit and nuts. You can really wow your guests too with this marble lazy susan tray. Not only is this tray beautiful, but the fact that it spins makes it super practical and allows your guests to help themselves easily. I love the size of it, and the neutral color of the marble makes it work well in most homes.

Sourdough Starter Kit

If COVID has done one thing, it's brought about many home bakers. As many of you know, sourdough bread and banana bread were trending big time on social media during the pandemic. As a result, the popularity of baking bread at home has surged. With the help of this particular sourdough starter kit, anyone on your list who loves to bake, even if they are a beginner, would enjoy having this kit among their arsenal of kitchen utensils.

Viners 6-Piece Knife Block Gift box |

Without a doubt, this gift is a statement piece for your countertop. While knife blocks are a great way to store all of your sharp knives, this is a much more fun, modern way to do so with your knives being held securely with a magnet. The blades on these knives are made of quality stainless steel which makes them stronger at cutting ingredients and better against protecting against corrosion. The handles are soft, safe and comfortable to hold. Each knife’s smooth, durable surface is a titanium coating colored in a rich gold, so it not only looks good, but it feels good to hold as well.

Black + Decker Purify 2 Liter Air Fryer

Air fryers are all the rage right now! It is a great gift for anyone on your list who loves crunchy and crispy as much as I do, but also tries to eat healthy. This air fryer has a powerful dual fan convection system that circulates hot air around while crisping up the food. There is no need to fry food the traditional way using oil in a frying pan if you have this air fryer, and this is a much healthier way to eat. The nonstick coating provides quick and easy cleanup and is dishwasher safe. There’s also an instruction manual that includes tips on cooking times, temperatures and quantities.

Bedroom

We are all craving a bit of cozy this time of year, so what better spot than the bedroom to pamper the ones that you love with a special gift. With sleep being more important to us than ever before, and many people having such a difficult time sleeping, a gift of bedtime comfort and sweet dreams would be appreciated by many. 

Slip Silk Pillowcase

Whether you’re young or old, protecting your face is very important, even while you sleep! Sleeping on silk is a great expert beauty tip and a long-time beauty secret. It helps with anti aging, anti sleep crease, and anti bed head. It has been shown to significantly absorb less face cream and create less friction, versus cotton pillowcases, which explains why a silk pillowcase is better for your skin.

Parachute Home

Parachute Home is focused on creating impeccable bedding and has really made a name for itself in the direct-to-consumer bedding genre. We have their lightweight comforter on our bed and love it. For the person on your list who spends a lot of time in bed, you may want to give them a Parachute Home gift card instead of an actual gift, so that they can pick out their own items, since bedding is so personal. They have put together a great holiday gift guide of their towels, robes, slippers and throws, and all sorts of other things soft and wonderful.

PJ Harlow Pajama Set

This is my favorite brand of sleepwear. Their satin pj’s are not only beautiful, but they are also really comfy to sleep in. There’s a wide array of colors and styles to choose from and because their items are sold as separates, it’s very easy to mix and match the pieces. Their items are very flattering and their pj bottoms come in a full length as well as a capri length which is perfect for my petite size.

SHHH Silk - Gray Silk Eye Mask

Many people love sleeping in an eye mask. I for one, love using them when I travel or if I want to take an afternoon nap. This one is so soft and feels so good on your skin! This silk eye mask comes in several colors and makes sleep something to look forward to, even more than you already do!

Vitruvi White Stone Essential Oil Diffuser

If you have someone special on your list that enjoys aromatherapy for relaxation, this stone diffuser is a perfect gift. Not only does it scent your home, but it looks beautiful while doing it. With a cover crafted out of matte ceramic, it doubles as a piece of decor—making it perfect for bedsides, countertops, and shelves adding an elegant modern touch.

European Spa Source: Sleep Well Pillow Mist

What a great stocking stuffer this is! It seems that there is so much attention these days to sleep, and the lack thereof, that gifting this lavender + eucalyptus pillow mist would be that extra something anyone could put in their nightstand and use regularly, or just have it just in case they find themselves counting sheep and unable to sleep. Lavender has long been known for its calming qualities, and research has shown that lavender aromatherapy before sleep has a relaxing effect that can lead to deep restorative sleep which sounds like a win-win. Just one or two sprays of this balanced blend of lavender and eucalyptus can promote a relaxing environment for sleep. Now what could be wrong with that!

Subscription Services

Gifting a subscription service would be appreciated by many people on your list. It’s a special and thoughtful gift that lasts beyond any holiday or occasion. It can easily be tailored to your intended recipient depending on what kinds of things they like. One of the reasons for this type of gift’s popularity is that for the giver, it’s much easier because there’s no need to package it up and ship it off. Check out some of my favorite subscription services below.

MasterClass

For someone who has time on their hands, this is a great gift. It should be at the top of your list for anyone who enjoys learning, while listening to experts in their field discuss topics on a variety of different subjects. Master Class is a way to learn about Arts & Entertainment, Writing, Design & Style, Music, Science & Tech and so much more from 90 professionals in each field. It helps you learn anywhere, anytime, and at your own pace with online classes taught by the world's best.

Vine Box: The Quarterly Wine Club

Talk about a gift that keeps giving throughout the year! Vine Box is just that gift for any wine lover on your holiday list. With Vine Box, you have the ability to shop different themes, seasons and wines with the click of a button and 3 times a year, 9 different kinds of wine (each enough for one glass) is delivered to your door. Cheers!

Audible: Audio Books

Audible is perfect for anyone who spends a lot of time in the car or working out on their own while walking or jogging. It is also a great gift for someone who loves books but has a difficult time reading. Audible is the world’s largest producer and provider of original spoken-word entertainment. With an Audible subscription, you can hear thousands of audiobooks, podcasts and Audible originals with a wide selection of choices for anyone on your list. It is a favorite of many!

Disney+

What better gift for anyone who is a movie fan young or old! Not only does Disney+ feature Disney and Pixar movies, but Marvel and Star Wars features content perfect for an older viewer. This popular streaming subscription features unlimited, ad-free access to thousands of movies and series (including original, exclusive programming). With Disney+ you have the ability to stream on up to four devices simultaneously and add up to seven profiles which also makes it a great value.

Entertainment Room

Every family needs an entertainment room where relaxing, bonding and just hanging together happens. No matter how it’s decorated, here are some great gifts that would be a welcome addition to any entertainment or game room in the house. After all, this is where all the fun happens! 

Bey-Berk: Carbon Fiber-Design Chess Set

This is a chess set as stylish as the players! If you’ve been watching the Queen’s Gambit on Netflix you are bound to want to try to play this game. This set is made out of a carbon fiber design. The playing pieces are made out of wood. There are storage drawers for the pieces, so it stores quite easily for tabletop display.

Nintendo Switch

This is a perfect gift for any gamer on your gift list. My kids would have loved this when they were younger. The Nintendo Switch system transforms from home console to handheld, letting you play your favorite games at home or on the go. It includes a dock for connecting to your TV, as well as removable Joy-Con controllers that you can share with a friend or two for two-player fun. There is also a more basic Nintendo Switch that is more kid-friendly.

Sonos Move Portable Smart Speaker

This is a durable, battery-powered smart speaker for outdoor and indoor listening. It is easy to use and the setup takes only minutes. The control is simple with the Sonos app, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and your voice. You can stream over wi-fi and connect Move to the rest of your Sonos system at home. Alexa is built right in so you can play music, check news, set alarms or get any of your questions answered as long as you’re on wi-fi!

Madison Tabletop Bar Set

I’m a huge fan of the mid-century modern decor, and most of our home is decorated in this style. This sleek mid-century inspired tabletop bar is dark and handsome and sits perfectly off to the side. The set features gorgeous cherry-stained acacia wood, with a prop-up lid and pull-out drawer. It comes with 19 essential stainless steel and glass bar accessories. So great for entertaining at any place and at any time.

Office

Many people are now working from home and have created their work from home office space. They have had to buy new things to make it feel more visually pleasing or seem more peaceful. Any of the below items are practical gifts that any employee working remotely can enjoy throughout the day. It’s amazing how little luxuries can personalize a home office. 

OTG-247: Size #5

Need a zippered bag for all of your chargers, AirPods and other tech accessories? This bag is perfect to store anything like that, to keep the cords out of the way and not clutter your home office. It is also a handy item to use to take your tech or small office items with you, and take your office on the go! Trust me. I have several of these zippered bags in all different sizes and love them! Use Code: LEMONADETOLACE for 15% off your purchase!

Lume Cube: Video Conference Lighting Kit

If someone on your holiday list is constantly on Zoom calls, this would be a terrific gift choice. It’s user-friendly and the suction mount easily attaches to any laptop, desktop computer or iPad. With this lighting kit, you are able to control your lighting from 1% - 100% brightness to get the perfect lighting for an office setup. It also enables you to adjust from a warm light to a cool white light to get your perfect skin tones and match your environment. This is an item that really comes in handy when you want to look your best for important video conference calls or presentations.

Aoboco: Web Camera with Light

This webcam with a ring light is a great option for for the work-from-home warrior who uses external display monitors connected to a laptop in their home office. Typically your webcam is built into your laptop. Most people who use one or more display monitors attach their laptop to their monitors via an HDMI cable. If their display monitors do not have a camera built in, that means they need to open up their laptop in order to do any type of video conference call (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, etc) which takes up room and can be awkward. This webcam with ring light is a simple plug-n-play device that can be perched on top of your display monitor to provide high resolution video display with flattering light. Hello gorgeous!

Caddis: Miklos Blue Light Blockers

Caddis makes a great line of reading glasses that all have the blue light blocking technology built into their lens, NOT coated on. These glasses are perfect for anyone working in an office since it blocks 45% of blue light coming from your computer. You can trust me on this brand of reading glasses because I have several pairs and love them. Their best-selling style is the Miklos because it fits a wide range of faces. For people who like wearing a frame that stands out, this one fits that bill, and comes in many different colors.

Gift Cards

Shopping online, although not quite as festive as shopping in-person, does offer the opportunity for you to price shop, and for you to save money on shipping gifts to loved ones as most retailers offer free shipping during this time. If all else fails in your ability (or desire) to do your shopping online, I find that an Amazon gift card is always well received by everyone. As one of the largest online retailers in the world, the opportunities are endless for what your family and friends could order for themselves. As an added bonus, you don’t have to stress about what to get for those people on your list who are impossible to buy for (teenagers, am I right?)! For those of you who believe that presentation is everything, Amazon offers some adorable and festive gift boxes (for free!) that you can order to display your gift cards in. Gift cards create less stress for you, and your recipient can order exactly what they want. It’s a win-win for everyone!

What is most important to remember this season (more so this year, than any other in recent history) is to let your family, friends, and loved ones know that you are thinking about them, you love them, and that they are important to you. That is the best gift that you can give anyone right now.

Wishing you all peace and love throughout the rest of this year!

xx

Barbara