Holiday Gifts for Yourself or Others
I’ve become a practical gift giver and appreciator of utilitarian items for myself and others. Things I will actually use that won’t take up a lot of space – physically or mentally – in my home.
Here are a list of items that I believe are useful and will be appreciated by the recipient.
Hemp Washcloths
My oldest daughter, Chloe, went to the Waldorf School from Kindergarten through 8th grade. She loved it — so I loved it. I especially loved their annual Holiday Fair when parents got to go in the night before it officially opened to check out the goods. It was there that I discovered hemp facecloths. I. Love. Hemp. Facecloths. They can be used in the kitchen (which I mostly used them for) and I’m always on a hunt for more. A local craftswoman made them and sold them at the fair and I used to be able to call her and buy direct. Unfortunately, I lost contact and needed to find another source for them. So, here it is! They make a great and practical gift that whoever receives it will be wanting more before you know it.
She has other great hemp products like bags, coasters and more.
Coupon for Something You Know Will Be Appreciated
Who wouldn’t appreciate a night of babysitting, a home cooked meal, or a patch of their favorite cookies? Giving a “coupon” to someone offering these caring and heart felt items could be a God send to someone or as simple as a welcomed gesture. Think of the people on your list who have everything they need and might never ask for you to do something for them, but would love it nonetheless.
Candles, Reed Diffusers, Diffusers for Essential Oils
I’m a sucker for lovely scents. I love a combination of all of the above and when chosen in the same scent, can uplevel any space. I have at least one burning daily. Reed diffusers in my two bathrooms, bedrooms and a diffuser for essential oils in my main living and dining area. Almost everyone who enters my home mentions the great scent. I like sticking to the one scent (but changing them seasonally) to maximize them working in unison. You can find them almost anywhere from your local grocery store to discount retailers like Homegoods. Wrap them with celephane and a bow and you’re good to go! Pick up some for yourself while you’re at it. You won’t be sorry.
Tickets to a Event You Can Attend Together
I love doing things with the ones I love and creating a memory from the event. It could be something you know your relative or friend has wanted to do, but hasn’t gotten around to doing, or an experience you think he or she would like to have that you can do together or they could do with someone else. The holidays offer so many options from Orchestras to Musicals, to House Tours, etc. Having an experience that creates a lasting memory is the key to a great gift.
Baked Goods
Whenever anyone has made me something to eat, I am forever grateful. Given the size of my kitchen is that of a bathroom (not kidding – I’m living in a building that was a hotel), cooking is not my greatest love. However, whipping up banana nut bread or muffins couldn’t be easier and faster to do. Who wouldn’t appreciate these or any other specialy of yours on their doorstep during the holidays. It’s such a wonderful thing to do for someone. Or be on the receiving end of.
Throws
I love a good throw! Especially in the colder months, I get comforted thinking about the possibility of snuggling on my sofa with a soft throw around me. There are so many great options on where to find these. I love the ones at Nordstrom’s but have found some great ones at Homegoods as well. Cozy. Cozy.
Flannel Sheet Sets
I just ordered a set for myself. I needed a new set and thought how wonderful it would be to crawl into a flannel wrapped bed. Who knows, I might get another set so I won’t be forced to do laundry before putting them back on the bed.
Mini Waffle Maker
I’m not a big gadget girl, but a mini waffle maker is something I could warm up to. It is tiny and I have no need to make multiple waffles at a time (I probably shouldn’t eat them at all, honestly) but who can resist? Packaging this up with some waffle mix, maple syrup and jam would be a welcome treat for anyone to receive.
Night Lights
Who couldn’t use an extra nightlight. I have a client who wanted one for every room because she felt they looked so much better than an outlet. Etsy and Facebook Marketplace had the best selection that I could find and are great when having company over, or when waking up in the middle of the night and not wanting to stub your toe on something. Designs and options are endless.
Instant Read Meat Temperature Detector
For the cook (or non-cook) in your house, it’s always a good idea to know that your meat has been cooked the right amount. Not too much or too little. Here’s an affordable temperature detector that everyone might want to have in their kitchen.
Magnetic Wristband
If you’ve seen any handyman or woman putting an item together – you most likely have seen them drop a screw or two. This magnetic wristband could be the cure for losing things while working to fix, repair or put something up or together.
I hope this list helps you make up your Christmas list. Let me know what other items your friends and family have found useful! Message me on Instagram @nancymichaelsinteriors.
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