Each year, it’s the same story. Finding the perfect present is a daunting task, whether it’s for the mother-in-law or for the tween-age niece who calls TikTok her trend bible. And not to get too millennial on you, but sometimes the more choices you have thanks to The Internet, the harder it can be to make a decision and check things off on the ever-growing gifting list. So we narrowed down the best Anthropologie gifts to give you a streamlined list of our editor-approved picks — from candle sets to garden shears, monogrammed journals, and more. We may not personally know the people you’re shopping for this year, but we’re pretty sure there’s an Anthropologie gift for everyone ahead.
Gifts for men that men actually want, organized by price.
The older you are, the harder it is to ask for gifts. If you want or need something that’s reasonably priced … you’ve probably already purchased it. If there’s a big-ticket item you’ve got your eye on, you probably don’t feel comfortable asking for it. You’re self-sufficient, and proud of it.
‘Tis the season for gift-giving and receiving, however, and it’s important to remember that gifts are an opportunity for people in your life to express how much they care. It’s gentlemanly to suggest things that will mean something to you.
Don’t expect any help from traditional men’s gift guides. Most are a useless mish-mash of trendy overpriced, unrealistic, and plain weird things editors *think* look cool on a page. I don’t know about you, but I’m not in the habit of spending a grand on gifts for every man in my life.
So we’ve created a practical gift guide for practical guys with 100 suggestions for gadgets, essentials, apparel, and household upgrades – items you probably don’t have, but could definitely use. Many are cheap, cool, or practical, but all of them great to have. Pretty much everything was selected because it’s useful year-round, not just in December.
Consider these Sephora discount codes to save when shopping for the best perfume gift sets.
Best YSL perfume gift sets
YSL Black Opium Eau de Parfum Rouge Pur Couture Set
Yves Saint Laurent Exclusive Libre + Mini Lash Clash Gift Set
There’s no arguing that Yves Saint Laurent reigns supreme in the world of addicting perfumes that stand the test of time. These luxurious gift sets contain some of YSL’ best-sellers, including the Libre and the Black Opium, both of which have garnered themselves a cult-favourite status among fragrance enthusiasts. Black Opium, for one, features the brand’s signature black coffee accord, paired with sensual vanilla, white flowers, orange blossom, patchouli and white musk – chef’s kiss.
Givenchy L’Interdit Eau de Parfum Rouge Christmas Gift Set
Looking for a luxe perfume gift set that will set you apart? Look no further, because the Givenchy fragrance house is home to some of the best scents on the market. Case in point: the Givenchy L’Interdit Eau de Parfum, which is a sophisticated and feminine fragrance that features notes of Tuberose, Jasmine, Ginger, Blood Orange, Sandalwood, Patchouli and Vetiver.
P.S. if you’re on the lookout for a fabulous gift for him, make sure to check out this superb set that includes Givenchy Gentleman, which just launched earlier this year. Thank us later.
Valentino Born in Roma Donna 100ml Eau de Parfum Gift Set
Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Parfum Giftset
As far as designer perfumes go, you really can’t go wrong with Valentino and Gucci, both of which happen to offer the most stunning perfume gift sets. Need proof? This Valentino Born in Roma Donna gift set is a perfect present for anyone who can’t resist a sweet fragrance, while the Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia is easily one of the best floral perfumes around.
Hermès Twilly d’Hermès Eau de Parfum 50ml Gift Set
Loewe Un Paseo por Madrid Fragrance Gift Set
Can’t decide between spicy, woody, floral or oriental? This discovery set from Loewe means you’ll never have to settle for just one. A great gift for someone who likes to live life a bit differently everyday. Speaking of different, if you want to impress your bestie with an Hermes perfume, make sure to consider the Twilly d’Hermes, which is a fabulous white floral fragrance for any occassion.
Best perfume gift sets under £100
Kilian Online Mini Disco Set Icons
Juliette Has A Gun Deluxe Miniature Collection
Every perfume connoisseur knows that Kilian and Juliette Has A Gun are a sublime choice for every taste imaginable. The best part? This festive season, both brands are offering gift sets under £100 (in case you didn’t know, one full-size bottle from these iconic fragrance houses usually retails for well above £200, making these discovery sets an absolute steal).
Maison Margiela By the Fireplace Eau de Toilette Fragrance Gift Set
Want to smell like an “it girl”? We’ve got you covered. Jo Loves, Maison Margiela, Kayali and Floral Street are all offering a fantastic selection of gift sets for anyone with a strict budget limit of £100. Scent-wise, we recommend the iconic Kayali Vanilla 28 set for a gourmand lover and the Maison Margiela By the Fireplace for anyone looking for a warm, wintery fragrance. Otherwise, Floral Street Wonderland Peony is a great option for fans of florals, while the Jo Loves Fragrance Collection is perfect for someone who enjoys a unique fruity scent.
Armani Exclusive My Way Eau de Parfum 50ml Gift Set
Lancôme La Vie Est Belle eau de parfum Gift Set
Whether she (or you) have been wearing La Vie Est Belle since its arrival in 2012, this gift set is sure to put a smile on a face. Centred around iris pallida, the flower of happiness, Lancôme’s iconic perfume is a feminine must-have, making it a solid contender for a potential signature scent.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Listen, we know you’ve been all overBombas’ slippers recently (thanks to our anonymous shopping data). We heard you, and we’re here to present you with more cozy accessories from the brand in the form of sock gift boxes. So if you weren’t quick enough to snag Bombas’ now-sold-out Sunday Slippers, we propose checking out Bombas’ gift boxes, which promise holiday cheer (and happy feet) for everyone on your list.
That’s right. There are festive sock gift sets for women, men, and kids to fit every giftee and budget. You can go for a holiday three-pack or a variety 12-pack or something else entirely. But perhaps the best part is that every Bombas gift box is 15% off right now. So get to browsing and start checking people off your list with crowd-pleasing Bombas socks.
Fa-la-la-love to match with your little ones? There’s no better way to do it this Christmas than with these M&S PJs. Snuggle up together and make some memories.
Best Christmas pyjama sleepwear for the whole family:
Personalised Family Pyjamas
If you want some matching family pyjamas but don’t necessarily want them to scream Christmas, then look no further than this set.
Best matching Christmas pyjamas for Christmas morning:
Christmas Tree & Wreath Stripe Print Long Pyjama Set
When it comes to family Christmas pyjamas, Chelsea Peers has the whole squad sorted – pooch included. This print will rival your Christmas jumpers, and there’s even onesies / sleepsuits / rompers for babies included.
Best leggings Christmas pyjamas:
Green Christmas Nutcracker Print Long Pyjama Set
Everybody loves Nutcrackers when it comes to Christmas nightwear, and this pick – with all sizes coming in at £40 or under – is too cute a PJ set to pass up.
Best family Christmas pyjamas on Not On The High Street:
Personalised Tartan Family Matching Pj Set
It doesn’t get more Christmassy than a true red tartan pyjamas set, and Not on the High Street has just the offering for women, men and kids.
Women’s Fairisle Waffle Family Christmas Pyjama Set
If there’s one thing that goes hand in hand with opening presents from Santa, it’s Fair Isle. We’re talking those well thought out Christmas gift ideas lying under the tree, Bing Crosby on the sound system and a pair of snuggly waffle pyjamas on your bod – what could be better?
Sleeper Party Feather-Trimmed Striped Charmeuse Pajama Set
Candy cane-like in design, these Christmas Eve PJs will really see you into a glamorous event. Understated they are not, courtesy of ostrich feather trims, and a little pricier than most, but worth it? You bet.
Famed for being your one-stop-shop to a Christmas Eve gift all wrapped up and ready to go, Boux Avenue’s PJs in a bag are not only gift wrapped (or should we say bagged?) but oh-so-cosy with a brushed cotton finish.
Best star print Christmas pyjamas:
Star Fleece Pyjamas in a Bag
Ditsy night sky print? We’re sold – this Chelsea Peers Christmas button up pyjama set reminds us of a bespoke Liberty print and, if we’re honest, we couldn’t ask for anything more.
Sleeper were the brand that bought us the trend for PJs as daywear, and they’re still leading the way with their glamourous options. Classic black will see you all through the holiday season.
Best pyjamas for gifting:
Anya Hindmarch Eye-Print Silk Pyjamas
If you have a very special someone on your Christmas present list, or you’ve made it to the top of the Nice List, these PJs are the most luxurious choice for festive gifts.
Best High Street Christmas Pyjamas:
ASOS DESIGN Christmas Santa Baby Satin Shirt & Trouser Pyjama Set In Green & Pink
Seasonal, but not saccharine, these PJs would be ideal for a Christmas get away with your girlfriends. One for each of you? Yes, please.
Best short Christmas pyjamas:
Chelsea Peers Christmas Velvet Revere Top And Short Pyjama Set With Silver Foil Print In Forest Green
If you’re a hot sleeper then this sexy shorties set from Chelsea Peers will keep you cool, calm and collected as Santa makes his way down the chimney.
Save when you shop for the best Christmas pyjamas with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
Best traditional tartan pyjamas for women:
Lauren Ralph Lauren Checked Logo-Embroidered Cotton-Blend Pyjamas
In a smart tartan design that will keep you cosy all winter long, Lauren Ralph Lauren’s PJs have all the festive feels.
You know what us girlfriends don’t get enough credit for? Finding the best gifts for boyfriends. Quite possibly the hardest thing to buy – apart from gifts for dads, obviously – boyfriend gifts should come with a reward.
What’s worse, the struggle isn’t just limited to a specific time of year, either. Christmas is arguably the hardest of them all, what with a long list of other people to buy for at the same time, but whether it’s a Valentine’s Day gift for him, birthday gifts for boyfriends or anniversary gifts for him, presents for boyfriends in general are TRICKY. Seriously: why does it always feel like we’re doomed to fail?!
He’s already got a PlayStation, you don’t want to get him another gift card or voucher and there are only so many pairs of socks he can receive before the novelty wears off. So what gifts do guys like getting? Fret not: we’ve curated the ultimate gift guide to the best presents for boyfriends that scream “I love you,” and “I know your vibe.” Even if you’ve been together for years and bought him every so-called perfect pressie under the sun.
What is the best gift that I can give to my boyfriend? Top 10 picks at a glance:
Clinique for Men Energising Kit
Fear of God Essentials Logo-Appliquéd Cotton-Blend Jersey Hoodie
2024 Soho Weekly Diary in Panama
Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Automatic Men’s Watch
Organic Cotton Oversized Heavyweight T-Shirt
Buyagift Double Supercar Driving Blast Gift Experience
Vertuo Next Coffee Machine
BaByliss For Men Super -X Metal Series 15 in 1 Magnetic Trimmer
If these don’t appeal, below you’ll find everything from thoughtful presents for boyfriends and cute boyfriend gift ideas, to boyfriend Christmas gifts and everything in between. We’re talking gadgets, craft beer, personalised gifts and even a Masterclass subscription so that his favourite celebrity can teach him a new skill. Elsewhere, there’s a skincare gift set for him to finally start a self-care routine with, an aftershave you’ll both actually like, and some experience gifts for memory making. Let’s just hope he repays the favour with as much effort.
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We said Madewell was a one-stop shop for holiday gifting, and we meant it. If you’re shopping for your boyfriend, brother, dad, or bestie, Madewell has an extensive selection (especially in its men’s gift guide) for all the guys on your list. And you can bet that everything is stylish and up to the standards of the well-dressed guy in your life… or can majorly help the one who needs a little style guidance. So whether you’re thinking your giftee will love a bright beanie, chunky bracelet, or fuzzy sweatshirt, you can find it all at Madewell.
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Sure, this Instagram-worthy tin looks incredibly gift-worthy, but $35 for a laundry detergent?! Before your giftees exhale their practical pfffts, consider this: the bucks they’ve shelled out over the years for status candles with 60-hour burn times compared to 60 loads of laundry that come out of the wash smelling like something that puts Diptyque Paris to shame. Trust us: They will thank you once their sheets, towels, shirts, socks, and underwear are softly cocooned in an intoxicatingly sumptuous scent. (One of our writers tried it, and they can confirm that it’s, indeed, heavenly).
Maybe it’s a petite person’s bias, but the old adage that good things come in small packages has always rung true to me. Take the humble envelope: While quite small, it has the potential to hold life changing information. A shot of espresso, while diminutive, can pack a serious punch. Stocking stuffers might be one of the best good-things-in-small-packages that we can think of.
Along with the chocolate coins, toiletries and random treats (I always get a can of kippers in my stocking), it’s fun to stuff that sock with a few unexpected surprises. A nice pair of gloves, an uproarious game or the latest tech gadget all make for appealing picks. Believe it or not, Walmart is a great place to find a bevy of surprisingly nice stocking stuffers. Artsy candles, timeless-but-cool jewelry and phone accessories all make great additions to the holiday standbys like candy, bath goodies and treats. See some of our favorite options ahead.
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There’s nobody better to ask what gifts writers might want to have than other writers. Consider this my personal wishlist, though you’re certain to find something the writer in your life will thank you for.
Pens, notebooks, and planners are great, but there is a lot more that you could give to your scribbling loved ones beyond those three options. Things that make our lives easier while we work are always appreciated. We just want to feel comfortable and cozy while we figure out how to compose sentences in a neverending sea of words.
Custom Fountain Pen by Tailored Pen Company
I know pens sound overrated, but what if those pens were customized to your loved one’s style? Tailored Pen Company crafts beautiful fountain pens that many pen collectors would love to have. These pens come with multiple themes. Some designs feature glow-in-the-dark mermaid scales, and other fountain pens are made of resin and dried flowers.
Your calligraphy writer friends will appreciate these pens for their aesthetics but also because these pens are made just for them. They’re not just pens with pretty casings that you’ll use for signatures—they also write very well.
Kuru Toga Mechanical Pencil by Uni
This is the nth time I’m recommending this mechanical pencil to people, and it’s not because I have a mechanical pencil agenda. The problem with normal pencils is that they tend to go dull after using one side for too long, and it makes your writing look uneven. Kuru Toga will make sure you never get this problem because the pencil’s tip rotates so that your letters never look uneven.
Kuru Toga mechanical pencils are great gifts for writers who love pencils but hate the uneven writing caused by most pencils. This is also a good gift for any artist friends.
Recycled Notebooks – Decomposition by Michael Rogers
This is giving Cath Kidston because of its whimsical floral design, but it’s sustainable! Decomposition notebooks aren’t just pretty, but they’re made of recycled material. These USA-made notebooks will free you from the guilt of using paper since all the products disclose what their notebooks are made of and what percentage of it is made from recycled goods.
You can find notebooks of all sizes that will be most suitable for your writer friends. The notebook above might look like a floral fantasy, but they have many other designs that you can choose from.
Rohto Digi Eyes – Digital Eyestrain Eyedrops
Most writers stay in front of their screens these days, but even with anti-UV and blue light filtering glasses, it’s inevitable for eyes to get dried out during a long shift of just typing non-stop. The Rohto Digi-Eye will save your writer friend’s eyes, or even yours if you’re also in front of a screen for hours on end. The best way to describe the experience of using these eyedrops is having pure and clean water cleanse your eyeballs.
It sounds like an exaggeration, but these are really good eyedrops that will keep your eyes moist for the next eight hours.
Akko Mechanical Keyboard
Some writers love typewriters for their tactile feeling, but many more writers in this day and age love tactile keyboards. Akko has a vast selection of keyboards that come in different sizes and a variety of switches, but these Akko 3087 keyboards are affordable and great. There are many designs for it, and it’s not just Sailor Moon-themed.
The Akko World Tour Tokyo 3087, with orange keys, starts at $55. These keyboards are also good for gaming, so if you have writer friends who game on the side, the Akko 3087 would be a heaven-sent gift for them.
Custom Resin Wrist Rest by HiJenney
People underestimate the power of a good wrist rest. Many writers strain their hands and wrists after typing for hours on end because of their setup, but it doesn’t have to be that way if you use a wrist rest. The best part about these wrist rests by HiJenney is that they have diverse designs that are custom-made just for you.
The length and the color of these wrist are also modifiable, which is great for keyboard owners of all sizes. HiJenney also has a bunch of resin keycaps that could spice up any old keyboard.
Custom Mugs by Lace And Twig Inc.
Mugs sound like the worst kind of holiday gift because people give them as presents all the time. But for writers who love caffeine and need constant hydration, mugs aren’t bad gifts at all. It’s all about ensuring that the mug you’re gifting is suitable for the person who will use it.
Most mugs from Lace and Twig Inc. have expletives attached to them, but they’re just funny and spot on. Nothing can be more annoying than being distracted while you’re editing your latest article. They have other witty messages on their mugs that might make your verbose friends chuckle.
JBL Quantum 800
Nothing’s better than being able to block the world out as you write the angstiest scene in your short fic. But a noise-free environment isn’t always accessible, and headphones will have to do. JBL Quantum 800 is great for those who need to work outside but want the convenience of wireless, noise-canceling headphones.
Gamers also love this headphone for its Discord-certified game-chat balance, but writers who want to stay focused while working on their next draft would love these headphones. You’ll find them priced at around $80-$199, so you’ll just have to scour the internet for the best deal possible—trust us, it’ll be worth it.
Hoodie by hours
It’s the holidays, so of course it gets really cold. Ugly sweaters are great classics, but they’re not always going to be practical for everyday wear. These sturdy hoodies by local brand Hours are a good year-round gift to give to anybody who loves oversized fits.
Your novelist friend might be thinking about lavish parties during the Roaring 20s or grand balls during the Victorian Era, but they’ll probably be happier wearing a hoodie while they type up a storm.
Embroidered Back/Lumbar Pillow by Little Design Co.
Please support us (literally). Our backs have been destroyed by sitting too much, and only pillows can help us now. Little Design Co. from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is probably the best place to find us some lumbar support since they specialize in all sorts of pillows. They also have custom-made products, so that’s another option you can look into.
They have an online shop where you can get pillows of all varieties starting from $5, and you can even customize the fabric it comes in. It’s an affordable gift for any author that will keep their posture great for years to come.
This year give (or get) the gift of enduring style.
Special thanks to Thursday Boot Co. for believing in Primer’s mission and sponsoring this article.
It’s that special time of year when I text my brother and my dad and say, What do you cats want for Christmas? If you have a dad, or a brother, or a husband, or a son, you know that we’re incredibly difficult to shop for.
We want nice things, but we’re not great at spending money on ourselves (so we don’t always have a lot of gift ideas). Our practical side also knows that the dishwasher is going to need to be replaced this year, so we may as well keep the money aside for that.
Men are also notoriously fastidious, which is why every time you’ve gotten a tie or a watch you didn’t ask for, you’ve said thank you with a smile, but you know it probably wouldn’t have been your first choice. If you’re looking for a few safe bets for gifts this year (whether for you or someone else), I have a suggestion: leather jackets and boots.
Leather jackets and leather boots aren’t cheap, but they’re also not items that you replace very often. And if you’re like me, you don’t want to give a gift that’s going to be shelf-bound; you want a gift that’s made to be used for years to come without going out of style.
If you’re stuck on what to get for your brother, son, or husband, OR you’re not sure what to tell these people to get for you, here are some solid ideas…
The bomber jacket dates all the way to WWI when the US Army Aviation Clothing Board had to create a jacket that would keep pilots warm in the cockpit of an airplane. This one from Thursday Boot Co. is based on the MA-1 jacket from 1950, but made from oil snuff suede (which keeps the soft hand but adds a layer of scuff and moisture resistance). The ribbed collar and cuffs are soft cotton, and the cut is modern without being tight. The perfect jacket to transition from winter back into spring. And that dark grey color…damn.
If you’re going for the old-school motorcycle look, it doesn’t get more classic than Schott. Started in 1913, Schott has been making their leather jackets in America for the last 110 years. This motorcycle jacket features an iconic asymmetric zipper, black hardware, and a twill lining for a soft hand.
The older I get, the more I’m drawn to lug soles. There’s something about the comfort and utility that pulls me in. I’ve owned a pair of the Diplomats for the last year in the Harvest color, but now I’m eyeing up this cinnamon suede. Like the bomber jacket, these boots are made with oil snuff suede, and while the lug sole will provide comfort by itself, Thursday has added a shock-absorbant insole so you can literally wear these all day (And I can testify to the effectiveness of these insoles. These boots are comfortable). And at $199, these boots are an unbelievable value.
Founded in England in 1924, Belstaff has made it their goal to not only produce kick ass outerwear, but to protect the environment while doing it. The Trailmaster Panther jacket is made from ethically-sourced calf skin and is finished with a hand-applied coat of wax for added durability.
If you’re looking for suede that’s a little more affordable but gives off a vibe that’s somehow both laid back and assertive, check out Thursday’s Racer Jacket in taupe suede (I’m also a fan of the Tobacco). The Racer Jacket is made from lambskin suede, which is the softest suede you can buy, and it will only get softer with age. Pair it with a sweater and dark denim for a night out.
Somehow Todd Snyder makes everything look good. Andrew owns this jacket, and it looks good with literally any outfit you can throw together (except maybe olive pants). It’s tailored in Italy with a cut that has enough room for layers but a drape that’s flattering over a t-shirt.
I got my first pair of Allen Edmonds sixteen years ago, and they’re still kickin’. These Higgins Mill boots are crafted from Horween’s waterproof Chromexcel leather to keep your feet dry and a Dainite sole to absorb impact. They’re made in Wisconsin and are fully recraftable.
If you’re worried about the elements, the Legend boot is another great option. Made from waxed Weathersafe suede, water beads off of the Legend, which is an aesthetic cross between a moto Chelsea and a night-out-with-the-fellas Chelsea. The lug sole makes them comfortable, and the Goodyear Welt construction means they’re made to last.
I’m not shy about how much I love Oak Street Bootmakers, especially because they’re all about supporting the local cobbler. This limited edition field boot is made from a Horween Chromexcel Roughout leather, meaning it will offer weather resistance and probably outlive you. To keep your feet and knees supported, they’ve used a Vibram Christy sole, and the rawhide laces look pretty slick against the brass hardware.
If you need the ruggedness of military boots but don’t want to walk around in camo, the Explorer is the boot you need. This boot is made from Thursday’s Rugged and Resilient Leather, which has been engineered to take a serious beating; the extra high collar is padded for comfort, and the laces are made from a kevlar blend (yeah, like the bulletproof vest stuff). The Storm Welt construction will keep your feet dry and help the boots last for years to come.
The Keanu Jacket from Thursday Boot Co. is the quintessential black leather jacket, the one that never goes out of style. The Keanu is made from full grain leather, meaning the grain isn’t altered during the tanning process. So it will age almost as handsomely as you.
What does a gardener need besides soil, sunlight, and a packet of seeds ready to be planted? A lot, it turns out. Never fear—if you’re shopping for the gardener in your life, here are the 10 best gifts to give them for the holidays!
Gardening can be a tricky hobby to shop for, since it varies widely depending on where your gardener lives and what they like to grow. Are they into heirloom vegetables or permaculture gardening? Do they live on ten acres in a temperate climate, or a tiny apartment in a harsh desert? Are they a novice or an expert? Instead of just grabbing the first plant you see off the rack at the hardware store, you’ll want to tailor your holiday shopping to your gardener’s specific tastes and needs.
Check out these suggestions below to get started!
A quality guide to your gardener’s bioregion
(TI Inc. Books)
Gardening in Alaska is a very different endeavor than gardening in Arizona. Each ecologically distinct region, or bioregion, has its own gifts and challenges. Some plants will thrive where your gardener lives; others may not last a week.
If your gardener doesn’t already own a high-quality gardening guide for their bioregion, then they’ll welcome the addition to their gardening library. Here in California, for example, The Sunset Western Gardening Book and California Native Plants for the Garden are indispensable guides. To find the best guide for your gardener’s region, contact their local master gardener hotline, native plant society, or plant nursery for suggestions.
A book on herbalism, fermenting, or canning
(Harvest Books)
A surprising number of supposedly ornamental plants—and common weeds!—actually have medicinal qualities. Other edible plants can be prepared and preserved in surprising ways. Elder, for example, isn’t just a fetching shrub that attracts birds. Its berries make a tasty immune-boosting syrup, and its flowers are sometimes used in cocktails.
If your gardener is looking to branch out (get it?) in their botanical adventures, give them a book that will help them put the plants in their garden to use. Here are a few ideas:
The Healing Garden by Juliette Blankespoor
Alchemy of Herbs by Rosalee de la Forêt
The Art of Fermentation by Sandor Ellix Katz
Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving, edited by Judi Kingry and Lauren Devine
A seasonal planting calendar
(Maker & Moss)
Years ago, my husband and I got Maker & Moss’s gorgeous seasonal produce calendar for a gardener in his family, and it’s still hanging in their kitchen. This particular calendar lists vegetables that are in season each month in the San Francisco Bay Area. It won’t apply to every zone and region, of course, so you may have to do some research to find one more suited to your gardener’s home. Katydid Garden Designs, for instance, sells calendars customized for zones 4-6 and 7 on her Etsy site.
A fancy pot or two
(Naveen Sahu, via Pexels.com)
This gift idea may seem basic, but as a container gardener, I can testify that we plant people cannot get enough fancy pots. Those suckers can get pricy, and any pot can crack or break, so I have yet to meet a gardener who will turn down a high-quality vessel for their leafy babies. Next time you visit your gardener’s garden, take a look at any potted plants they might have. Are most of the plants in cheap reddish clay pots—or even worse, plastic pots? If so, it’s pottin’ time.
To find a good pot, go to a nursery and look for glazed ceramics with drainage holes in the bottom, and a matching tray that goes underneath to catch water. (Yes, the tray will cost extra.) The glaze helps keep water in the soil from evaporating, and the tray can help wick water back up into the pot if it drains too quickly. If your gardener is limited to a windowsill or porch, aim for something compact. If they have some space to work with, you can spring for something bigger. Like what, you ask? How about a pot for…
A tree
(Nati, via Pexels.com)
Saplings and small trees are amazing … and expensive. A tree can run from $80 to several hundred dollars. But if you’ve got cash to spare and you know your gardener’s been hankering for a major addition to their garden, consider gifting them a tree.
If you go with something small, like a Meyer lemon or a kumquat tree, then it can stay potted indefinitely. (If you’re gifting citrus, though, just be mindful of huanglongbing disease.) If you want to buy them a tree that will eventually get, you know, tree-sized, then you should do some reconnaissance to make sure they actually want it. In other words, you’ll want to be really certain they can handle that giant sequoia seedling before you proudly present it to them.
A gardening memoir
(Milkweed Editions)
What’s the next best thing to gardening? Reading about gardening! There are tons of wonderful memoirs, manifestos, and essay collections by gardeners and plant lovers out there, but here are a few especially good ones.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation
Second Nature by Michael Pollan, acclaimed author and food writer
Gardening at the Dragon’s Gate by Wendy Johnson, Zen Buddhist meditation teacher
World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathil (This book isn’t explicitly about gardening, but it’s bursting with love for the natural world that will make any gardener happy.)
High quality gardening tools
(Garrett Wade)
When it comes to tools like pruning sheers and gloves, quality makes a huge difference, but some gardeners might feel hesitant about splurging on themselves. (I myself watched my cheap gloves disintegrate into dust before finally investing in a good pair.) If your gardener is eking by with rusty pruning shears or other sad-looking tools, treat them to an upgrade.
Obviously a gardener is happiest when they’ve got their hands in the earth, a cheerful breeze on their back, and a chorus of birdsong around them. Obviously. But if they’re wiling away the winter months, or fighting to keep their cherry tomatoes away from squirrels and other pests, then an indoor garden can be the next best thing.
Aerogardens—those little hydroponic containers with the grow lights on top that you’ve probably seen here and there—are a great option for gardeners who are dealing with bad weather, pests, or a lack of space. The six or nine pod option fits on a kitchen counter, and your gardener can use it to plant herbs, flowers, and a limited variety of fruit.
A botanical garden membership
(Scott Webb via Pexels.com)
If your gardener lives in a big city, they may not have the kind of access to nature that they’d like. (It’s me, I’m the gardener.) However, spaces like botanical gardens can be a great way for your gardener to get their fix. Some gardens are free, but others charge admission, so you can see if there’s a local botanical garden that offers annual memberships. For example, Descanso Gardens outside of Los Angeles offers individual memberships for $70.
Botanical artwork
Lastly, no one can have too much greenery in their lives, so when your gardener isn’t puttering around their physical plants, give them some botanical artwork they can hang in their home! Here are a few of my favorite botanical artists.
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The nice thing about having a Marvel fan in your life is that when the holidays roll around, they can be very easy to shop for. With Marvel at the height of its popularity, there’s no end to the amount of comics, books, toys, and other gifts that you can give to that special nerd in your life. The only problem is how to choose!
We’ve got you covered! Here are ten of the best Marvel-themed gifts for you to choose from.
The Marvel Tarot Deck
(Marvel)
Is the Marvel fan in your life also a tarot reader? Are they interested in learning a little cartomancy? Do they just like seeing their favorite characters depicted in Art Nouveau-style paintings? If the answer to any of those questions is yes, then the Marvel Tarot Deck and Guidebook is a no-brainer.
WandaVision or Loki SteelBook Blu-ray sets
(Disney)
After years of leaving fans waiting, Disney has finally released two of its Marvel streaming series, WandaVision and Loki season 1, on Blu-ray. These two SteelBook collectible box sets come with deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes features, and other fun little treats for Marvel fans.
MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios by Joanna Robinson, Dave Gonzales, and Gavin Edwards
(W. W. Norton)
MCU: The Reign of Marvel Studios is a new, comprehensive history of Marvel Studios, from its early days putting up characters as collateral to pay the bills, to its peak with The Infinity Saga and its current Phase 5 struggles. This book has something for everyone: juicy trivia for the diehard fans, and more measured journalism for those who are interested in how the film industry works.
Spider-Man 2 for the PS5
(Sony)
The first Spider-Man game for PlayStation was a beloved classic, and the sequel, Spider-Man 2, which expands Spidey’s world even more, is even better. If the Marvel fan in your life has a PS5 but hasn’t gotten their hands on this game yet, it’s up to you to make things right.
A ‘God Loki’ Funko Pop (or other Marvel toys and collectibles)
(Funko)
If your loved one is any kind of Marvel fan at all, they’re probably crying over that devastating Loki season 2 finale. Why not help them commemorate the worst moment of their life with a God Loki Funko Pop?
Of course, there are other toy options if you want to get them something a little more cheerful. You can browse a wide range of Pops on Funko’s superhero section, or get your Marvel fan a LEGO set. If you’ve got some serious cash burning a hole in your pocket, you can also spring for a Hot Toys hyper-realistic figure.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe: An Official Timeline by by Anthony Breznican, Amy Ratcliffe, and Rebecca Theodore-Vachon
(DK)
The exact chronology of the MCU—which character is doing what, and when—can be hard to pin down sometimes, especially as Marvel introduces more and more superheroes throughout the galaxy. Luckily, Marvel Studios collaborated with publisher DK to finally put that chronology in writing in The Marvel Cinematic Universe: An Official Timeline. This book is both a handy reference and a treasure trove of geeky fun.
High-end Marvel accessories
(Box Lunch)
Thanks to retailers like Loungefly, BoxLunch, and Hot Topic, there’s no end of classy Marvel-themed purses, jewelry, backpacks, and more. Search for any character you have in mind, and you’re sure to find something adorable. The necklace and earrings above, inspired by WandaVision, come from BoxLunch.
A Marvel Unlimited subscription
(Marvel Comics)
The great thing about Marvel comics is that they’re seemingly infinite, with decades of interconnected storylines for readers to sift through. The crushingly frustrating thing about Marvel comics is that they’re seemingly infinite, with decades of interconnected storylines for readers to sift through. What’s a fan to do?
Marvel Unlimited is an online subscription service that offers readers over 30,000 archival and current issues of Marvel comics. If there’s a random storyline from 40 years ago that you want to check out, chances are it’s in there. The service also offers exclusive digital comics like Alligator Loki.
Jonathan Hickman’s Collected Secret Wars
(Marvel Comics)
With Avengers: Secret Wars coming out in just … uh, four years, the Marvel fan in your life had better make sure they’re up to date on the comics that Marvel Studios is adapting. Okay, maybe time isn’t exactly running out on reading Jonathan Hickman’s Secret Wars before the film’s release, but knowing roughly where all the Phase 4 and 5 films and shows are headed will make for a more satisfying viewing experience. Plus, it’s a fantastic story arc.
You can also check out the 1985 Secret Wars by Jim Shooter, but if you have to choose just one, go with Hickman.
Unique Marvel fan art
Officially licensed Marvel merch is fun, but sometimes you don’t have a wide range of choices. Independent fan artists, however, come up with all sorts of weird and wonderful interpretations of Marvel characters. You can search Etsy or Big Cartel for art prints, charms, enamel pins, and other Marvel-themed tchotchkes, or find an artist you like on social media and ask if they’re open to commissions. (Just please respect their price range, please, and don’t haggle.)
(featured image: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
As a newly-engaged fashion writer, I have switched my holiday wish list priorities this year. While in the past I would’ve wanted a new pair of fancy shoes or a luxury face mask, I’m now craving presents that will be part of my upcoming nuptials (hint hint).
Part of that has to do with the fact that weddings are expensive. And while brides want a say in big purchases — like a gown or bachelorette dress — style-forward, nuptial-minded products will be a welcome surprise for all who are planning on walking down the aisle. These can vary from earrings to wear on one of the many occasions leading up to the wedding to a robe (or a bridal jersey!) to get ready in day-of. As a bonus, in addition to treating your soon-to-be-married friend in the moment, choose right and you may see the gift part of the big day. A beauty gift set could never.
Ahead, fashionable gifts that a bride like me wouldn’t mind finding under the Christmas tree this year.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
For The Sporty Bride
For brides-to-be who love sports, this “wedding jersey,” from Australian brand Kyha Studios, gives the sporty staple a bridal twist.
Heading somewhere warm for the bachelorette trip? A bucket hat is a more unexpected alternative to a “Bride” baseball hat or T-shirt.
Rime Arodaky Bob Runway, $, available at Rime Arodaky
The Bridal Scrunchie
Silk scrunchies are one of the most sought-after hair accessory trends of the year. So, why not give the soon-to-be-wed recipient a trendy accessory that’s both versatile and elegant?
Maryam Nassir Zadeh White Carnation Scrunchie, $, available at SSENSE
Something Blue To Wear Forever
A “something blue” heart-shaped ring is a great gift option that a bride-to-be can wear now, on her wedding day, and beyond.
Kay Jewelers Aquamarine Heart Ring, $, available at Kay Jewelers
Tie It With A Bow
The many activities preceding a ceremony require a wardrobe of accessories and clothes. A fashion-forward, yet classic hair bow — also one of the year’s trendiest items — is a great way to relieve some of the stress around bridalwear.
Jennifer Behr Tulle Bow, $, available at Jennifer Behr
For The Lipstick Lover Bride
For the bride who wants a chic way to carry their lipstick after hours, this pearl design is everything.
The best gifts for her are never an afterthought; rather, a considered purchase – one that took some mulling over. She’ll no doubt appreciate whatever you lovingly wrap up for her, but if you’re shopping for your wife, girlfriend, mum, best friend, sister, auntie, mother-in-law, or grandma this Christmas, you’ll likely want to go all out with a present you know she’ll absolutely love.
We hate to break it to you but it’s November, which means December 25th is practically tomorrow. If you’re prone to leaving things to the last minute and tell yourself every year to be more organised, take this as your official sign to start adding things to cart.
That’s where our gift to you comes in: GLAMOUR’s ultimate guide to the best gifts for women. We’ve spoken to our favourite brands and scoured every bestseller category to curate the ultimate list of gifts ideas for her. Even if you think she already has everything.
From the pamper fanatic friend who loves nothing more than a boujee skincare gift set, to the wellness-obsessed sister-in-law who’d swoon for a pair of mulberry silk pyjamas and a scented candle, there’s something in this edit for everyone. Find everything from reed diffusers and Prosecco to hoop earrings, letterbox gifts, experiences and jumpers. Many with next-day delivery.
Looking for the best gifts for one-year-olds? You’ve come to the right place. Celebrating a baby’s first birthday is a major milestone (for both baby and parent). The parents have officially nailed 365 and a quarter days of nappy changes and sleepless nights – and their little one is growing into a proper little person with buckets of personality.
OK, enough with the soppy stuff and on to the practical: what on earth do you buy a one-year-old to mark such a momentous occasion?
We’ve already covered the best newborn gifts, as well as the best gifts for baby girls and boys. But turning one marks a major developmental milestone, so you’ll want to buy them something practical, fun and, let’s be honest, aesthetically pleasing – but it also has to aid their physical and cognitive development.
Thankfully, there’s plethora of toys made specifically to help one-year-olds reach age-appropriate developmental milestones (those that promote problem-solving, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and more) and we’ve tested hundreds to bring you a concise list of the very best.
Don’t know where to begin? Sensory toys, puzzles, musical instruments, play tables, and walkers are all winners, but the truth is, the type of toy you pick is less important than how you and your children play with it. Decades of research suggests that the most important thing parents can do is interact with their little ones by talking, reading, singing, and getting down on their level to play.
A 2019 clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics echoes this, noting: “The most educational toy is one that fosters interactions between caregivers and children in supportive, unconditional play.” The authors recommend choosing “toys that will grow with the child, foster interactions with caregivers, encourage exploration and problem-solving, and spark the child’s imagination.”
And while you really can’t go wrong with something eye-catching for your little one, we all know you’re also very much gifting the parents who are coping with early-stage toddlerhood so you want to plump for something they’ll enjoy using with their toddler that’s ideally in a colour hue that won’t turn their house into a migraine-inducing rainbow rave.
There are many reasons to love the Rack; not many retailers have as extensive an array of designer fashion, beauty, home, and more under one virtual roof — and at scarily great prices, at that. Ahead of the holiday season, our trusty team of elves (aka expert shopping editors) have curated gifts for everyone on your list: The cozy homebody, the aspiring street style star, fitness lover, and more. And did we mention everything on our list is under $25? (Not that anyone except for you would know, TBQH.)
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