Last year I promised myself that I was going to start my holiday shopping before December in 2020 to make things easier. And then 2020 happened. You know how that story goes. So, like everything else, the way I’ve been functioning through the holiday season has changed, including the way that my family is exchanging gifts (and how I’m putting together this 2020 holiday gift guide for y’all.)
While we won’t be getting together for an IRL gift exchange this year we will be hopping on a Zoom call, all hands on deck. And because we’re trying to have some sense of normalcy, the only family tradition that’s holding up is our Secret Santa gift exchange. Meaning less people to shop for, it is a much more intimate affair this year after all.
But, as we were drawing names for our gift exchange I took it upon myself to peek at my family members’ wishlists (yay, technology) and noticed they all had some very 2020-esque items added to the list (no surprise there). I’m talking about comfy blankets, kitchen gadgets and things like books and boardgames. Coincidentally, all these things were on the APW staff wishlists as well, and I’m assuming yours too!
So let’s get to gifting. Gift the things that are going to bring small bits of joy, a little chuckle here or there, or something straight up luxurious AF. We could all use moments like that right now anyways, right?
2020 Gift Guide
Gifts $25 and Under
Extraordinary Things to Cut Out and Collage by Maria Rivans via Amazon
Keep the DIY extraordinaire busy with this high quality book of images to seriously level up their next collage masterpiece.
Hot, Hot Vegetarian Action Oven Mitt via Always Fits
Practical and funny? Sounds like the perfect combo to us! For even more sassy kitchen accessories give Always Fits a browse, you won’t be disappointed.
Indigo Kit by The Love of Colour via Etsy
For your BFF that tie-dyed their whole wardrobe as a kid but wants an updated take on it.
Mondrian Composition Perpetual Calendar via The Met Store
Yearly calendars are great, but a perpetual one? Even better.
Lomography Simple Use Color 35mm Camera via Urban Outfitters
Bring back the nostalgia with this reusable 35mm film camera!
Estella Bartlett Badass Gold Necklace via Nordstrom
Some subtle sass to add to their everyday wardrobe.
Men to Avoid in Art and Live by Nicole Tersigni via Chronicle Books
Sometimes you need a good laugh, look no further!
Caydo Embroidery Kit via Amazon
The perfect gift for the crafter in your life, they’ll have everything they need to unlock the magical world of embroidery.
The Mini Bar: 100 Essential Cocktail Recipes (Set of 8 Books) via Urban Outfitters
Home bars are more popular than ever these days, might as well add mixologist to your newly acquired list of quarantine skills while you’re at it!
Reductress Presents Play The Patriarchy: A Card Game via Chronicle Books
The perfect gift for you and your roomie (adds to list now)!
If you’re not scared by a good surprise snag this goody bag ASAP. You can’t beat that price!
Gifts $50 and Under
Disco Queen Puzzle via Anthropologie
You may not be able to join them at happy hour so why not bring it to them? Albeit puzzle form.
Custom Engraved Lipstick by YSL
I actually just sent this to my BFF for her birthday with her stage name engraved in it, 10/10 would recommend!
Great Thinkers Set by The School of Life via Trouva
Get those wheels turning the this Great Thinkers book and game duo for the budding philosopher in your life.
Le Creuset Stoneware Butter Crock via Amazon
No need to worry about cold, hard butter again with this butter crock from Le Creuset!
Mason Bee Barrel by Wildlife World via The Grommet
Attract all the bees to the yard with your very own bee barrel by Wildlife World.
Ardor Extra Virgin Olive Oil by Brightland
Fancy olive oil, check. The only thing missing? A fresh loaf of bread!
Swivel Bath Tray via Uncommon Goods
This bath tray is perfect for small space dwellers, it’ll fit on any bathtub, large or small!
The Light You Shed Token by Catbird Jewelry
A sweet reminder to add to any charm or token collection.
Jardin Bucolique, Box of 12 Macarons from Ladurée Paris via Gold Belly
A trip to Paris isn’t in the cards this year so opt for the next best thing. Fresh macarons from the famed Laurée Paris right to your doorstep!
Light it up in style with this modern portal lighter from Tetra.
The Oregon Trail Handheld Game via Always Fits
We all have a friend that still talks about this being the best game ever. Surprise them with a nod to the classic by putting this under the tree!
Bathing Lady by Mosser Glass via Coming Soon New York
Is it a soap dish or a catch-all? Use it however you want, no matter how you put it it’s guaranteed to look great on your nightstand.
Opinel Le Petit Chef Kids’ Knife Set via Food52
For the budding mini master chef in your life!
Embellished Leather Pouch via Anthropologie
Make them feel extra special with their monogram on this pouch, we all love a little sparkle too!
Vertly CBD Infused Bath Salts via Standard Dose
Take relaxation one step further with CBD infused bath salts from Vertly.
The cuties are sure to be a welcome addition to any WFH space.
Washable Silk Sleep Mask via Lunya
Relaxation is the name of the game, my friends.
Squishy Gummy Bear Light via Uncommon Goods
These gummy bear lamps lights might be sweeter than the real deal!
Adjustable Rolling Pin by Food52
Home bakers, rejoice! Now you can get it just right every time.
Reusable Cotton Flower Tote via Terrain
This reusable tote is perfect for grabbing flowers at the local farmers market.
Rose Apothecary T-Shirt via Always Fits
For your friend that can quote every word of Schitt’s Creek.
Gifts $100 and Under
GrowlerWerks Keep-It-Carbonated Growler To Go via Food52
There’s nothing worse than flat beer (yuck), but that won’t be a problem anymore with a carbonated growler from GrowlerWerks.
Shattered Glass Ceiling Necklace via Uncommon Goods
For the womxn in your life seriously crushing it.
The Birthdate Book by Birthdate Co.
Have a cousin that’s a budding astrologer? Read into the charts with a custom book all about them, they won’t be disappointed!
Cotton Cloud Robe by Parachute
Feel like you’re floating on cloud 9 with this comfyAF robe from Parachute.
Szklo Glass Mosaic Kit via Free People
This DIY kit brings home crafting to a whole new level.
Gift one these leggings to bestie that wants to add some style to their workout routine.
Bespoke Wilder Tag Bracelet by Gorjana
Keep it simple with a plain gold bar or customize to your heart’s content with FREE engraving!
Drunk Elephant Glowy the Night Kit via Sephora
Give the gift of skincare with this sampler of all the goods from Drunk Elephant.
Asymmetrical Statement Earrings by Tsunja via Etsy
Add these to my list, please!
Gentlemen’s Hardware Anatomy of a Bike Kit via Anthropologie
Nothing is easier than an all-in-one kit. Sign us up!
Sometimes you want a nice drink that isn’t on boozy side. Haus is your delicious answer to that with their flavorful low ABV aperitifs.
Luxury Gifts
Newbury Picnic Basket by Mark & Graham
Make socially distanced hangouts or date night fancy AF with this custom monogrammed picnic set from Mark & Graham.
Acrylic Chess Set via West Elm
For your friend that would put a modern spin on The Queen’s Gambit vibe.
Zadro Ultra Large Luxury Bucket-Style Towel Warmer via Amazon
It’s getting cold, y’all. Life your best life with a towel warmer and you’ll have no idea it’s still chilly out!
One pan that does it all. Say what? Seriously, it does it all and will make washing dishes a whole lot easier.
Alpaca Blanket Scarf by Cuyana
Comfortable but stylish enough to throw on for Zoom meetings, that’s what we call practical.
Moxi Beach Bunny Roller Skates via Urban Outfitters
Have you noticed more and more people taking up rollerskating in quarantine? Own the roller skating spotlight with this peach set from UO.
You’ll never spoil the good cheese with this cheese grotto ever again!
Party Pajama Set with Double Feathers in Black by Sleeper
These are party pajamas are on my ~dream~ list. Just had to throw them in the ring.
And here we have the best of both worlds. Part weighted blanket (a 2019 gift fave) and part chunky knit blanket (a 2018 gift fave) and we’ve got this glorious love child of a blanket that’s all of the above plus, velvet. I’m 100% here for that evolution!
What gifts are you giving this holiday season? Do you find yourself purchasing items that aren’t physical (ie. gift cards) or are you sticking to the classics? Are your gift giving traditions changing this year? Let’s chat all things gifts, big, small and everything in between in the comments.
