Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide (FAM EDITION)
2020 has felt like 200 years, and yet somehow we went from Uncle Joey winning the presidential election to mid-December in the time it takes me to crush a family-sized bag of Skinnty Pop (45-50 minutes, tops). Fine, it’s still early December. But I know people are stressing about what to get their loved ones for the holidays, because I’ve been getting texts about it up the waz. Don’t worry darlings—mama’s here. I’m practically a professional online shopper now (thanks for that, 2020 *eye-roll*), so I’m rounding up gift ideas for the people that you love more than anything, but you somehow always forget about until December and you’re sweating about shipping estimates. If you go for any of these gifts, you will definitely win the Best Gifter title among your siblings. But you were always winning that anyway.
For the beautiful mamas:
SPLURGE: The “I heart New York” Sweater by Lingua Franca
Oh, you thought I was playing with the Splurge options? JK - this is BY FAR the most expensive item that will appear on this list. But these sweaters are fan-fucking-tastic quality and sentimental for New Yorkers. Window shopping at the Lingua Franca Bleecker Street storefront is my favorite Sunday pastime. ALSO - 20% of the proceeds for this sweater go toward ROAR NY, which provides financial aid for NYC restaurant workers. Ghost town, who, honey?
SAVE: The New York Woman Sweatshirt from Social Goods
Full disclosure: I have been LIVING in this sweatshirt all Fall. I’m actually from Jersey, but I feel like if you’ve resided in New York through the pandemic, you’ve been upgraded to full New Yorker status.
If you’re not familiar with Social Goods yet, you’re going to love. A portion of the proceeds of every purchase goes toward a mission-driven nonprofit that matches the message from the item. Proceeds from purchasing this NY Woman sweatshirt go to Planned Parenthood. My mom’s obsessed with Planned Parenthood. Checks out.
For the BEST DADS EVER (this one was hard):
SPLURGE: The Rib Knit Beanie Hat by Acne Studios
Category is: Walk-Around-The-Block-With-The-Dogs-Cozy. If you’re trying to re-brand your dad, a fashion-boy brand like Acne Studios will slay every time. They also have a beanie style for people with big heads. Half of my family has the curse of the small head, while half of us have big heads. You know your brand. I certainly know my dad’s.
SAVE: The Rib Beanie from GAP
Come through, pop of color!! My best friend swears by this beanie - in fact she never takes it off and has gifted it to many people. There are a bunch of different colors, and it’s a great price-point, so why not try something a little funky—and cozy.
This hat is super stretchy. Great for small heads and big heads alike.
For your favorite sister (basically any gift you want for yourself):
SPLURGE: The Ace Fanny Pack by Dagne Dover
Last Christmas my sister and I (both?) got the Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack and we could not be more obsessed with this brand. And since the Category-Still-Is: Cozy, switch up your normal crossbody choice from Zara and go for the bag that’s perfect for mid-day walks and quick trips around Trader Joe’s.
SAVE: The Fanny Pack by BAGGU
THIS. IS. A. BAGGU. STAN. BLOG.
While you’ve probably seen a chic kwain with the classic and sustainable Standard BAGGU reusable bag at your local farmers market (@Leah Orlando, is that you?), BAGGU also has a ton of other designs, from gigantic carryall totes to crossbody bags. This belt bag/fanny pack is effortless perfection - a great choice for people who look bomb without trying. JFYI it also comes in cheetah print.
For the brother who never wears what you get him:
SPLURGE: The Heavyweight Recycled Cotton Hoodie by Pangaia
This hoodie is freakin’ delicious. The colors are so vivid that they can bring color to the skin of even the most socially distant homebody. Grab the matching sweatpants if you’re feeling riche$. And if your brother is anything like mine, and instead chooses to wear the same two short-sleeve t-shirts (even in the dead of winter), this will be a great closet swipe for you.
SAVE: The Vintage Soft Hoodie from GAP
Let’s be honest, this will probably be the hoodie I order for my brother this year - considering the Adidas NMDs I splurged on for him last year have yet to be worn. I’m salty. Guys look great in color, but they probably would never buy a bright hue like this themselves, so take it on yourself to spice up your bro’s wardrobe. And again, if he sticks to his washed out tees, you’ll know exactly where to find your next sporty fit.
For the furry models:
SPLURGE: The Catskills Indigo Tie-Dye Leash from WagWear
This was the first leash I ever used with Franklin (THE Silky Hotdog) and I absolutely loved it. It’s super durable, but also chic for city living. I got compliments on this baby daily. Really everything from the WagWear website has impeccable quality. I’ve heard this carrier is ze créme de la créme.
SAVE: The Multi-Color Braided Ombre Rope Leash by SierOutfitters on Etsy
Um, wishing I did a bit more research before splurging on my WagWear rope leash right about now!? These rope leashes from Etsy have great reviews and come in a variety of ombré colors - so you can choose whichever color matches your fur baby best. Shop small, baby!
I hope these gift ideas spark a little (online) holiday retail creativity in your life. And if this year you’re budgeting hard (MEEE), a handwritten card goes even further than a shiny new toy.
