Each year, it takes me weeks to figure out the best gift to get my mom, dad, sister, brother, fiance, extended family, best friend, dog, etc… And while I know there are 923049290 holiday gift guides out there, there’s no harm in adding just one more!
For this gift guide, I teamed up with some of my favorite Boston bloggers, where they suggest some of their favorite items that can be found in and around Boston. Check ’em out below:
For that friend who always has their nose in a book, Celina of Trends & Tolstoy recommends one of Harvard Bookstore’s white coffee mugs. Celina says, “‘Caution: Hot, and Literate’ is basically my life motto. Reading and coffee are sexy. Plus you’re supporting a local bookstore instead of a chain which is great.”
Alex of Literally, Everything notes that soap can seem like a boring present, but Follain’s refillable hand and body soap is truly a treat. “The soaps are similar to a castile formula, but a bit milder and softened up thanks to coconut oil. The scents change out seasonally (though lavender is always available); some previous scents have included Pine Woods, Sweet Orange, Citrus Tea and Linen. The bottle looks so luxurious on countertops, and the bottle can be refilled in stores very inexpensively. And (as if you needed more convincing) your fifth refill of soap is on Follain thanks to the new punch cards! You’ll never think of soap the same,” Alex says.
Also a fan of Follain, located in both the South End and Beacon Hill neighborhoods of Boston, is Tianna of Big City Tyro. She says, “The shop’s crisp, white aesthetic and fresh scents offer an inviting atmosphere of safe and sustainable skincare and cosmetic products from US brands. My favorite is the selection of Saipua bars of soap which make great gifts for everyone on your list. The saltwater is perfect for a nautical fiend while the coffee mint is great for a caffeine addict and the rose geranium for a friend with a green thumb.”
Gabby of First & Warren suggests adding some flair to your dad’s closet this December with a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Moto Leather. Gabby says, “Every gentleman should own at least one great sneaker in their lifetime (and I am not talking about those dirty, beat up Nikes in the back of your Dad’s closet that you secretly see him staring at when he feels like going for a run)…a sneaker can really be a staple piece and for dad the right sneaker can be what takes him from a night-out with the other dads to date night. These All Star Moto take the classic iconic shoe that every knows and loves an adds some flair. Not only does the leather-high top keep it durable it adds a look of cool to any outfit. Pair it with jeans and a plain t-shirt or nice collared-shirt and chinos. Either way your Dad will get compliments and most likely he won’t take them off.”
What Boston girl doesn’t love a good monogram? Jenna of Boston Chic Party says, “If you are looking for a gift for your monogram-loving bestie, look no further than Tusk Monogram Collection. Located right on Newbury Street, Tusk offers a wide variety of monogrammed items, from stationery to jewelry to home décor. My favorite monogrammed gift is definitely jewelry. Tusk offers many classic styles, like gold monogram necklaces, earrings and cuff, which will become part of your best girlfriend’s daily jewelry routine for years to come. Treat your bestie to something shiny, sparkly and completely her this holiday season!”
As for Gabi of By Gabriella, she “discovered The Everyday Napkin on….where else, but Instagram. Bash Studio’s new line is exactly what it’s called – napkins for every day use! I purchased a set of seven (mix and match, what could be better?) and have already used them multiple times. Ready for the big sell? After they’ve been used, throw them in the washer and they’ll be good as new. This really is the gift for everyone. Your grandma, best friend, hostess, world traveler – I could keep going, but I think you get the gist. Or even gift yourself! Take one in your bag, or when you’re traveling by plane – I know I could always use an extra napkin, but then get stuck waiting for the flight attendant to walk by (I feel too guilty pushing that little call button). Luckily, The Everyday Napkin solves that problem lickety-split!”
Leigha of The Lilac Press suggests getting a friend something that’ll keep them warm this winter. “I discovered Grass Hill Alpacas and bought a beautiful pair of super soft boucle lined alpaca wool mittens. Those mittens saved me last winter, and I really think they were the reason I survived my commute to and from work each day in the freezing temperatures. I found myself walking four miles to work on occasion when the subway shutdown and Ubers were unavailable, and I needed these mittens on those days,” says Leigha.
For the foodie in your life, Biana of BLoved Boston suggests hopping over to Olive Connection in Brookline. She says, “When you pop into the store it doesn’t just stop at olive oils, you can create your very own gift basket with pastas, sauces, the best olive oil from around the world and while you’re shopping you actually get to taste the oils that pique your interest! There is something for everyone in your life and I love the store so much that I’ve actually purchased three gift baskets for everyone that is hosting us sometime this holiday season!”
And as for myself? I suggest getting the plant lover in your life a terrarium from Niche Urban Garden Supply. I’m horrible at taking care of plants, especially during the winter (OK, maybe for all seasons, oops). Luckily, a terrarium is an easily solution for anyone that loves plants but needs something low maintenance. Plus, it’s the perfect way to spice up your desk space or an empty windowsill. The sealed glass container, combined with the heat entering your terrarium, allows for a small water cycle to form…creating an ideal environment for growing plants that requires little work to upkeep.
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To follow each blogger that contributed to this gift guide, their blogs & social handles are listed below: