September 29, 2020

Fun, Gift Guides

2020 Holiday Gift Guide

September 29, 2020

Fun, Gift Guides

Well! Here we are. In the many years I’ve been doing this, I can’t say I ever thought I’d be writing a list of gift ideas for a pandemic. But you know, I think we can still make the most of this season. After all, so much of it is about being cozy at home, and being thoughtful and loving toward others. Those are gifts themselves.

Previous gift guides still have lots of good gift ideas, so don't miss them: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, Gift Ideas for Rowers, Holiday Decor Gift Guide, Easy Engrossing Reads for a Pandemic.

I know that many people won’t be celebrating this year, and for those that do, the holidays might look quite different. I’ve focused on gift ideas in a range of price points that keep everyone safe, comfortable, and indulged. I’m also including small, diverse businesses while acknowledging that large retailers are accessible for most everyone. We’ve got a real mix so take the idea and shop where you want. Some affiliate links used, but none of these items are sponsored. Don’t forget to sign up for Ebates/Rakuten so you can get cash back on your purchases.

I work all year long to gather gift ideas for everyone on your list. It’s a labor of love, but it’s still labor. If you want to buy me a coffee or support this work you can do so here. I’ll give half of whatever comes through that link to some of the organizations outlined below. If you shop through my Amazon affiliate link, that helps too.

This is by far the biggest guide I’ve ever done. I hope it’s a welcome distraction and you find something for everyone on your list.

Gift Guide 2020

1. Make a gift to a local food bank on behalf of your giftee. It could be their local organization, yours, one in a place that’s meaningful to you both, or one in an area hard hit by COVID or fires, or in particular need. Feeding America will help you find a food bank and World Central Kitchen also feeds people in crisis while No Kid Hungry helps starving American children. So many are suffering this year and won’t have a holiday at all. Gifts of cash allow food banks to buy essentials and plan ahead.

2. Beautiful baby headbands in gorgeous fabrics from a small Black-owned Etsy shop. They make gorgeous, functional pieces in stunning fabrics. Check out the rompers! The shop owner is in the UK so be sure to factor that in when planning your purchase.

3. A soothing fidget cube, because 2020. 4500 reviews, 4.5 stars. This one keeps me focused on Zoom calls.

4. A beautiful planter for their a new succulent hobby. The Jen Spring Ceramics Etsy shop has so much gorgeous stuff. Bowls, planters, mugs and more with interesting and unique designs.

5. I used to tease my husband for always having a baby Swiss Army knife on him, until he put one in my stocking. Now I can’t live without it. I mostly use it for the bottle opener, scissors, and toothpick. Lots of different models with different features so see what will suit your giftee best.

6. A big ole pack of fine-tipped colorful pens. 20,000 reviews, 4.5 stars.

7. A Barnacle speaker. Sand-proof, dust-proof, waterproof, Bluetooth, excellent sound, delightful name. A friend has one and recommends it. Suction-cups to their kayak, paddle board, canoe, or homemade raft fashioned from palm logs. They can listen to Taylor Swift’s new album as they paddle away from the apocalypse.

8. Not going anywhere for a while? Pass the time looking through this book that is stunning on a coffee table. Where to Go When: Unforgettable Trips for Every Month tells you the best times of year to visit the world’s extraordinary places so you can plan your first post-pandemic trip.

9. I got my husband this El Yucateco hot sauce sampler last year and he loved it. There’s a habanero variety pack too.

10. An organic passion vine seedling. Eventually it could be the passion fruit producing trellis climber of their dreams. I want one.

11. Q-bitz. I don’t quite understand what this is other than a family game that is exceedingly well reviewed, keeps winning awards, and which one reviewer described as “The visual equivalent of crack cocaine.”

12. Matching doll and child robes, can you EVEN. I would have thrown myself into the SEA for this during my American Girl doll phase. Comes in various colors and prints for about $30 and is personally recommended by a friend.

13. And while you’re at it, cozy flannel robes for the adults. Also this sweatshirt robe!

14. Online cooking classes for kids and adults from The Pantry in Seattle. Recommended by a friend who made these biscuits with her kids.

15. Smartphone camera lens kit. Take amateur photography to the next level with the incredibly powerful camera they already have in their pocket. Comes with telephoto, macro, and wide-angle lenses to turn their smart phone into a DSLR (almost). Compact carrying case and tripod included, great reviews, $30.

16. Keep the stocking stuffing practical with these weirdly modern yet completely normal toothbrushes? My husband said they make him feel like he’s brushing his teeth with a spaceship.

17. Smith Tea. A friend sent some as a gift at the start of the pandemic and as they say, the first hit is free. For those keeping track, that’s two drug references more than I usually make in a Gift Guide and we’ve barely begun. Anyway, I have since placed several orders and given it as gifts. Poke around their site and check out the black, green, and herbal tea samplers.

18. If you go with the loose leaf, consider this tea scoop that can also be used for coffee and the best cocoa.

19. Complete the gift with this gorgeous handmade mug made in Asheville, NC by East Fork Pottery. Be sure to check out their whole collection, it’s so much more than just pottery. (Note that they have a kind of wild ordering system where they release things in batches.)

20. Kids’ batting tee. $15, 700 stars, 4.5 stars. Operation Keep! The! Kids! Busy! There’s also a classic tee-ball set for littles.

21. Every year I pepper the gift guide with ornaments. This year I will also be liberally peppering it with face masks. SewSporty is a small local (to me) company that makes one of my favorite masks. One of the loops is sewn on so it always stays around my neck and I never have to worry about losing it while out kayaking or walking. Great for everyone on your list and especially the sporty, forgetful, and busy people. If you follow me on Instagram you’ve definitely seen me in their rowing print mask!

22. Ornaments! This is a great year to get an ornament commemorating a trip you took before COVID hit, a food you’ve gotten into while spending all this time at home, or a new hobby. Perhaps a personalized puzzle ornament?

23. Uhh apparently puzzle goliath Ravensburger also makes puzzle ball ornaments? Sign me up, Santa.

24. I will also be telling you what to read! For the mystery lover on your list, one of my favorite new-to-me series is Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache murder mysteries. They’ve been around a while and she released the 15th one in the series this year so if your giftee likes them they’ll truly be the gift that keeps on giving. You can shop your local store, their local store, or bookshop.org to support small businesses.

25. Also for the readers on your list, this Support Your Local Library t-shirt. I got it for my birthday and I love it. BoredWalk has lots of literary-themed goodies and my local library has a shop that sells them, plus lots of other cute literary stuff.

26. I’m an avid reader and my husband is a leatherworker, so we recently collaborated on a book mark! I was sick of losing bookmarks and using receipts and old mail to mark my spot. This is thick enough to keep track of and slim enough that it won't break the spine of your favorite novel. The extra long hand-tied tassel means it won't get lost or slide out, and falls beautifully over the back of the book ensuring it won't be in the way either. Hand-burnished edges, hand-tied custom tassel, solid brass eyelet for durability. I hope you love it as much as I do!

27. This beautiful kitchen herb wreath for the cook in your life. From a California farm wreath (?) company. Who knew! There’s always the classic Bay Leaf Wreath from Williams-Sonoma too.

28. This multi tool is the size of a credit card and would be a great stocking stuffer. Bottle opener, can opener, screw driver, wrenches, knife edge, saw blade, keychain hole to attach to gear. $5.

29. 64 oz. of bubbles. Stuff those stockings! Keep those kids busy! Who cares that it’s snowing! $6, several colors. Maybe also check out this giant bubble maker kit.

30. Happy challah days socks. Or this 3-pack including Knish Me, I’m Jewish socks.

31. How absolutely gorgeous are these earrings? It’s impossible to choose a favorite from this artist. All original, unique, handmade designs inspired by her home of Jalisco, Mexico. She has stunning necklaces and wall hangings, too.

32. Blue light blocking glasses. Everyone is on screens all the time. Protect those peepers. A solid stocking stuffer. 25,000 reviews, 4.5 stars. Don’t forget the kids’ glasses too.

33. Glasses cleaner and cleaning cloth. I found one of these sets in my stocking last year and it’s fantastic for my regular glasses, sunglasses, and blue light blocking glasses. It’s a 2-pack so you can split them up and distribute.

34. Last year I got my husband this union suit and I have never seen him more excited about a gift. Trapdoor jammies. A onesie for adults! He wore it all winter. Have I mentioned we live in a temperate climate by the beach? Get one for everybody on your list. There’s this one for under $30 too.

35. Eco-friendly soap and cleaning products for the eco elf on your list. We’re all washing our hands lots and some friends gave my husband and I this handsoap starter kit. Just fill the reusable glass jar with water, unwrap a tablet, and drop it in. No plastic, little waste, refills only $2. And if they don’t want to keep buying tablets, well, they have a new soap dispenser.

36. Then soothe those freshly washed paws with Kiehl’s Hand Salve. I got this as a gift and I am frankly disappointed that I like it so much. An upgrade to an every day item is one of my favorite things to give. A little luxury for your giftee in isolation. Of course, you can always go for my every day favorite too.

37. Speaking of hands, an Olive and June mani kit. Multiple kit options, choose different polish shades. Several of my friends have become Olive & June obsessed the last few months. They have free online mani classes and I must admit I have been swayed by endless pics of my friends’ cute hands. Target started carrying their stuff too, including the coveted cuticle oil pen and some fun nail stickers and other tools which would make great stocking stuffers.

38. Tennis balls. They bounce. They’re brightly colored. Dogs and children love them. They’re $3 a can and will fill a stocking. There are pink ones also.

39. Minecraft UNO. $6, great gift or stocking stuffer. Classic Uno is always a great bet and there’s Uno Flip too. Stuff those stockings, keep everyone busy.

40. Sundae kit. You might not be able to have an ice cream party, but you can send ‘em one. 10 x 1-pound bags of different toppings. Just add ice cream. And maybe some gourmet hot fudge and caramel too.

41. Go all out and include Jenis’ famous ice creams. Check back often for new seasonal flavors. And if you’re going to send them to a lot of people, contact their gift concierge.

42. Don’t forget the world’s best ice cream scoop. 1400 reviews, 4.5 stars, I love mine.

43. A commemorative 2020 ornament.

44. Gorgeous, 100% recycled/post-consumer waste Decomposition notebooks.

45. Everybody vs. Injustice tee from a Black-owned Etsy shop.

46. I don’t know about you but I’ve personally never wished more for a hammock than I have the past seven months. This camping hammock is great for a backyard, campsite, cabin, canoe trip, or a woodsy place of their choosing where they can scream and scream and no one can hear them, which sounds both like a horror movie and something we all wish we could do. Lots of colors, 140 reviews, 4.5 stars, under $20.

47. And for the adventurers and nature lovers on your list, my friend Kerri Anne makes hand-drawn art for wild places and wild hearts in her Etsy shop, Little Orange Tent. I particularly like this alpine wildflower sticker bundle and the paperless gift tags/mini cards made from recycled t-shirts.

48. Depending on how your giftee is handling things/their comfort level, a gift card to their favorite local restaurant or coffee shop so they can get takeout, etc.. Support small businesses and keep everyone fed.

49. The Babysitters’ Club graphic novels. If you’re my age these are pure nostalgia, and everyone I know who has tweens says their kids rave about them. The classics, reimagined. I read one and I thought they were really well done.

50. Ummmm okay there is also a retro tin box set.

51. Knack offers custom care packages. Let them do the thinking and select from a wide variety of themed care packages like calm spa, French seaside, every day joy, healthy snacks, and so much more—or build your own on their site and ship directly to your giftee. You can also shop by ethos for cool items that are handmade, made in the USA, sustainable, etc. Such a cool site for gifts.

52. With restaurant dining being what it is, it’s a great time for picnics and outdoor dining at a distance with friends. They can keep a bottle of wine cold in a Corkcicle canteen. I have one and its great. 25 oz. size holds a full bottle of wine. They come in tons of colors and you could get them matching insulated tumblers too.

53. I also love these canned cocktails from You & Yours, a local woman-owned destination distillery in downtown San Diego. They have a classic cocktails with a twist, like a cranberry vodka soda, blood orange gin and tonic, and vodka mules. Their classic gin and tonic is one of my favorites.

54. Complete the picnic with a buffalo check waterproof picnic blanket. Or this picnic blanket for $25 that’s also waterproof with a carrying case. Great reviews.

55. Speaking of blankets, I had this blanket on the Gift Guide last year and you just really need it. I mean, if you’re not getting cozy at home what are you even doing with your life. No, really, it’s winter and a pandemic literally what are you doing? Please tell me, I want to know what options there are that I don’t know about.

56. That blanket is pricey, though. This blanket is also a very excellent blanket and also not new to the gift guide. A zillion colors, soft as h*ck, 1700 reviews, 5 stars.

57. A beautiful handmade hummingbird ornament. You can customize the colors and glazes and the shop has tons of other ornaments and beautiful pottery.

58. Ramen Hero. Your giftee will need freezer space and the ability to boil water. But as long as they have both, the ramen lover on your list can can have delicious ramen “delivery” on demand—no contact—at home whenever they want. Scroll down the product page for mouthwatering options or opt for a gift card.

59. Now more than ever: festive handsoap. This one will transport you to a frosty North Pole forest where you can continue screaming (in your head) for as many Happy Birthdays as you need. I’d normally suggest it as a hostess gift but this year, buy it for yourself, for a friend, for a stocking, or to stick in a care package.

60. Ada Twist, Scientist. Can’t say it better than the description: “Inspired by real-life makers Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, this beloved #1 bestseller champions STEM, girl power and women scientists in a rollicking celebration of curiosity, the power perseverance, and the importance of asking “Why?” I know lots of people whose kids love this book. 1,700 reviews, 5 stars. Also check out Iggy Peck, Architect and Sofia Valdez, Future Prez in the same series.

61. How gorgeous are these Galaxy Bonbons? Marshmallow Nutella, dark chocolate mint cookie, and wild strawberry caramel brie are just a few in this set of hand-painted chocolates. Phillip Ashley Rix is a Black, self-taught, luxury chocolatier doing stunning work and you should check out the rest of his store immediately.

62. Ladysmyth makes chic masks in LA. They have masks for kids too, as well as filters. I love the cherry and mini black rose prints.

63. The only thing I know about Animal Crossing is that in the pandemic a lot of people are playing Animal Crossing. Probably they want the official Animal Crossing Companion Guide and some Animal Crossing keychains for the keys and backpacks they no longer use and such. There are also shirts?

64. Your local diaper bank or Help a Mother Out. Because every baby deserves clean diapers, and 1 in 3 American families experiences diaper need. Babies without clean diapers are exposed to more potential health risks & less likely accepted to daycares, leaving parents unable to attend work.

65. Maldon is the gold standard of sea salt. You can get an half-pound box for $8 OR YOU CAN GET A 3-POUND BUCKET FOR $25. Delightful, delicious, AND a bargain! A dream for the chefs, bakers, and cooks on your list. The smoked salt is also great.

66. Trevor Project ornament. Or mug. You could also pair it with a Trevor Project donation.

67. We Welcome All doormat. Because as long as there are places where people don’t feel welcome for who they are, it never hurts to tell them they’re welcome with you. Etsy has some too.

68. For the coffee lover on your list, Bean Box offers tons of options from monthly deliveries to gift boxes. You can specify their preferences for light or dark roast, etc. I got it for my brother last year and he thought it was well done. I told him he had to give me an honest opinion for the Gift Guide under penalty of noogies, and I administer a mean noogie.

69. A beautiful journal. This makes me itch to write by hand. Does your giftee regularly sketch, journal, make lists, jot ideas down, or are they getting extra reflective or creative in isolation? The pages are blank and the possibilities are endless.

70. A cooler backpack. Well reviewed. Depending on your budget, Yeti makes one too.

71. Maybe the person who wants that cooler backpack also wants these camping lanterns that have 5 stars with 3,500 reviews. Good for emergencies, backyard camping, living room camping, or anything outdoors.

72. A classic Slinky is fun for kids of all ages. Why are they so mesmerizing? I can still hear the sound of them going down the stairs at my grandparents’ house. Grab a 3-pack, stuff those stockings, and Keep Those Kids Busy racing slinkies! (What is the plural of Slinky?) Made in America.

73. Hayleycakes and Cookies. I loooove a frosted sugar cookie. They are my Achilles heel. If you dangled one on a stick I would follow you anywhere. Some of my favorites are from Hayleycakes. If you follow me on Instagram you’ve probably seen me share their very soothing decorating videos. Their cookies are just as delicious as they are fun and beautifully made, and you’ll find something for every interest. If you’re in the Austin area, check out their delivery menu. Small business, tons of delightful holiday options and even a Cookie of the Month Club!

74. You could order a dozen cookies in a design of your choice and find a corresponding ornament. Bundle up one of each together and give to friends and family. How gorgeous are these cactus ornaments?

75. Maybe they’ve been missing their favorite Asian food but love to cook or are curious enough to learn? Get them a wok and a Thai cookbook or something to help them connect with whatever it is they’re missing in These Weird Times. Sushi making kits, the Jamba Juice recipe book, the possibilities are endless!

76. Related: reusable bubble tea straws, tapioca pearls, and Thai tea mix. I really really love nuts.com. They have EVERYTHING. From snacks and trail mix to dried nuts and fruits to candy and pantry staples like beans and grains and cool stuff like dehydrated cream to keep on hand for cooking, I cannot get enough.

77. In fact, their spice drops are the best I’ve ever had and you should trust me because I have been an 80-year-old woman since I was 12. My hobbies include drinking tea, finding the best nightgowns, reminiscing wistfully about I Love Lucy and the smell of my grandparents ash trays, and, recently, asking that spice drops be added to be stocking stuffer traditions. So delicious and perfectly nostalgic. I wish I had thought of this years ago. My back aches and I have bunions, thanks for being here. (Brach’s also has Holiday Spicettes!)

78. Dog Man books. From the creator of the ultra-popular Captain Underpants series, this is a hit with the tween set. 1,300 reviews, 5 stars. Can’t argue with that.

79. I got Airpods Pro for Christmas last year and absolutely love them. They’ve been a game changer for working from home, going for walks, and doing things around the house. No cords getting tangled and limiting range of motion. Check Costco for discounted Airpods. There’s also these Bluetooth wireless earbuds for $30—they have 104,000 reviews, 4.5 stars, and that’s not a typo.

80. You’ll want a case for them too. This silicon Airpods pro case comes in a million colors, some of which are just $4. This compostable and biodegradable case from Pela also looks good. I have one of their phone cases and like it a lot.

81. Speaking of Costco. In a time when people are stocking up, a membership to Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s, or whatever wholesale retail outlet is local to them might come in handy.

82. Do these chocolate-covered cherries make you as nostalgic as they make me? My grandmother always had a box of the Queen Anne cherries but it seems they don’t make them any more. These are a close second.

83. This is a great time for upgraded kitchen items. My husband’s a chef and I got him this Staub spatula last year. We both love it, and the olivewood is gorgeous. Lots of different sizes and colors so shop around.

84. Some classic kitchen towels. Absorbent, restaurant grade, well reviewed.

85. It’s probably time to update a cutting board or two. I recently got a new one when my cantaloupe tasted like garlic all the time and I realized the cutting board was 15 years old. There’s also this multicolor 3-pack if you need to prepare foods separately.

86. Speaking of cutting things, a bread knife for all that sourdough they’ve been making. This Henckels bread knife is about $30 and this bread knife is $13 with 3600 reviews, 4.5 stars.

87. Continuing the theme, this beginner’s sourdough cookbook has 1300 reviews, 5 stars.

88. This sourdough whisk is a game changer. My husband swears by his.

89. A bench scraper. There are a million out there under $10. This one has 5 stars.

90. You could also do a banneton proofing basket, many of which come with accessories.

91. They need a flat, smooth surface to shape their dough. My husband uses a marble slab and says it has made a big difference.

92. King Arthur Flour is truly the king of baking and their sourdough crock is a great place to stash a starter!

93. And these restaurant-grade containers to stash their dough. My personal sourdough chef was thrilled to get these and I am thrilled to no longer find containers of exploding dough in the fridge.

94. These parchment sheets work well to place and lift a loaf into a dutch oven. They fit a half sheet pan and work great for all your baking. No more fighting with a parchment roll that curls back on you.

95. Are they making toast with all that sourdough? These sustainable bamboo toaster tongs will keep their paws cool. Set of two, magnets keep them stuck to the side of the toaster, good stocking stuffer.

96. Commemorate their 2020 endeavors with a bread ornament!

97. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it economic distress and isolation as well as an increase in domestic violence globally (source, source). To combat this, you can give to local women’s shelters, anti-violence orgs like RAINN, the largest anti-sexual assault org in the United States.

98. Sarah’s play silks. Simple and built for imagination, a classic Montessori toy. Per their website, these beautiful fabrics might become genie pants, grass to feed your horse, a doll carrier, soup to stir in a pot, a scarf to dance with, and so much more.

99. A personalized license plate for their bike, golf cart, power wheels, or whatever else you want to stick a by-no-means-legal license plate on. Pick your name, pick your state. If, like me, you never saw your name on stuff as a kid NOW IS YOUR CHANCE, MY FRIEND.

100. These adorable rainbow pencils with cute quotes like" “It’s good to be kind”. These rainbow pencils are also lovely and either would make a sweet stocking stuffer.

101. And for a literally sweet stocking stuffer, Tony’s Chocolonely chocolate bars are fair-trade with the mission of making the chocolate industry slavery-free. I’m sorry to say that enslaved people are still a reason that chocolate ends up in most of our homes. Tony’s mission is to disrupt that model and make chocolate 100% slavery-free. Worth every penny.

102. Wait, more cute office and remote school supplies to brighten your Groundhog Day: how about a whole pile of erasers that look like adorable food? I absolutely would have tried to eat these as a kid and also maybe now.

103. My friend Waddie is a third-generation silversmith making stunning jewelry in New Mexico. My husband and I are lucky enough to have a few of his pieces and the quality, beauty, and crafstmanship are second-to-none. Modern design, decades of tradition. Check out his Instagram for even more of his work.

104. A family adventure journal to keep everyone busy and connected to nature with 50 fun fill-in-the-blank tasks like cloud spotting and map drawing.

105. Throw in these paint pens so they can make art out of rocks and bits they find along the way and add them to their own little garden.

106. They might not be able to travel but you can send them to the National Parks with these iconic Pendleton socks. Sales support the National Park Foundation.

107. Or a National Parks t-shirt.

108. Check out the National Parks store as well. Your purchase supports our Parks and they have ornaments, puzzles, toys, and more! You could also get them an America the Beautiful National Parks pass.

109. I’m a big fan of local San Diego shop Collins and Coupe. They ship, deliver locally, have the biggest selection of bitters in Southern California, have a big vintage selection and all the cocktail accompaniments you could ever need, plus they feature Black-owned companies and they’re queer-owned. Every month they feature different minority-owned businesses and pick a charity to donate to. I got my husband a lot of things there last year, including these perfect coupes.

110. Cozy slippers. Highly rated, under $25.

111. Does someone on your list have a favorite Disney story or ride? Did they miss a trip to Disney this year because of the pandemic or maybe they’ve just always dreamed of going? You can find them a t-shirt or ornament or mug or something to mark it for them. I’ve been going to Disneyland since I was a kid but until February, my husband had never been. It was one of the last things we did before COVID, and I bought myself this ornament to commemorate it because I deeply love Peter Pan and my husband enjoyed that ride as much as I always have. Fond memories.

112. “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” One of my favorite poetry anthologies from my favorite poet. A soothing balm in These Times. Great for anyone who is reflective, thoughtful, loves poetry, literature, nature, or being outdoors.

113. Obbi Good Label in Singapore focuses on well-made products—my husband knows the owners through the leatherworking world. They took their time coming out with their masks because they wanted to get it right. They have ear loops and an adjustable neck strap so you can take the mask off without losing it. Lightweight, waterproof, comfortable, filter pocket. Got to us in two days from Singapore, comes with filters.

114. This is a great year for consumable gifts you can ship. One of my favorite things is the smell of citrus in cold air—it’s how I know winter has finally come. Keep them in citrus all winter long with Al’s Family Farms Citrus Club, or just send them a crate of sunny oranges or grapefruits.

115. Of course there’s always the classic fancy pears. You know they are fancy because 1 in 9 is wrapped in gold foil and if that’s not statistics I don’t know what is. Wait does this mean 8 out 9 are poor because they can’t afford golden robes? ApPEARantly. I am sorry. Anyway, sometimes you can find them at Trader Joe’s or your local grocery store in which case I highly recommend getting them for yourself.

116. Paint a tea set at home.

117. As we’ve all been exploring new ways of sourcing food, my husband and I started using Butcher Box. It’s grass-fed, grass-finished beef, free-range, organic chicken, heritage-breed pork, and wild-caught seafood. The quality is great, the website is easy, and the prices are about the same as what we were already doing. They have gift boxes and gift cards available and if you use my referral link you’ll save $15.

118. If you’re giving the gift of meat, you may also be interested in the Meater. The first wireless smart thermometer. The app helps you cook your cut just right. I am also a little in love with the name and the copywriter who came up with it.

119. And these bear claw things, for anyone who spends a lot of time smoking meats. Now they can shred it without burning themselves. Well reviewed, made in USA, various colors.

120. A beautiful lipstick in a classic shade. I’ve heard about Mac’s Ruby Woo for years and got a sample in the mail recently. I wore it around the house in my pajamas and now I am telling you to buy it so you can wear it around your house in your pajamas too, which is how you know that marketing works.

121. An air fort. KEEP THOSE KIDS BUSY. Recommended by a friend for hours of fun. Lots of colors. Maybe include a box fan too. A friend also recommends this modular fort which does not require a fan.

122. It’s 2020, don’t act like you’re above hanging a stick of butter on your tree. Multiple retailers.

123. A fun and beautiful box of macarons from Dana’s Bakery in delightful flavors like s’mores, champagne celebration, and peanut butter & jelly. Check out her other goodies too—tons of vegan and gluten-free options and monthly subscriptions.

124. Magic kit. Melissa & Doug always makes a great product and this is very well reviewed.

125. Somewhat related, i’ve always wanted to learn how to juggle. What better time to do that? I’m asking Santa for these beginner juggling balls. They come in so many cool colors! The classic Duncan toys set is good too.

126. Speaking of toys, helping ensure other kids have a holiday is always a great gift. Check out your local angel tree, social organizations, or Toys for Tots.

127. A charging pad bundle. With everyone home all the time it seems we need a charger in every room. I like a charging pad because you can easily throw your device on it for a bit while you’re rushing around doing something else. I would never have picked it out but I was given one and love it. There are a million out there, but Anker makes great product and this bundle has both a pad and a stand so they can charge their phone while propping it up to continue their Zoom happy hour or looking at the sourdough recipe they’re using. 1500 reviews, 4.5 stars.

128. And honestly while you’re at it you might as well throw in a phone charger. Anker makes a good one of those too. Now more than ever, you can never have too many ways to charge your lifelines to the outside world. You can even get a 10-pack of the 6-foot Amazon Basics and throw one in every stocking.

129. Ceramic Christmas tree nightlight. Break it out the day after Thanksgiving and start a new tradition. There are also glow-in-the-dark icicles for the tree in your tween’s bedroom.

130. Speaking of ornaments, this spinner ornament maker comes with rave reviews from several friends. Keep those kids busy! You may want to include extra ornaments too.

131. Privacy Pop bed tent. My friend’s daughter has this in the number one spot on her list. Multiple sizes and colors.

132. A virtual flower arranging class with Alice’s Table. They send the flowers and then you log in for instruction at the appointed time. A friend has done it and recommends.

133. SEQUIN MASK. Recommended by same flower friend! There’s one with filter pocket and rose gold too. The lady has taste.

134. Shakespearean insult bandages from a small business with unique gifts.

135. Like this fowl language dish towel.

136. And pickle jelly beans! I can hear you groaning but we both know you know someone who loves pickles and would be delighted to find these in their stocking. (There are also dill pickle candy canes.)

137. The Polar Express. For your favorite kids or nostalgic middle-aged friends and family (hi).

138. Cozy kid’s henley.

139. Kiwi Crate subscription. Inspiring young innovators with art and science. Give the gift of learning! They have boxes for ages 0-104 for crafts, engineering, tinkering, geography, science, and more. Keep Those Kids Busy.

140. Two Chicks Jerky. Grass-fed, woman-owned. Delicious.

141. Pinch Me Therapy Dough. Aromatherapy infused. Like a fidget device that makes you feel like you’re at a spa. Perfect for 2020. Proceeds benefit The Wounded Warrior Project, which helps American soldiers who are too often left to deal with trauma on their own after fighting for you and me. PS— PTSD is treatable. It doesn’t have to be like this.

142. Pair it with this beautiful and inspiring book, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse from cartoonist Charlie Mackesy. A work of art that will make you feel warm, loved, and secure.

143. Indoor carnival games kit to keep those kids busy. Or they can huck the bean bags at each other while using the cones for an indoor soccer game in which someone breaks their clavicle. Also good for live action Cones of Dunshire, probably.

144. A book subscription box or a stack of books from a small shop like Politics & Prose. Many bookstores let you select by age with options for added gifts and fun stuff, so shop around and see what suits. Vroman’s is Southern California’s oldest bookshop and they recently asked for help and support. They have awesome Gift Bundles. The Ripped Bodice does custom care packages that are delightful. It’s the only romance bookstore in the U.S., and owned by two sisters who regularly publish a diversity report. Mahogany Books is Black-owned with a focus on elevating Black books and voices and they run a book club. Check out OwlCrate too. And to support small bookstores, you can always shop at bookshop.org.

145. This is…fairly specific, but I think we’ve all been finding innovative ways to get out of the house and if they’ve been wanting a kayak, I really love my Lifetime Kayak. Single boats were sold out a lot of this year (guess why) so you could make all their floaty dreams come true. You may want to get them a set of wheels depending on how they get to the water. I have this scupper hole cart and despite it not having great reviews I LOVE it. It also generates a lot of comments from strangers because you just pop your kayak on it and you’re off. So easy.

146. I’ve never said no to a Lindt truffle. Maybe leave some on your friend’s doorstep when they’re having a particularly melancholy homeschooling/pandemic/work from home day, put a big bowl on your coffee table, or divvy up between stockings and/or care packages.

147. Or maybe you or your giftee want to curl up with your bag of chocolate while reading this holiday romance from Christina Lauren. For more easy, fun, and engrossing books to give, I also put together this list of Escape Reads for a Pandemic.

148. A variety pack of the absolute best chip and bag clips. I love how the ones I use most often have magnets so they’re always within arm’s reach right on the fridge. These clips are also colorful, magnetic, well reviewed, cheap, and perfect for holding kids’ art on the fridge or even distributing through stockings because why not.

149. Labyrinth. A classic family game. 6,000 reviews, 5 stars.

150. We Drink Bubbles is a small, woman-owned company in San Diego that sells sparkling wine from around the world. A friend ordered from them and said they included a personal, hand-written note. They have lots of gift options to choose from including a bubble club subscription.

151. Everyone needs lip stuff in their stocking. Can’t go wrong with Aquaphor or good old flavored Chapstick (I always loved finding one in the toe of my stocking as a kid, even if I often tried eating it, are you sensing a theme.)

152. Burt’s Bees has gotten into the matching family pajamas game along with everyone else. Target and Old Navy have collections for kids, adults, and pets too. Order early because they always seem to sell out.

153. Buy this giant tub of mini candy canes if you want to feel like you’re back at the office around the holidays? And/or divvy up for stockings, care packages, and throw a handful in a gift bag of wine you leave on your friend’s doorstep. Mini candy canes are the glitter of holiday cheer, might as well spread them everywhere because you can’t get rid of them. Soft peppermints too.

154. Speaking of candy canes, a festive activity book. This one is for early readers, full of activities. $4, fun curled around the top of a stocking or wrapped up with a box of crayons.

155. Crayons! 24-pack for $1.50 or so (gets down to $.50 on sale), earning this the coveted Cheapest Item On The Gift Guide award this year!

156. A gift to the ACLU. Because while many moons ago I believed this organization to be a four-letter word, it turns out I didn’t really understand what they do and we should all be concerned with upholding civil rights.

157. New Yorker Cartoon Page-a-Day Calendar. Or any daily calendar they may like. Thoughts of Dog, Jeopardy (yes please), 1,000 Places to See Before You Die (YES PLEASE). Anything to mark the time and maybe smile in this Groundhog Day hellscape.

158. Gorgeous headbands and handkerchiefs from Hemlock Goods. Over 40 designs, including a Votes For Women collection that includes buttons, and they have masks. Recommended by a friend.

159. Cowgirl Creamery makes some of the best cheese I’ve ever had. They have lots of gift options including gift boxes and monthly cheese clubs. If you ever want to get me a gift I won’t say no to a wheel of Mt. Tam (“Brie’s quirky Californian cousin”) or Humboldt Fog from their sister company.

160. And if they’re at all into cheese/cheese boards, I can’t say enough good things about Braswell’s Balsamic Onion Jam. Sweet, savory, and truly incredible on a sharp cheddar. It would be delicious on goat cheese, cream cheese, baked brie, or anything your heart desires. Even spooned over a pork roast or roasted squash. Their fig preserves are also excellent—maybe add a few items to a gift basket/Just Add Cheese plate you leave on a friend’s doorstep. Look for this brand at your local grocery and gourmet stores. You can’t go wrong.

161. If they have a smoker or a grill, a smoking tube so they can easily cold smoke their own bacon, cheese, fish, and ice. (Smoked ice for cocktails! I am told this is a thing. Smoke the water and THEN freeze it, OBVIOUSLY, I definitely didn’t spend time wondering how you keep the ice frozen while smoking it.) My husband brought a home-smoked cheese assortment with us to Thanksgiving last year and it got demolished. The favorite was a smoked British cheddar, but any cheese will do. Pair it with a bag of applewood pellets for a great gift.

162. Get your favorite cocktail aficionado this fantastic clear ice ball maker for use with regular water or water after they have smoked it, which, again, is obviously the correct order of making smoked ice.

163. A tie-dye kit, because it’s 2020. Lots of choices out there, this one is well reviewed. You’ll also want to include t-shirts, sweatshirts, masks, or whatever they might want to dye. Alternately, my husband has been using this professional-grade tie-dye kit and raves about it. A little more expensive, but a small company and they sell 100% cotton things to dye.

164. The softest joggers in all the land. I haven’t liked many joggers but I have a pair of these and want them in every color. They’re from Old Navy so wait until they go on sale then stack coupons.

165. One of my favorite places to shop for fun, irreverent gifts, Voluspa candles, these wonderful Kala soaps, stocking stuffers, and care package treats is Strapping Store. They’re queer-owned in Sacramento, they do a ton of work in their community, and this summer their windows were shot out. I can all but guarantee you will find something there for someone on your list. They have great pet items. This retro classic peg game and pick up sticks are each under $5.

166. For the gardener on your list, stunning heirloom glass gem corn. Available several places, so shop around.

167. A solidarity sticker to stuff a stocking or stash in a card because black lives matter. 100% of profits from the sale of this sticker go to BLM community funding. In various sizes from this delightful BIPOC-owned Etsy shop.

168. The Night Before Christmas. Classic, traditional. That Santa is a little…intense so maybe shop around for a different cover. Support your local bookshop or check out bookshop.org.

169. A Boy Called Christmas was one of my favorite reads last year. A wonderful book for kids from one to ninety-two. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and 84, Charing Cross Road are also sweet, quick reads that would be a perfect stocking stuffer or gift.

170. Maybe pair those Santa books with this jolly Santa ornament. There are also Santa-wearing-a-mask ornaments. Get the 3-pack and you can put them in gift bags with wine and toilet paper and hand sanitizer and Doritos for your closest friends.

171. A penny board, which I heard are all the rage with the tween and teen set. So many awesome color combos that I truly agonized over which to post. Don’t forget the helmet and elbow pads.

172. Sleeping Queens card game. Recommenced by a friend, 3,300 reviews, 5 stars.

173. Cornhole. Stay entertained at home, while camping, or in the park. Comes with a carrying case. There’s a soft indoor kids’ cornhole game as well.

174. If they’re improving their backyard space because they’re spending more time there than ever, or if they like camping, the Solo Stove comes highly recommended by several friends. They come in different sizes. Great for campfires, s’mores, hot dogs, and keeping warm.

175. De Soto Sport makes some of my favorite masks. They have lots of styles and patterns, including their Skin Cooler masks that I often reach for while walking and kayaking. They have a filter pocket and you can tie them either behind your ears or around your head.

176. A cozy, Christmas tree scented candle. I have a feeling many of us will be burning many more candles than usual this cozy season. I have recently and suddenly become a Bath & Body Works candle devotee. It’s Olivia Muenter’s fault, iykyk. Wait until they go on sale. The Yankee Candle Balsam & Cedar candle is also very good.

177. I got a jar of fancy matches as part of a gift and thought it was such a nice touch.

178. They may also enjoy this USB rechargeable arc lighter, which has made the Gift Guide before but I love mine so much I wanted to remind you of it. Great for anyone who like burning candles, grilling, camping, or otherwise intentionally setting things aflame.

179. A bluetooth eye mask. A lot of people like to fall asleep to books or music or, lately, meditations. I haven't been able to figure out how to listen to my Calm app sleep meditations without waking my husband...until I saw this. It's on my list. Give it with the gift of the Calm app!

180. Hearos ear plugs. Because listen, it’s 2020 and we’ve all needed these at some point.

181. Skip-Bo. It’s truly the year for old-school card games. Fill those stockings, throw them in a care package, or buy them early to keep everyone entertained when you’re all losing your minds homeschooling in the snow. 8,000 reviews, 5 stars. My husband and I have also been enjoying Monopoly Deal. Play in under 15 minutes, lots of fun, 11,000 reviews, 5 stars. And of course there is always the unbeatable good old deck of cards to stuff a stocking.

182. Bath bombs. Recommended by a friend. 11,000 reviews, 5 stars.

183. A wildlife cam for the backyard! See who comes to visit you and eat your tomatoes.

184. A metal detector will help them uncover other kinds of unseen treasure. I bet there’s someone on your list who’s always wanted one.

185. Star of David ornament.

186. I always like an upgraded every day item for a gift or stocking stuffer. Invisibobble hair ties are my favorites. Tons of colors and options. I also heard these weird Goody ouchless bumpy forever hair ties are good. These big gold hair pins are also fun.

187. Dino floor puzzle for littles. Many to choose from by this brand. I also like this floor puzzle that’s a state map of the United States. Teach that geography early!

188. Small BIPOC-owned children’s toy shop Kido in Chicago focuses on inclusivity and sustainable products. Look at this gorgeous colorful wood puzzle. They have tons of cool stuff like this wooden robot and watermelon umbrella. Go check them out!

189. And for grown-up puzzles, this lazy Susan puzzle spinner board. WHOMST AMONGST US hasn’t done a puzzle in recent months.

190. Throw in this beautiful puzzle! There are a million puzzles out there. I like this gardener’s palette, cat zodiac!!, holiday doors that I want to do while sitting by a fire drinking hot chocolate, a very cool vampire’s castle escape room puzzle teens may like, and single-color challenger puzzles.

191. Phone Soap UV Phone Sanitizer. Happy Pandemic Holiday Shopping! This would be great for anyone on your list. Various colors.

192. Mommy & Me mask/scrunchie/bow sets from my friend Lilly’s shop.

193. Well, some of you knew this was coming. BEANS! I have gotten extremely into beans in the last few months. I am in love with Rancho Gordo’s gorgeous, delicious, high quality heirloom beans. They also have chiles, hot sauces, popcorn, and all kinds of stuff. A treasure trove of foodie stocking stuffers, gifts, and care package treats. This bean gift box would be a great treat for me. I mean your friend.

194. Paint by Sticker. A friend of mine loves these and I hope to find one under the tree this year. A very soothing distraction. Many styles and themes to choose from.

195. This very cool wooden rocking board. Montessori toys. Click through to see the zillion ways it can be used, from a balance board to a car ramp, yoga aid, and more.

196. Has their favorite yoga, spin, or exercise studio gone online? Get them a gift card and support small businesses. I also love the DownDog yoga app (currently free for healthcare workers, and has 5 stars with over 200,000 reviews), if you want to get them an iTunes/Apple/Google Play gift card with that suggestion.

197. Aggravation! A very apt 2020 gift, frankly.

198. Ish. An inspiring fable for every creative person on your list.

199. I can’t stop looking at these embroidered felt ornaments. Ummm also these glitter dinos. May we all find these tiny moments of joy this year more than ever.

200. And finally, this print from my friend Jennie’s Etsy shop, Nice Handwriting. Because you showing up matters and joy is a revolutionary act. She’ll make you a custom print with your own favorite phrase and custom colors too.

201. I always end with a request to donate somewhere. This year, I’m asking you to give. Give your money if you can, but give also of your time, your heart, your voice, your talents. Give your blood to your local Blood Bank or Red Cross, if you can. And most importantly, acknowledge your fellow human beings. Focus on empathy. See each other. Try to learn from a different perspective. Say hello and thank you to the person who delivers your packages, takes away your garbage, keeps your IT up and running, makes your coffee or your lunch or delivers your groceries. Now more than ever, it’s crucial that we see each other. A heartfelt note is always the best gift when you see someone for who they are and what they do. Kind words go so much farther than we could ever know, and we can make a difference every day just by using them.

I hope in this holiday season you can make some new traditions and find the pockets of joy. Thank you for reading.

*********

Caitlin Hannah

July 10, 2020

Book Reviews, Books, Fun, NetGalley

Book Review: Boyfriend Material

Caitlin Hannah

July 10, 2020

Book Reviews, Books, Fun, NetGalley

Publisher’s description for Boyfriend Material, by Alexis Hall:

Luc O'Donnell is tangentially—and reluctantly—famous. His rock star parents split when he was young, and the father he's never met spent the next twenty years cruising in and out of rehab. Now that his dad's making a comeback, Luc's back in the public eye, and one compromising photo is enough to ruin everything.

To clean up his image, Luc has to find a nice, normal relationship...and Oliver Blackwood is as nice and normal as they come. He's a barrister, an ethical vegetarian, and he's never inspired a moment of scandal in his life. In other words: perfect boyfriend material. Unfortunately apart from being gay, single, and really, really in need of a date for a big event, Luc and Oliver have nothing in common. So they strike a deal to be publicity-friendly (fake) boyfriends until the dust has settled. Then they can go their separate ways and pretend it never happened.

But the thing about fake-dating is that it can feel a lot like real-dating. And that's when you get used to someone. Start falling for them. Don't ever want to let them go.

******************

I liked Boyfriend Material. The characters are fun, it’s set in London, and it’s a romcom. I love a romcom with a big boisterous friend group and it had a lot of funny moments. This was a very serviceable, heartwarming distraction with all the elements for a fluffy read—what’s not to like, right?

Well, I did have some quibbles. I yearned for clear consistent writing that didn’t take me on a loop de loop through the author’s meandering thoughts. I found myself confused and annoyed at times reading paragraphs like this: ‘The constantly being in the main character’s head and the...you know...thoughts? That like he expressed in a way that was a way a thought would be expressed if I knew how to express it? Was so tiring.’ A TOUCH of that would have added to the character but doing it so often took me out of the book multiple times.

And while I liked the characters (mostly) and the story arc, the real tender raw moments didn’t have me feeling fully invested. Some of the bits, like how stupid one of the characters was, also would have been much funnier in smaller doses. When it was drawn out and repetitive it was too much. It also didn’t seem real and thus took me out of the moment. The main character was also such a jerk, repeatedly and deeply, that it made me not care much about him. His redemption arc didn’t quite get there for me.

In short, I was not invested in the way I should have been. I will happily overlook plot holes in a romcom but the plot for this one was just a little too thin and didn’t have the motivation it needed—and then suffocated under the weight of the main character.

Final Verdict: Would I pick up Boyfriend Material for a beach read? Go for it. Something tells me it would also be good on audio, where someone can act out all the main character’s thoughts so you don’t have to do the work of wading through them. I also might have been expecting this to be Red, White & Royal Blue and we all know that is just not a fair comparison!

I received a copy of Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for letting me review!

Caitlin Hannah

May 9, 2020

Book Reviews, Books, Fun, Gift Guides, Writing, Book Lists

32 Escape Reads for a Pandemic

Caitlin Hannah

May 9, 2020

Book Reviews, Books, Fun, Gift Guides, Writing, Book Lists

*brisk clap!*

WELL! Here we are. I don’t know about you, but escape reads have been both a lifesaver and about all I have the bandwidth for digesting lately. So without further ado, if you want some recommendations for fluffy escapism and engrossing stories, you’re in the right spot.

(A little bit of ado though! I use Amazon affiliate links but I know people have mixed feelings on Amazon and also want to shop small. Bookshop.org is a great resource for supporting small booksellers and I posted some of these titles in an affiliate list over there as well. If you’re sending a book to a friend, see if you can find a small bookstore near them or use bookshop.org to do that. It’s a bit more environmentally friendly too.)

And now, the books!

1. The Royal We. Listen, this is just always going to be my favorite escape read recommendation. It’s Prince William and Kate Middleton fan fiction by the ever-delightful Fug Girls, and I’m pretty sure it’s made it onto more than one Gift Guide. If you haven’t read it by now, I really don’t know what you’re waiting for. The sequel, The Heir Affair, comes out this summer and you can read my full review here.

2. Animal Dreams is an old favorite book. Reading it is always a comfort, and makes me long for the desert. A warm, real book about relationships, home, and finding ourselves. It’s in the same world and has some of the same characters as The Bean Trees, which is another favorite.

3. Evvie Drake Starts Over was one of my favorite reads last year. I was sad when it ended and didn’t want to leave its world. Smart, funny, bittersweet, and warmed my cold New England heart with its Maine setting. My full review here.

4. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. I had low expectations for this book, but fell in love with its warm, charming humanity.

5. Devotions. This anthology of poems by Mary Oliver, my favorite poet, brings me back to the beauty of small quiet moments. Sit with this book for five minutes and feel the weight lift off your shoulders.

I’ve been on a real tear lately with Christina Lauren, who is actually two authors writing under one pen name. Each book so far is just like a romcom come to life, with well developed characters, fun dialogue, and laugh-out-loud moments: absolutely perfect right now. I will say that these get quite steamy in parts so be warned.

6. Roomies was like How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days meets Hamilton meets Sex and the City. If you need a distraction, this is perfect. My favorite of all theirs so far.

7. Twice in a Blue Moon was the first one I read and I was hooked. Felt like Notting Hill. London! Actors! Fraught love!

8. My Favorite Half-Night Stand. Someone said this reminded them of New Girl, and I can definitely see that.

9. Pretty Things, by Janelle Brown. Could not put this down. Riveting suspense with a hefty dose of social commentary. My full review here.

10. I Miss You When I Blink. A collection of essays about our modern world and the author’s life. Relatable, smart, and laugh-out-loud funny.

11. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was one of my favorite reads from 2018, also known as the year I read 100 books. Engrossing, charming, smart, and warm. I’ll never look at Hollywood the same way again. I was slightly embarrassed to sob while finishing it on a plane but YOU certainly needn’t worry about having that same experience any time soon!

12. By the same author, Daisy Jones & the Six is brilliant. Told entirely in dialogue, you’ll think this story of a turbulent 70s band is real. (I knew it was fiction but I googled several times anyway just to be sure.)

5/2/21: her new one, Malibu Rising, comes out in June and was also engrossing! I didn’t love it as much as her others but I think if you like either of these you’ll like it too.

13. The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is fun, saucy, and a little bit ridiculous. Delightful.

14. I’ll Give You the Sun. Technically YA, this is beautiful and compulsively readable. I read it a couple years ago and still think about it. Jandy Nelson is an incredible writer, her books full of well-drawn characters, big love, and tiny beautiful moments.

15. Also by her, I really enjoyed The Sky is Everywhere.

16. Burnout: the Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle. This isn’t so much escapism as it is a reminder of how much power we have to cope with tough situations. I still physically jump up, down, and around to literally shake off a stressful event because of the science in this book. Compelling, validating, entertaining.

17. The Positive Shift. In the same vein, The Positive Shift will give you hope. Small things can make a huge difference to our well-being. The takeaways from both of them: move your body, find ways to connect with the people you love, get outside and put your eyes on some nature. My full review here.

18. Updated in Fall 2020 : Please do not buy these books. I don’t know if we can separate the art from the artist, but I know I’m not giving the author any more money after her cruel and inhumane comments about trans people.

Legally I don’t think you’re allowed to have a list of escapism books without including Harry Potter. You can get them at your library or borrow from a friend.

19. The Heart’s Invisible Furies. Took me a little bit to get into this, and then I couldn’t put it down. Literary, beautiful, lovely, with one of the best opening lines I’ve ever read.

20. In Five Years was unexpected and the most engrossing thing I’ve read in a while. I don’t know that I would have picked it up myself, but a friend sent it to me and I’m so glad she did.

21. Red, White & Royal Blue was one of my favorite reads last year. I sent a couple copies to friends recently and I think my gift note summed it up nicely: “This is one of my recent favorites and *Stefon voice* this book has EVERYthing. Royals, DC nostalgia, progressive politics, SAUCY DIALOGUE. Hope you enjoy this perfectly distracting read during All This.”

22. Speaking of saucy, The Idea of You. This has no business being as good as it is. The premise is absurd, it’s (very) steamy, the cover is terrible, and it’s Harry Styles fan fic. And yet! It’s amazing—funny, smart, engaging, unexpected, and feminist. (I’m sorry, cover designer!)

23. When Life Gives You Lululemons. Is this going to win the Pulitzer? No. Is it easy and going to distract you from life for a while? Yes. From the author who brought us all The Devil Wears Prada.

24. Robert Galbraith’s Cormoran Strike novels. I always look forward to a new release in this mystery series from J.K. Rowling under her pen name.

25. The Likeness. No one writes like Tana French. Impeccable suspense, Ireland, well-drawn characters. This is my favorite of hers. In fact, I’m due for a reread.

26. Crazy Rich Asians. Enjoy this then dive into the movie.

27. One Day in December. Like a cheesy Christmas movie in your hot little hands.

28. Normal People. A coming-of-age novel that hooked me from the first page. I devoured it, and now I can’t wait to watch the miniseries on Hulu.

29. Circe was one of my top picks from 2018. Not a single wasted word in this retelling of ancient stories. From the same author and in a similar vein, I also loved Song of Achilles. Both are great on audio.

30. Sookie Stackhouse. Did you watch True Blood? It was based on these books. They are ridiculous. Recommend. There are a lot of them in the series so they should keep you busy—and they’re currently a couple bucks each on Kindle.

31. The Bookshop on the Corner. Reading this gave me the feeling of reading when I was 12. Engrossing, endearing, and a light read that completely took me away.

32. City of Girls. Fun, smart, unexpected. Will make you long for your friends and New York.

Update! It’s still a pandemic and I am still reading, so I’m adding to this. More than 32 reads for the…price of 32.

33. 28 Summers. I’ve not loved any Elin Hildebrand but people kept raving about her new one so I gave it a whirl because it’s a pandemic and I literally have nothing better to do. I’m so glad I did. I couldn’t put it down—the perfect escape read. (Literally, because I now want to escape both from this pandemic and to summer on Nantucket.) It was long and follows people over the course of 28 (obviously) years, so you can really sink into this one.

34. The Flatshare. This was so good. I expected pure fluff but this was surprisingly warm, lovely, and honest—a fun little distraction. It’s got heart and depth and people I want to be friends with. I devoured it.

35. Big Summer. I don’t really understand what happened and I also could not stop greedily reading this book. Whatever you think this book is about, you’re going to be wrong. Recommend picking it up without reading any reviews. I will be scratching my head over this one for a while. Couldn’t put it down.

36. The Happily Ever After Playlist. Delightful. I couldn’t put this down. Perfect fluffy distraction that made me laugh and cry. Fun fact: the author is the same woman who owns the bakery behind the infamous “vageode” cake (google it if you don’t know). She’s the one who wrote the many hilarious replies to commenters during that whole thing, if that gives you an idea of the writing you’re in for. There are no accidentally graphic geology cakes in this, I recommend it nonetheless.

37. Beach Read. What a lovely and surprisingly weighty little book. Not at all what I expected given the title. It is a rom-com but it’s also serious and really well done. Not the fizzy bubbly confection I expected but still a beach read I couldn’t put down! Lots of buzz for this one.

38. Writers & Lovers. This cover is terrible and the name isn’t much better but everyone said to read it and they were right. I loved this. Devoured it. So much about the story felt familiar and comfortable and not just because of the Boston setting. This is a book of my (cold New England) heart. So much so that by the end, I loved the cover and the name, too.

UPDATE #2! I have more to add!

39. The Guest List by Lucy Foley. I found this utterly engrossing. My advice: don’t overthink it, just go along for the ride and enjoy being sucked into this page-turner. She also wrote The Hunting Party, which is essentially the same book set in a different place. Not quite as good but equally engrossing.

40. One to Watch. This is one of those books where I’m like “yeah, I like it. I think it’s pretty decent.” And then realize I’m taking extra-long walks and finding more things to clean just so I can listen a little bit longer. So fun on audio (complete with media commentary and podcast excerpts that appear in the text) and chockablock with body positivity and all kinds of diversity. I devoured it and want every single outfit described.

41. Nobody Will Tell You This But Me. A love letter from a grieving granddaughter to her grandmother. But! Written as if the grandmother is telling her own story, personally, after her death, to her granddaughter. It’s love letters all around. Beautifully done, wonderful on audio, so many laugh-out-loud moments and I sobbed through the end.

2020 Holiday Gift Guide

Gift Guide 2020

Book Review: Boyfriend Material

32 Escape Reads for a Pandemic

Caitlin's currently-reading book montage

2022 Reading Challenge