Caitlin Hannah

October 31, 2019

Fun, Gift Guides, Liking Lately

2019 Holiday Gift Guide

Caitlin Hannah

October 31, 2019

Fun, Gift Guides, Liking Lately

Hello! I’ve got gift ideas for everyone on your list, and I’m so glad you’re here.

Every year I put together a holiday gift guide featuring quality, interesting items at all price points, for a variety of giftees. Whether stocking stuffers or big gifts, hostess gifts or gifts for your kids, gifts for grandparent or gifts for baby, I hope you'll find ideas for everyone on your list. And this year, I’m making a point to add more products that are eco-conscious.

Previous gift guides still have lots of good choices, so don't miss them: 2014, 2014 part 2, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018.

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. It’s just good sense!

Happy browsing, happy shopping, happy everything!

1. Starting out with a bit of beauty and craftsmanship, because I just love these Heath Ceramics bud vases so much.

2. This Pop Icons desk calendar, to give your giftee the gift of life throughout 2020.

3. A classic cribbage board. Under $10, a great family or hostess gift, perfect for the coziest time of year and the long winter that follows. Don’t forget a deck of cards. (Ooh! This retro 2-pack of Bicycle playing cards comes with a storage tin that’s kind of cool.)

4. Include some fancy sweet, spicy, crispy snack mix and call it game night in a bag.

5. Bone conduction headphones. They don’t go in your ears, they rest over the top and conduct sound through, you guessed it, your bones. You can still hear what’s going on around you. Safer for walking, jogging, and biking in traffic and busy areas, and good for hearing whats going on at home if your giftee listens while doing things around the house. Some of the comments have said that for people with hearing loss or ear drum problems it’s a better solution than earbuds.

6. These little vehicles from the makers of the Erector Set. Perfect stocking stuffer for the tinkerer in your life. That link may not let you choose the style. Buy the set of 6 if you have a lot of tinkerers on your list. Poke around online and in store to see if you can find them at other retailers, too. Dollar Tree may have them.

7. One of the best books I read this year, Evvie Drake Starts Over. Smart, funny, charming, relatable, so well written. I wanted to live in this world and was sad when it ended. Also, did you know you can give someone an audiobook via Audible? Evvie was great on audio. You can also do a gift card. Good for walkers, commuters, runners, people who like podcasts, or listening to stories while they do stuff around the house.

8. The very best linen tea towels. I was given some about ten years ago, and they are still going strong. They wash well and look great always. Beautiful, classic, and a great splurge.

9. This ultralight keychain comes with two titanium toothpicks but can also hold pills. Sleek and functional, this is a perfect stocking stuffer.

10. Endless hours of creative fun with these colorful rainbow blocks. Build, stack, lay out, use like props—the possibilities are endless.

11. I love giving an upgraded version of an every day item, especially for things most people won’t indulge in for themselves. It’s the driest time of year so when better to splurge on a luscious hand and nail cream. This one is very well reviewed, and in my experience Clarins makes a nice product.

12. A hand-crank, self-powered flashlight, radio, and phone charger all in one. Solar charge, hand crank, or use electricity. 4.5 stars, 1200 reviews, under $25. A great gift for someone who has everything, who lives in an area prone to natural disasters, or really anyone—safety first.

13. Bamboo toothbrushes are compostable and would be a great stocking stuffer for the eco elf on your list. I started using these and like them a lot. And I am extremely picky about dental care.

14. I’m really quite delighted that the ceramic Christmas trees of my youth are making a comeback. This ceramic Christmas tree Christmas tree ornament would be a sweet and nostalgic stocking stuffer. And oh gosh, these little silver ones would be perfect for someone too!

15. Cheese paper and cheese bags. This was on the Gift Guide last year and was a popular choice for stockings and host gifts. I got some for my husband (the chef) and he liked it so much that it’s a staple now. Better than plastic wrap! Pair with your favorite cheese for a memorable hostess gift. Stay fresh, cheese bags.

16. In the same vein, reusable Bee’s Wrap is a great stocking stuffer, too.

17. Coyuchi makes lush, sustainable sheets and bedding. I got some years ago on HauteLook or one of those sites at a super discount, and my only regret is that I didn’t buy more. They are soft as h*ck, beautiful, and have held up perfectly. They’re organic, made from Fair Trade materials, and otherwise consciously produced in lots of ways. My sheets are very basic unlike the ones I’m about to link to, the price for which is insane. But if you’re feeling flush, treat someone on your list to their organic linen chambray sheets. (Someone like, specifically, me.)

18. Is there a wee elf in your life? If you don’t buy them this, I’m telling your mom. Go look at the photos of babies in the reviews, it is DELIGHTFUL. There’s a Santa one too.

19. I find Pela cases very soothing to look at. Especially the one with bees. Made from compostable materials, but durable like plastic. 5% of sales go to an environmental charity.

20. I am just really super in love with Tate’s Cookies. On principle, I don’t even like crispy chocolate chip cookies. A chocolate chip cookie is at its best with a crisp edge and a chewy middle. AND YET. These cookies. Once you pop you can’t stop. A great gift for a host, a friend who is struggling to get through the season, your far-flung family, or the person on your list that has everything. Gluten-free options available. Amazon has a selection, and the Tate’s Bakeshop website has a ton of flavors (more than just chocolate chip) and gift packages.

21. How about a gorgeous and whimsical notepad from Alexa Pulitzer? Something for every taste. I’m partial to the queen bee and the cat in a ruff.

22. You need these sunglasses and so does everyone on your list. They look great on everyone (seriously) and I get compliments literally every time I wear them. One time my husband and I were in a drive-thru, and the person who took my order said “I love your glasses!” and I said to my husband, “I get compliments literally every time I wear these.” Then I pulled up to the window to pay and the person said, “I love your glasses!” Case dismissed, they’re $10, buy them in every color.

23. Monopoly that fits in a stocking and won’t take 172 hours to play. Takes just 15 minutes, has 3000+ reviews and 5 stars. Sold.

24. Spice things up with an orthopedic knee pillow! Giving the gift of pain-free sleep is extremely sexy. 6,000+ reviews, 4.5 stars. I can’t live without mine. Know someone who has back or hip tightness, or just likes taking care of their body? This could be the greatest gift you ever give them.

25. I love these simple, unusual wood stacking blocks. These ocean tones are gorgeous too.

26. My husband and I were recently sent some Malley’s Chocolates, and they were so delicious. They have some classic and some unusual chocolate treats. Might be just the thing for the hard-to-shop-for person on your list. These marshmallow-caramel-nut combos are right up my alley. Sometimes they have chocolate covered Fritos! There are also classic peanut butter Buckeyes as well as a dark chocolate version, and intriguing peanut butter and jelly truffles. Check out their holiday collection for stocking stuffers too.

27. My husband has had a lot of lounge/pajama pants over the years. He says these pants are some of the best he’s ever had. Light, soft, and #ThanksTheyHavePockets. Make it a full matching set with the top, too.

28. There’s something so simple and sweet about these knit plush ornaments in classic shapes. They remind me of an advent calendar my grandmother made my brother and I when we were little.

29. And this dreidel ornament is beautiful.

30. I’m very into this card case from Dagne Dover. It’s coated canvas, which is nice if you or your giftee are into a leather alternative. Good for minimalists. Classic lines, several card slots, small d-ring on the back, variety of colors, good for all genders. $35, sometimes on sale for $20! Might have to treat myself.

31. Know a college kid? An aging hippie? Someone on your list wants these reclaimed record coasters.

32. Go for sheer nostalgia with this chestnut roasting pan. If you’ve ever wandered down a street perfumed with the smell of chestnuts roasting over open coals, you know it’s more about the experience than anything else. Throw in some fresh chestnuts and get ready to make some memories around the fire pit or fireplace.

33. Okay, this is maybe a little weird and it’s not very eco-friendly but I feel like this is the right gift for someone. 100 individual-serving packets of Bonne Maman strawberry preserves that they can shove in a purse or backpack. Maybe a traveler, medical professional, student, loved one with allergies? They’re kosher! I just feel like someone needs this and also wow you really can get anything on Amazon.

34. How about a DIY vegan/dairy-free cheese kit?

35. A friend of mine recommended this apron. It crosses in the back in the Japanese style. Slips on easily, nothing to tie, has pockets. Sleek look, soft linen. A couple of colors if you poke around the site.

36. While we’re in the kitchen, another friend of mine wrote a book! Hack Your Cupboard: Make Great Food With What You’ve Got is perfect for someone new to the kitchen. Students, recent grads, that one person who’s never quite gotten the hang of cooking but always wanted to. I haven’t read this yet, but my pal Carla is talented and has great taste in food and I’m excited to have this on the Gift Guide this year.

37. Round out the gift for the kitchen newbie with my favorite potholders, because they probably need some. I’m personally partial to the square pot holder, but the combo glove and square is a nice starter pack—especially while they get to know what they like. This new Williams-Sonoma Ultimate Pot Holder is silicone backed and looks pretty great, too.

38. A pocket disco ball! $6 and buckets of fun. USB connectable, a perfect stocking stuffer for kids, kids at heart, and anyone who loves a dance party. There’s a clear one too.

39. Bring the fun to the family party or win the white elephant gift exchange with Reindeer Games.

40. My husband loves this Kiehl's Facial Fuel lip balm and I love to steal it from him. They called it Facial Fuel and make the packaging all dark so that you’ll know it’s MANLY skin care.

41. We both love this Kiehls' super scrubby soap, and this is a great deal. Still a pricey treat but you get 3 for almost the price of 2.

42. Speaking of lip balm, this Dr. Bronner’s multi-pack of lip balms looks good. They make a good product and there are some interesting flavors. Split it up between stockings or give them all to your favorite smooching partner.

43. I didn’t even know they made these. Scan your photo negatives and slides to digital with Kodak Scanza. This is a perfect gift for the person on your list with an attic full of negatives and retirement time on their hands!

44. Hostess Gift Idea! A friend of mine went through a period of having a lot of events and gatherings at her home, and many people graciously brought her the gift of a bottle of wine. She loves wine. She still ended up with more wine than she could possibly drink. Last year at her holiday party, I threw a bottle of this Hollyberry handsoap into a wine bag and put it on the gift table next to approx. 127 other wine bags, which I am sure contained actual wine. She loved the smell and didn’t have to find a spot for yet another bottle of thoughtful and kindly given wine.

Alternate suggestion: just go buy this for yourself. I bought it for her because I became obsessed with it last year. IT SMELLS SO GOOD.

45. Mulling spices could also make a good hostess gift. Pair with your favorite local cider, or suggest it as a way to use up that wine. These mulling spice sachets are cool because you can use them like tea bags. If you are going to a lot of parties this year, you could buy bulk or make your own, and package in mason jars.

46. My favorite pajamas. It’s not the first Gift Guide they’ve appeared on, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. Soft, classic, cozy, chic. I feel like Meghan Markle would approve. I love the nightshirts, too.

47. A home projector for extra special movie nights. 6,700 reviews, 4.5 stars, under $100. Use with DVD player, smart TV, you name it. They’ll need a white sheet, a wall, or a screen.

48. Throw in a gift card for a digital movie from Amazon, or a DVD of one of my favorites. You could really commit to the bit and throw in some egg nog and classic moose mugs. Where’s the Tylenol?!

49. For the new-age hippie on your list (hi!) who likes to start their week by burning sage and telling themselves it’s doing something to the energy in their home, a bundle of sage.

50. No one needs flaming leaves flying onto the carpet. Buy them this gorgeous ash tray to hold underneath their burning bush and then to stub it out. Apparently people still smoke? Tell them it’s a ceramic vessel with healing energy to start and end the journey of their cleansing ritual. I mean, I would buy that. In fact, I might.

51. Play The Woman Card. The perfect stocking stuffer or hostess gift for someone who wants or needs powerful women in their life.

52. I HAVE EXCELLENT NEWS. You can now buy Maille mustard in the U.S., beyond just the regular and honey mustard flavors you can find in the grocery store. If you’ve never had fancy mustard on a steak, you’re missing out. Use for salad dressings, sauces, and to dip your meat and potatoes. My husband and I went to Paris on our honeymoon and one of our favorite souvenirs was a bagful of Maille’s intriguing little mustards. How about a jar of blue cheese and white wine mustard, or my personal favorite, roasted onion, white wine, and wild thyme mustard. YOU CAN EVEN GET MUSTARD IN A CROCK. Once you’ve used all your delicious mustard, you’re left with a flower vase/jar. Looks gorgeous with peonies.

53. This lovely, beautiful book.

54. These classic Santa mugs are on here because I want them.

55. Don’t forget some nice hot chocolate. This Cadbury drinking chocolate is very tasty, and not super common in the US. It also has a Royal Appointment, which I assume is very important to you. If you want to splurge a little, the Williams-Sonoma hot chocolate and marshmallows set is a classic.

56. A pocket knife is a good choice for someone on your list. I used to tease my husband about always carrying one, until I realized how handy it is. From cutting open boxes on Christmas morning to cutting sushi in a restaurant for me when I was still recovering from jaw surgery, that thing has saved my bacon. Just don’t forget to take it out of your pocket before airport security! Classic, affordable, made in USA.

57. How fun is this? I love NY Times crossword puzzles, and these mini holiday crosswords would be great to cozy up with while drinking hot chocolate from a new Santa mug. Throw this in a stocking, or slap a bow on it for a hostess or white elephant gift. I do the mini puzzles on the app, and they take about a minute. Fun and easy.

58. I’m a big fan of the Patagonia Better Sweater. Mine has held up well for a good 7-8 years now. A sweater, a sweatshirt, a light jacket: this is whatever you need it to be. Various colors, in men’s and women’s cuts. There are also vests, 1/4-zips, and hoodies.

59. I’m calling it. Every year, the Gift Guide has a weird item you didn’t know you couldn’t live without. This year, these little thumb scraper tools are it. Scrape labels off, use a little leverage, clean up candle wax, or scrape anything out of a crevice. My aunt and cousin recommended them, and my cousin even uses them to click the button on her daughter’s car seat when her nails are too long. GENIUS. The perfect stocking stuffer.

60. Cornhole! This backyard kit has everything to get started. And for the campers, travelers, tailgaters, and beachgoers on your list, this travel cornhole set is under $40.

61. I regret to inform you that Whistle Pops/Melody Pops are back and the kids in your life will be delighted to find them in their stockings.

62. The One Where Someone On Your List Definitely Wants This.

63. These On-The-Go gamepads for keeping busy on rainy days, long car rides, or while waiting for the Christmas ham to be done. Lots of simple games like hangman, tic-tac-toe, dots & boxes, and cateogories all in one place; there are mini versions too.

64. Consider the oyster. Is there an oyster lover on your list? They can have oysters at home! Start with a shucking kit.

65. And throw in a how-to book. This one offers an intro to oysters by region in North America, teaches you how to shuck them, and pair them with wine and beer. For an oyster lover, adventurous eater, or someone who likes an intriguing new project.

66. Feel free to laugh at me, but spraying this little can of French spring water on my face is one of the most absurdly refreshing things ever. It’s great as a midday pick-me-up, when traveling, or when you’re getting lots of sun. A perfectly indulgent little stocking stuffer. (My husband, catching me in the act one day: “So THAT’S why your face is all wet.”) Stay hydrated, my friends.

67. While you’re spraying stuff on your face, I highly recommend a Tassi to keep your hair out of the way. It’s not tight like a no slip headband, but it’s soft and won’t crease your hair. It’s like a scrunchie for your face. They even have a leopard print one. Someone on your list needs this in their stocking, or maybe in a gift bag with some face masks. I also really like these collagen eye pads.

68. And winning this year’s coveted Cheapest Item On The Gift Guide Prize is my favorite hair clip. As of publishing, it’s $1.47. I use it for adding volume to my curly hair while it dries, or for quickly putting my hair up without leaving a dent in it. It’s the perfect size and I can no longer find them anywhere but Ulta.

69. Speaking of bathroom-adjacent relaxation (?), a kids’ unicorn robe! Several other options at that link, some more colorful, bedazzled, and horrifying than others.

70. I like this more subdued stripey one too. Lots of plaids, patterns, and buffalo checks at the link.

71. Run Fast. Eat Slow. I haven’t run in years but I love this cookbook. It’s full of healthy, delicious recipes and sensible information about food, nutrition, and how to fuel up. I adore the superhero muffins and have made them many times. Perfect for anyone on your list who likes to work out, cook, or eat healthy.

72. Wrap it up with a big bow and this OXO wooden corner spoon and scraper on top. Also an excellent stocking stuffer, because you can never have too many wooden spoons, especially ones that can get into the corners. $6, 1800 reviews, 4.5 stars.

73. Numi makes some of my very favorite teas. They’re sustainable, organic, and Fair Trade Certified. They use quality ingredients (no “natural flavors” that you see in other teas) and are just so delicious. I drink buckets of their Moroccan Mint, especially in the colder months. This tea sampler would make a nice gift for a yogi, host, friend, aunt, neighbor, or any tea lover. This flowering tea set is interesting too.

74. How about one of my favorite pine-scented candles? This is also my husband’s favorite. Slap a bow on it for an unusual hostess gift, or maybe just buy one for yourself. Light it, kick back, and take 5 minutes to close your eyes and breathe in the season.

75. Sassy flamingo ornament!

76. Has someone on your list wanted to make more eco-conscious choices? Get them some tools for zero waste lunches. Start with a stainless steel stackable bento box set.

77. And how chic is this little portable utensil set? Stash it in their stocking and then they can stash it in a bag or purse to cut back on disposable utensils, chopsticks, and straws. Other colors and cases, too.

78. Throw in my favorite reusable glass cup. It has a satisfying weight and there’s something just right about the straw. Like a McDonald’s straw! It’s the perfect size. I’ve given this as a gift a few times and it always gets used. Also good on its own or throw in a gift card for your favorite coffee shop or smoothie place for a coworker, cousin, friend, or someone who just needs a pick-me-up in this bonkers season. Comes in several colors including mint and coral. Under $10!

79. Complete the kit with my favorite cloth napkins. They make every meal feel like a little picnic, and every coworker look at your desk salad and say, “Oh, look at your little picnic!” They also go great with Friday night pizza, or Sunday lasagna with family. Check out all the colors. I’ve been thinking about buying the black and white ones.

80. Need an intro to living more green? Give a Sh*t: Do Good. Live Better. Save the Planet. is here to help. It “guides you through the transition to a kinder, healthier, more conscious, and sustainable life like no book has done before. With a humorous and nonjudgmental tone, savvy eco-friendly lifestyle expert Ashlee Piper walks you through easy-but-impactful shifts anyone can make to live and be better every damn day”. Ashlee is an awesome human being and she really knows her sh*t.

81. Last year I recommended this affordable blanket. This year I recommend this unaffordable blanket, which is one of the best gifts I’ve ever been given. It is something special. It is a splurge. It is insanely soft. I don’t even know how to describe how soft it is. It’s heavy. It’s luxury in a blanket. When I got this, I thought it was a stupid insane gift for about 32 seconds until I realized I want to live in it. It makes a great group gift, a splurge for someone on your list who has everything, gets cold, or enjoys the cozy and finer things in life.

82. They also make baby blankets. Perfect for the newest little sweetie in your life. Pricier than a onesie but lasts much longer.

83. Root, root, root for the home team with these baseball park map glasses.

84. Beautiful geode state ornaments.

85. For dog lovers, the We Rate Dogs page-a-day calendar or the Thoughts of Dog page-a-day calendar. Both are fun and funny and tug at your heartstrings in different ways.

86. And for any pet owner, this keepsake ornament kit is paws-itively perfect.

87. Oh gosh. Do you go to a cookie decorating party or cookie swap every year? Wouldn’t this gingerbread house doormat be the perfect hostess gift?

88. So charmed by this beautifully beaded Eye Heart You ornament. Click through to see the detail.

89. Boggle! I’m really into a classic, simple, fun game under $10 this year. Good for kids, adults, friends, neighbors, coworkers, stocking stuffers, and people you might not know super well but have to shop for anyway. In that vein, Scrabble Slam is a card game twist on the classic, and Sushi Go! comes highly recommended. 1,700 reviews, five stars!

90. Speaking of games, I am tickled by this gamer Claus ornament.

91. Speaking of gamers, this Dungeon and Dragons starter kit is the perfect gift for someone who hasn’t played since high school, someone you just think might like it, or someone who enjoys a game night.

92. Has someone on your list been wanting a smoker? A Kamado Joe is a really good choice for a smoker, grill, and more all in one. Smoke meats and cheeses, roast coffee, do rotisserie chicken, make pizza, grill burgers—just about anything you can think of. It has a small footprint and is perfect for someone who likes projects and tinkering in the kitchen. This is a big ticket item no matter how you cut it, but there are different sizes and different packages with various accessories at different price points. A memorable and useful gift.

93. A personalized Goodnight Little Me book. What’s better than seeing your own name in print, in your very own book? Throw in these sweet polar bears reading ornament.

94. Soft knit pom hat and matching cozy mittens.

95. Classic buckskin leather chopper mitts. Removable inner wool blend mitten, for warm and dry wood chopping, hiking, ice fishing, cold weather camping, sledding, hikes in the snow. Or just feeling like a small Paul Bunyan. Two colors, very well reviewed.

96. How beautiful is this simple, gorgeous piece? I’ve long admired these German candle tower…things. My aunt had one growing up and I looked forward to seeing it at her Christmas party every year. I was in a Christmas shop recently and saw some of this brand. They’re beautiful and I can’t get enough of the curly-cues.

97. For the runner, cyclist, hiker, walker, or other person who spends time outdoors and starts chilly but gets heated, some athletic arm warmers.

98. For those same sportsy folks, stuff their stockings with hydration tablets. My husband the cyclist likes the Gu orange and watermelon tabs best.

99. Did you see that Le Creuset and Star Wars did a collab? There are some truly brilliant pieces, like a Han Solo in carbonite roaster (!), droid mini cocottes, and storm trooper spatula, which would make an awesome stocking stuffer. There are Chewy and Darth ones too. I think this Millennium Falcon trivet would be a fun and subtle touch in the kitchen for the Star Wars fan on your list.

If Star Wars isn’t their jam, Williams-Sonoma has a lot of branded stuff, including Harry Potter spatulas, Mickey Mouse trivets, and more, so go poke around.

100. Tabasco Reserve hot sauce, for the spicy saucy one on your list.

101. If you thought you were getting out of here without at least one royal-adjacent item, you came to the wrong gift guide. Our Rainbow Queen is a tribute to Her Majesty’s sartorial splendor and the power of fashion. Perfect for any royal enthusiast or rainbow queen.

102. Swim goggles! A fun and/or useful stocking stuffer for all the big and little fish on your list. Pool, beach, bathtub? The world is their oyster.

103. I really like Birkenstocks made with this foamy new material. They’re light and comfy, stylish and cool, you can wear them in water, they come in a million colors, and are a lot cheaper than leather Birks (which I also still love!) Good for all genders, all ages. Shop around for the best deal.

104. Speaking of many things in many colors, how about 20 velvet scrunchies for $6? 1,300 reviews, 4.5 stars. perfect if you’re shopping for a VSCO girl or Jason Momoa. This tie one is also very hip.

105. This mini portable wireless Bluetooth speaker has good sound for the size and fits in a cup holder! AND it’s made with sustainable materials. Perfect for camping, tailgating, the beach, car shows, sitting on the patio, sticking in a bike basket, in a canoe, or for a teen or college kid.

106. The brass carpenter’s pen from Best Made. Classic styling for the modern day with more than meets the eye. The all-in-one tool includes ballpoint pen, touchscreen stylus, two screwdriver heads, a level, a ruler, and three different scale functions. This is a great gift for anyone who has a workshop, works with their hands, enjoys efficiency and practicality combined with style, or is otherwise a modern-day Ron Swanson.

107. On the other end of the office supplies spectrum, my friend Kate strongly recommends this mini office supplies kit. Her kids recently got some and have been playing with them nonstop. I don’t know about you, but I would have died over this as a kid. At $6, it’s a perfect stocking stuffer. For some of the adults too, because they are MINI OFFICE SUPPLIES. Two colors.

108. And while we’re here, scissors. Do you have that thing in your house where there are never enough scissors, and no one puts them back in the right place, and you can never find them? Good scissors are $5 or less. First, buy yourself an extra pair to get through the holiday wrapping season. Next, buy a pair for everyone in your house and put them in their stocking. Maybe write their names on them and handcuff them to their wrist.

109. The only subscription box I’ve ever felt was worth it is FabFitFun. It’s quarterly, customizable, and has full-sized products I actually use. It’s given me a chance to discover new makeup, hair care, and skincare, try fun stuff I never need to buy for real, and add some scarves, workout gear, and fun accessories to my closet. I like that I get to choose a few of the items each time and get surprised by others. It works out to about $16 a month, and I never regret spending that money. On a few occasions, products I was about to buy were in the box I received, so I saved money. It is the perfect combo of useful and fun, and it would make a truly awesome gift.

110. One of the recent things I got and loved from FabFitFun is this lotion. Soft, moisturizing, not at ALL greasy. Absorbs super fast and dry to the touch. Never had a lotion like it. Smells fresh and kind of cucumbery.

111. Do you know what every single person on your list, without exception, needs? Sunscreen. Even if it is Very Winter where you live, you need it for your face. I don’t know why I never thought about it in a stocking before! I really like Sun Bum products (there are so many) and I love the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen. It’s soft and like a primer you can use under makeup. It’s mattifying so if you wear it alone it won’t look super greasy like so many sunscreens can.

112. I’m a big fan of an experience gift. A local membership to a museum, theater, zoo, aquarium, or amusement park can be such a great choice. Families with kids, the person who has it all, or someone hard to shop for? Consider a place they can make their second home. It’s so nice to live near a zoo or park you can pop in and out of. I also love the National Parks America the Beautiful pass for someone living near a national park or who has a trip planned to one. Massages, manicures/pedicures, restaurant gift cards, spa services, and movie tickets are some of my go-to’s as well.

113. Okay, did you know that Nalgene makes more than just water bottles? Because I did not. They make travel containers! Brilliant. I’d love some of these bottles and jars in my stocking on Christmas morning. They even make wide-mouth versions. Great for the frequent travelers, campers, hikers, beachgoers, car trippers, or anyone else on your list who ever has to bring anything anywhere ever. They even make dropper bottles. P.S. While you’re there, check out these silicone travel jar labels. They seem like they’d be so much better than regular labels.

114. While you’re shopping for the frequent flyer on your list, Wrap-a-Nap is an eye mask, neck pillow, and ear muff all in one. I might throw my favorite ear plugs in their stocking anyway, because you can never have too many, especially when you find yourself in a hotel room without adequate sound proofing in the middle of New York City, ask me how I know.

115. Get cozy in style. This soft and chic pashmina is two-toned, comes in a bunch of colors, has great reviews, and is under $20. Great for anyone who needs a layer on a plane! Also for a cousin, sibling, colleague, neighbor, or friend.

116. What We Keep: 150 People Share the One Object that Brings Them Joy, Magic, and Meaning. I am so intrigued by this book, and I think it could be just right for someone on your list.

117. Speaking of books! The readers on your list might need this book light. USB rechargeable, lightweight. 3,700 reviews, 4.5 stars. I have it on good authority that Santa is bringing it to Mrs. Claus this year, because he is sick of Mrs. Claus’ bedside light keeping him up. I bet kids would love it too.

118. For those young readers, Ken Jennings’ Junior Genius series looks cool. You may recall he’s that guy who had the longest and winningest streak on Jeopardy until it was recently broken. These interactive trivia books for 8-10 year olds come in a variety of subjects, including geography, outer space, the human body, dinosaurs, and U.S. Presidents. $6 each.

119. I feel like a teenager on your list wants a giant Reese’s. Target usually has Slice n’ Share Snickers this time of year too. Make sure there are no food allergies (especially peanuts!) but could also be fun for a family gathering, because I feel like gathering around the novelty of these is what it’s all about, but no one actually eats a one-pound candy bar.

120. Bellroy makes a backpack from recycled water bottles. Chic and sleek, classic lines, bunch of colors, various styles and products, and man, this is just super cool to me.

121. Therapy dough! For the person on your list who’s zen or needs to be, this is soft, squishy, and soothing. Made with essential oils, meant to be played with. Stress relief and aromatherapy.

122. Speaking of office supplies, my husband got me this Vietnamese pour over coffee kit for my birthday. It has a little packet of sweetened condensed milk and everything. Perfect for 3 p.m. in the office. Cheaper than the local coffee shop, way better than whatever sludge you’ve been drinking. I shared it with a coworker and she liked it so much she signed up for their subscription program. This is a great stocking stuffer for anyone who needs an afternoon pick-me-up.

123. And for the avocado lovers on your list, this tool to pit, scoop, and slice their beloved for toast, guac, sandwiches, or shoveling directly into their pie hole. Oxo makes great products. 3,600+ reviews, 4.5 stars, under $10, will keep you from ever affording a mortgage.

124. Got a little soccer/football lover on your list? There are a lot of soccer/football kits like this that I would have SWOONED over as a kid. I mean I didn’t play soccer but I was way into an occasion-appropriate outfit. Poke around and find their favorite player or a plain one. Maybe throw in a portable training set with goals or a backpack designed to hold a ball and cleats.

125. A vacuum sealer. Keeps food fresher longer so you can buy all the cheese at Costco and take your time eating it. Reduces food waste, saves space, and saves money over the long run. Marinate meats and store them in the freezer or fridge airtight. Great for the sous vide enthusiast on your list. They can seal the food in the bags and toss them in the water bath knowing nothing will get in or out. This one has 1,400 reviews, 4.5 stars. Don’t forget the bags. You can get them pre cut or on a roll so they can cut them to the size they need.

126. A friend recommended these crystal prism suncatchers recently, and it reminded me that my grandmother had some just like them that I adored as a kid. 500+ reviews, 5 stars, 2 for about $8. A great stocking stuffer. Their cat will love them.

127. Sort of in the same vein, these little stained glass coloring books let you color translucent sheets you can hang in the window. I discovered these when my friends’ 4-year-old was coloring in one and my husband and I were more mesmerized than she was. At just $2, they’d make a great stocking stuffer. Choose from birds, butterflies, flowers, mandalas, unicorns, cats, Christmas, and just about anything else you can think of. Include this awesome box of colored pencils that has 1,700 reviews and 4.5 stars.

128. Which reminds me! Know someone who has been wanting to get into hand lettering or is just crafty and would probably enjoy it? This Hand Lettering 101 book is really well reviewed. I did a lot of research in trying to find this, because I want to learn hand lettering!

129. And these calligraphy pens to go with it. 1,700+ reviews, 4.5 stars.

130. This is pretty specific, but does someone on your list have a shop, studio, garage, bar, or anywhere where they use a lot of paper towels? Did you know you can just…buy an industrial paper towel dispenser for about $20? It comes with two rolls.

131. How cool are these metal mountain ornaments?

132. I'll close with my annual commentary. When thinking of gifts, I love the old adage 'something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read'. I think 'need' is the only category I haven't truly covered here. Of course you can do your own research, but causes close to my heart include whatever local charity gives to kids who otherwise might not have a Christmas morning (like your local angel/giving tree), Toys for Tots, Feeding America, helping wildlife and protecting wild spaces, your local food bank, and your local blood & plasma bank. Maybe schedule an appointment to donate blood or plasma in January, if you want to give to someone not on your list. If you want to give in someone's name as a gift, you could certainly do that too.

***

Thanks for joining me and humoring me. I love putting this together, and I hope you've found some inspiration and had fun too. Wishing you and yours a truly happy, healthy, fun, delicious, and festive holiday season!

Caitlin Hannah

October 13, 2019

How I Take Care of My Naturally Curly Hair

Caitlin Hannah

October 13, 2019

If you’re trying to figure out how to care for your curly hair, or you just want more soft, dimensional curls, you’ve come to the right place! I have naturally curly hair and I get asked with some regularity what products I use and what I do to it. Over the years, this has resulted in me having an email I send to people who ask. I’m always updating and editing the email before I send, and I finally realized putting it here was better. Caring for curly hair is an ongoing process and I’ll update here as I discover new products or change things up.

This is me and my hair:

My hair always had a wave to it, but it didn’t get curly until I was about 14. Thanks, hormones! I’ve tried everything along the way, and here’s what I currently use and do for my hair. Curls are diverse and this may or may not work for you. My curls are type 2c/3A. You can find your curl type here. Whatever your curls and texture, caring for them is a learning process.

A note: curls need love, care, and patience. If you’ve been wearing your hair straight and are just starting to figure out how best to care for it curly, be patient! It takes time. With a little love and a lot of moisture, your natural curls are going to look awesome. They’re waiting for you!

A Good Cut

First and foremost, good hair starts with a good cut. Find a curly specialist near you, or search Google and Yelp for stylists that have good reviews from people with curly hair. Or try the Deva Curl Stylist Finder. I highly recommend a dry cut. Your stylist can see the curl pattern clearly and cut it based on that. Doing a hair cut for straight hair when wet is just a different ball game than cutting to a curl pattern. For instance, I have one lock of hair in the back that is always straight (WHY). If I get a wet cut, it looks like a rattail dangling out from under my curls.

Put Down That Brush

Do not brush your hair! Stop it. Put down that brush right now. Let the curls settle and their natural pattern emerge. I never brush my hair. I use a wide tooth comb in the shower when my conditioner is in and that is IT. Put down the brush. Get this set, hang the one with the hook in your shower and stash the other in your travel bag. Never buy another brush again.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Moisturize! No, more than that. A little more. No really, more. I thought I was moisturizing enough, but when I started using Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-in Conditioner, it was a game changer. In fact I think that’s when people started asking me more regularly about what I do to my hair. Curly hair is fragile. It needs moisture even when it doesn’t feel dry or brittle. More on this leave-in conditioner in a minute.

Take a Break From Shampoo

Part of keeping it moisturized means I don’t wash my hair every day. I try to only wash it 2-3 times a week. Some curly people don’t wash at all, but so far that hasn’t worked for me. Shampoo can be drying as it strips away your hair’s natural oils, and if I wash more often my hair gets flat and weird. I do like a good scrub though. I love SheaMoisture products.

Some of my favorites:

For high-porosity hair. There’s a low-porosity one too. Find out your type here, but don’t be afraid to try different products.

One of my very favorites.

Cantu shampoo. Great, gentle, cleansing. Works for all types.

Once or twice a month I like to do a deep scrub using Lush Big Shampoo. Leaves me feeling like a clean slate.

Put On Your Mask

Once a week I do a deep condition. I have just started experimenting with this. I try to do it on a Sunday and then use a leave-in conditioner and not use any heat or styling products that day. I leave the treatment on while I take a long hot shower, but some suggest you keep it on under a shower cap for 30 minutes, or even sit under a hair dryer with it in.

I like this Moroccan Gold Argan Oil Mask, but I wish I didn’t because it’s pricey. (I got it in a FabFitFun Box, which I recommend as a great way to get stuff you will use and stuff that’s fun to try.)

I haven’t tried this yet, but I will. I like Cantu products a lot and this deep treatment masque is well reviewed.

Similarly, I love SheaMoisture (as you may be realizing) and this Hydrate and Repair Protein Power Treatment has great reviews. I’ll try it at some point too.

Love Your Curls Conditionally

Back to conditioner. If I take a shower and “do” my hair full on, I always condition even when I don’t shampoo. Get your wide tooth comb and get in the shower with some good conditioner. Leave it on a few minutes and gently comb it through. You don’t have to fully rinse out—it’s okay if it feels a little slick at the end to keep that moisture locked in. Don’t be afraid to experiment to see what works for you!

Some of my favorites:

Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner. It’s thick and lush smells great.

sheamoisture raw shea butter conditioner

Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Shine. A good mid-weight conditioner. Smells good. Honestly, they all do.

This one is new to me and I really like it. You’re going to need to like the smell of roses. I don’t usually, but I do in this case!

Cantu conditioner. They just make great products and are very affordable.

It’s About The Process

I try to keep my hair sopping wet getting out of the shower. DO NOT TOWEL DRY IT. Do not comb it or brush it! When you get out of the shower, flip your hair upside down and gently scrunch in a handful of the Kinky Curly Not Today Leave-In Conditioner. Give that a minute to settle while you put in contacts, put on deodorant, etc. You’re going to add in a few products now and you want to give them each a couple minutes to soak in and settle between applications.

Next, scrunch in a dollop of either Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Styling Foam or SheaMoisture Frizz-Free Mousse. Don’t worry, it won’t be crunchy. This helps keep the curls together.

After that settles, spray all over—first with your head upside down and then right-side up—with Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Booster. This helps keep the frizz away.

Take The Edge Off

Once you’ve gotten all your product in, you want to dry it with a diffuser, just not all the way. I use this hair dryer with diffuser (on medium heat, full blast) with my head upside down for 10-15 minutes, until it’s about 60% dry. There’s a point where if you dry it too much it just gets frizzy. I also wear ear plugs when blow drying because no one needs a loud machine next to their ears regularly.

After that, I clip up a section in the front to add volume while it dries. I’ve tried all the clips, this is my favorite. I finish getting ready, give it one last blast with the hair dryer with high heat, and scrunch out the stiffness, put the clip back in and leave the house. When I get to work or wherever I’m going, I take the clip out, scrunch the crunch out one last time, and it finishes dry on its own. It usually requires another fluff a few hours later.

That’s it! This might sound like a lot but I’ve been doing this for years and it’s second nature to me. It doesn’t take very long—about 20 minutes including blow drying. In another post I’ll discuss second-day hair, which is a whole other can of worms. In the meantime, remember: don’t brush it, give it time and moisture, and be patient. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Let me know in the comments if you have questions. I’m happy to answer.

Caitlin Hannah

April 14, 2019

Book Reviews, Books, NetGalley

Book Review: Evvie Drake Starts Over

Caitlin Hannah

April 14, 2019

Book Reviews, Books, NetGalley

Description from NetGalley: In a sleepy seaside town in Maine, recently widowed Eveleth “Evvie” Drake rarely leaves her large, painfully empty house nearly a year after her husband’s death in a car crash. Everyone in town, even her best friend, Andy, thinks grief keeps her locked inside, and Evvie doesn’t correct them.

Meanwhile, in New York City, Dean Tenney, former Major League pitcher and Andy’s childhood best friend, is wrestling with what miserable athletes living out their worst nightmares call the “yips”: he can’t throw straight anymore, and, even worse, he can’t figure out why. As the media storm heats up, an invitation from Andy to stay in Maine seems like the perfect chance to hit the reset button on Dean’s future.

When he moves into an apartment at the back of Evvie’s house, the two make a deal: Dean won’t ask about Evvie’s late husband, and Evvie won’t ask about Dean’s baseball career. Rules, though, have a funny way of being broken—and what starts as an unexpected friendship soon turns into something more. To move forward, Evvie and Dean will have to reckon with their pasts—the friendships they’ve damaged, the secrets they’ve kept—but in life, as in baseball, there’s always a chance—up until the last out.

I’m new to Linda Holmes, but after this I’m all in.

This releases in June and I'm calling it now: it's the book of the summer! This is a story about the life choices we make and the ones we don't that change the course anyway. It deals with some tough issues in real-life, human ways. Funny, warm, charming, sad, unusual in how relatable it feels. And did I mention funny? I don't usually laugh out loud at books, but I did several times here. There is so much great dialogue and I couldn't get enough of the witty banter. The characters feel real—at time frustratingly so. One of those books you just want to live in and are sad when it ends. Made me a little homesick for New England, too. Evvie, as we'd say back home, you're a real charmah.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for the ARC! I was delighted to receive it and I can’t wait until this comes out. There has been so much buzz and I’ve gotten so many replies on social media from friends that they can’t wait to read it.

2019 Holiday Gift Guide

How I Take Care of My Naturally Curly Hair

A Good Cut

Put Down That Brush

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Take a Break From Shampoo

Put On Your Mask

Love Your Curls Conditionally

It’s About The Process

Take The Edge Off

Book Review: Evvie Drake Starts Over

Caitlin's currently-reading book montage

2022 Reading Challenge