A Few of My Favorite Things

I’m no Oprah, but I like stuff, and there’s a bunch of things I love this gifting season. I’ve created gift guides in the past (links here: Men’s, Women’s, Kids’), but I figured I’d share the things I’m loving now in the hopes that you love them too, either for yourself or for someone special in your life.

The Broad Board Game

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I can’t recall where I saw this board game advertised — probably Instagram — but it’s so good. It’s a Guess Who? for and about the ladies. What I love most is that it’s informative and fun: the cards contain a plethora of information about each woman in the game. I want it for my daughter, my favorite feminist friend, and for literally anyone who loves strong, impactful women. The game comes in THREE versions: the super fancy wood version (currently sold out in English), the cardboard version (only available in English for this holiday season), and a paper version that’s an amazing (and much more affordable) stocking stuffer. Buy it (preferably for me).

The Perfect Reed Diffuser

I’ve searched far and wide for the best reed diffusers, and LAFCO diffusers are my favorite. The glass jars are pretty and refillable, and the scents are wonderful. Feu de Bois, with notes of sandalwood, cedar, leather, and frankincense, is meant to evoke the smells of a ski house, so it’s basically the perfect winter scent. Right now, LAFCO items are 25 percent off on the Bloomingdales website. The reed diffusers are available in 15oz and 6oz sizes. If you prefer candles to diffusers, you can purchase one here.

Das Boots

So, Dr. Martens were the trend of my youth that I never got into. I think my mom wouldn’t let me have them, but I can’t remember why. However, I finally took the plunge this fall, and you should, too. There are a lot a options in the Dr. Martens universe, but I settled on the Jadon, available here. I love the super-thick sole and the simple versatility. And, this version has the Hadid sisters’ stamp of approval; who am I to argue with supermodels?

Despite the Dr. Martens reputation of being notoriously difficult to break in, I have worn these from go without any pain. I also found them TTS, although I’ve read that if you’re between sizes you should size down.

The Dream Sweaters

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I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: invest in versatile and high quality sweaters that you’ll wear year after year. I’ve asked my husband for this Ronny Kobo sweater — currently 30 percent off! — as my sole Christmas gift (we’re building a house so need to be frugal, but I figured it was too cute to deny myself ALL gifts). I love the cool braiding that is current but timeless. I will dress this up and down (ok, mostly down because I ain’t going anywhere during this winter in Pandemicland), and I know I’ll be wearing it until it falls apart (or my scone addiction requires me to give it to a smaller person).

I’m also VERY into this reissued Black Sheep sweater, made famous by Princess Diana back in the ’80s (here’s on article on it). It’s fun and campy, and a great gift for anyone, but especially a royal enthusiast or religious watcher of The Crown. Unfortunately for all of us, high demand means you’re not getting it until February/March, but I think it’s worth the wait.

The Super Luxe Face Cream

I don’t spend a ton on skincare, but the uber fancy Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream is legit great. And, it’s currently 20 percent off on Violet Grey (discount shown in cart), so now’s the time to try it if you’ve been holding off. If you aren’t familiar, it’s the new La Mer in terms of the hysteria it created in the beauty industry when it entered the market. It even has a somewhat similar backstory: it was created by the eponymous scientist — one of world’s leading experts in the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering — who stumbled upon the fountain of youth during his work. I’d prefer it to La Mer simply because I dislike La Mer’s overly-perfumey scent. But, more than that, I think it’s just a better product for me. You can basically feel your dry winter skin sucking it in, yet it’s still versatile enough to use in summer (if you find it too robust for warmer weather, there’s also The Cream, a lighter version). Victoria Beckham is a fan and collaborator, and aesthetician-to-the-stars Joanna Czech has referred to it as “unforgettable.” Not sure what that actually means, but my face loves it. My only criticism is that the pump bottle doesn’t give any indication of when it’s going to run out, so I always seem to run out before I buy a replacement.

The Festive Ice Cream

So, when I heard that Oddfellows, my favorite neighborhood ice cream shop when I lived in Brooklyn, had created a coquito ice cream, I basically lost my mind. If don’t know coquito, it’s a Puerto Rican Christmas cocktail that’s very similar to a rum eggnog, but with coconut. Even though I’m no longer living in Brooklyn, it ships nationwide as part of Oddfellow’s New York Holiday Capsule. I’m eagerly awaiting mine, and intrigued by all of the flavors (even though I’m skeptical of Pine Needle Rocky Road). It’s the perfect gift for someone with a sweet tooth or for yourself.

The Big Girl Panties (and Shirts, and Masks)

So, I’ve shouted loudly and proudly about my deep love for Piccolina. Their Trailblazer line highlights women who, you guessed it, have blazed the trails of progress for women. This winter they have underwear, pajamas, face masks, and sweatshirts. I’m deeply obsessed with the Malala sweatshirt for my daughter (and son!), but it’s All. So. Good. And I’m hoping they eventually come out with all of these items (yes, even the underwear) in adult sizes. I also think pairing one or a few of these items with the Who’s She? board game is about as perfect a gift as you could give a girl this year.

The Crazy Expensive, Stupidly Warm Jacket

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So this Moya jacket by The Arrivals was a Christmas gift from the hubs like 3 years ago, and it was like $995 then (I think he got it on sale, though), and I have never regretted asking for it. This shearling and suede jacket is the best-made jacket I have ever owned and literally nothing is warmer. The oversized silhouette feels very 2020 but it’s also not going out of style. Ever. It also comes in a bunch of other colors (the grey suede is so pretty), but I’m a purist and love the forever-versatile black, which also comes in leather. Wear it with dresses and Dr. Martens, sweatsuits, and everything in between.

Note: There’s a huge Black Friday sale on The Arrivals website, but it also looks like there’s a waitlist on many of their Moya jackets.

The Sustainable Puffer

Don’t want to buy a stupid expensive coat? I’ve got you covered. A friend recently asked for a puffer recommendation and another friend recommended Save the Duck. If you aren’t familiar with the brand — I wasn’t — it’s an Italian outerwear company that totally vegan and committed to sustainability. I’m really into their Luck puffer, available in this pretty blue color at a 50 percent discount in Nordstrom’s Black Friday sale (it’s also available on sale in black here). Right now, I’m really into either oversized or fitted items, and I feel like this puffer is perfectly streamlined for movement, and the Save the Duck pro-Earth/animal ethos makes you feel even better about wearing it.

The Versatile Mini Bag

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So, teeny tiny bags are cute, but totally useless. However, there are merits to downsizing, especially since none of us want to drag around a large, messy bag right now.

I love this Isabel Marant mini crossbody bag because it’s large enough to fit all the things you need an — a phone, maybe a little cash, your ID, and some credit cards — and none of the things you don’t. It’s current but not trendy, which means it’s a timeless item for your wardrobe. I will be buying this for myself as a little Christmas gift and you should, too, especially while is 20 percent off.

The Pretty Rower

I really enjoy rowing because I don’t really like exercising, but I can row while watching TV, or listening to a podcast or book. I was worried the water sound of the machine would bother me, but it’s not very loud and a pretty soothing white noise.

I also love the WaterRower for apartment or small-home dwellers because after you’re done with your workout, you can stand it up in a large closet, but it’s also pretty enough to leave out standing against the wall as a cool conversation piece. The photo above is the rower in a Walnut finish, but you can save a few hundred bucks for it in an ash finish if you don’t care as much about the aesthetics of the machine.

That’s it for me. Hope you find something you love.