Let’s cut to the chase about gifting this year, or any year: if you’re struggling with “should I or shouldn’t I give a gift?”, the answer is always yes. Any gift is generous. It’s a nice thing to do, and you get points for trying to generate good karma. Your neighbor, a certain someone you just started dating, co-worker, boss, kid’s teacher, hairstylist, favorite bartender (that’s my sweet spot), or a friend, will appreciate the thought. Wouldn’t you?
I have earned a reputation of being a creative gift giver (since my bank account fluctuates). For many years, my homemade banana bread was the hit of the season and struck the right cord…by the way, for my friends reading this blog, the secret ingredient in banana bread is the sour cream.
Here we go! Chocolate, wine / spirits, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, candles, and sea salts are the secret list. These are the foolproof, gender-proof, age-proof, can’t-go-wrong, everyone-can-use-one-of-these-items-no-matter-what list. Personally, I’m a sucker for the sea salts because I cook so much.
The key to gifting is to ensure that you wrap the gift with thought, and to not stuff it into a random bag with tissue paper. The wrapping actually is what sets your gift apart from a real thought to “oh shit, she tossed the gift into a bag, found some tissue paper, and I will now hold it against her that she did this last minute.” Create an area in your home that is a gifting space – equipped with decent wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons. Don’t forget to buy scissors and good tape as well. Taking time to wrap the gifts well will make a huge difference. I promise.
You can even purchase a gorgeous gift bag and use lovely tissue paper, newspaper, or extra fabric in your home to line the bag, and use a thick bow with some greens attached. Toss in a warm smile and a hug when you present the gift, and you’re good to go.
Salts
Most adults would like to think they are halfway decent in the kitchen, or just look like a cook. Not only are these two choices excellent, they are great to re-gift! You would be helping your friends to move the gifts forward – maybe even back to you! Ha.
Salts of the world from Uncommon Goods is fantastic.
Williams Sonoma’s salts hit the mark as well.
Chocolate
Buy local. There is confectioner in every village and town, and the retailer would only be too happy to take your dinero. Make friends with the owner, drop off your private stationary and have them do a selection of chocolates based upon your price point. Have them wrap the gift, and attach your personal stationary to it. Voila. You’re a hero.
Wine
Wine is an obvious generic gift. Don’t forget to write your name on the label so your gift is remembered properly when finally opened. Below are three bottle recommendations. Ask your local wine store if they carry these wines and if not, go on wine.com.
Cederberg from South Africa, 2013
Saint Cosme, Cotes-Du-Rhone, 2015
Wyatt, Pinot Noir, 2013
Olive Oil + Balsamic Vinegar
You can give them separately or together. The key is to wrap them with care. Williams Sonoma always has excellent choices, as does igourmet. Spanish olive oils are amazing, and have a different taste than Italian ones. Trying something new is always fun when gifting.
Candles
Everyone needs more candles. It’s also a great re-gifter item. Marshall’s or Nordstrom Rack usually have a variety of candles, which is presented in a box for under $15. Go and buy all the nice scented candles they have. Skip the vanilla smelling ones, as they can be potent and drive people insane with the deep smell.
Make it happen my friends. Everyone loves a gift.
Happy Holidays.
