Everything You Want to Gift (and Get!) Holiday Gift Guide

It seems like holiday gift guides come out earlier and earlier every year. Last year was the first time I made one and I published it (early, I thought!) November 20th. I had so much fun making it I decided to do it again this year. I really love finding things that are either useful or sure to be well loved. And I also like a good deal so I’ve included and promos I know about! Hopefully by the time I hit “publish” it will still be considered early. I look for a variety of things, but they’re mostly things I use and love (or want for myself 😜.)

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links where I receive a commission if you visit a link and buy something on my recommendation. Purchasing via an affiliate link doesn’t cost you any extra, and I only recommend products and services I use and love. 

Cooking Stuff

I’ve written about my favorite Miyabi chefs knife; a Japanese knife with a birch wood handle that retails for $350 - not in everyone’s price range - and from what I can see it’s out of stock everywhere. So…. Here are a few of my other favorite chef knives, number one being this Miyabi Kaizen 8” chef knife (on sale for $179) that I bought for myself this year. It’s a lot less expensive than the birch one and in my opinion, absolutely just as good. I find myself reaching for it daily. HIGHLY recommend. 

Another quality chefs knife, and one that’s in the double digit and not triple digit price range, $50 (on sale from $70) is from Our Place. It’s made from German steel and the handle is so comfortable. Great quality without the high price tag. 

If you’re in need of more than just a chefs knife, I’d get the set for $95 (marked down from $150) which is a great deal and includes a serrated bread knife and a paring knife - the only two other knives you really need.

If you’re petite or shopping for someone is, I really recommended the Zwilling 7” Slim Chefs Knife. Normally it’s $188 and it’s marked down to $89 for Black Friday. I’m tall with big hands so I like an 8 or 9” knife, but if you’re more petite, a 7” knife is going to be a lot easier to maneuver and get a proper grip on. You know it’s great quality because it’s made by Zwilling with their German carbon steel and I love that it comes in traditional black or matte white. 

An apron from LA based company (and woman owned) Hedley & Bennett is a PERFECT gift for anyone who loves to cook. The quality is outstanding, they come in tons of patterns and colors (even a Grateful Desd print if there’s a dead head on your holiday list. They’re what the pros use so you know they’re good. Use code EMILYBAIRD for 15% off your order!

If you know someone who’s already capable and adventurous in the kitchen, get them an accessory to their standing mixer if they have one. I’m getting Zach the metal meat grinder attachment for our Kitchen Aid. Its 30% off of $99 right now. You can buy cheaper ones that are plastic but metal is the way to go. I know he’ll have fun making different grinds for REALLY homemade burgers and he’s always wanted to make his own sausages. There must be a joke in there somewhere 🧐 

When it comes to enamel Dutch ovens, the most coveted  is definitely Le Creusset and yes, they are timeless workhorses and classics (and on sale at Williams Sonoma if you’re looking.) The pasta making attachment is also on sale right now. Making pasta is one of our favorite family activities and so much easier than you think. 

If you can afford one, by all means go for it. If the price tag is a little steep for you (the one I have is second hand), I would with full enthusiasm buy an enamel Dutch oven from Lodge. It’s also a trusted company (American too!) and the quality is fantastic. I own one I use at home all the time, and I bought another one for my work place. I could have bought a Le Creusset for work, but honestly I love the lodge. It’s available at Target for $99 and comes in a couple colors. 

If you’re looking for a non stick, do everything pan, my mom gave me The Always Pan for Mother’s Day last year and we use it every day at home. Completely non stick and so so functional, also on big sale right now ($99 instead of $145.)

It goes without saying if you don’t have a mandolin ($29) yet, and you like to cook, it’s time. 

Support small businesses by buying from Etsy! This vintage Dansk yellow enamel paella pan is really calling me. Made in France, and still in spectacular condition. I’d buy it if I didn’t already have 2 paella pans. There’s only 1 and it’s $80 so someone grab it. Last time I looked there were a few more listed in different colors like red, turquoise and brown - you can check here.  Honestly they would be beautiful on the counter top as a shallow bowl for fruit.

If you’re interested in looking at more vintage Dansk enamel check out this Etsy page. They are so charming and because they’re Nordic they’re totally functional, perfectly utilitarian. 

For the home

I’m always looking for cozy blankets and I’ve got my eye on a few:

This wool and cashmere throw blanket one comes in 4 colors and is on super sale ($99 from $275), not to mention it’s a good size at 50”x72”

This cute plaid one on sale for $44

These West Elm acrylic and wool blend herringbone throws are super cozy and come in great colors. One sale for $35 from $70.

This 100% cotton “Tiddies Out” blanket ($71) is so much fun. Perfect for someone who breaks the mold and isn’t afraid to be a little cheeky with their decor. Who doesn’t love boobs? I’ve looked at all the reviews and from what I’ve read the quality is excellent.

I bought these beautiful Frida Khalo kantha quilts , handmade in India, for a few friends last year. I love them and the quality is great. All cotton too. So much decor trend goes towards neutrals lately but I love a good bohemian splash of color and texture. They’re $70% off (about $70.)

 

If you’re looking for a great picnic or beach blanket, check out Seabird Society. This hand made outdoor blanket has a water resistant bottom but feels like a cozy quilt on top. It rolls up into sewn on straps, has a pocket, comes with stakes for the corners, etc. Wood block printed in Jaipur and…. a Mom owned company!

West Elm’s patio heaters are normally $300 but they’re  on sale for $149 for a limited time. They come in bronze, silver and black. With Covid we’re all probably doing more outdoor gathering than we did in the past, so it’s a great idea to have one if you have outdoor space. 

This fig leaf diffuser from Antica Farmacia is the best thing I’ve ever smelled besides my babies. I smelled it when I walked into a shop in the Hamptons when I was cooking there this summer and I had to have it. I keep it on the credenza in our living room and every time I walk by and inhale the subtle smell of it I smile. I’ve NEVER been one for air fresheners and I’m picky with scented candles and parfume. The other scents in the line smell good too but I’m obsessed with the fig. Great hostess or mom gift (or self gift.) It’s $68 and an additional 20% off this weekend only. 

Black Owned Businesses

I love the spice blends Sam Binkley at Healthy on You makes. They’re cleverly named, beautifully packaged and made from the highest quality ingredients. The za’atar blend is my personal favorite and I go through a few jars a year (probably more than any other spice mix in my spice drawer!)

I can’t tell you how much I LOVE these scented gorgeous body positive candles. They come in three skin tones (beige, caramel and brown) and only $13.50 each or all three for $36.50. Definitely on my list. Low in stock so get on it - what a great gift for a girl friend!!

So cute in bathroom:

Dinosaur crayons for a pint sized Dino lover. Both my kids have gone through very long dinosaur phases amd these are so fun.

I am a sucker for anything star shaped so these hand made brass earrings really speak to me. I love dangly chandelier type earrings but I can’t wear heavy earrings so these look perfect. 

Girls need diverse heroes in their lives. This kid’s tee is the cutest and made out of 100% preshrunk cotton.

Anything from Alaffia, a fair trade cooperative and social enterprise investing in empowering women and families in West Africa. We love their wonderful smelling kids bubble bath!

Women’s clothing and accessories 

Anything I’ve ever worn from the ultra sustainable and ethical womenswear company Amour Vert is so comfortable I never want to take it off. I basically lived in a stretchy soft dress of theirs as a maternity dress when I was pregnant. These super soft, flowy pants are no exception and they’re on sale for only $29 which is a major steal because Amour Vert isn’t cheap. I also want to walk around in this soft ribbed dress ($71 plus I think an additional something (?) off this weekend) all of next summer. It’s sold out in black but available still in a pretty quartz color.

Super comfy and sustainable Third Love has added active wear to their line. I have a pair of the compression seamless leggings and the sports bra that I LOVE. They’re having a Black Friday sale on a few of their things right now. Use code HOLIDAY20 for 20% off your first purchase. 

I am a huge fan of these leather loafer/moccasins from Saks Fifth Avenue. They’re so comfy and they don’t get more classic. Plus they’re only $69. I wear mine all the time to dress up jeans a bit.

I also have them in slip on mules because when I find something I really like I usually come back for more. 

I bought myself a pair of these LL Bean slippers for my birthday this year because when I tried to buy them last Christmas they were sold out. Made of genuine suede and Australian lambswool they are SO cozy. They’re also rubber soled so they last forever. 15% off their usual $79 for Black Friday. 

Ya’ll know I LOVE my black velvet blazer from Draper James and when I saw they came out with this plum colored one this season I knew I had to have it. It’s stretchy, comfortable and looks good with jeans or a fancy dress. I will also use this moment to brag on my dear friend Kathryn, the head designer of Draper James, who designed the blazer and has been one of the chicest women I know since I met her in college. EDITED. Sorry, sold out now 

And since I can’t get enough of the velvet blazer look, I tried out this more structured one from J. Crew, which is 30-40% off right now. It’s only $138 down from $228 with the code BESTFRIDAY. I have the emerald green one and I LOVE it but I also really like the pink one. 

 

I got this cashmere roll neck sweater from JCrew recently and I LOVE it. It’s super soft, loose fitting (comfortable) and it’s not crazy expensive. On sale with code BESTFRIDAY for $78, down from $118.

I live in these gold bracelets from RG, one of my favorite local LA shops (also woman owned). One looks great, a few look fantastic. I sleep and shower in them and they’ve held up beautifully.

This “AMORE” necklace is $40 and so fun, especially for someone who isn’t afraid of color. It also comes in bright solid colors. Would be a great gift for a girlfriend or teen!

I have been wanting to step up my earlobe bling recently and I’m going to get a few more piercings. I’m not brave enough for tattoos, ears are as wild as I get when it comes to body art. These affordable gold vermeil and cubic zirconia earrings from Chloe and Madison are all calling my name. The snake ($33), the cute butterflies ($34) or the stars ($43) would all be great presents for a friend, daughter…or yourself 🤫
 

Self care/Beauty Products

I asked a good friend a few years ago for skin care tips and she recommended these daily facial peels from Dr. Dennis Gross. They are amazing. I don’t use them daily because I’m not that good at routine (plus they are expensive) but I use them a couple times a week and 100% have noticed a difference. They help a lot with fine lines, large pores and uneven skin tone. I started with the original formula ($88) which also comes in a 60 application pack (definitely lasts me more than two months) which saves you a few bucks. I worked my way up to the extra strength (make sure you wear your sunblock the next day!  There’s also this whole set which looks like a great deal. 

Ilia lip and blush stain is something I keep in my purse. The colors are fantastic and they blend in so well and look natural. It’s “clean” as in no sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, etc. It’s easy to apply, easy to wear and that’s basically what I need in makeup if I’m going to bother with it. I wear the warm watermelon and the dusty rose but they’re all pretty great. 

I’m obsessed with this eye cream from woman owned Beauty Counter. I’ve been using it for about two years and I find it hydrates my eye area so well, seems to reduce dark circles and fine lines. It also just feels SO NICE when I put it on at night. Also smells really good. Sign up for their emails and get 20% off your first order. 

Sydney Cutler of Ananda Meditation offers a deeply restful guided meditation experience so that you can stress less and face the holiday season as your best self. Just one meditation session feels like 3-4 hours of conventional sleep-- talk about a power nap!

The CBD bath bomb from Prima is the most indulgent, relaxing bath product I’ve ever used. If you’re sore, stressed, tired or just need a few minutes of me time, this 25 mg CBD bath bomb will instantly help you relax. Makes a great stocking stuffer! Use code EMILY20 for 20% off. (I also really love the night oil!)

Hands down my favorite mascara is Lancôme Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara and if you really want to go for the works and love volume, put a coat of Dior triple volume lash primer on first! Trust me.

 

I frequently smell like a kitchen so I love a good perfume. I discovered Gucci Bloom this year and it’s become my new favorite perfume. It’s just the right amount of floral without being cloying or sweet. I get a lot of compliments when I wear it. You can get a bottle of eau de parfum here. Or a less committed purchase is this roller ball tube which is great to keep in your purse, car or when traveling. I always have a tube in my purse.

Kids

Have you heard of The Nugget? It’s a play couch made up of 4 foam pieces that sells out every year. It’s a little spendy at $259 it has given my kids hundreds of hours of playtime. We got one for Christmas 3 years ago and they are still building forts, slides, “offices”, obstacle courses, climbing structures and cozy reading spots with it. Probably the most used toy we have. 

I like to keep a big bag of kinetic sand tucked away for the kids to play with. They can play with it for hours and have so much fun. I put it in the lid of a storage tub with some kitchen tools (cookie cutters, butter knives, ramekins, little spatulas, etc.) and they have so much fun. This is a huge bag that will last ages and is 50% off.

My daughter has been begging to learn how to sew so I got her this embroidery kit (under $15) with a hoop from Etsy.

How about Love Bug and Me music classes for your little one? This award-winning parent/child music program is interactive and fun for lovebugs ages 0-5! It’s a Mom-owned business and my daughter loved it. Starting Wednesday 11/24 you can get $25 off their Winter Music Series (either in-person in LA or online anywhere in the world) using code EMILY25 at LOVEBUGandME.com

I love these cute sweaters from Tucker and Tate and I always get Camila a holiday sweater. Deciding between the Christmas tree or Merry Everything….

For boys this adorable striped v-neck made from organic cotton and recycled acrylic is on sale for $17.95

Both of my kids are obsessed with ninjas so I’m

Thinking about getting them these matching pajamas of ninjas in a snowball fight.

If you’re always trying to find 100% cotton pajamas like I am, check out this page of cotton kids pajamas sets on sale at Nordstrom Rack. There’s tons of options, here are just the first four listed:

My kids love putting on a cozy fleece bathrobe after bath time, like this one for $39 

My mother in law gifted us the boogie board tablet a few years ago and the kids still use it all the time. It’s under $20. You can draw on it, trace and practice letters/writing. Sort of like an etch a sketch but with a stylus and the screen clears with a very satisfying click of a button. I think it takes a battery but it comes with it and we’ve never once had to change it in 3 years. HIGHLY recommend for young kids (also makes good birthday gifts if you’re always scrambling for something you could stick up on a few at under $20.)

My kids love listening to their Tonies box. Each figure plays a bunch of different songs and then there’s a story to listen too. I love it because the kids are completely entertained with no screen in sight. I use it when I’m feeding them and have to multitask, during craft time, quite time and sometimes even at bed time if it’s been a long day amd I don’t have a story in me. It’s a little pricey but we have used ours so much. The best deal is to get the starter box which comes in blue with Elsa, Moana, Cinderella and the Little Mermaid - or the red box which comes with Lightning McQueen, Lion King, Toy Story and Monsters, Inc. 

This adorable cotton romper from Tucker and Tate is 55% off and $14. If it came in my size I would buy it!

And if you love sales and your kids need t-shirts, there’s plenty here from the Scandavian cool kid clothing company Appaman, and they’re all around $14

The thing I REALLY want to get for my kids this year is this inflatable bounce house. It’s definitely an investment at $500 but if you have lots of parties with littles and backyard gatherings, i think it’s 100% worth it. We’ve been borrowing this one from a neighbor but I think it’s time to get our own. It keeps the kids entertained for HOURS and gives adults a change to actually relax and enjoy themselves. 

For the guys in your life

Is it me or do all guys like anything from YETI? Here’s a whole list of their products and you can spend anywhere from $20 on an insulated tumbler to $300 on the cooler of their dreams. 

If you live in Los Angels, a gift card or wine club membership (starts at $49 per month) to our wine bar Tabula Rasa Bar makes a great gift!! We carry an amazing selection of natural wines, craft beers, sake and even non alcoholic options. We were named number one wine bar in Los Angels in 2020 but the pandemic had been a struggle so you’re also supporting a small business that needs love. 

This little whiskey decanter with two glasses from West Elm is on clearance right now

If your guy’s tastes run more modern, this one is beautiful and you can get it monogrammed for $12:

 
A cashmere scarf that comes in 6 colors and is on sale for $29 from $99 at Nordstrom Rack (only until Nov 20th!) and feels like a no brainer to me. Might have to get one for me too 😏

 

This Levi’s Sherpa denim jacket is a classic and will never go out of style. Plus you can borrow it ;)

Anything from Buck Mason. This LA based company is Zach’s go to for every day wear. He lives in their tees, button downs and pants. Bonus, I love the style too!

Things to Eat!!

A box of chocolates from John Kelly is the best gift I can think of for a chocolate lover. Hand made in Los Angeles by a brilliant chocolatier, they are indulgent and beautifully packaged. Honestly one of my most favorite gifts to give and get. They ship throughout the US!

If you want to send nieces, nephews, grandchildren, etc a sweet treat that isn’t a bottomless pit of sugar, these ultimate Oreos will doubtless hit the spot. There’s only 12 so no one can get into too much trouble, but they’re fancy enough to make them a special gift ($30). They’d even be great for a hostess gift, especially if there are kids around!

If you know someone who doesn’t drink, a gift set from Lyre’s non alcoholic is a brilliant gift. I’ve tried at least half the flavors by now and I LOVE all of them! I like the premixed mocktails in cans the most and this one is my favorite set. 

For the chef in your life that loves using the best ingredients, Rancho Gordo beans are the best heirloom beans you can buy, from a small business run out of Napa, California. These are the beans top restaurants who care about sustainable farming buy. They’re  worlds away from the mass produced, industrial supermarket beans most of us know. 

Know a spice lover who can’t get enough heat?? This gift box set from Fly by Jing is the perfect gift and comes with a bunch of hard to find ingredients to make authentic Sichuan dishes. Or get the three pack. Also, a woman owned company!

What is it about peppermint bark that is just SO GOOD? Always a good idea to have a few boxes of this tucked away for last minute gifts and hostess gifts.

I also love gifting a box of chocolates from Sonoma Chocolatiers. It’s a small, (lovely) woman owned business in the Sonoma Wine Country that makes outstanding and beautiful chocolates with quality ingredients and amazing flavors. I love going into their shop to try samples when I’m in Sonoma wine country  and I always leave with a box! Great way to support small businesses.