If I were Oprah, Rummiklub would be one of my favorite things this year. I wish I could give you all a free set. Perhaps one day Coffee Order will have that budget. I went to their first New York event over the summer without knowing how to play Rummikub and was instantly hooked. I’ve forced my family to play on vacation, used it as a conversation starter during dates, and have invested in one of Laura and her partner Marnie’s sets, functioning as both a luxurious experience and gorgeous home decor piece.

Although this week’s interview is sponsored by nepotism, I’m very thankful to Laura for agreeing to participate. She is an inspiration to me as someone who has a side hustle and spun it into a real hustle, now featured in the L.A. Times, The World’s First Podcast with Erin & Sara Foster, and available on Revolve and Moda Operandi. She talked to me about the importance of games in a household when growing up, how her and her best friend turned a hobby into a business, and shared her picks for the holiday season.

Shop RummiKlub now on Revolve. Sign up for their Miami event on December 20th here.

What role did games and competitive camaraderie play in your upbringing if any at all? How have you carried that into your adult life?

My earliest memories include having family game nights on the weekends in the first house I grew up in. It’s something I always think back on and smile about, and can’t wait to integrate it into my life when I eventually have kids!

What gave you the motivation to start RummiKlub on top of an already successful career?

My best friend Marnie and I started RummiKlubLA as a way to bring people together and connect in person. We’re two New Yorkers who moved to LA and found ourselves craving connection that felt different than a typical night out at a bar. What began as a casual game night quickly evolved into something much bigger. We now host elevated monthly events with a 200-person waitlist, building a community first and a product second. RummiKlubLA has become the leading fashion-forward game brand, available on Revolve, Moda Operandi, and FWRD in under a year!

What has been your favorite part about the RummiKlub events?

Marnie and I are obsessed with connecting people. We’ve built such a genuine community by bringing the coolest people together who are all creative and like-minded. There’s nothing better than seeing real friendships form — and even business deals come to life — all because of the networking that happens at RummiKlub. I’m constantly running into groups of girls who come up to me and say, “OMG, we all met at Rummi!” It makes me so happy!

We’ve hosted in New York, London, and will be hosting our first Miami event this December, which helps expand our network even more!

What advice do you have for anyone who wants to turn their hobby into a business?

While having a business plan or a roadmap makes sense, I also think that if I had known everything it would take to bring Rummi to life (Filing a California seller’s permit to navigating manufacturer tariffs, warehouse logistics, and so much more), I might have talked myself out of it. My best advice is: Don’t wait for perfection, make it exist first and refine along the way.

Lay one brick a day and go from there. Leaving room for the unknown has been the best part of it all.

ALSO!! Start a business with someone smarter than you. Marnie is a logistics, operations, and finance queen, and I am absolutely not. Having a partner whose strengths balance your weaknesses makes all the difference.

Do you have a go-to gift for people?

The Rummi X Moda Operandi Chrome Coffee Table Game Set is SO chic and unique. I can’t believe we made this!!

Do you prefer to give or receive a gift?

Shockingly, I’d rather give a gift. It’s one of my love languages. I love making something personal and unique for the people in my life.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

My surface-level answer is a vintage Rolex my parents gave me for my 30th birthday :) I wear it every single day. It completes every outfit and makes me feel like an adult LOL.

Laura’s Holiday Gift Guide

Laura has thoughtfully curated some items for us to shop this holiday season.

RummiKlubLA Vanity Travel Game Set ($98)

I love our Vanity Game Set—it’s perfect for taking on the go and makes playing Rummi at the beach or pool on your next vacation so easy. You can throw your SPF and sunglasses in the kit.

Favorite Daughter Triangle Scarf ($78)

If you need an under $100 gift that anyone would like, this FD scarf is a no-brainer and can be worn so many different chic ways.

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Tayler has over sixty part and full time employees, has expanded into three permanent locations, and has been featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, and now, Coffee Order. I am so grateful that she took the time to speak to me, she is someone I look up to both entrepreneurially and creatively, and you all should take the time to visit one of her spaces.

Happy Medium

Chinatown: 49 Market St.

Greenpoint: 224 Franklin St.

Williamsburg Workshop: 112 North 12th St.

Bloomingdales Pop-Up: 1000 Third Avenue

You can make Art Cafe and workshop reservations at this link.

I became aware of this space in 2022 when I moved to the city after graduating from art school. I’m sure people ask you this a lot, but I’d love to know the story behind the concept here.

My husband is my co-founder and we were creative as kids. We wanted to loop that back into our lives in this new era for us (post-traveling, post-partying), and we wanted to create a space for adults to make art. Specifically for the Art Cafe, that took a little longer, we wouldn’t feel comfortable at a “studio”, but we do love food, and we thought that parallel would be approachable and something people already know. You can just show up.

This model has worked really well so we’re applying that to other things now like our new Gift Shop, the wall of pastels mimics a candy shop, the pottery studio is becoming a bakery in a way where you can make a base and then buy little finishes like a mug handle to attach.

My friends got me a gift certificate to Happy Medium for my most recent birthday which I used to go to the pottery workshop. Now I’m a member, and I love being a member because it’s much more affordable than other options in the city.

That’s another thing—when we were working professionals who dabbled as casual artists, we couldn’t afford a $300-400 membership to go not go that often. That’s why we start ours at $150/month to come twice a week, which is perfect for people who aren’t looking for something so intense (me).

This whole space feels very accessible compared to other studios in the city. I don’t know what type of clay I’m using, I don’t know what tools I need and I don’t want to invest in them, you guys provide all of that. Your staff is also great, if they see me struggling they’ll subtly place a tool on my workspace or send me a YouTube video to watch.

I’m so glad to hear that. We truly think of ourselves as more of a hospitality company than anything else. How can we remove every barrier from what you want to do is the question we’re always trying to answer.

I love your content where you speak to not being embarrassed about starting something. Since you have that mindset and you have a great partner in your husband, how do you brainstorm new ideas or expand the current business?

We’re super blessed that business is working well. There’s a myth that once you have success, things come easy. It’s much harder now that we have a large audience that’s watching us, and we’ve set a certain standard. I published a book, which I had never done before, co-published by a house that gave me editors and people asking me about sales, and I was like—this is scary. I felt the same feeling on publishing day that I did on the day of our Art Cafe opening. In that, you’re not unique which we all tend to think we are, so when we’re designing a space or a product, we tend to drive from our own needs and wants since people will most-likely share those.

Tell me about your new gift shop.

I come from a fashion background as a buyer, so I had some of those principles that apply to opening my own shop. We also listen to what our customers and pick up on things they want, for example someone in the studio mentioned they wanted to buy stationary, so we created some cards to put out the next weekend. People ask us about our travel mugs all the time that you can paint in the Art Cafe, so we developed those to sell also. I’ve been working here for the last three weekends so I can observe and report back to the team on what’s working and what’s not working. There’s nothing better than live customer feedback.

Do you prefer to give or receive?

Ugh—receive. I love getting gifts. I do love giving them, but I usually give what I think you would want versus what you think you would want, so I’m trying to get better at that.

What is the best gift you’ve ever been given?

Last year, my husband got me an hot water bottle with an alpaca wool cover, one of those insane luxuries you would never get yourself but I’m so happy to have.

Tayler’s Happy Medium Gift Guide

All of these are available to purchase at the Happy Medium Gift Shop at 49 Market Street. They also have a gift shop at their Greenpoint location. Commentary by yours truly.

Happy Medium: A Guided Creativity Journal by Tayler Carraway ($20)

If you’re a fan of those journals that offer quick prompts for you to do on a daily basis, this is a great option to stretch the brain muscle and work your creativity. It also looks adorable on your shelf or coffee table.

Wrapping Paper ($8)

This is not a gift but gifting supplies. The HM assortment of wrapping paper is so detailed and beautiful, the person receiving your gift will want to open it with extreme caution and save it forever.

Happy Medium Travel Mug ($55)

The most popular paint-a-pot option in the Art Cafe, Happy Medium is now offering their travel mugs as ready-to-purchase in a range of glazes and patterns.

Memo cards & greeting cards ($5-$12)

I’ve made it clear over the past three Coffee Dates now that people should be writing notes all holiday season long. Nothing is sexier to give or receive than a little note! It doesn’t have to be sexy if that’s creepy.

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SHOP THE COFFEE ORDER BEANIE BY INDY KNITTY

Paid subscribers can scroll to the bottom for a discount code gifting you $5 off. If you’d like to pick up your beanie in New York City instead of have it shipped, please select the pick up option at checkout and I will email you to organize.

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What do hobbies mean to you? How do you value them in your daily life?

Hobbies are everything to me. I have such an active mind, and sometimes it’s not fun to ruminate on everything that’s ever happened to me. They’re such a great calming exercise. I’m also often bored and restless, so I always have something to do with my hands instead of pick my face, or hair, or scroll. It helps me learn how to live in the moment. I love feeling productive.

How did you get into knitting?

During my sophomore year of college, my friend, Bryte, would crochet the day away. I learned from her because she would make these adorable little bucket hats, which I started to make. I also love Linmick, and was inspired by her to transition from crochet to knitting since I liked how knitting looked better. I just started knitting hats because that’s what I made before. I’ve always been into the hats.

Do you prefer to give or receive a gift?

Give. 10000%. But for the people in my life reading this—I love to receive gifts.

What is the best gift you’ve ever gotten?

A custom Monopoly Board made by my college friends that was “India” themed. It was just so detailed and thoughtful, from the cards to the pieces. It’s hilarious. I felt so appreciated and known—which is all a girl could ever want.

What’s your favorite Indy Knitty piece you’ve ever created?

One of my cat ear hats in a two-toned stripe grey. My friend Lily requested it and after that so many people have asked too.

What’s your favorite thing for us to do together?

Yap. Get a drink and yap. I feel very understood when we chat. As Amaya Papaya said, we’re both sensitive gangsters. And also, collaborate!

A note from the editor—India and I could go pro for yapping together.

Where’s your favorite place to shop in the city?

• Brandy Melville

• niconeco zakkaya in the East Village (all of my favorite Japanese stationary)

• Downtown Yarns in the East Village

Any last words?

I feel so honored to be considered for this interview. I want everyone to keep creating and trying new things.

India’s Gift Guide

Personalized Bashful Beige Bunny Medium ($41)

You can get people’s names on their ears, it’s just so cute. A custom anything is always good, especially if it’s something that someone has mentioned in passing. I don’t have a link for listening to your friends and being thoughtful, unfortunately, but this link reflects my gifting style the best.

A note from the editor—India sent me one of these when I was down in the dumps last summer and it was one of the most thoughtful things to ever happen to me.

Branch Basics Concentrate & Oxygen Boost ($77)

A luxury someone wouldn’t buy themselves. I swear by this. It’s the best stain remover ever and it’s all natural. You can mix the concentrate to use as a spray, use it as detergent, so many different uses.

Brandon Hurtado Sandler Bestie Ring ($400)

Shoutout Brandon, my king. The best fine jewelry priced at a great point.

Original Crown Mill Mini Card Set ($7.95)

Another thing that describes my gifting style. I love a note. A mini note is better because you don’t need to write that much.

Round Kiss Xstamper Stamp (12.95)

Going along with the above, I’ve used this a bunch on little notes.

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Here are some stores I’d gift from, or I’d be happy to receive a gift from, in New York City. If you don’t live here, you can probably still enjoy this, and add these spots to your list for your next visit.

Coming Soon, 53 Canal Street

One of my favorite shops in the entire city, Coming Soon, is perfect for homeware giftables of all shapes and sizes. Quirky candles, catchall trays, kitchen accessories, and drinkware galore, they also do an amazing job with their gift wrapping.

Beverly’s, 27 Orchard Street

Another local Lower East Side home destination to visit, Beverly’s was founded by Beverly Nguyen, known for her impeccable taste. Pick up anything from gardening sheers for your urban herbalist dreams to masterfully crafted pots and pans.

an.mé, 328 E 9th Street

Shop for the quirky collector in your life at an.mé, full of Sonny Angels, Monchhichi’s, Smiski’s, and more.

Climax Books, 56 E 4th Street

As mentioned in my guides, a book or collectible magazine is an amazing thing to give somebody. Climax has one of my favorite assortments in the city, along with other great gifts like branded hats and socks.

Catbird, 253 Centre Street

With locations also uptown in Rockefeller Center and in Williamsburg, Catbird is another one of my go-to spots for little trinkets or a precious new jewelry piece. Highlights for me are their adorable little charms or the chocolate sardines perfect for stocking stuffing. Another special mention for beautiful gift wrapping.

C.O. Bigelow, 414 6th Avenue

Would this really be an NYC-Substack-girly’s gift guide if there wasn’t a C.O. Bigelow mention? Known as CBK’s go-to pharmacy, score 90s hair accessories, creams, balms, and other wellness provisions.

Short and sweet this week to avoid any reader’s fatigue I’m sure you’re all facing with so many gift guides.

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I can’t believe the time has already come, but Happy Black Friday to all! Some of the sales already started over a week ago, but in the spirit of being ceremonious, I saved the guide for today.

Brands are hitting discounts for harder and longer than ever before. I think it’s safe to say that most of these things will remain on sale for much longer than just this week, so if you don’t get your purchases done in time, don’t sweat it.

Without further ado, here are the best sales and some things I would buy from each of them!

• Live the Process, a workout brand that I’ve always wanted to buy from, is 20% off their whole site. I’d pick up the Orion Bodysuit, the Juno Cardigan, or the Senti Legging

• In the same vein, Beyond Yoga, my workout brand of choice, is 25% off their entire website as well. My selects here are The Spacedye Racerback Cropped Tank, the Duet 2-Way Convertible Shrug, and The Spacedye Caught in the Midi Legging

• The SSENSE sale (that’s been basically happening all year) is finally amongst us. Things on my wishlist are these Justine Clenquet earrings, this Gimaguas skirt, and this MARGESHERWOOD bag.

• The SKIMS is up to 30% off sitewide for the very first time. I saw an ad for the push-up bra that seemed to work wonders on TikTok, this grey zip-up is the perfect silhouette, and this slinky sleep set is the best thing I’ve ever worn in bed.

• Madewell is a whopping 40% off everything. The hack here is jewelry, because they have such great jewelry for such a low price. I love these ear crawlers, these huggie hoop earrings, and this demi-fine crystal tennis necklace. Special mention to their shoes because I heard those are also great.

• Sandy Liang is hosting her first-ever Black Friday sale. I love her jewelry also, like these bun earrings I wear all the time or these clampshell earrings, and I also love this adorable cutout long sleeve.

• GAP is also 40% off everything + 60% off some “really big deals”. I’m kind of beefing with them because one of my orders is lost in the universe somewhere, but if I were shopping with them again, I’d buy this chic boatneck long sleeve, this sweater scarf, or these Mid Rise UltraSoft Baggy Jeans.

• Merit Beauty is 20% off, and they’ll give you a free mini bag with purchase. I swear by the glow serum, the bronzer stick, and the blending brush. I also use the many BOGO bags that I have from Merit over the years for travel, and I even had a coworker who used his for lunch!

• Net-A-Porter is up to 50% off. This DOEN Fair Isle Sweater is perfect for the holidays, these New Balances are cozy chic, and this LouLou De Saison bucket bag is a staple piece at a steal price.

• Anthropologie is offering 30% off and an extra 40% off sale items. I get a lot of my mom’s stocking stuffers from here, and would recommend doing the same if you’re in the market for little things, like these fun bubble letter bag charms, this NuFace gift set, or their Faux-ttega dupe that now comes in a few more colors.

• If you’re a member of their rewards program, Urban Outfitters is offering 40% off your entire purchase. This is truly the haven for gifting. Baggu is also 20% off on their site, so you can score the classic Crescent Crossbody I used every day for like a year straight, or something like this fuzzy beanie, or a Monchhichi plushy keychain.

• J.Crew is up to 50% off *almost* everything. I’d get the oversized cashmere wrap, some cashmere tech gloves, or this very sleek off the shoulder top.

• Mejuri is 25% off when you spend over $150. These stacker rings are the perfect jewelry basic, these dome huggies are a great foundation for your earring stack, and I’m sure anyone would be happy to receive this round topaz necklace, since it looks a lot more expensive than it actually is.

I hope I got you guys off to a good start, and thank you for gifting with me this holiday season! Let me know if you have ears on the ground at any other good sales and we can exchange hot tips.

Coffee Order may make money based on purchases made through links in this newsletter.

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As a disciple of Gwyneth, I’ve long been a lover of goop’s Ridiculous But Awesome Gift Guide. For some reason, they did not do them this year. So, I took it upon myself to make my own guide of things I cannot afford but would love to give someone.

The Dr. Dennis Gross Red Light Therapy Mask ($455)

My coworkers and I joke that we would love to have these and wear them at the desk. This is like the Ferrari of skincare tools that you can use at home, and not have to see a professional to have done. From the girls I see online that have them, the proof is in the pudding on results.

A sauna blanket ($699)

Higher Dose is 20% off for Black Friday, so I’m actually serving you a hot deal on a silver platter. My mom has a sauna blanket that I like to indulge in during visits home in the winter, and the idea of having access to infrared therapy in the comfort of your own house is extremely chic to me.

The Row Zip Boots ($1,490)

Allegedly, these are the best boots money can buy. I wouldn’t know, hence the price tag, but everyone who does have them says they’re the most comfortable, durable, practical shoes one could ask for. Giving someone the gift of practicality is truly the one that keeps on giving.

Acupuncture sessions ($100-200)

I recently was introduced to the magic that is acupuncture. The relaxation and healing that I felt is something I would love to introduce to all of my loved ones. I had them in my ears, my face, the top of my head, and all in my arms, so I feel I’m able to relay just how fantastic it was on good authority.

A trip to INNESS (thousands)

As I recapped in this blog post, my trip to INNESS was nothing short of spectacular. While I enjoyed it during the sunset of summer, the idea of cozying up in one of those cabins during a brisk winter day is something I fantasize about. It gave Nine Perfect Strangers and The White Lotus in a completely safe and non-murderous way.

An Elsa Peretti dish ($900)

I love Elsa Peretti (as does every other girl on the internet right now), and the idea of giving this to someone makes me feel very fancy. Tiffany pieces for the home truly will last a lifetime, and are such a special gift for someone in your life that deserves it.

Fancy soap ($50-80)

Realistically, I could give this. But, spending too much on something you could get for $20 is really cool to me. Loewe, Le Labo, Aesop, or Byredo—while basic—do fall under the category of being great to receive because someone would never buy it for themselves.

A spa gift card to the Hotel Chelsea ($300+)

I debated writing this one because I want to gatekeep one of the most famous hotels in New York City. I was given a treatment here as a gift this year and I think about it almost every single day. It was truly such a luxurious experience from start to finish. The spa aesthetic feels like you’ve escaped New York City somehow, you can enjoy a cup of tea or infused water while reading a book on the terrace or simply basking in the fireplace for up to an hour before or after your session, and there’s a complimentary sauna for you to indulge in as well. Not to mention the facial I got was the best I’ve ever had. Pro tip: enjoy a drink with some fries at the bar after.

Fancy candles ($100+)

I'm not talking just splurging $40 on a Boy Smells candle (no shade at all to Boy Smells), I mean that I want your giftee to be shocked when they inevitably Google the price. Loewe again, Diptyque, or Jo Malone are all at the top of my list.

A signet ring ($500+)

You could obviously get one of these for a lot less, but if you can, I’d splurge on real gold and real gemstones. I asked for a much more affordable pinky ring on my personal list, but I love this one from Paige Sargisson, this one from Seb Brown, or this one from Millie Savage.

This Friday, I’ll be posting the official Coffee Order Black Friday & Cyber Monday guide to all of the best sales and deals this weekend (even though most of them already started).

Coffee Order may make money based on purchases made through links in this newsletter.

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Gifting for a particular person is difficult. I often stress myself out into thinking I’ll never be able to find the perfect thing to give, and that nothing is good enough or clever enough. Life is stressful enough right now (🙂), so here’s a guide to taking the edge. I present perfect gifts for everyone in your life.

Your boss

Personalized stationary ($33 / pack of 10)

Being the owner of personalized stationary screams I’m a professional adult person. It’s very chic, as is writing thank you cards or sending people notes on them. Hence, making them the perfect thing to give the professional person in your life.

Parents

Embroidered cocktail napkins ($28 for 1)

These are for any parents—not just yours. Perfect to give a family friend, significant other’s parents, people you know who just became parents or who just got married and aren’t parents at all, just the head of a household! Similarly to personalized stationary, embroidered cocktail napkins scream a sense of togetherness and sophistication that every home deserves. You can embroider them with their last name, a little doodle of their pet, some sort of inside joke—these napkins are your oyster.

A boyfriend

Monogrammed wallet ($75)

Buying a gift for a boyfriend is weirdly similar to buying a gift for like, a father. Father’s Day gifts and boyfriend gifts live in a venn diagram in my head. I don’t have a boyfriend, but I feel as though I have good authority on a monogrammed wallet being a great gift. The underlying theme of this gift guide is getting personal, because when you take the step of giving something to someone that has their name, initials, or something that relates to them on it, the gift becomes much more intimate. A wallet is great because it can hold the money they need to take you out on a date!

A girlfriend

Botanical Brothers flower subscription ($45 / delivery)

If you’re unfamiliar with the Botanical Brothers, they’re these attractive guys who ride around NYC on a bicycle with flowers in the basket, and approach you to see if you’d be interested in signing up for their weekly flower bouquet subscription service. A genius business plan—cute boys asking if you want flowers. You can pick which weeks to accept and skip, and their flowers are sourced from a farm upstate. My roommate got them one time and they were absolutely gorgeous, and an easy way for you to give the special gal in your life the joy of a flower delivery over and over again, at her discretion.

Your best friend

SKIMS pajamas ($80)

SKIMS won the holiday ad campaign game in my mind (with a special mention to GAP) by casting my queens of the internet—the Carlson sisters. They also have amazingly soft pajamas in adorable holiday prints. Pajamas fall under the category of things you don’t necessarily want to spend money on yourself, therefore making them a great gift for your best friend. Show them that you care so much about them, you want their sleep to be as epic as they are.

Your gay friend

Chic sunglasses ($30)

This category was requested by one of my gay friends who claims people don’t know how to shop for gays. I was urged to make this silly by saying poppers or some sort of Charli XCX merch, but I’m taking gifts seriously, guys. My gay friends love accessories. Sunglasses also make a great gift because you can never have too many. Give your gays the gift of a beautiful pair of shades.

Someone who really helped you out this year

A print of something meaningful to them ($27+)

This category is ambiguous. It could be your neighbor who always watches your cat while you’re out of town, or someone who lended a shoulder to lean on when you needed it the most. A print makes a great gift because it helps someone enhance their space, and it’ll also remind them of you each time they longingly look at it.

A roommate

Silk slip eye mask ($55)

Your roommate, much like a best friend, deserves luxurious sleep. Especially if you live in New York, you can easily disrupt their sleep without intending to. Flex walls, early mornings, late nights, you get the gist. Help your roommate get their beauty sleep with a fancy eye mask.

A sibling

An Uber gift card ($20-100)

Uber gift cards are like gold bars to me. They’re tremendously valuable. I would love an Uber gift card for every birthday and Christmas for the rest of my life. Help your brother or sister out and give them the best gift you could possibly give, for as little as $20. They’re also epic because you can use them on Uber Eats, which is the most meaningful thing someone could ever give me.

Your situationship

Coal.

If there’s anyone I missed, please let me know and I’d be happy to help you out on the side. Next week is going to be a bit more fun, with gifts I would give if I were rich, heavily influenced by Goop’s Ridiculously Awesome Gift Guide.

Coffee Order may make money based on purchases made through links in this newsletter.

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Times are tough and inflation is high. You can’t leave the house without spending $100. Alas, two things can be true, and you can still give people great gifts without breaking the bank. I realize now I put a Birkin in this week’s collage, which may seem counterintuitive. Your friends will feel like you just gave them a Birkin with how great these picks are.

KITCHEN & HOME

Kitchen trinkets

I assume a lot of you, dear reader, and people on your gifting list live in apartments or homes with kitchens. In small spaces especially, replacing regular old kitchen tools from eye sores with kitschy trinkets is a great way to brighten up the room. These edamame-shaped ceramic chopstick rests ($16.50) are impressive because A) who owns chopstick rests? Very adult, very chic, and B) they’re something nobody would think to buy themselves. In the theme with food motifs, this ravioli-inspired spoon rest is only $10.

Nice coffee grounds ($15.99)

Buying someone’s coffee has a romanticism to it. It’s so attainable. You have to spot like, $8, making extremely easy to brighten someone’s day. Imagine if you could give the gift of that feeling every morning? That they’ll think of you every time they perform their ritualistic morning coffee? You could also get grounds from a local shop that has shared meaning between you and your giftee, or swap this out with Matcha if your friend isn’t a coffee drinker.

A fancy puzzle ($38)

Games also fall under the category of things people don’t want to buy themselves, but would be really happy to receive. Puzzles are a very chic game to give, and brands like Le Puzz, The New Yorker, and Piecework make aesthetically pleasing options that give the effect of a coffee table book for half the cost. If anyone in your life is a puzzler, trust they would love you for this.

BEAUTY

A pack of face masks ($25) & a gua sha ($16)

Gifts that go together are so thoughtful and always make me smile. Self care is also important to remind your friends of, and this is the perfect way to set them up for success.

A gift card for a pedicure ($30-50)

I don’t have a link for this one because I would advise that you find out which local nail salon your giftee frequents. Pedicures are extremely near and dear to my heart. I get one every two weeks religiously. They are the epitome of luxury in my eyes and are another great self care practice to give. Hot tip: if you have a boyfriend in need of some hard hat work on his feet, you can pretend like you’re going together just for the fun of it!

Desert Island Duo Blush + Bronzer Stick ($36)

The Easter Bunny popped this into my basket this year, and I use it every time I do anything more than SPF on my face. Who doesn’t love a two-for-one? It’s vegan, has clean ingredients, and is cruelty free, super easy to just toss into your bag, and comes in a variety of shades. You can also tie a bow around it for presentation bonus points.

Engraved compact mirror ($24.95)

It seems like the online girlies are leaning into clutter. ‘What’s in my bag’ Instagram Stories could be mistaken for your grandmother’s pocketbook, including things like hairbrushes, vitamins, lipsticks and glosses, reading glasses, journals—serving Mary Poppins. An engraved compact mirror is the perfect gift for your friend who loves a little trinket, and is even more meaningful because you personalized it just for them.

STYLE

Dupe jewelry ($58)

I know—this is technically over $50—but it was too good to not recommend to you guys. I got this Elsa Perretti-esque cuff from Madewell for my mom, and when we unwrapped it together, we couldn’t believe how real it looked. This is the best thing to give your friend who appreciates a dupe, not a knockoff. Very important distinction. Madewell has been really stepping up their jewelry game recently at affordable pricepoints (we’re talking under $50, truly), so I also recommend checking everything they have out.

Nice socks ($29)

I have like, three pairs of socks that aren’t just white cotton, and I hold them close to my heart. I only wear them on special occasions, and I take washing them very seriously. Quince has great ‘cashmere’ for pretty cheap, so I trust their socks to be a real crowd pleaser.

A scarf ($23)

Literally who doesn’t need another scarf? I have probably seven and am constantly seeking them out. The itch just isn’t scratched. Scarves transcend all age groups and genders—anyone would be happy to receive one whether they’re your best friend or someone you met yesterday. They’re foolproof.

Bag charms

Giving the gift of trends is also a great idea because people don’t want to invest in something that may not be cool once the seasons turn. Bag charms are hot right now. Gifting them proves that you’re in the know, hip, and that you pay attention. I love this one from Anthropologie that’s giving charm bracelet ($38), these faux leather cherries ($20), or this very sophisticated and contemporary chain from Cos ($39)

Next week, I’ll be covering all types of people you need to gift. Your boss, your boyfriend, your gay friend, your roommate, you name it.

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I’m kicking off this year’s gift guide series strong by making it all about me. But in all seriousness, if you read this blog, 1) thank you, and 2) we probably have similar taste. These are gifts that I personally would be very happy to receive and have been eyeing all year.

Style

A Cou Cou Intimates set (top $50, bottoms $60)

These are running low on SSENSE, but they also have their own site for you to shop on. I love chic loungewear, and it’s some of my most-worn clothing in my closet. I often get it from B*andy M*lville, but investing in good, quality pieces that don’t break down over time and look more elevated than just standard fast fashion basics is a great step towards building a foundational wardrobe. I’ve seen girls online style their Cou Cou pieces at night, for work, and just life in general outside of the bedroom, and it’s chef’s kiss.

Flore Flore Basics (recommended: the May Cami $75, the Hillie Tank, $80)

Another campaign for gifting good basics. I stole this idea from my coworker who told me she was buying these for her mom one time, which I thought was really smart. If someone bought me an $80 tank top, I’d be really honored. talks about her love of these in her newsletter, , and that should be the only testimonial you need.

UGG Tasman Slippers ($110 - $200)

The smell of UGGs straight out of the box is peak Christmas nostalgia for me. I asked for a new pair probably every year from age 9-14. I saw these aquamarine Tasmans while browsing Pinterest the other day, and I’ve been hooked on them ever since. I’m not sure why they’re almost $90 more than the typical Tasman, but I haven’t seen this color anywhere else, so that could be why. I’d say its worth it—if I saw a girl on the street wearing these (which I’m sure I will), I’d be seething with jealousy at how her UGGs aren’t like other girls.

A MARGESHERWOOD bag ($300)

I don’t know if you guys have noticed this recently, but you can’t find any good bags for under $200 anymore (excluding sales). Brands that considered themselves affordable luxury Coach and Proenza Schouler, even Gimaguas and Paloma Wool which have reasonably priced garments have bags with price tags nearing and exceeding the $500 mark. I’ve been admiring MARGESHERWOOD for a little while now, and (second shoutout—sorry you guys are so influential to me) my coworker just bought one that lived up to the hype IRL. The leather is quality, the shape is bitchy in the best way, and they come in practical sizes.

Etsy jewelry ($20-200)

My gift guides this year wouldn’t be complete without Etsy. It’s truly the best place for finding special things like jewelry, home goods, and hair accessories to give to a loved one or myself. It says I picked this out just for you, because it’s 1 of 1. When it comes to jewelry, they truly have an amazing assortment of thoughtfully made staple and statement pieces. These Signet Cuffs are something I would call a forever piece, and on the less-pricey end of the spectrum, this Hammered Cuff made in Mexico will look like it was way more expensive than it is.

BEAUTY

Fancy hand cream ($25)

There is an epidemic of terrible hand soap in the New York City metropolitan area. At the gym, at restaurants, at my own apartment, all of it leaves my hands cracked and brittle. We’re about to enter the time of year where there will not be a day I leave the house without hand cream. Last year, I treated myself Neccessaire’s, and used every last drop before basically cutting it open to finish out the rest. The fancy version of something somebody uses every day is a really great gift idea in general. More on those in the coming weeks.

Hair accessories ($16-23)

Another special Etsy mention. I’m into unique hair accessories for this fall, whether it’s a headband or a clip, and now that my hair is the appropriate length to really dive in, I’m ready. I have visions of these vintage Swan Barrettes as the final touch to a simple yet elegant outfit, and these French Hairpins are great to just toss into your bag for the day.

HOME

A weighted blanket ($80)

You could definitely get one of these for cheaper, but I have chicness at the forefront of my priorities. I once used a weighted blanket at my nana’s house when I was sick, and I still think about it over five years later. I’ve never invested in one because well, they’re weighted, and moving one from apartment to apartment seemed like a battle I wasn’t ready for. This may be the year that I finally indulge. Pro-tip, if you buy someone one of these, just send it to their house.

Coffee table books ($80)

I want my apartment to be covered in books. I know many people feel the same. A coffee table book makes for a great gift because investing in them is expensive. I’ve been eyeing this Kate Moss one for a while, it has a beautiful cover, and you lay it open to display the interior pages in an effortlessly cool I was just paging through and left that there way.

Espresso cups or Spanish wine glasses ($40)

I’m not sure why I tied these to each other, but they kind of make sense together, no? I love collecting unique espresso cups. I don’t know why I would ever have a friend over in the morning, but I have a weird fantasy of serving people shots of espresso (why I would be doing that either, I don’t know why) in cups that they’re absolutely enamored with. The third and final Etsy shoutout of this post will not fail you. My mom was given Spanish wine glasses by her friend and I’m obsessed with them. I ordered some but they got lost in the mail. They hold like, three sips per glass, but they look too good to care.

I’m very excited to kick off this year’s gift guides, as you guys know. In an effort to make them as versatile as possible, next Monday’s installment will be Gifts to give if your pockets hurt with everything listed under $50.

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