A Few of My Favorite Things
An esoteric holiday gift guide & what to expect in 2025
Let’s get real: You probably haven’t finished your holiday shopping.
I got you. I was thinking of some of my go-to gifts for friends and family and that list expanded to include some other cool things I’ve seen here and there. Note: The headlines have hyperlinks to the gifts!
New York Brunch for 6 by Russ and Daughters
Hats off to my pal Neil for turning me on to Russ and Daughters’ decadent deliveries. You can have them shipped nationwide. I’ve sent some loved ones these boxes and they’ve called me crying with joy.
The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck and Guidebook
Five words: The cards are always right. This deck is gorgeous, to boot.
Moon Lists: A Guided Journal
I’ve gone through several self-reflective journals and this one has got to be the most fun. The author, Leigh Patterson, is a genius.
Noah Marion Tri-Fold Wallet
I LOVE this tri-fold wallet because it’s slim and has four card compartments. It fits in all of my purses and everything stays in place. Thank you, Noah Marion.
Skora Marfa Purses
Speaking of purses, look at this handsome, Horseshoe Bag made by Bogusia Golecka. Someone in your life deserves it. I have the Full Moon Bag and I get compliments on it daily.
Feels So Good T-shirt
There was a minute when I was visiting the Feels So Good website every month, looking for cool t-shirts for friends’ birthdays. The crew behind FSG is so creative with their pop culture and Texas-inspired apparel. Check it!
Rock and Roll Candle Co. Candles
Any long-burning, eco-friendly candle is a good gift for your mom or grandma, but getting one of these for your music-loving friend or family member is a clutch move. I have an Antone’s Luxury Custom Candle that’s dedicated to Austin’s iconic music venue and it makes any space feel cozy.
Leuchtturm1917 Bauhaus Edition Notebooks
Moleskine notebooks are fab but these are next level.
Cabinet Magazine
Does anyone remember Cabinet? It was my favorite magazine back in the early aughts. Every edition would focus on a specific theme, such as dust and laughter. The publication is defunct but you can buy 26 issues for your favorite nerd.
The Spaliday Kit by Ceremonia
A woman in my company’s Latinx employee resource group recommended this clean beauty brand and said the company’s founder is a badass. Nuff said.
AYAYAY! Jewelry
I think most women appreciate a unique piece of jewelry and earrings are always a sure bet. Get these Luz Earrings! Local artist and designer Haydee Alonso has got it going on.
Third Man Records Quarterly Vault Package
Record collectors who appreciate Jack White’s taste will love this subscription. For $75 a quarter, you get a box with three exclusive records from renowned artists (such as Muddy Waters, Bob Dylan, and Syd Barrett) and cool ephemera ranging from patches to booklets to stickers. Over the past two years, we’ve only received one “meh” collection.
Snoopy's Beagle Scouts Polaroid 600 Instant Film Camera
I’m aging myself but remember how fun it was to take and shake Polaroids back in the day? And then you would write something clever on the white section and put it on the fridge? Let’s make that happen again.
Bardo Tea Ritual 2.0
This kit comes with a tea blend, a bath salt blend, and sandalwood incense. Bardo is the only brand on this list I’m not personally familiar with but my buddy Lucas said this high-end tea company is legit. Trust.
El Perro Grande Reposado
The quality and the packaging of El Perro Grande will delight tequila aficionados. Also, the founder is El Paso’s new mayor! On the topic of high-quality liquids, Lucas also recommended I add this Stone Soup brandy to my list. Package one or both of these bottles with Meehan’s Bartender Manual for your wannabe bartender friends.
Just Kids by Patti Smith
Your best friend, creative niece, or memoir-loving relative will enjoy this sweet, inspiring autobiography about Patti Smith’s relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe.
Puff Coffee’s The Hot Box
I love picking up coffees from my travels and gifting them. I’m obsessed with Puff Coffee’s packaging and merch! Aren’t you?
Pee-wee's Playhouse Clocky Wall Clock Interactive Plush
I had the honor of interviewing Kid Robot founder Paul Budnitz twenty years ago before the brand took off. Since then, I’ve been consistently impressed with what the designer toy company has produced. Make that middle-aged friend’s inner child happy with this campy clock.
Rancho Gordo Holiday Gift Box
Dustin calls these my “magic beans.” They’re statement legumes that will turn your dinner party up a notch.
Leonor Greyl’s Huile Secret de Beauté
Okay, so it’s just an oil— but it smells incredible and you can use it on your hair and skin. My friend Haley gifted me a bottle years ago and I felt like a million dollars every time I used the stuff.
MAGNA-TILES
Maybe all you parents already know about MAGNA-TILES but, for the uninitiated, kiddos love these things. Even if the children in your life already have them, they could always have more, right?
Photography
Buy some art! Photography prints are the way to go because they’re generally more affordable than paintings and sculptures. I want to highlight prints by my friends Charles Mather and Sarah Frankie Linder. Also, go big and get a limited-edition rock and roll print from Austin-based Modern Rocks Gallery.
Special Stocking Stuffers
Pad out your packages with a little something extra.
Hot or Not in 2025
Here’s my take on what’s going to geiser and what’s going to jump the shark next year.
In for 2025
Perfecting your dance moves
Prep from 1962
Small things
Eating seaweed
Embroidery
Consciousness-raising groups
Grammar
True love
Badminton
Decoupage
Platinum blonde
The middle way
Growing medicinal plants
Volunteering
Bookstores
Flashing the peace sign in traffic
Out for 2025
Matcha lattes
Starting a podcast
Using dogs gratuitously in advertisements
Pickleball
Ceramics
Asking people about AI
Burnout culture
Stanley tumblers
Keeping up appearances on LinkedIn
Crocs
Vaping
Restaurant reservations
Infinite scroll
Filling uncomfortable silences
‘90s patterns
Assuming the worst
Two For the Road
Dustin and I worked on some Spotify playlists during our nine-hour drive to Buda, Texas this past Thanksgiving break. He came up with a telephone-themed playlist and mine has songs about coffee and cigarettes. Enjoy!
Thanks for reading, friends! Look for more goodness in 2025. Have a nice holiday!
Very thoughtful and unique gift ideas! Bean meaning to check out Rancho Gordo. What’s your favorite bean?