Provisional Gift Guide
My Dear Friends need to start making their lists!
I stopped making In and Out lists because, even though they were INCREDIBLY accurate, not that many people seemed to acknowledge me as some all-seeing Goddess. It’s fine, it’s fine!
I also think being trapped in an office building has skewed my inspiration a little bit: my finger is no longer on the pulse (it’s on an ergonomic mouse instead). But, with that being said, a time in which many of us love to give GIFTS is coming up, and I want you all to be prepared.
In a perfect world, by my standards, gift lists should be thought out by the third week of November, and executed by early December. The only exception is perhaps a DAD GIFT, quasi-impossible challenge of it’s own.
This is perhaps the chicest kitchen item possible, I think. I’ve been obsessed with theoretician Aldo Rossi of late, who (in kahoots with Alessi) designed the best selection of coffee makers available, as below.
There’s something incredibly hilarious about the current fixation on/romanticisation of grocery shopping, because we seem to all say it’s recession-adjacent. LOL! Realistically it’s SUPER DINK/SINKy of us to buy Portuguese Sardines + Loaf of $11 rye bread + Belgian Mustard + Pickled Zucchinis Jar in one go. It’s not exactly Pams Home Brand guys!
This sounds like I’m anti luxury groceries. NO! The perfect GESTURE truly is providing delicious treats, especially at Christmas. I’ve whittled it down to my four picks:
Sidebar: I have serious beef with Panettone (I’m team Pandoro) UNLESS you gut it and stuff it with Mascarpone or Ricotta – highly recommend! My Dear Brother will be doing that for our Christmas Eve Dinner.
A flat bear makes me want to CRY! I would pin this on my newfound Australianness, but I think most of my Dear Friends of the fairer gender would feel the same. Every time I’m at Sydney International Airport (past security) I will hold one for 20 minutes in the AUSTRALIAN WAY souvenir shop. Opt for either the Latte or the Chocolate colour-ways.
I’m a generally a superstitious person but my perfect stocking-stuffer gift would be a SERRATED KNIFE, preferably Victorinox. Perfect for those who are coming into TOMATO season! Maybe pop a coin alongside it to truly ward off any bad luck.
How about Moleskine for your emotionally repressed friends or family who need to journal or list things out? It could come across as INTIMIDATING (feelings, so many blank pages, et cetera), so to make it a little more approachable, I’d suggest buying the pocket size version with ruled pages (pictured). I’m partial to a hard-cover! Do NOT buy a 2025 edition OR one of the thick ones as you’ll guilt your recipient out of using it.
If they’re autistic, maybe you can opt for the squared/grid page option, and if they’re the most enviable person you know, maybe they can brave a plain paged one (!!)
Quick-fire Round
Karaoke Microphone for Holiday singalongs as suggested by a Dear Friend
Peanuts adjacent gifting is emblematic of CHRISTMAS. Find a copy of A Charlie Brown Christmas, or a Snoopy Ornament to hang from your tree or keys
The L’Occitane Almond Oil (not just for your mother!)
Go to Officeworks, print a sentimental photograph out. Then, take said photograph to your local art framer to get a custom cornice made for it. I like RIMU (or any similar dark red wood), or something fun like ROYAL BLUE.
A tastefully embroidered pillow (customised with their initials?), or a fun-shaped one, like the wonderful Klay ones
Or, just some standard 73cm x 48cm semi-nice pillowcases – that’s what both my brother AND [redacted] are getting as one of their presents. Practicality CAN be gifted!
Remember when we were kids and you could adopt a goat for a family in Africa? In that vein, you could donate to Palestinian relief fund, Pets of the Homeless, or a Wishing Tree, et cetera.
Happy Holidays my Dear Friends! I love you all.
P.S. Please comment any of your go-to gift ideas, because I’m still in the process of finalising my list and I know you’re all tastemakers in your own rights.
As a Flatbear, Victorinox (would also recommend Opinel) and Moleskine owner, can confirm this is a great selection