The Experience Hound Gift Guide 2024: Part One
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like I'll Be Avoiding my Credit Card Statement til' January
Hi friends!
As Thanksgiving is just around the corner, it would be an excellent time to share some ideas for holiday gifts. Every influencer you follow has beaten me to the punch, but I will go out on a limb here and say confidently - I can endorse myself as a great gift-giver. I love finding special things and often share ideas with my friends about what they should gift their friends, partners, and families for the holidays.
I’m planning to do a few guides to be finished *hopefully* over Thanksgiving. Is there anything more fun than scouring the interwebs for fun bits and bobs with a glass of red in hand and something bubbling away on the stove? I’ll begin with a guide that should apply to most of my readers - the girlies—homeware, games, jewels, etc. I hope you enjoy it! As always, please slide into my messages if you need any recommendations - I live for this!
So, without further ado, The Experience Hound 2024 Gift Guide: Part One!
HOME (because I am sitting in my own and feeling rather inspired)
I find that coffee table books are an excellent place to start. My current obsession is this photo album Disguised as a Beautiful Coffee Table Book ($59). It’s a nice way to keep it personal, and you can print photographs around without it looking like your grandparents’ house. This brand has a lot of great options, and I especially love this adorable Baby Book Album for any new moms.
I love receiving gorgeous coffee table trinkets, and it’s a really thoughtful way to liven up someone’s space while acknowledging their interests. Know someone who’s been working on their vintage jewelry collection lately? I recently saw "Jewels That Made History" on someone’s table and was engrossed. A blend of history and jewelry - so cool, and beautiful to boot. Or perhaps “David Hicks: In Colour” book for a sweet pop of red that always looks nice. I also love the Flamingo Estate Cook Book for your culinary friend. For my bakers out there, I love Nicola Lamb’s recipes on Instagram, and she just released her first book, “SIFT,” which has gotten rave reviews. If they don’t need a recipe to whip up some delicious meal, perhaps their own Recipe Book ($38), where they can write them down, remember, and share.
Speaking of chefs, I find gifts for the kitchen are especially easy, chic, and pleasant to get. I recently stumbled across a pair of Very Sweet Oven Mitts ($52) on Glassette (where lots of these things will come from). I find them so whimsical and a cute gift for someone who loves to cook. Even in my measly NYC kitchen, my red block-print oven mitts give me a bit of joy every time I use them like I’m in a real home.
Or what about this Ridiculously Cute Toast Rack…are you kidding me!? ($54) Great for the sourdough connoisseur in your life.
These Ceramic To-Go Mugs ($40) are excellent for those with a standing morning walk, so they can save the planet but avoid sloshing around a standard mug. Plus, they’re pretty.
Personalized Cocktail Napkins ($51) are a fantastic gift. You can do whatever you want here, really. Their name, their dog’s name*’s bar, some funny joke relating to the recipient, or the names of a couple who have just moved in together would be sweet. One more idea: if you’re getting this for a solo living gal, have each napkin say one of their favorite things (martini, negroni, old fashioned; or lays, jambon, olives, prosciutto) You get the gist!
Cute plates for hosting are a no-brainer, especially if you tap into their style. These Les Indiennes Plates ($44-75) are so fun, but if they lean slightly more traditional, the Lulu & Georgia Jane Earthenware Dinner Set (currently only $78) is classic but still playful.
If they like to host, fabulous stemware is a must! Sure, you could use plastic cups, but that really derails the ambiance. I’m forever a fan of the Sophie Lou Jacobsen Colorful Wine Glasses ($200), but the CB2 x Goop Noemie Glasses ($179) have also caught my eye lately.
Pomelo Casa was on my list last year, but it deserves an annual feature because all their products are the best. A beautiful platter, pitcher, or set of plates from here are my go-to's for gifting, especially for someone who has hosted me in their home. The designs are simply beautiful and come in stunning colors, one of which is sure to pair well with anyone’s home. When in doubt, just peruse their website, and you’ll find the perfect gift.
Art is especially great for those who are building their home décor collection. These framed 19th Century Botanical Prints ($329) are classic and beautiful, styled together or apart. Etsy is an endless resource for art beyond just prints. Another idea is this Yellow Norweigan House Painting ($49). But the list goes on and on - try searching “original painting” or lithograph and scroll around.
A beautiful jewelry box ($120) is a wonderful gift, but I don’t think most people would buy one for themselves. It’s so helpful but adds a charming touch to any space. Vintage ones are especially amazing, too. I love this red one ($36), but Etsy has no shortage of options.
I have been swooning over the Feldspar x Lucy Williams Collaboration, particularly this Ceramic Candle Wall Sconce ($179 each). Two of these flanking a dining area would be magical, while just one by your bedside would also be quite dreamy. How sweet, albeit pricey. So I pulled some more reasonable alternatives to consider: Sunny Red ($69), Mini Floral ($55), or Chic Brass ($77).
ACTIVITIES & CRAFTS
Perhaps you have an aspiring artist in your life, or perhaps their therapist told them to do some amateur painting after work to blow off steam. Whatever they may be, this sweet ceramic Watercolor Set ($37) will surely be a winner. I also love this one for oil painting. The little mushroom is so cute and even has a pot for brush water.
Look, I don’t even know how to play chess, but I’d be thrilled to receive this beautiful Marble Chess Set ($95), and there are lots more variations if you troll around Etsy.
Loving this Tomato Mega-Puzzle ($40), plus they have loads of other designs.
A Travel Backgammon Set ($120) is always a win (great for guys, too!)
For the Pickleball fanatics, Play Henry is a very cute brand designed by fellow UVA alums. I love the tomato color, amongst others, but especially the one with this whimsical design created by my friend Presley!
Lastly, cameras! Real ones! I love it when my friends bring their digital and film cameras around. The photos end up so much more authentic and in the moment. While a traditional digital camera ($323) is excellent, a used film camera is top-notch, like this one from Etsy ($240)
WEARABLES
Now, gifting things that people can wear is tricky territory. You need to know their size, style, and what they may or may not have. But you’ve got it, and I’ve got some ideas for everyone!
I am starting with sunglasses, which are relatively easy. I have been hunting for flattering, 90s-style sunglasses for quite some time, à la Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. Now, I could buy the exact pair of shades she actually wore from Selima Optique, but I’m hardly going to cough up $475 on a pair of sunglasses. But these pair from Velvet Canyon are designed to be identical to Selima’s and come in at a slightly more humble $229. I received these for my birthday and have worn them every day since, none short of compliments.
Sneakers are anything but a basic gift, and this pair of Onitsuka Tigers ($132) in beige and green are pretty unique.
Massive fan of Velvet Mary Janes. They are so comfy, perfect for making any outfit, and great for traveling because they are compact. The chocolate brown ones from Cayumas ($170) with a little ankle tie are currently on my wishlist.
Perhaps a bag is on your radar for a certain giftee. May I suggest the beautiful Pouch from Porto Studio ($250)? It’s so versatile and chic but also unique. I love to toss a few essentials in it for a date night, carry it as a wedding clutch, or keep my phone, wallet, keys, etc., together in a more oversized bag. You can also order the strap separately to convert it into a crossbody.
Vintage bags are beautiful and generally inexpensive. It’s so fun to bring a 1920s Mesh Bag to a winter party and a really cool gift to receive. I love a Whiting & Davis clutch ($45) or a fun little bronze number ($140).
As for an everyday tote, this J.Crew one ($228) is stylish and sleek. It doesn’t look too much like a “work bag” but fits a laptop. Meanwhile, a pretty Woven Tote ($284) in a bright color is great for everyday use but especially perfect on vacation as well. Etsy has some excellent, more affordable dupes, too - like this one ($170).
Luggage is another great “wouldn’t get it for themselves” one. I absolutely love Paravel - their luggage is beautiful, and while a bit pricey, the quality is impressive. I got the Aviator Carry-on Plus (currently $356) during their fabulous Black Friday sale last year and have never looked back. No matter how much stuff I shove in this sleek little suitcase, it always closes (much more than my old Away suitcase, I’ve found). The duffels are also incredible and make me feel like quite a chic traveller. I'm a big fan of the Weekender Duffel ($220), which fits perfectly atop a roller, and the Grand Tour Duffel ($224), both of which can be personalized.
If she doesn’t have a watch, this (currently $155) is an excellent mid-price option. I love the green, but they have plenty of colors. Also, vintage watches are always chic. Do a little search on EBay or Etsy (I like 1970s gold watches in particular).
How cute and cozy are these Ruffled Boxer Pants from Sønderhaus? Perfect for lounging around the house, plus breezy enough to wear with a button-down and flats around town. Buy the whole set if you’re searching for PJs, while this Etsy block-print PJ set ($30) is super cute. Plus the seller has many pattern options.
I love this basic black turtleneck from Quince ($69). I find their stuff to be solid quality, and this will be an everyday staple. For a bigger budget, anyone would be happy to receive this classic Frankie Shop sweater ($218)
While possibly a bit frivolous, this Janessa Leone Hooded Scarf ($194) is fantastic. On those extra cold days in New York, a scarf and beanie don’t always cut it. I want to be swaddled!
Also, another staple idea: the Still Here Cool Jeans. These are just pricey enough that it’s hard to justify as an everyday purchase, but amazing as a gift. They are comfy, casual, but make any outfit special on their own. P.S. They run pretty true to size.
Lastly…jewels!
Dorsey is the perfect jewelry brand for gifting. They make beautiful pieces that look ten times more pricey than they are - given that they are not diamonds at all. But anyone would be fooled. Some of my favorites include the Lucien Leverback Earrings ($210), the James Bezel Riviere Bracelet ($315), and the Clemence 15 Stone Strand ($255), among many others!
If you’re thinking of something more fun, less classic, this Bagatiba Necklace ($150) is so cool. An Emerald Pendant ($102) or an interesting Bangle ($85) are also great and unique gifts.
Ok that was a mouthful, and all that I have for you today! Stay tuned for the men’s guide, which I’ll publish in a few days, along with an inexpensive gifts and parents/hosts guide.
I hope everyone has a great start to Thanksgiving Week!