National Parks Wonderland 1000 Piece Puzzle at Parks Project, $38
Parks Project is a great organization that works to, as we've always been told, leave our National Parks better than we found them, and they have a GREAT selection of neat National Parks-related stuff, like this absolutely gorgeous 1000-piece puzzle. - J
Lionel Richie luggage tag
This is... perfection. It's about $15 blank, and for an extra $5 you can personalize it with name and address information. -H
Musical dishrags
And SPEAKING OF MUSIC JOKES. These Canadian made dish cloths, sold by Maker House (they ship to the US), are brilliant. "I just dried in your arms tonight" is in a tie with the Missy Elliot one, for me. "Dried" is a tea towel, for $18.95, though it's unclear to me if that's in Canadian or US dollars, and the others -- there are more, too -- are $10 paper towel replacements, with a lifespan of, they say, about 9 months or potentially much longer depending on how you care for them. They're compostable, too. (I have some Swedish dish cloths like this and I've cut down on paper towel use dramatically; it's great.) The set of three is $24.95. -H
Inside the Museum Puzzle at the Met Museum store, $24.95
This 500 piece puzzle looks AMAZING. And not just for lovers of The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler, although it would be CHARMING if you paired these two items together. The museum's website describes it thusly: "The Museum's galleries and the treasures within are laid out in a dense, delightful illustration that forms a schematic map, providing a stimulating challenge for all ages. Once assembled, the puzzle becomes a game, as young art lovers pinpoint objects listed around the border, scoring points along the way. Watch the vast scope of The Met collection emerge, piece by piece." Fabulous! - J
Sommify Game
Basically, this a blind-wine-tasting game, where they provide the game and cards and such, and you provide the wine (as they advise on the product page, you can either have one person handle all of it, or everyone brings a disguised bottle to the party). It's $50, but if you're REALLY into learning about wine tasting this way and you don't have a lot of socks or something to mask your bottles, they also sell four covers for $20. -H
Joshua Tree Desert Campfire Candle, $24.99 at National Park Project
Also at the National Park Project, this candle -- which I own and which smells VERY good -- is scented like "desert campfire," sage brush and juniper, and it's also pleasantly minimalist. - J
Eat What You Watch -- Amazon
In this book, the author helps you recreate meals from the big screen, like Sally Albright's deli sandwich, or the timpano from Big Night. Sadly, "liver with fava beans and a nice Chianti" is not on the list, that I can tell. I'll be writing a note. -H
The Starry Night Legos, the Met Museum Store -- $169.99
This is so cool! Per the Met's Informative Caption, "This set was conceived by Truman Cheng, a 25-year old Hong Kong-based LEGO fan, through a submission on the LEGO Ideas platform, and has been created in conjunction with The Museum of Modern Art in New York. When developing the original concept, Truman, a PhD student, was building with LEGO bricks when he realized that stacking them together in random intervals looked like Van Gogh’s iconic brush strokes. The LEGO Ideas The Starry Night set includes a minifigure of Vincent van Gogh, a mini easel and a mini interpretation of the painting, along with a paint brush." If you click through and look at it on the site, you can see how groovy it is in 3-D. Perfect for your artistic Lego fan! - J
Cadence product tins
These seem really neat: magnetized pots for your toiletries/travel needs, all in TSA-approved sizes. You can customize what it says on the lids, but you may not have to, as the list of options (and icons) they have is thorough -- everything from Body Wash to Face Serum to Lube -- and you can mix-and-match hues too. They aren't cheap; right now, they're $76 for 6 and $143 for 12. But if you travel a lot and/or have really specific needs, they may save you from repeatedly buying travel-size toiletries you don't actually want, or using bottles that force you to check your bags. - H Oh, and 100 percent of proceeds from using the rainbow, heart, or wave icons go to their non-profit partners Heart of Dinner, Trans Woman of Color Collective, and Nest. -H
Cashmere pashmina, J.Crew -- $64-148
As I type, this is currently half-ish off and a mere $64 but who knows what J.Crew is going to continue to do with its pricing between now and the holidays. Regardless! You definitely know someone who could use a cashmere wrap, what a luxurious thing! It also comes in red, ivory, beige, and black. This might be extra nice if you know someone who is always cold. -J
Cashmere turtleneck sweater, at Banana Republic - $240
I am on record as thinking that Banana Republic's sweaters are VERY good right now, and this one is truly a classic. It also comes in charcoal grey and a color they're calling "wisteria," which is just a very lovely mauve. Cozy! Luxury! Knits! - J
Scented Macaron erasers
A nice, portable under-$10 trinket. In the US, click here; in Canada, try ordering them from Make Vancouver, which incidentally also has great gift items and an endless array of things you can customize. My kids whiled away a lovely afternoon there once; one made a pillow case with food images on it, and the other made... a mug with food images on it. FOOD! Anyway. -H
Cat and Lox Bagel Tote, at Etsy -- $26
First, everyone loves a tote bag. Second, we know you know someone who will be delighted by this glorious bit of art featuring a car holding a bagel. (This Etsy seller has a lot of very whimsical cat art in case everyone you know is all stocked up on tote bags...which doesn't seem possible.) - J
Ceramic Koi, at Etsy - $58
I've recommended these ceramic koi before and they've always sold well, so this is a reminder that if you have someone who likes to grow a whimsical garden, they might want a large ceramic koi fish to hide amongst their plants. I have mine stuck in a potted plant and it brings me much joy. They also come in different colors, and if you'd rather have ceramic trout, those are also on the table and they are fabulous. -J
Jeopardy! card game -- Amazon
For when you're traveling, and/or you want to embolden yourself to take the Jeopardy! test to get on the show (REMEMBER WHEN JESS WAS ON JEOPARDY?? THE BEST). This was a nice cheap deal when I wrote this slide. I hope it remains that way. -H
Compact Swivel Cheese Board at Uncommon Goods -- $47-$81
This is perfect for all your holiday snacky needs, and for the hosts/cheese lovers you know! Informative Caption tells me this "this unique design starts as a wedge and transforms to a tiered server for your favorite cheeses and appetizers. Choose your size: classic, which includes a stainless steel, all-purpose cheese knife and cheese fork, or large, which also comes with a flat cheese knife. As an added bonus, the flatware stows in a small drawer inside the board. " CLEVER. - J
Season 1 of the Goes Wrong Show -- Amazon
Have you heard of "The Play That Goes Wrong"? Well, even if you haven't, this UK series from the same troupe stands on its own. The premise: an amateur theatre group puts on weekly one-act plays for the BBC, which go wrong in a creative variety of ways. (Our faves: "A Trial To Watch," "90 Degrees," and "Harper's Locket.") We saw the original play, then discovered this show during Covid, and laughed until we cried. They're only about half an hour, but you have to buy them on Prime Video -- though the price as of this writing is under $10 (and I've never seen it over that). And, bonus, there's a Watch Party feature if you want to see them too but aren't in the same house. -H
Clare V sardines tee -- $79.20
Clare V, the beloved Los Angeles-based, women-owned label best known for handbags, also makes very cute tees -- like this one.- J
Collegiate pouches, at Uncommon Goods -- $33
These SUPER CUTE collegiate pouches would be a great gift for the new student or freshly-minted alum on your list -- or just anyone you know who is still true to their school. I also love this brand's beautiful embroidered city pillows and national parks pillows. - J
Statement drop earrings, at Boden -- $55
These are so fun and glam -- and also come in green and blue, if that's more the color palate for the earring lover on your list. (Who could also be you!) - J
Handmaid Escamada Candle at Anthropologie -- $22-$58
These candles are GORGEOUS! Anthro's Informative Caption says that "these unique beeswax candles are handcrafted by artisans across Mexico." They're so delicate and pretty. - J
Extremely Chic Tool Box, at the MoMA store -- $95
This is seriously the chicest tool box I have ever seen. It's also available in teal green and bright yellow. I honestly feel like you could use this as a lunch box, for crafts, or as a (heavy, I guess) purse. It's so gorgeous! Perfect for all the chic DIY'ers you know. - J
Random assortment! -- Fredericks and Mae
This is the same store that sold the Bennifer ornament. I applaud their vision. They also have other cute (but pricey) gifts, like this $55 wooden checkers set that doubles for chess -- you can see the graphics on the pieces -- and folds up into a case that encloses everything so it doesn't get lost. Or, there are $30 pots of matches, which seems excessive, but we DID put a bunch of candles in this thing and SOMETHING has to light them (and PETITE FIRE feels like a good stocking stuffer?). On the left is a funky serving board for a hefty $120, but it's a neat size and shape for the host in your life, especially if that host is you . There are a variety of speckled square cutting boards to complement or contrast it, and several other colors. -H
Fair Isle Socks, J.Crew -- $24
For that person on your list who loves a Fair Isle but maybe has one too many sweaters already. (Can you have too many sweaters already?) Everyone can use a festive sock! - J
"One More Chapter."
This speaks for itself, and could also someday speak for you! It's $30 at Inkwell Threads. -H
Fried Chicken Candle, Urban Outfitters -- $22
Don't pretend you don't know someone who would like a candle that looks (and maybe smells??) like a piece of fried chicken. You absolutely do. - J
Malachite ring, $23-$29
This is on sale right now at Madewell. They only have size 6, but as it's a signet ring style, it's probably a pinky ring or third-finger ring primarily anyway? And: MALACHITE. Love it. If you're not sure if a 6 fits any of your fingers, you can size your fingers at home first. -H
Handwoven basket, Etsy -- $116
Everyone loves a beautiful handwoven basket, right? This particular Etsy shop is based in Bolgatanga, Ghana, and they have SO many gorgeous options, including really fabulous pet beds! -J
How to Speak Cat, Uncommon Goods -- $10
The perfect stocking stuffer for the Cat Lover on your list. So cute! And possibly useful. - J
Cute Little Dog Bowls, Uncommon Goods -- $20
While we're talking about cute, pet-related outfits, this set of six tiny dog bowls are perfect for holding little things like rings or serving nuts or olives. (They're bowls that look like dogs, not bowls made FOR dogs.) (I feel like you could also use them to hold guest soap?) Package them with fancy nuts! - J
Helpful and Accurate Book
It's true! There ARE moms way worse than you. And if there aren't moms way worse than I am, well, then I appreciate a book that will lie to my face about this. It's a great gift for any time of year, really, but might come in especially handy for the mom in your life who goes to religious services with squirmy and/or loud children and feels like everyone is giving her a death stare. -H
Large Jade Green Geode bowl, Etsy --$175
It's not a GFY Gift Guide if I'm not trying to sell you a beautiful serving bowl. But this is a beautiful serving bowl, and you might know someone who's moved into a new home and needs serving bowls! - J
Llama ornament, Urban Outfitters -- $14
This llama ornament is so cute and cozy and friendly. She also comes in blue and orange, for those of you gifting llama ornaments to folks who like their animals in whimsical colors. - J
MoMa Multi-ccino Mug, at MoMA-- $18
Excuse me, but this mug is rad! The outside has all the proportions of the ingredients needed for a variety of coffee drinks, from espressos to flat whites. - J
There Are No Small Parts
What a cool idea -- this book is devoted to actors who rocked it out with under 10 minutes of screen time. -H
NYC food map, Etsy -- $44
This food map of NYC is DELIGHTFUL and perfect for your New Yorker/foodie. This Etsy shop is, in fact, full of delights. It also has prints of illustrated recipes, like this one of Philly cheesesteaks, or this one of pineapple upside down cake. It's worth a poke around! - J
Fuck Around and Find Out socks
Our friend Amy Spalding (a hella talented author, we love her AND her books) posted these on her Instagram the other day and they reminded me of this Ana de Armas post I wrote. You can find variations a lot of places; these particular ones are listed at $12 at Amazon as of this writing. -H
Socks from Main and Local, about $13
I like whimsical socks, okay?!? I have the All Dressed potato chip ones pictured here; this company also sells "Scrabble Pride" (bottom left), Quebec swear words (bottom right), Justice, Love, and Equality (top right), and more. There's Poutine! Ketchup chips! Curling! I HAD YOU AT CURLING, DIDN'T I. (NOTE: Shipping to the US from this Canadian site is only free if you buy more than $150; I found another site that sells them with a lower $80 free shipping threshold.) -H
Flannel PJ pants, Old Navy -- $24.99
Pajama bottoms are a CLASSIC holiday gift and, let's get real -- Old Navy makes GREAT PJ bottoms. Everyone likes getting new jammy jams.-J
Peeters Bouquet of Flowers Tray at the Met Museum store, $105
This isn't cheap, but it is GORGEOUS and we've all got that person on our lists who loves fancy house doodads and beautiful things. And trays are actually very useful! The Met's website informatively captioned this thusly: "Our lacquer tray features sumptuous details from Clara Peeters's (Flemish, ca. 1587–after 1636) magnificent still life, A Bouquet of Flowers (ca. 1612), in The Met collection. Peeters was a founding figure in the history of European still-life painting, a genre that attracted women artists who were not allowed to study nude models." Educational! It's 18"L x 13"W x 2"H. - J
Ribbed glass watering can, Anthropologie -- $32
This is such a beautiful iternation of something practical -- perfect for the plant-obsessed on your list. You could even gift it WITH a new plant! - J
Spout Mister, Anthropologie -- $24.99
ALSO chic and thoughtful for your plant lovers! Trust me -- speaking as a plant lover, your plant lover will love this. It's the sort of thing you never buy for yourself. - J
Spreadsheet mug, Uncommon Goods -- $12
I KNOW you know someone who really loves spreadsheets. Show that you respect their affection for this program the best way you can -- with this mug. - J
UGH Pendant, Etsy -- $65.60
We've all said it. Now give it to someone to wear proudly. Maybe even to work! -J
Candles, assorted
Usually I have a hard time buying candles scent-unsniffed, especially when the names don't help and ESPECIALLY because they're not cheap. But these made me laugh. My patience IS in retrograde. That one is $29, from a woman-owned business; "After a Good Cry" is $24, and the $30 "Rich Auntie Energy" comes from Jean Grey Candle Co., a Black-owned, woman-owned business that the founder began when she was laid off during Covid. The last one is from Literie Candles, which has an array of NYC-specific scents like Hot Roasted Nut Cart, Pizza from a Guy Named Joe, and I Bought Another House Plant... but also made a set of Real Housewives-inspired candles, like Flipping Tables, Money Can't Buy You Class, Snowing In Pasadena, etc. They are all $45 each. Which feels like a lot, but maybe some novelties are priceless? (Basically this is my long way of saying, "JESSICA DID YOU KNOW THERE ARE HOUSEWIVES CANDLES??") -H
Slippers -- Los Angeles Trading Company
I'M SETTING A MOOD!!! As seen on Shannen Doherty on her Instagram, so you know they're good. Brenda Walsh would never steer us wrong, EVER, except maybe about whether or not she is from France. (BTW, these are $48.) -H
The Impossible Puzzle
What is wrong with me this year? Do I just hate people? WHO WOULD GIVE ANYONE THIS PUZZLE. Except... it's also brill? But fiendish. It comes in 100, 200, 500, and 1000 pieces, they're all clear, MANY of them look like edge pieces even when they aren't, and ... I mean, I think it IS impossible? Perhaps you have vengeance on your mind this gifting season. It's okay. No judgment. -H
Stripey cutlery set -- Brook Farm General Store
This set of six knives and forks is $134, so they're a splurge, but they're in a blue stripe, so obviously I had to put them in here. Listen, maybe you want to have new, fancy French knives on hand in case anyone gives YOU an impossible puzzle. -H
Smiley Rings
But I'm not ALLL cranky messaging and impossibilities and knives this year! These colorful smiley rings are adorable, and hopefully will not turn your finger black... still, a little soap gets that out, but the cheery mood might remain? They're $64 at Notte Jewelry. -H
National Geographic Almanac for Kids
My niece -- our Intern C, who pops 'round these parts occasionally when she's in the same room as I am -- is OBSESSED with this, gets it every year, and absolutely devours it for days. It's a neat annual publication for the info-hungry kidlet in your life. -H
Velvet throw blanket, Anthropologie -- $148
This is STUNNING and cozy -- a powerful one-two gift punch to be sure. - J
Titanic board game
I picked this one because, initially, "Escape the Boat, Stay Afloat" cracked me up and also felt amusingly insensitive. But the game had nice reviews, and the pieces look like they might be really quite pretty. -H
William Morris Strawberry Thief Tea Towel, $22 at the Met Museum Store
EVERYONE can use a beautiful tea towel and this one is so pretty. You could also use it as a impromptu wrapping paper -- like if you're giving someone jam or some other consumable delight? -J
Chips
You know what else everyone can use? Potato chips. These, by Williams-Sonoma, are cheese-flavored and designed to pair with specific varietals of wine. It's $50 for a set of four -- one of each flavor. -H