Entry No. 7: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
Looking for a personable gift for your in laws? Husband? Yourself? Look no further...
The countdown has BEGUN (47 days to be exact)! Christmas and Hanukkah, both landing on the same day this year, are a little over six weeks away. Don’t panic—you’re not too late to the game. While I am definitely NOT a cold-weather gal, I do absolutely love this time of year for reasons that have nothing to do with the temperature in New York:
First, I'm a Sagittarius (need I say more), and I live for a festive celebration.
Second, everything is decorated in twinkle lights, tinsel, and bows. Be still my romanticize-everything-in-life heart.
Third, it's COZY SEASON! Time to stay in with homemade comfort foods, prioritize quality time with family and friends, and really savor all the goodness in your life.
This year I’m feeling inspired to bring back the art of homemade gifts. Picture homemade breads, granola, and cookies for holiday hosts, neighbors—honestly, anyone. Spending my first holiday season in my own home has me craving that thoughtful, wholesome vibe. I credit this to my mom, who somehow has a box of beautifully decorated (and insanely delicious) cookies for nearly everyone she knows—for any reason or none at all! I want others to feel that special magic my mom shares with everyone.
BUT, if baking isn’t your thing, today’s your lucky day! I’ve been hard at work on my Holiday Gift Guides, and I’m so excited to share them with you. When I asked in my Instagram poll earlier this week who you’re shopping for, I received tons of great (and specific!) responses:
“Mother-in-law who is picky, father in law who has EVERYTHING”
“White Elephant party at work, budget is $50”
“Reasonable indoor garland for the mantel/stair railing that isn’t fake looking”
“Brother in law who loves athleisure”
“My niece who is a sassy pre-teen!!!”
“You” (shoutout to my mother-in-law for this response)
Alas—grab your cup of coffee and enjoy shopping…
FOR: UNDER $50
Shop all items under $50 here.
Need something for your white elephant party? A stocking stuffer? A friend? There are SO many options that are more interesting than a gift card.
My obsession with Olive & June runs 4 years deep, so naturally their sheer set is one of my top picks.
And for that friend on a clean-beauty journey? Lake & Skye, a clean beauty brand known for its non-toxic ingredients, has the perfect cool-girl scent with their 11 11 fragrance. Use my code Genny15 for 15% off (and keep an eye on my instagram for a big one-day discount this Monday, November 11!).
FOR: YOUR HOME
Shop all gift items for your home here.
If you’re stumped on what to get your mother-in-law or that friend who's into home decor, look no further! Choosing one chic piece to add to their home can spark immense joy.
When in doubt, frame a family photo for them in a timeless yet elegant picture frame—it’s a thoughtful gift they’ll love to display.
FOR: THE FOODIE
Shop all gift items for the foodie here.
These are the perfect gifts for your holiday host, sister, mom—anyone who loves to entertain and values good food. I’m about to dive into Ina Garten’s newest book myself, and I might just need a set of these Ralph’s coffee cups for my own collection!
FOR: YOUR HOLIDAY DECOR
Shop all holiday decor items here.
This year I’m embracing a traditional Christmas aesthetic, rooted in nostalgia. I want to bring back the magic of childhood Christmases, focusing less on trends and more on appreciating what you already have. Eclectic ornaments should take center stage, while the overly curated looks can take a backseat.
With just a few new touches like this faux garland and a knitted tree skirt I picked up this season, your collected decor can feel refreshed and ready to shine.
FOR: HER
Explore my gift guide for all of the women in your life. One of my absolute favorite gifts I received was this Cuyana medium travel case. I’ve been using this makeup case for YEARS and absolutely love it. My color picks would be navy or red!
FOR: HIM
This guide is for the brother-in-law who loves aethleisure, and for the father-in-law who has everything. My pick would be this hot ones hot sauce trio if you’re up for the challenge. Last Christmas my family and I had our own ‘Hot Ones’ challenge with these sauces, which has now turned into a core memory.
FOR: THE HOMEBODY
Shop all items for the homebody here.
Here’s the perfect gift guide for the gal who loves canceling plans and staying cozy at home (may we all know, love, and be one of them). I’m very into these literie candles with scents like Bodega Coffee and I Have a Cabin Upstate. How cute!
I hope you enjoyed shopping, and I’d LOVE to hear what you’re eyeing, what you’re still looking for, and what you think. I’ve spent far too much time curating this, but my goal is for you to enjoy a holiday season with less of that last-minute scramble stress, and more time spent soaking up quality time with loved ones.
Xx,
Genny
p.s. if you love these guides, share it with a friend or family member!