The Ultimate 2016 Holiday Gift Guide: Curated Gifts for Kitchen, Home, and Wellness Enthusiasts

Welcome to our much-anticipated Annual Favorite Things Holiday Gift Guide – a meticulously curated collection of my absolute most loved items from the past year! If you’re specifically searching for culinary inspiration, don’t forget to explore my comprehensive 2016 cookbook gift guide, which you can find right here for an abundance of delicious ideas.

Oh my, I am absolutely thrilled to unveil a treasure trove of gift ideas for you today! As someone who often finds themselves needing just a little more time to finalize holiday gift lists – both for myself and for loved ones – I completely understand if you’re feeling the same holiday crunch. The wonderful news is that the majority of these hand-picked items can be conveniently ordered and shipped well in advance, ensuring they arrive with plenty of time before the holiday festivities begin. With ten days still on the calendar, there’s ample opportunity to get those perfect presents squared away!

Here’s a helpful hint to simplify your holiday logistics: if your plans involve traveling out of town for the holidays, consider asking your hosts if you can ship gifts directly to their home. This strategy has been a lifesaver for me; I typically send most of my holiday purchases directly to my parents’ house and enjoy wrapping them at my leisure once I arrive. It’s an effortless way to free up valuable luggage space and significantly reduce pre-holiday stress, making your journey much smoother.

With that practical tip in mind, let’s dive into all the fantastic finds. I’ve thoughtfully rounded up an extensive selection of my absolute favorite kitchen essentials, ingenious stocking stuffer ideas, and beloved life and play items that have truly made an impact over the past year. Should your gifting quest lead you to culinary literature, I highly recommend checking out this dedicated post for exceptional cookbook recommendations. Approximately 92.356% of the items featured here are ones I personally own and absolutely adore – I mean, truly love, love, love them! The remaining items are highly coveted additions currently gracing my personal wish list. Every single product has either been purchased by me or lovingly gifted by a cherished family member or friend, reflecting genuine endorsement. I’ve made a concerted effort to include a diverse range of options, from delightfully affordable picks to some more significant investments, ensuring we have all bases covered for every budget and preference.

Let’s begin our journey with a collection of exceptional kitchen essentials:

1. Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine – This incredible machine has earned its mention approximately ten million times this year, and for good reason – I genuinely love it that much! If you or someone you know is an ardent espresso, cappuccino, or Americano enthusiast, this machine is an absolute dream come true. Beyond its sleek, beautiful design, it’s remarkably easy to clean and consistently produces truly exceptional coffee. The only potential “downside” is that you’ll quickly become a discerning coffee connoisseur, making it hard to settle for anything less!
2. Swell Bottle – My sister generously gifted me one of these stylish bottles for my birthday this past summer, and it has quickly become indispensable! It excels at keeping hot beverages incredibly hot, maintaining warmth for an impressive 10 hours. During summer, it’s a true lifesaver for long walks with Marley, providing nothing more refreshing than ice-cold water hours after you’ve filled it. It’s the perfect blend of style and supreme functionality.
3. Baking Steel – As someone who already owns a standard pizza stone, this innovative baking steel has been prominently displayed on my wish list for months. Its superior heat conductivity, far exceeding that of traditional ceramic stones, combined with its ease of cleaning, makes it an irresistible upgrade. This would be an extraordinary treat for any friend or family member who delights in baking artisan bread or crafting homemade pizzas.
4. Instant Pot – I swear, this appliance has been the most talked-about kitchen gadget of the entire year! I’d been contemplating purchasing one for over a year, humming and hawing, until yesterday when I finally caved during a fantastic Amazon sale. While the jury is still out as I await its arrival, I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews and incredible success stories, and I absolutely cannot wait to put it to the test. Prepare for major time-saving in the new year with this versatile marvel!
5. ChefAlarm – Though I might only reach for this culinary tool once or twice a month at most, it consistently remains one of my all-time favorite kitchen gadgets. There’s an unparalleled sense of calm that comes with placing a turkey or a roast in the oven, being able to effortlessly monitor its progress at a glance, and having the thermometer precisely beep at you the moment your culinary creation reaches its perfect internal temperature. It brilliantly eliminates so much stress and frustrating second-guessing, especially during the busy holiday season.
6. Staub 5.75 Quart Oval Cocotte – This exquisite cocotte is the quintessential Dutch oven, perfectly sized for preparing hearty stews, succulent braised dishes, or a beautifully roasted chicken. More than just a cooking vessel, this piece is a true work of art that also performs as an indispensable workhorse in any discerning kitchen, combining aesthetic appeal with exceptional performance.
7. Mini Artisan Stand Mixer – While I personally own the standard-sized stand mixer, I’ve heard nothing but enthusiastic praise for the innovative new mini version. This compact yet powerful appliance would make an absolutely fantastic gift for anyone who harbors a love for baking but contends with limited kitchen counter or storage space. It offers all the renowned KitchenAid performance in a smaller footprint.
8. Inspiralizer – Widely acclaimed as the best spiralizer on the market, I’ve quickly and enthusiastically convinced nearly half of my extended family to invest in one of these ingenious devices. It’s incredibly easy and intuitive to use, making it the perfect item for anyone embarking on new fitness or health-related New Year’s resolutions, offering a fun and healthy way to prepare vegetables.
9. Nordic Ware Heritage Bundt Pan – I am eagerly anticipating the day I can finally upgrade my old, slightly battle-worn Bundt pan with one of these truly magnificent beauties! Nordic Ware pans are renowned for their intricate designs and superior baking performance, turning any simple cake into a masterpiece.
10. Farmhouse Pottery Bowls – Or, honestly, pretty much anything else from the exquisite collection at Farmhouse Pottery. Each individual item is meticulously hand-made, ensuring it is a one-of-a-kind piece of art that is both gorgeous and functional. I confess, I have a deep and abiding affection for beautifully crafted pottery, and their pieces are simply unparalleled.
11. Vitamix Blender – This is certainly another “splurge” item on our list, but without a doubt, it remains one of my absolute favorite kitchen appliances and is unequivocally worth every bit of the hype. I promise you, you’ll be treated to the silkiest soups and smoothies you’ve ever had the pleasure of creating (among a myriad of other uses – I also regularly employ mine to finely grate parmesan cheese, produce powdered sugar, and so much more!). This stunning copper version is particularly attractive, making it elegant enough to proudly display on any kitchen counter.

Next up, let’s explore some delightful and practical stocking stuffer ideas that are sure to bring smiles:

1. Egg Toast Ornament – For several years now, I’ve cherished a sweet tradition of gifting unique food-themed ornaments to my closest family members. Sur La Table consistently offers the most charming and best-quality options. Many of the ornaments adorning my own Christmas tree hold a special personal meaning or memory, which makes the act of decorating for the holidays even more magical and personal.
2. Nielsen Massey Vanilla Bean Paste – While I absolutely adore using fresh, whole vanilla beans in my baking endeavors, their cost can quickly add up. This vanilla bean paste is, without question, the very best alternative available. Any passionate baker would be absolutely delighted to find this high-quality ingredient tucked away in their pantry.
3. Dr. Jart Face Sheet Mask – Let’s be honest, sheet masks might make you look a little bit like a friendly alien – in the most entertainingly silly way possible! However, they make for a fantastic and indulgent stocking stuffer, offering a luxurious pampering experience that many wouldn’t necessarily splurge on for themselves. They’re a fun and relaxing treat.
4. Natural Sprinkles – Sprinkles! Do I really need to offer more of an explanation for these tiny bursts of joy? I particularly adore this brand because their sprinkles are crafted with all-natural ingredients and are completely free from artificial colors, making them a guilt-free indulgence for any baking enthusiast.
5. Aardvark Hot Sauce – My wonderful friend and college roommate, Giovonne, introduced me to this exceptional Oregon-based hot sauce a few months ago during her visit to Chicago. It is, hands down, one of the best hot sauces I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting! I liberally apply it to everything from fluffy scrambled eggs to savory tacos and virtually everything in between.
6. Waterproof Phone Case – I’ve been meaning to get my hands on one of these essential accessories for quite some time, and it truly would make an excellent and highly practical gift for anyone, especially avid travelers and adventure seekers! I desperately wished I had one during my recent unforgettable trips to Alaska and Iceland, where unexpected splashes are almost guaranteed.
7. Heat Holder Thermal Socks – My thoughtful mom gave Connor a pair of these incredibly warm socks a few years back, and every single winter, I promptly and shamelessly pilfer them from his sock drawer. They are, without exaggeration, the coziest and most comfortable winter socks known to humankind! I practically live in them from November through March.
8. Fresh Perfume Roller – While fragrance is, of course, a deeply subjective choice, I am consistently captivated by Fresh scents. These convenient perfume rollers are incredibly practical and perfectly sized for travel, making them an ideal on-the-go luxury. The invigorating grapefruit scent, in particular, is simply amazing!
9. ‘Rise and Shine’ Mug – I must confess, I have a serious mug obsession, and this charming ‘Rise and Shine’ design is the latest one that has firmly captured my attention. It’s perfect for starting the day with a positive note. The equally adorable ‘Tea’ mug is also super cute and worthy of consideration.
10. American Spoon Sour Cherry Preserves – Back in November, Connor and I enjoyed a delightful short weekend trip to Saugatuck, Michigan. It was there that we had our very first taste of American Spoon preserves (among their many other tempting offerings!), and let me tell you, they are absolutely fantastic. These sour cherry preserves are one of their celebrated best-sellers and make for a gourmet gift.
11. Copper Measuring Cups – These aren’t just practical kitchen tools; they are truly beautiful, making them perfect for anyone who appreciates both functionality and aesthetics, especially those with a passion for food photography and styling. And even better, they’re currently on sale – a win-win!
12. Intelligentsia Black Cat Espresso Beans – I have a profound love for Intelligentsia coffee, and it’s a wonderful bonus that the company is proudly based in my beloved city of Chicago. Their Black Cat Organic Espresso is a staple. Metropolis Coffee is another local favorite that also consistently delivers exceptional quality and flavor. These beans are perfect for the home barista.
13. North Face E-Tip Gloves – These gloves are the quintessential everyday winter accessory, offering the perfect balance of warmth and functionality. For those truly frigid days, I do opt for more heavy-duty versions, but for daily wear and maintaining touchscreen access, these are simply unmatched.
14. Liquid Chalk Markers – I stumbled upon these brilliant markers a few months ago and have been absolutely smitten ever since. If you enjoy labeling and utilize mason jars or other glass/plastic containers to neatly store flours, sugars, spices, and other pantry staples in your kitchen, these are an absolute must-have! The best part is that you can effortlessly wipe the chalk away with water, allowing you to easily update your labels whenever desired.

Finally, let’s explore some exceptional life and play items, perfect for enhancing well-being and leisure:

1. Lululemon Lined Dance Studio Pants – I raved about these incredible pants just a few months ago, and my affection for them has only deepened! I truly love, love, love them. They are, without a doubt, the most comfortable pair of pants I have ever owned, and they are absolutely worth every penny of their price tag. They are perfectly suited for everyday walks, invigorating hikes, and comfortable travel, offering unparalleled versatility.
2. Lululemon Vinyasa Scarf – This ingenious accessory has proudly claimed a spot on my Christmas list this year! Its remarkable versatility is truly astounding – it can be effortlessly transformed into so many different things, from a cozy scarf to a stylish shrug or even a wrap. It is the ultimate winter accessory, combining fashion with incredible adaptability.
3. You are a Badassby Jen Sincero – I initially heard about this empowering book from the wonderful Jessica and Erin, and I was so intrigued that I immediately purchased a copy for myself. I have a deep appreciation for “tough love” when it’s delivered with humor and genuine insight, and this book masterfully offers both. It provides a hilarious and incredibly helpful kick in the butt for anyone seeking motivation, renewed energy, and fresh momentum as they head into the new year.
4. Nourished Planner – This fantastic planner, thoughtfully created by my talented friends Heidi (Foodie Crush) and Alexa (Simple Roots Wellness), has swiftly become my new favorite organizational tool. It stands out for being significantly more affordable than many other planners on the market, incredibly well-designed, and exceptionally useful for anyone who loves to cook and plan meals. I genuinely believe that 2017 is finally going to be the year I master the art of weekly meal planning, thanks to this brilliant resource!
5. Rock Crystal Drops – I have a particular fondness for elegant drop earrings, and these stunning rock crystal drops are simply gorgeous! They add a touch of sophisticated sparkle to any outfit, making them a perfect gift for the fashion-conscious individual.
6. Texture Subscription – A few months ago, I decided to sign up for a trial of this innovative magazine e-reader app, and I was absolutely captivated by it. If I wasn’t already receiving a delightful assortment of print magazine subscriptions each month, I would unquestionably replace them all with a Texture subscription. A three or six-month subscription would make an exceptionally thoughtful and practical gift for any avid magazine reader or travel enthusiast who enjoys consuming diverse content on the go.
7. Apple TV – This remarkable device truly requires no elaborate explanation. Apple TV is simply amazing! It transforms any television into a hub for entertainment, offering seamless access to streaming services, apps, and more. It’s a gift that promises endless hours of enjoyment for the whole family.
8. Leuchtturm Dotted Notebook – One can truly never have too many high-quality notebooks, and this Leuchtturm dotted notebook consistently ranks among my absolute favorites. Perfect for bullet journaling, sketching, or simply jotting down thoughts, its superior paper quality and thoughtful design make it a joy to use.
9. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less – This is another truly fabulous and transformative book, suitable for, well, absolutely anyone! In a world overflowing with distractions, this book offers invaluable guidance on focusing on what truly matters, making it a profound gift for personal growth and productivity in the coming year.

Should you find yourself seeking even more inspiring gift ideas for the upcoming holidays, I encourage you to browse last year’s comprehensive gift guide posts available here. Please note that none of the specific items featured in this guide have been sponsored or endorsed by brands. However, it’s important to mention that some of the links provided above are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to purchase items through these links, I will earn a small commission from the retailer (at absolutely no additional cost to you!). Your continued support is greatly appreciated and helps keep this blog running! Happy gifting!