The Ultimate 2015 Holiday Gift Guide: Discover My Favorite Things (Part Two)
Welcome to the highly anticipated second installment of my “Favorite Things” Holiday Gift Guide! Over the past year, I’ve had the pleasure of discovering and truly falling in love with a variety of products, and it was simply impossible to contain all that enthusiasm within a single post. If you’re looking for even more inspiration, be sure to check out part one of my carefully curated gift selections. I have a strong feeling that sharing these cherished discoveries will become a beloved annual tradition here!
This year’s holiday season is all about thoughtful gifting, and this guide is packed with ideas that are sure to delight. Most of the items featured below are cherished possessions that I personally own and use regularly, standing the test of time and earning their place on my “favorites” list. However, I’ve also included a few exciting recent discoveries that have quickly captured my attention and admiration. As you explore these holiday gift ideas, I warmly invite you to share your own beloved finds in the comment section below. Your recommendations could be the perfect inspiration for someone else!
Harry & David Royal Riviera Pears – When it comes to edible gifts, few things make an impression quite like Harry & David Royal Riviera Pears. These aren’t just any pears; they are an absolute long-time favorite of mine, synonymous with luxury and exceptional taste. Each pear is incredibly juicy, so much so that you practically need to enjoy them over a sink – a true mark of their peak ripeness and quality. This makes them an outstanding and sophisticated edible gift option for almost anyone on your list, from in-laws and close family members to cherished friends, especially if they reside far away. Gifting these gourmet pears is a wonderful way to send a taste of sweetness and luxury, ensuring a memorable and delicious holiday treat that goes beyond traditional fruit baskets. They truly embody a premium culinary experience perfect for the holiday season.
Anthropologie Ikat Thistle Cup & Saucer – While I confess I don’t yet own this particular piece, my deep-seated obsession with beautiful mugs means this Anthropologie Ikat Thistle Cup & Saucer is very high on my wish list. Its intricate design and elegant aesthetic make it much more than just a drinking vessel; it’s a piece of art that promises to elevate any tea or coffee ritual. The vibrant ikat pattern and delicate thistle motif evoke a sense of global charm and artisanal craftsmanship. It’s the kind of item that transforms an everyday moment into something special, perfect for enjoying a quiet morning or entertaining guests. The only minor drawback for me is its potential incompatibility with microwave use if my beverage cools, but for its sheer beauty and decorative appeal, it’s a small compromise. This charming cup and saucer set makes an exquisite gift for tea lovers, design enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates adding a touch of elegance to their kitchenware collection.
Crate & Barrel Crescent Water Glasses – These Crescent water glasses from Crate & Barrel were a thoughtful addition to our wedding registry, and I can honestly say I absolutely adore them. Prior to acquiring these, our kitchen was stocked with rather inexpensive and basic water glasses, making the upgrade to these beautiful pieces all the more appreciated. What I love most about them is their perfect balance of size and elegance. They are generously proportioned, holding a good amount of liquid, yet their design is refined and sophisticated, adding a touch of class to any table setting. Critically, they aren’t so delicate that I’m constantly worried about them breaking, which is a huge plus for everyday use. They’re robust enough for family dinners but elegant enough for special occasions. These high-quality water glasses are an excellent gift for new homeowners, couples, or anyone looking to elevate their everyday dining experience with durable and stylish glassware.
West Elm Gold Flatware – For anyone with a passion for cooking, entertaining, or food photography, the West Elm Gold Flatware is an absolute game-changer. It has quickly become one of my most treasured food photography props over the past year. While I primarily use it to add a sophisticated sparkle to my culinary visuals, I must emphasize that this flatware isn’t just for show. The quality is exceptional, and they are genuinely beautiful pieces that would grace any dining table with modern elegance. The warm gold finish offers a striking contrast and a luxurious touch that truly makes food pop in photos. While I might not use them as my everyday set (only because I prefer to save them for special moments), they are certainly well-made enough to withstand regular use. This gold flatware set is an ideal gift for stylists, food bloggers, hosts, or anyone who loves to set a stunning table, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality for an elevated dining experience.
Pastry Cloth & Rolling Pin Cover – This seemingly simple item, a random but incredibly thoughtful gift from my mom last year, has proven to be an indispensable tool in my kitchen. For anyone who loves to bake, a pastry cloth and rolling pin cover set is nothing short of revolutionary, making it an ideal stocking stuffer or a small yet impactful gift. The concept is brilliant in its simplicity: you lay the specially designed cloth on your countertop, flour it lightly, and then roll out your dough. The magic lies in how it effectively prevents dough from sticking to the surface and, crucially, from picking up excessive amounts of flour during the rolling process. This means your dough remains tender and easy to work with, resulting in perfectly uniform pastries, cookies, and pie crusts every time. It’s a practical, mess-reducing, and efficiency-boosting baking essential that transforms the dough-rolling experience, ensuring superior results for home bakers of all skill levels.
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil – Finding the perfect eyeliner can be a lifelong quest for many, but for me, the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil is, without a doubt, my all-time favorite. It consistently outperforms every other eyeliner I’ve tried. The name “Glide-On” perfectly describes its application: it literally glides effortlessly across the eyelid, providing smooth, intense color without any tugging or pulling. What truly sets it apart is its incredible staying power. Once applied, it lasts for an impressively long time, resisting smudging, fading, or budging throughout the day, even in challenging conditions. I’ve cherished it in shades like Minx (which I believe might be discontinued) and Sabbath, a stunning dark navy that serves as a fantastic alternative. This high-performance eye pencil is a must-have for makeup enthusiasts, offering reliable wear and vibrant color that truly defines the eyes. It’s a luxurious beauty staple that’s worth every penny for its impeccable quality and enduring finish.
Lululemon Crop Bottoms – Confession: I practically live in yoga pants 24/7, and ironically, I don’t even do yoga! My Lululemon crop bottoms are a true testament to the power of high-quality activewear. They are incredibly versatile, perfect for vigorous workouts, casual lounging around the house, running errands, or enjoying long, leisurely walks. Over the years, I’ve owned countless pairs of workout leggings from various brands, but none compare to the superior quality and longevity of Lululemon. While they represent a higher price point, the investment is absolutely justified. The fabric is durable, the fit is exceptionally comfortable, and they maintain their shape and color wash after wash, significantly outlasting cheaper alternatives. For anyone seeking premium activewear that offers both comfort and durability, Lululemon crop bottoms are an excellent choice. They are a practical yet luxurious gift for fitness enthusiasts, busy moms, or anyone who values comfort and style in their everyday wardrobe.
Lindt Excellence Pineapple Dark Chocolate – My discovery of Lindt Excellence Pineapple Dark Chocolate was a truly memorable moment, occurring during the Better Blog Retreat, and I’ve been utterly obsessed ever since. This bar combines the rich intensity of dark chocolate with the surprising brightness and slight tang of pineapple, creating an exquisite and unique flavor profile that is absolutely captivating. I’m already a huge fan of Lindt’s Intense Orange Chocolate bar, which also offers a fantastic fruit-and-chocolate pairing, but the pineapple variety is a refreshing twist. This sophisticated chocolate experience is a testament to Lindt’s mastery in confectionery. Now, if only they would introduce a Dark Chocolate Passion Fruit bar, my life would truly be complete! This gourmet chocolate is an ideal gift for connoisseurs of fine sweets, or anyone looking to explore sophisticated flavor combinations beyond the ordinary. It’s a delightful indulgence perfect for a thoughtful holiday treat.
iPhone 6S Rose Gold – I am beyond excited because I am finally eligible for a phone upgrade, and the iPhone 6S in Rose Gold is at the top of my list! This particular model is especially thrilling because it boasts the most significant camera upgrades since the iPhone 4, which is a huge deal for anyone like me who loves photography and content creation. The improved camera capabilities promise sharper images, better low-light performance, and exciting new features like Live Photos, making it an indispensable tool for capturing life’s moments. My enthusiasm for the rose gold finish might not surprise you, given some of the other items on this list – I’m clearly a fan of this elegant hue! It adds a touch of sophistication and personal style to a device that is central to our daily lives. While the price of smartphones continues to climb, the advanced features, especially in photography, make this a truly desirable and impactful investment. This iPhone 6S is a perfect gift for tech enthusiasts, photographers, or anyone seeking a powerful and stylish mobile device.
La Colombe Coffee Beans – Ever since we invested in this fantastic espresso maker (which is another one of my absolute favorite things!), my appreciation for quality coffee has evolved into a bit of a “coffee snob” status, in the best possible way. Honestly, back when we were using a simple drip coffee maker, I rarely felt that the specific coffee beans made a dramatically noticeable difference in flavor. However, with an espresso machine, the quality of the beans absolutely matters, and I’ve learned to profoundly appreciate the nuanced flavors that good beans offer. I’ve embarked on a delightful journey of trying different varieties, including Intelligentsia (a great brand that originated in Chicago!), Lavazza Espresso Beans (a slightly more affordable yet solid option), and the renowned La Colombe Nizza espresso beans. Among them all, La Colombe Nizza has emerged as my undisputed favorite, delivering a rich, balanced, and consistently delicious shot of espresso. This makes specialty coffee beans an exceptional gift for home baristas, coffee aficionados, or anyone looking to elevate their morning brew into a gourmet experience.
Organic Rosehip Oil – I first learned about the wonders of organic rosehip oil from Monique of Ambitious Kitchen, and after recently purchasing it, I can confidently say it’s made a dramatic, positive difference for my skin. As someone with very dry skin, finding effective skincare solutions is paramount, and this natural oil has exceeded all expectations. You simply rub a few drops onto your face in the morning and at night, and its nourishing properties work magic. Rosehip oil is packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins, known for its regenerative and hydrating benefits, helping to improve skin tone, texture, and overall radiance. A word of caution: it’s naturally orange in color, so exercise a little care to avoid staining light-colored towels or pillowcases (don’t worry, it completely absorbs into the skin and won’t leave you looking orange!). This natural skincare gem is an excellent gift for anyone invested in clean beauty, struggling with dry or dull skin, or simply seeking a powerful, plant-based boost to their daily skincare regimen.
The Vegetarian Flavor Bible – I have often waxed poetic on this blog about my profound love for the original Flavor Bible. It stands as an enormous source of information and creative inspiration for me, especially when it comes to recipe development and breaking free from culinary ruts. This vegetarian follow-up, a recent and welcome addition to my cookbook collection, might just surpass my affection for the original – if that’s even possible! It’s an invaluable resource that provides an exhaustive guide to flavor pairings for a vast array of plant-based ingredients, helping home cooks intuitively understand how to combine flavors for delicious results. This comprehensive culinary bible is a fantastic gift for anyone eager to improvise more confidently in the kitchen, expand their knowledge of plant-based ingredients, or enrich their vegetarian recipe repertoire. It empowers both novice and experienced cooks to explore new tastes and create innovative, flavorful dishes without strict recipes, making it an essential tool for culinary creativity.
Suite One Studio Pottery – My dear friend Adrianna introduced me to Suite One Studio earlier this year, and I have been utterly captivated by virtually everything Lindsay creates ever since. Her work is a testament to the beauty of handmade artistry, with each piece being truly gorgeous and one-of-a-kind. Lindsay’s pottery isn’t just functional; it’s art that elevates everyday experiences, making them ideal gifts that anyone would love to own and cherish. The craftsmanship and unique designs are simply breathtaking, adding an artisanal touch to any home. I am particularly enamored with her incredibly unique lace cheese boards, which are not only practical for entertaining but also stunning decorative pieces. Gifting a piece from Suite One Studio is giving something truly special – a handcrafted treasure that speaks volumes about thoughtfulness and refined taste. This beautiful pottery is perfect for art lovers, entertainers, or anyone who appreciates adding bespoke, elegant pieces to their living space.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through my favorite things of the year! Don’t forget to check out part one of my Holiday Gift Guide for even more curated ideas. This post does contain a few affiliate links, and I genuinely appreciate your support of the blog through your purchases. Happy holidays and happy gifting!