It’s hard not to get caught up in the consumerism of the holidays. Every commercial, advertisement, For You page, and catalog is full of wonderous items that promise to make our lives infinitely better. Part of the wisdom of middle age is recognizing that buying something just to have masses of presents under the tree does no one any favors. I would rather give-and-get just a few things that will be used all the time, rather than overload myself, family, and friends with useless frivolity.
Each of the following items has been handpicked for quality and value. Most of them are sustainable, made from women-owned brands and/or from clean companies.
Thomas Blonde Candle $38.95
The quality scent products from Thomas Blonde are the brainchild of Cherami Thomas, serial interior design entrepreneur. Their signature candle, Blonde, is a complex scent with 26 oils, and “features a tantalizing combination of cool citrus notes and musk undertones, paired with black pepper and cardamom.” The candles are 100% all-natural soy wax, created without any phthalates, dyes, and irritants. They burn up to 80 hours.
Arhaus Square Angelo Tray $129
I love almost anything from sustainable furniture and home décor company Arhaus. Their business practices include partnering with artisans from across the world who use sustainably sourced, reclaimed and recycled materials as much as possible.
The Angelo Square Tray is crafted from aluminum in an antique brass finish, perfectly sized for coffee tables, kitchens or offices to bring rustic beauty to everyday moments.
Better Homes & Garden Faux Fur Throw $24.92
This affordable and chic Faux Fur Throw is a gloriously cozy addition to your aesthetic home. Gives you the look of Pottery Barn at a Walmart price. I think this is going to be my number one gift to give this season, as it has all-gender appeal and is available in a variety of classic colors. 50″ wide x 60″ long
COS Crescent Bag $250
This on-trend bag from COS takes inspiration from the curved silhouette of the crescent moon and is crafted from 100% shiny chrome-free leather. Designed to slot perfectly under your arm, it has a structured silhouette with piping around the body and a slender strap with gold-tone hardware that matches the zip. It features an adjustable shoulder strap and an internal pocket for keys and cards. It’s a more affordable version of this one from Mulberry that I’m obsessed with.
New Balance 574 Core $89.99
This throwback shoe has made a huge resurgence, showing up on everyone’s TikTok pages. I wore this back in the 90’s and love that they haven’t changed the design at all. It’s the perfect blend of uncomplicated and comfortable style that will resonate with all age groups. It comes in lots of color ways, but I’m wishing for this sleek monochrome white/beige combination. Note: Runs small, order at least half a size larger.
Cable Stitch Women’s Mock Neck Cozy Sweater $59.50
This classic-with-a-twist sweater is available on Amazon in a ton of great colors and patterns. It’s slouchy with a dropped shoulder and is shorter in the front to allow for tucking into pants. Size down if you don’t want to be swamped in it, but this is the perfect sweater when you need to be dressier than loungewear. Made of acrylic, nylon, wool and Spandex.
H&M Premium Selection Washed Linen Pajamas $67.99
I came across this pajama set shopping in the home section of H&M online. It looks very luxe and quiet luxury, something that might even look good in Christmas morning pictures. Button-down shirt with chest pocket and wide-cut pants with covered, elasticized drawstring waistband.
Favorite Daughter The Valentina High Rise Bootcut Jean $218
Making the switch to buying good quality jeans has made a tremendous difference to my wardrobe. A well-cut, dark rinse bootcut jean will dress up a simple T-shirt and also goes great with a sharp blazer. This retro-inspired style by the brand Favorite Daughter has a 34-inch inseam for the tall ladies out there, and quite a bit of stretch for comfort. I love the embroidered branding on the waistband too!
Davines Limited Edition OI Set for Silky Hair $56
This exclusive travel-sized set is a great way to try three of the best-selling OI hair care products: the OI Shampoo, OI Conditioner, and OI All-in-One Milk. The Silky Hair collection is formulated to enhance your hair’s shine and moisture, while providing detangling and anti-frizz support. The bonus gift with this set is a hair scrunchie ethically hand-made from sari upcycling in India, randomly available in 8 different patterns, all showcasing an elegant black and gold color palette. I’d love to get this under the tree.
Killian Le Rouge Parfum Lipstick in Intoxicating $62
Obviously, this selection is an incredible indulgence, but how beautiful is this lipstick from Kilian, Le Rouge Parfum? Covered entirely in the brand’s emblematic Achilles shield motif engraved into black lacquer, these iconic, high-intensity red lipstick are available in matte and satin finishes. The product is infused with the scent of KILIAN’s Love, Don’t Be Shy fragrance, with notes of vanilla and neroli.
Native Nectar Botanicals Hibiscus + Waterlily Floral Salt Soak $29
Take your home spa bath ritual to another level with this fresh and floral Salt Soak from Native Nectar Botanicals. Crafted in the small mountain town of Crested Butte, Colorado by founder Jess Taylor, Native Nectar “offers products that bring the beauty and healing properties of nature into everyday self-care rituals with meticulous detail to effective formulations and potent, plant-based ingredients.” Mineral rich sea salt helps to relax tired and sore muscles while the uplifting scent of Hibiscus & Waterlily create an indulgent aromatic experience. Vegan, 9 oz. glass bottle.
Ouai Hand Lotion Dean Street $32
Anyone who spends most of their day behind a computer screen knows the mood-boosting benefit of a good smelling hand lotion. Ouai is one of the best with a lightweight, airy texture that soothes and replenishes skin with a hydrating blend of avocado, rosehip seed, and jojoba seed oils. The classic Dean Street scent soothes with notes of citrus fruits, apricot, rose, magnolia, amber, linden blossom, and musk.
Wishing you happy holidays with those you love.
Kai
Main image by Monika Stawowy at Unsplash.
