The Oh %$#*, I Forgot! Guide to Gifting
Gifts so good, they'll never know it was last minute.
Greetings! Did you finish gift shopping yet? Are you maybe kind of freaking out a little? No worries, my procrastinating friend. I got you. Below, some truly excellent, crowd-pleasing gifts that you don’t have to leave your couch for.
Masterclass Subscription: By now, you’ve probably heard of Masterclass, a video subscription program that grants access to a variety of advice and classes from top-of-field experts. The videos are beautiful, well-produced, move quickly, and by golly, you actually learn something!
My Mom got me this last year, and we enjoyed hours upon hours of bonding time watching Alice Waters’ soothing videos on cooking and entertaining. (I especially liked the episodes with Waters’ daughter Franny). The experience of watching them actually inspired a slew of other gifts for my Mom’s birthday and Mother’s Day: an egg spoon (IYKYK), a Japanese Suribachi, and the Waters’ family’s delightful little guide to provision stocking, aptly titled My Pantry.
If you have an aspiring cook (writer, creator, negotiator, filmmaker, athlete…) in your life, it’s a wonderful gift. Instant digital delivery, Masterclass.com
Nordstrom Digital Gift Card: Sure, there are lots of gift cards you could buy, but given their impersonal nature, I think you have to compensate by making it a gift card for something nice. Nordstrom has options for every kind of shopper, from the luxury collector to the TikTok teen, at just about every price point.
The family-owned department store’s buying is legendary for their pitch-perfect trend-tracking. And gift cards can be scheduled ahead to deliver digitally on the date of your choice! A certain recipient on my list actually requested one this year: it’s bought and paid for, scheduled to arrive in her inbox on Christmas morning. Instant digital delivery, Nordstrom.com
Good Ol’ Amazon, and Under $25: For the on a budget and under a deadline, good ol’ Amazon delivers (literally).
A coloring book for teens (or any adult who needs a relaxing mental health break), Felicia Leatherwood’s legendary detangler for textured hair, a clever wink for the New Yorker on your list, and an LED lantern for the outdoor enthusiast (or just the guy who needs to be able to see in the basement.)
Who couldn’t use a little electronics brush to sweep all the crud out of their laptop nooks and Earpod crannies? A fun movie scratch-off poster for the film buff bucket lister, the flaky finishing salt endorsed by everyone from Bon Appetit and Cameron Diaz to Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop, and a facial ice roller — the thing they never knew they needed, but won’t be able to live without.
A notebook for visual thinkers and ADD taskers (like me), Uno — but make it cool — and five bucks! (the emoji version is cute for kids), the one kitchen tool that lets other cooks know you’re in the know, and stainless drinking straws for on-the-go that come with a (KEY) cleaner.
Monthly BBQ Subscription: Yeah, you read that correctly. You can buy this now and have stuff like ribs, dry rub, sausages, and pulled pork delivered from some of the country’s best pitmasters all year long. For real!
If you have a carnivorous man in your life, I guarantee you he one, does not already have this, and two will be extremely pleased with this gift. Instant digital gift notification, Goldbelly.com
BeautyFix Subscription: If you’ve been poring over our enumerable skincare writings this year, you’re likely taking a much harder look at the products you're buying these days. Enter Dermstore’s BeautyFix subscription, which periodically delivers professionally selected, dermatologist-approved, full-size products to your recipient of choice. We’re talking legit brands, people! Skinceuticals! ByTerry! SkinMedica! This might be one you gift to yourself, as well. Instant digital gift notification, Dermstore.com
Same-Day Bubbles: Veuve Cliquot can always be relied upon for clever holiday gift packaging, and this year’s quirky cassette case is sure to surprise and delight. If you live in a major metro, Drizly is likely available in your area (New York, Atlanta, LA, Chicago, etc.). You can purchase via the app or website and schedule a gift delivery anywhere in your city. Same-day delivery, Drizly.com
Good ol’ Amazon, But Make it Chic: it’s not too late for 2-day shipping. Amazon’s got a lot more than Kindles and bulk lightbulbs. For her, a pair of Ugg Slippers (Uggs are back, have you heard?), a church-worthy Jennifer Behr headband, or some cutie pie lace undies. For anyone, a Theragun (a gadget we’ve lauded loudly and often here). Ugg Slippers for him, too! Or maybe a gift set of Harry’s Razors? For the kiddos, a chic set of every-skin-tone crayons. For the aesthete pet lover, a high design cat condo. And then, of course, items from our gift guides this year:
A Stagg Electic Kettle, Sally Rooney’s new book (try Kindle gift delivery!), our favorite smoked olive oil, and the ubiquitous Tinx cup.
The only dog bed my dog has ever truly embraced, a chic coffee table book, a petite cheese board, and our favorite Japanese pot scrubber.
But wait, there’s more! Other gift ideas from The Love List…