Issue #23 November: Another Gift Guide for People Who Already Buy Themselves Everything 🎁

I’m those people and these are more things I’ve bought and love. 

It’s tiiiimmmeee to shop! 🛍️ It sounds like you all enjoyed last year’s gift guide so I thought I’d dedicate this November’s issue to another one. My gifting philosophy has remained the same: a good gift is something you know the other person will love, but won’t buy for themselves. I do want to mention that while I love gifting experiences like a spa day or a restaurant gift card or a museum membership, there’s also no shame in gifting objects as long as they are thoughtful and beautiful. (After all, we do need things to wear to these said experiences.) Below are all special things that I own myself or have gifted others to much joy. The only exception are the items on my own wishlist, which I’ve included this year in case Santa is reading. 😉

Note: I tried to pick retailers that ship globally (or claim to). Also, none of these links are affiliates or sponsored so feel free to search around for the best price. 

Eat / Drink 😋 

Eat, drink, and be merry!

Truffles from Teuscher

For truffle lovers, Teuscher’s champagne truffles are the best sweet treats (I prefer dark chocolate). They are rich and creamy with just a subtle hint of champagne. If you’re shopping from the SF location, these citrus peels are delicious as well. 

Tea from Red Blossom Tea Company

This family-owned tea shop has been in the heart of SF Chinatown since the 80s. They have over 100 different teas, all expertly sourced in person from various regions in China. My favorite is the chrysanthemum buds, a herbal tea that’s bright and sweet. If you’re unsure where to start, they offer tasting sets and even a virtual tea tasting.  

Phony Negroni

As someone who doesn’t drink much alcohol, but still enjoys the taste of negronis, this is as close as it gets to the real thing. It’s a thoughtful gift to bring to a party as another option for non-drinkers besides sparkling water.

Spices from Oaktown Spice Shop

Walking into this shop is a treat for the senses. They grind their own spices and blends in small batches to retain their freshness and flavor. Anyone in your life with tastebuds will appreciate these fun-themed gift boxes. I’m personally gifting this ramen & rice seasoning box.

Wear 🧥

Stay cozy (and sparkly) this season.

Scarf Cape from COS (women)

Who needs an itchy airline blanket when you have this cozy cape with a built-in scarf to keep you warm. Wear it as is or cinch with a belt for a more polished vibe. I have this in the dark brown.

Lisa Yang Cashmere (women, men)

Designed in Sweden, this label carries only the softest cashmere sustainably sourced from Mongolia. They no longer make the joggers I own and live in all winter, but these cashmere trousers turn lounging at home into an art form. I also have this coat in brown, but I think the cream color is perfect for any holiday gathering. 

Down Jacket from Aether (men)

For the men in your lives ready to upgrade from Uniqlo puffers, this jacket turns any morning dog walk into a runway. Josh has had his for four years now and still looks new. 

Dorsey White Sapphire Tennis Necklace 

After searching far and wide for the perfect tennis necklace, I decided to go with these lab grown white sapphires in the 16 inch silver. It shines bright like a diamond and I get compliments every time I wear it.

Nest 🏡

Joys for the home.

Dusen Dusen Tissue Box

Bring some excitement to the boring tissue box. 

TEMPUR-Cloud Cooling Pillow

I struggle with sleeping in hotels, mainly because the pillows are never as good. These really do feel like I’m sleeping on a cloud and they’re great for every kind of sleeper. Pair with the Silk Pillowcases from LilySilk that I recommended last year and just drift into unconscious bliss.

Phomemo Portable Printer

Sometimes you just need to print a form or a shipping label. This little guy takes up little space and uses thermal paper so no need for expensive ink and toner.

Dansk Butter Warmer

I originally bought this for its cuteness, but I actually use it all the time: warming milk for lattes, heating up leftover soup, making hot chocolate, and yes, to melt butter as well. I have this in lavender, but I also love the yellow color.

Yamazaki Laundry Basket

Laundry can be an annoying chore, but doing it while rolling around this basket at least makes it more stylish. It’s also slim enough to fit into any tiny space.

Read 📖

I’ve read 72 books so far this year. These are a few of my favorites and who I think will love them.

Babel or Katabasis (R.F. Kuang)

For the nerdy academic who casually drops Latin phrases into everyday conversation. 

Designing Your Work Life (Bill Burnett & Dave Evans)

For the new grad or someone looking for a career change in the new year.

Empire of AI (Karen Hao)

For the techie who is conflicted about their addiction to ChatGPT.

Great Big Beautiful Life (Emily Henry)

For the romantic who can’t stop raving about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. 

Homeseeking (Karissa Chen)

For anyone with complicated family histories and stories. 

How to Be Perfect (Michael Schur)

For the modern philosopher and do-gooder who could use a laugh. The audiobook is especially fun because the cast from The Good Place read parts of it. 

In the Woods (Tana French)

For the thriller seeker who loves twisty plots and complex characters. The subsequent books in the series are also great.

The Wedding People (Alison Espach)

For the bridesmaid or bride who’s over weddings, but still loves her friends.

Stuff 🧦

Perfect little things to stuff your stockings or bring to a gift exchange. 

Tayto Potato Ambient Light

I received this as a white elephant gift from a dear colleague a couple years ago and it still lives on my desk. 

Nest Mini Ornament Candle 

Looks good on a tree and makes the entire room smell nice. What an overachiever! 

Bookmark Reading Light

For those of us who like to read before bed. This light has various brightness and temperature settings and is adjustable so you can light up the entire page.

L'Occitane Mini Hand Creams

I’ve tried many luxe hand creams, but still think L’Occitane is tried and true. It’s rich and moisturizing and absorbs into the skin immediately without any stickiness. You can gift the entire set or break them up. This is another set to consider if you have a lot of stockings.

Alpaca Key Chain from Cuyana

How adorable is this? And it’s currently on sale. I got it in ecru and use it as a bag charm. 

Personalized Bullet Journal from Papier

We probably all have too many notebooks and this might not actually fit into smaller stockings, but I really like the colorblock design and thick dotted paper. The personalization makes it special. Mine says “Mary’s Musings.”

GIR Mini Spatula

You might be thinking, why would anyone want a spatula in their stocking? Because this is the best spatula ever created and anyone in your life who stirs anything will thank you. The mini size is perfect for most home kitchen tasks.

Mary’s List ✨

A girl can dream, can’t she?

Charlotte Chesnais Round Trip Bracelet

This independent French jewelry designer who used to design ready-to-wear for Balenciaga makes beautiful sculptural pieces. I gasped when I saw this bracelet, but I also love her rings. 

Loewe x Louis Wain Sweater

If I could wear one designer for the rest of my life, it’d probably be Loewe. Inspired by Louis Wain’s “Futurist Cats,” this sweater features a cute cat in the front and a surprise in the back. 

The Look (Michelle Obama)

This coffee-table book of our former First Lady’s fashion journey is just stunning. I love Michelle Obama’s style, especially her post-White House fits (like this one!). 

Book Lingerie

I found this on the NYT Gift Guide (gift link). A pouch for your books–what better way to show off how sexy reading is?