The annual TNB gift guide is one of my favorite things to work on all year, so I’m super excited to share this one with you. It’s packed with all my current favorite, fancy covetable things that I either own and adore, or would love to get as a gift. Some of these are practical (and downright life-changing), while others are purely for pleasure. Without further ado…
1. Shun Cutlery Knife ($160)
My $30 knife has performed pretty well for the past five years of everyday use. I always thought it was great… until I tried my friend’s Shun knife. While cutting an onion at his house, I was literally stopped in my tracks when I noticed I was using close to zero force with each slice. The knife slid seamlessly into the vegetable with no resistance (almost like the onion wasn’t even there…?). Long story short, whoever on your list does a lot of chopping will adore it.
2. Sézane Knitwear ($135)
I always put something from Sézane in my gift guide. The iconic French brand is slightly out of my price range, but if it wasn’t, my entire wardrobe would consist of their stuff. Their sweaters in particular are extra cozy and luxurious, so if you have a fashion lover on your list, look no further for a sure-to-be-loved piece.
3. Designworks Ink Meal Planner ($22)
Planning your meals for the week saves money on takeout, reduces food waste, and relieves you from existential dread after a long workday (well, as much as dinner can, anyway…). This adorable meal planner is a great grocery shopping companion since it has room for each day’s menu, plus space to write out what groceries you need to pick up. A thoughtful gift for the pen-to-paper person in your life.
4. Extra Good Things by Ottolenghi Test Kitchen ($23)
Since his debut cookbooks from the early 2010’s, Yotam Ottolenghi has come to be known as the patron saint of Middle Eastern/Mediterranean flavors – not to mention overall excellence in cookbookery. His latest is an exploration of special sauces, dressings, and sprinkles that elevate everyday ingredients into something magical.
5. Swedish Kitchen Towels aka Reusable Paper Towels ($14)
When I first saw the stiff, cardboard-like squares in a press package earlier this year, I honestly didn’t know what they were. Turns out, once wet, they transform into absorbent, durable fabric that can be tossed in the laundry and used again and again. Since then, I’ve been using them for wiping down counters, bathroom surfaces, appliances, etc. – saving money on paper towels and keeping them out of landfills. A must-have for environmentally-conscious folks. (Shouldn’t we all be though?)
6. Spring & Mulberry Date-Sweetened Chocolate ($15)
When my eye was drawn to their luxe packaging in a specialty foods store, I picked up the fancy chocolate bar and came to learn it had zero refined sugar, and was sweetened entirely with dates – something I’d never seen before. After the sticker shock wore off, I picked up a bar for Rene, who quit sugar years ago. These bars are pleasantly bitter but not super intense, mildly sweet, and flavored with fruit, spices, and botanicals.
7. Caraway Pots and Pans ($90+)
There are lots of Instagram-famous cookware brands these days and I typically ignore them. But when a private cooking class client had these IRL in her home, I fell in love. Beautiful, ergonomic, non-stick and non-toxic, in the most luscious colors. A luxurious gift for literally anyone who cooks anything ever.
8. Uniqlo HEATTECH ($20-$30)
What started as a line of thermals with their patented technology has evolved into clothes and winter accessories that keep me comfy even in New York’s brutal winters. (I’m rarely without their HEATTECH leggings under my jeans these days.) A practical gift for everyone who experiences cold weather.
9. Cool Beans by Joe Yonan ($17)
This fabulous cookbook dedicated to one of my favorite food groups is sure to make anyone fall in love with this healthy, sustainable, and affordable plant-based protein. Joe draws inspiration from many of the world’s cuisines to create the most flavorful yet totally doable dishes. Ideal for the veg-curious eater in your life.
10. OXO POP Containers ($11-$26)
OXO makes the best kitchen accessories, period. Their coffee grinder is one of the best gifts I’ve ever received, their herb keeper has permanent real estate in my fridge, I could go on… Their signature storage containers are airtight, durable, and perfect for fridge and pantry. I recently got their flour containers – which fit entire 5-pound bags of flour (!) – and my fridge will never be the same.
11. Yolaine Lip Mousse ($35)
Another frou-frou French brand that I admittedly was targeted by on Instagram. Neither lipstick nor gloss, but mousse, it promises to give you that coveted, not-trying-too-hard “bouche mordue” look (i.e. bitten lips). A great one for the makeup lover on your list. (Full disclosure: I haven’t tried it yet, but plan to after I run out of my current lip products.)
12. Agricola Maraviglia Tuscan Olive Oil ($21-$37)
I recently connected with Agricola Maraviglia’s founder, Francesco. After a brief chat, I found myself wanting to drop everything, move to Tuscany, and restore a family olive grove to make traditional olive oil just like he did. This oil is cold-pressed from single-source olives from his family’s farm. It’s green in color, packed with polyphenols, and tastes like earth and sunshine. If you have a food- or Italy-lover on your list, a bottle of this would make a great gift, while an annual subscription would be even better. Use code BAGUETTE22 for 20% off all orders. (FYI, shipping takes 7-10 days.)
(This article contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to purchase an item. This does not affect the price of the item.)
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