Gifted — by Guest Mom Joslyn Taylor

For the past few weeks there’s been a common refrain across the blogosphere alongside any holiday gift-related post…”I know it’s early, but…” Well the gift guides have come out in full force, and I wanted to share the one I’ve pulled together to tie-up my week posting over here at Design Mom (thanks Gabrielle; it’s been a really fun experience!)

Before I started assembling the list, I spent some time thinking about what makes a gift meaningful. Contrary to the bounty below, I firmly believe that something handmade or passed on is infinitely more exciting to give and receive than something store bought. My favorite gifts of all time include a beautiful sweater knitted by my friend Jane when my daughter Amelia was born and (after coveting it for years) a ring passed on to me by my friend Achlee.

In lieu of a traditional gift, I also love the idea of chipping in with your siblings or a group of girlfriends and sponsoring a “sister” via Women for Women International. This is an amazing organization that helps women in war-torn regions rebuild their lives through financial and emotional support, job skills training, rights awareness and leadership education and access to business skills. I’ve sponsored three “sisters” through the program, and it’s been incredibly rewarding. But, despite all my best intentions, I still end up buying a slew of gifts each year online. I’ve assembled my favorites below, trying to include something lovely and unique for everyone on your list, from a teacher, co-worker or neighbor to your best friend, sister, hubby and kids. I’ve also tried to include items at every price point starting at 5 dollars and with nothing over 75 dollars. Here we go!

Stocking Stuffers and Sweet Small Gifts
Any of these would be great as stand-alone gifts for a neighborhood buddy or classmate, as a topper for a larger gift or to fill up the kiddo’s stockings. I especially love the thyme plant in the little ceramic egg, the pretty note book from Nantaka Joy and the set of personalized pencils in a little monogrammed pouch.


Gifts from left to right, top to bottom:
Nantaka Joy “I Love…” notebooks, thyme egg plant, sweet baby shoes from Pearl River Mart, fun press up robot from environmental retailer MUJI, Viv & Ingrid mother of pearl hair tie, Bicheno pocket mirror from Craftsbury Kids (don’t forget the free shipping via the Design Mom Marketplace – Thanks Gabrielle!), Lillian Vernon personalized pencils, MUJI’s flip book and farm in a bag

Kiddos
There are so many great mid-range things for kids this year. Some standouts include a groovy falcon shirt for your nephew (or with a skirt and some funky tights, my daughter would completely dig it), a beautiful and poetic pop-up book, an oversized tub of colored pencils, gorgeous alphabet cards by Ida Pearle that would be perfect broken up and framed for multiple gifts and a sparkly apple tote that would be equally appropriate for a hip girlfriend to stash her lip gloss.


Gifts clockwise from top to bottom: Binth matching game, Falcon t-shirt from MIMMO, Pamela Barsky black piggy bank, Animus by Seonna Hang


Gifts clockwise from top to bottom: alphabet cards by Ida Pearle, Craftsbury Kids’ Morning Glory blanket set, peace baby blocks from Olie Bollen, tub of colored pencils from MUJI


Gifts clockwise from top to bottom: Wheely Bug, Buddha Board, yard snake from Branch Home, Little Red Riding Hood blocks from MUJI


Gifts clockwise from top to bottom: felt and cotton dolls from Esthex, hand-crafted elephant pull toy from Germany, Stacrobats, apple tote from Viv & Ingrid

Something for Everyone
I would be happy to get any of these things (husband if you’re reading this, hint, hint). I think the best gifts fall into the genre of things the recipient wouldn’t necessarily purchase for themselves, like a pair of bright yellow gloves, an oil diffuser that’s looks as good as it smells or decadent chocolates (See’s are my absolute favorite – reading Gabrielle’s posts about her love for See’s candy confirmed that she was a kindred spirit).


Gifts from left to right, top to bottom: cozy gloves from J Crew, Iomoi personalized paperweight, Jayson Home and Garden’s porcelain orchid vase and urchin box, Hayden Harnett coin purse, J Crew starburst ring, Pamela Barsky ceramic birds, Juliska vase, silhouette plate from Rust designs


Gifts clockwise from top to bottom: Jacques Torres chocolate gingerettes tin, Jayson Home and Garden’s log box and bird box images, handmade wooden spoons, Volupsa oil diffuser, See’s Toffeettes