I’m swimming in that post-booster wooziness, so keeping it list-y this week. Here’s a …gift guide, you might call it—of useful / favorite things / delicious things that have had staying power despite many moves. Treat yourself or gift in the best way possible—by giving the things you live with and love.
My favorite everyday things
A chemex, because it’s really the best way to make coffee. We schlep this thing even when we’re just going somewhere for the weekend.
A Kinto insulated coffee thermos. Hands-down the best thermos.
Baggu pillowcases: joy on my bed and under my head
Glerup slippers: longest-lasting, warmest, best slippers. I’m partial to this slip-on style.
Staub shallow wide enamel-coated cast iron pan: got this for our wedding 11 years ago and it’s the best pan ever. ($$$)
Moderato porcelain mugs from Japan: this was the first adult mug I invested in and it’s still the best
Towels from Mollusk surf shop
The Vegetable Bowl from Heath Ceramics. It is the perfect side dish bowl. ($$$)
String shelves (also look on ebay/etsy for vintage sets): mid-century Swedish-designed shelves that are modular and great for holding all kinds of things. ($$$)
The Task pad: The perfect to-do list notebook. The plaid is also v. cute.
This Courant wireless charging pad: like actual magic!
Fog Linen trays. It’s very helpful to have trays to contain things!
Food gifts most people I' know would appreciate
Chili Crisp from Momofuku or Fly by Jing is my condiment of choice on everything.
Rare Bird Preserves are such good jams. The curds are also very underrated.
A coffee subscription from Speckled Ax. Truly superior coffee.
Omsom spice kits; tbh haven’t tried these but can’t wait to.
A really, really indulgent panettone From Roy that I can’t justify buying for myself but if anyone wants to get for me i’d love to try.
Frankies Olive Oil is my salad dressing / bread-dipping EVOO of choice.
Eater wine club gift subscription
Cookbooks I’ve got my eye on
To Asia, With Love by Hetty McKinnon
That Sounds so Good by Carla Lalli Music (this is the only one of these I have and it’s highly cookable and beautifully done)
The Weekday Vegetarians by Jenny Rosenstrach
Cookies: The New Classics by Jesse Szewcyzk
Snacking Cakes by Yossy Arefi
Black Food by Bryant Terry
Korean Vegan by Joanne Molinaro
Places I’ll be making donations this season:
National Diaper Bank — Diapers are damn expensive. Help cover the need many families face.
USPS Operation Santa — Adopt a letter from a child or family and help fulfill their wishlist
First Book is a national organization getting high quality free books to families and organizations in need.
My wishlist
This hot water kettle —so clean, so pretty.
Bonne Maison socks (always)
This colorblock wall mirror with a shelf
So many books, but a few that jump out: No One is Talking about This by Patricia Lockwood, Second Place by Rachel Cusk, Out of Office by Anne Helen Petersen and Charlie Warzel, and When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamin Labatut.
If you are looking for a weekend activity, I highly recommend going to see Mike Mills’ new film, “C’mon C’mon:” a portrayal of parenthood, illness, sibling relationships, death, dependence, independence, and coming of age, as portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, Gaby Hoffmann, and one of the great child performances in memory, Woody Norman. Happy December. May your season be as unstressful as possible!