For my third and final chapter of holiday gifting ideas, Part III is a nod to “touching grass,” as the kids say. These are some small and sometimes silly items to help enjoy time spent off devices and ideally outdoors. (Plus, a mini piece of art. Because all gift guides need art.)

1. Martha Stewart’s Gardening Handbook via Bookshop.org $37

2. 4-Pack planting seeds mix by Mr. Boddington Studio $26
   Cutting seeds, edible seeds, shade-loving seeds, and fragrant bloomers

3. Everyday gardening gloves by Gardenheir $12

4. Japanese pruners (also a left-handed option) via Gardenheir $59

5. Waterproof 100% wool picnic blanket & carrier via Independent Goods $210

6. Cyanotype bandana kit via Gardenheir $59

7. Trail basket weaving kit via Gardenheir $98

8. This Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open mini art via Maison Flaneur $48

9. Convertible picnic carrier/picnic table (handmade) $190 via Independent Goods
   How cool is this??

10. Cute garden clogs by Seevees $110

11. Patterned car seat cover for dirt & sweat protection by Sprints $42
    I have one of these for post-gym driving. Highly recommend.

12. Mini paint palette via Etsy $38

13. Watercolor paper block by Arches via Blick $34

14. Personalizable bocce kit by L.L.Bean $129

15. Kate McLeod Dusk Stone via Sephora $38

16. Fielder drinks box cooler via Anthropologie $228

See you in the yard!

How can you go wrong following a Taurus’ lead (AKA me?) We love luxury, comfort, and are extremely loyal—especially to good products. This is an amalgamation of things I currently love, and things I would love to be gifted. Hint hint…

1. Scattergories Vintage Bookshelf Edition via Mr. Boddington Studio $50

2. Well Kept screen wipes via Anthropologie $7
   I keep these in my work bag and around the house.

3. Foot masks by Sephora $5
   A winter essential

4. White Lotus quote needlepoint pillow by Furbish Studio $98

5. Sweatshirt by The Met $75 / $63.75 for Members

6. Ceramic matchbook by Ini Ceramique via Maison Flaneur $63

7. The Last Waltz candle from Greenville SC’s We Took to the Woods $56 I buy one every year. Their seasonal pop-up store is exceptional.

8. Everyday Occurrence daisy print by Carolyn Misterek $70
   This is hanging in my bathroom! I love the combination of the floral and the swirl, it feels like the beauty and confusion of everyday life.

9. Ginger peach tea by Charleston OG Oliver Pluff $15

10. Retractable 35W USB C charger by Counterpart $44

11. Aromatic hand lotion by Aesop $35 (the best)

12. A truly excellent daily serum by Goop Beauty $150

13. My go-to slippers via L.L.Bean $99

14. The Cloisters 1500-piece puzzle via New York Puzzle Company $32

15. Theragun Mini via Goop $210

    An actual essential in my house. I use it all the time after the gym.

16. The New York Times’ Cultured Traveler via Bookshop.org $46

17. Hanni Body Moisturizing Shower Stone via Sephora $18

18. Horosoaps (horoscope sign soaps) via Maison Flaneur $24

19. Chic Dogs by Assouline via Over the Moon $120

And guess what? I have an Amazon problem. I am a hypocrite. I have found myself ordering two, three, maybe four times a week. Toilet paper. Drill bits. Printer ink. Soy sauce. Tampons. Literally anything. My spending revolves heavily around their breadth and convenience. I can’t be pissed about the ethics of a company and not meet that gut reaction with some kind of solution, so I’m going to challenge myself to start shifting these habits step by step.

In this spirit, I have put together some great gifts recommendations and ideas that are decidedly not from The Everything Store. I hope it inspires some diversified spending, and support of small and medium businesses who need all the help they can get—especially these days. Even if these items aren’t checking your boxes, I hope it introduces you to some new places to shop. Enjoy!

This first guide hits closest to my own desires and a few things I have and recommend for anyone who likes to entertain, cook, or simply treat themselves:

Gifts for the Hosting Types

1. Set of 2 Acacia wood cutting boards by Sonder LA $60 (I have and love these)

2. French bistro cheese knife via Ark Elements $37

3. Toss Your Phone Into the Sea 11x17” print by Mr. Boddington Studio $25

4. Bitty bowls & Breakfast bowls by East Fork $48 / $95
   I use these for kitchen prep and condiments all the time!

5. Tomato Sauces by Alison Roman via First Bloom $30
   She says they’ll be back in stock soon! They’re delicious.

6. To the Bar brass sign via Etsy $25

7. A Screaming Blast book by Rebecca Gardner of Houses & Parties $46

8. Mini original olives painting via Etsy $86-146

9. Very long matches via Independent Goods $23

10. Some nice wine from Scribe Vineyard $38+/bottle

11. A trio awesome condiments by Cabi via Big Night $36
    These are so good and flavorful.

12. Brass clementine pieces placecard holders via Food52 $99

13. Copper Greek salt mill via East Fork $105

14. Concha (shell) candle holder by Carolina Irving & Daughters $55 each

15. Something from Nothing cookbook by Alison Roman via Bookshop.org $32

16. Funny cocktail napkins by Houses & Parties $60

17. Having People Over by Chelsea Fagan via Bookshop.org $27

I hope you like the first batch of goodies. More to come!

*AI police: I have always written using em dashes. I know the keystroke like I know how to control-S save, and I have since middle school circa 1997. I do use AI at work sometimes, but this is my sanctuary, and no such tool is being employed here. That would frankly be pointless. Kisses!