CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE for YOUR PARENTS 2023
Knowing what to gift someone gets harder the older the person is. This is partly to do with the fact that the older, and more financially comfortable people become, the more settled they become in their like and dislikes. A large part of gifting is the surprise of introducing someone to something new, a trick thats hard to pull of on people who have been around the block a few times. I often hear the phrase “they have everything!” when helping someone shop for a parent, which is unfortunately, likely true. So lets consider a few rules of thumb for finding something for the cherished parent, grandparent, or in-law in your life.
comfort is more apreciated the older you get
If you appreciate a warm blanket on your bed now, think how much more your mom or grandmother would too! It just fact that the older we get, the colder we feel. Gifting a warm, cozy blanket or snuggy slippers communicate that you understand & you care about their everyday comfort.
I’ve linked a delicious Cashmere throw blanket from Quince below - my husband & I bought ourselves a cashmere blanket as an early Christmas present to each other, and it is an absolute dream. I also linked a bit more affordable wool blanket below in an olive check print, perfect for the men in your life. Finally, I’ve included a cotton quilt I co-designed with an Indian artisan shop specially as a baby gift for a friend of mine a few years ago (and they now stock it in their shop!). This quilt comes in such a gorgeous reversible blue print, and the quilted cotton is perfect for year round use! I’ve also included some Quince shearling slippers I’ve heard rave reviews about - what a treat for those winter months! This handsome cashmere scarf would make a lovely stylish, yet thoughtful gift. Last, but definitely not least, we have these cozy cashmere socks at an incredibly affordable price - this is the kind of thing the everyone appreciates but few people will ever buy for themselves.
2. Homemaking is an art form perfected with time
Most people tend to appreciate their home more as they get older, and as a result, put far more care into their surroundings. Though it might not be wise to gift your mother-in-law new curtains, she will most definitely appreciate a lovely candle or some artisanal soups. The finer touches on a home like candles, frames, a ring dish, napkin rings - all these things are the jewelry of the home and are always a welcome gift … especially if that frame contains a new picture of their grandchild!
Below is a large assortment of pretty decor items I have found over time.
This stunning enamel tray is an absolute show-stopper. Imagine it in an entryway for keys & glasses, STUNNING.
This wood lacquered braided frame is so beautiful, the perfect thing for the family photo.
The most darling phone holder I’ve ever seen.
The holiday candle from Acorn & Oak (an NWS community business) that smells of brown sugar and figs, I’m told it smells like a bakery, which sounds divine.
A copper rain water gauge - I gifted this to my Dad last Christmas and he loves how it looks & its genuinely helpful!
Leather tissue box sleeve - for all those people who dislike the gaudy prints on tissue boxes, and want a consistant look.
A block print storage box - A pretty useful decor piece.
Garden ducks in wellies, just about the cutest thing you’ll ever see.
A wooden recipe box - Its one of the sadest truths of our generation that we nolonger write down recipes. Our parents did, and I like the idea of gifting a recipe box for keeping all the family recipes.
This scolloped edge basket is simple but so sweet. Bake some bread to put inside when you gift it!
Pomegranate Inc. darling artichoke napkins, currently on sale!
Bird adobe slow-release pot watering spouts. These are so helpful to gardeners, and I love the cute birds.
Any of you remember these candlesticks from my Easter tablescape? Well they are still in stock, and would make very sweet gifts.
A baked goods keeper - this is designed to sit out and have baked treats stored inside at room temperature. Such a pretty useful thing!
Custom leather coaster set.
Lovely Lady Linens (and NWS community business) beautiful Stella Maris napkins. I love this print!
3. Bathrooms are meant to be enjoyed
As we get older, we spend more time in the bathroom, both by choice & necessity. Selfcare becomes more of a priority, and as a result the bathroom takes on a more than utilitarian purpose - it becomes an oasis from the rest of life. You will never find a parent who doesn’t appreciate a (new) robe, and the one linked below is made of premium Turkish cotton at a fantastic price (I’m eyeing this for myself!). I’ve also included the William Morris Blackthorn cosmetics bags from my collaboration with Stacie and Joan (restocked!) - these would make a lovely, unique gift for the women in your life. Next we have an orange blossom soap I found from an Etsy shop with excellent reviews (sounds delicious, right?). Finally, I’ve included the perfect thing for all the sore muscles - a cherry pit heat pillow! This natural materials heat pillow means you can rest easy about what you putting against your skin, and it come in several cute prints.
4. Help is always appreciated
I’ve never met a person over 30 that wasn’t fascinated by helpful gadgets & nick’nacks. Gift a man a back-scratcher & you’ll see what I mean - things that are not a necessity, but we love the overall practicality of them.
This stirring gadget seems like genius to me (especially for things like cream sauces or meringues). I think the leather magnetic bookmark is a brilliant affordable gift for the bedtime reader. As is the beautifully made wooden “Hold my Spot” book stand, complete with glasses holder & cup holder! I think any homemaker would adore this clever fruit bowl designed to organize your food by ripening needs. Next we have the owl glasses holder - my SIL has been using this holder for nearly 10yrs & says its the best. Did we mention back-scratchers? Well here is a beautiful wooden set of back scratchers for the more polished version of the gift. I have included my husbands magnetic wrist brace for holding screws & nails during projects - extremely useful, and the handy guys love it. Finally we have the rotary cheese grater (like at Olive Garden), for that fine grate straight on the plate.
I hope this gift guide helps you find the perfect thing for the parents in your life. Happy Christmas!
