Thinking of the perfect holiday gift for the special people in our lives tends to be harder than the actual shopping. In that spirit, the following list is full of delights that are bound to please even the hard-to-gift people in your life!
Coming up with gift ideas that are thoughtful, clever, and won’t end up in the junk drawer is tough, so we start thinking about next Christmas (and Hanukkah!) in January. That may seem a tad early, but keeping our eyes and ears out all year ling is the best way to come up with a comprehensive gift list that will be a helpful reference for our loyal readers.
ln that spirit, following is our favorites from the list of items.
After collecting and reflecting on the best things we’ve tried, we compiled the following list. There are goodies for the kitchen, of course, but our list of over 40 gifts goes well beyond that, and we hope there’s a little something for everyone on your list.
Want more? Check out our holiday gift list from last year, we still love all of those items as well! Tell us below, what will be your favorite thing to gift this year?
COOKS & THE KITCHEN
Our fear of microplastics may have gone over the top, but many of us could use a new cutting board, and here’s a practical substitution. The MK Free Board (@materialkitchen) is free of permanent micro-plastics. It’s easy to care for, dishwasher-safe, and comes in pretty pastel colors like shell and ocean. Each board is $48, but at the time this was written, the company was offering 15% off when you buy three. Ann likes that her board is lightweight, easy pick up and rinse under the faucet, and the material not dull sharp knives as quickly as many other surfaces. (Ann’s board is shown below with fennel, which will be appearing in a new salad recipe soon!)
Cuisinart food processor can be an indispensable kitchen tool. The 10- or 14-cup choppers are a must-have for pestos, sauces, dough, and all your larger recipe needs. But sometimes, you may prefer something for small batch chopping or grinding, and the big one is…well too big. The Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus 24 Ounce Food Processor will efficiently grind or chops nuts, herbs, onions－anything really. It’s much easier to store, too. Ann has the brushed chrome, pictured below, which currently retails for $49.95. The mini processor is also available in white and pink.
How about our favorite kitchen gadgets delivered in an adorable yet practical tote bag? This would be a perfect gift from a class to their teacher, a new graduate moving into their first apartment, or someone who simply needs a kitchen tool refresh plus a sturdy market or beach bag. For this, we like the classic, open top, customizable (and personalized!) LL Bean Small Tote, which retails for $32.95. And how adorable is the Micro Tote keychain for $14.95, which can fit an ID or credit card－ and perhaps a gift card?
When Ann was in Maine last summer, Sea Bags caught her eye. She visited one of their stores in Camden, Maine (shown below) and learned about the company’s incredibly cool story. The bags are made from recycled sails (so Maine!) to reduce landfill waste, and the sail cloth is extremely durable and weatherproof. The patterns are unique and fun, and there are a wide variety of styles: really cool beach, tote, produce, and crossbody bags in an assortment of colors, patterns, and sizes. There are also bags for the gardener, toiletries, beverages, picnics, and more. A fun site to check out!
Do you know someone who is obsessed with nugget ice for their drinks? It’s a novelty item for sure, and the softer, chewable ice can be very appealing. Enter the Silonn Nugget Ice Maker, which is a smaller (and much less expensive) version of some of the larger machines you may have seen before. More reasonably priced at $249.98, this could be THE holiday gift this year!
If there’s a skier in your life, they will certainly appreciate these wacky Sloping Ski Drinking Glasses from Uncommon Goods. The set of 4, retailing for $58, features illustrated graphics of four skiers, each in a different spot on the slope, on－and this is the best part－a sloping glass! Emily’s family received the glasses for a gift last year and Ann already purchased the set to give to her favorite family of skiers this year. Such a clever, practical gift for those who live for fresh powder!
The pasta bowls in this Kanto Stoneware Pasta Bowl Set from West Elm, shown below left, are perfect for more than just pasta — think soups, stews, salads, or even a big bowl of cereal. My family uses them often for grain- and green-based bowls, and their simple but stylish design looks great on the table. Retailing at $64 for a set of four and available in six colors, the simplicity of the bowls allows them to work well with my everyday plates, which aren’t an exact match. For friends and family who could use a complete set, you could consider the matching Kanto Stoneware Dinner Set (set of 16, shown below right) for $240.
We love Tiny Turnips products and their newest product really hits the mark. A spoon/spatula in one – a spoonula – is an effective, all-in-one tool for mixing, scooping, folding, and scraping. Ann especially likes this spoonula because it’s the perfect balance of firm and flexible. She uses both sizes almost daily. For a fun gift with a personal touch, pair with Chocolate Chip Cookies in a Jar.
For all who like the Fountain Avenue Kitchen (or just love an awesome mug!), the following would be a fun and practical holiday gift. Local artist, Amy Burk, worked with us to design these one-of-a-kind mugs, and we are very excited about them. Ann wanted the mug to represent FAK without looking too “branded.” As such, the chicken from the logo is front and center while the name is discreetly placed on the handle. Making these mugs extra special, there’s also a somewhat hidden food quote and a map of Lancaster on the bottom.
The mugs are perfect for coffee and tea, and even large enough for soup. Dishwasher and microwave safe, they would be a practical gift to a friend, teacher, neighbor…or yourself! We think they stand alone, but you could pair with a favorite coffee, tea, Homemade Chocolate Peanut Clusters with Sea Salt, or gift card to a local cafe.
Locals can purchase their mugs via Venmo @fountainavenuekitchen for $40 per mug, which includes sales tax. Simply enter “mug” in the caption or contact us for other payment options. We will happily ship if you don’t live nearby; contact us to for those details as well. (Did we mention that Amy made every mug by hand, down to the feathers markings on the chicken? 🐓)
HOME DECOR & MORE
When Emily’s curly-haired daughter went for a haircut recently, the stylist recommended slip satin pillowcases to prevent breakage, knots, and frizz. She said the pillowcases are great for all ages and that people notice a huge difference right away. The pillows are soft and are available in many colors, and Emily’s daughter loves them. Best part? When she wakes up, her hair is much easier to comb out!
Homesick Candles will take you back to the places you love. When Emily moved to Pennsylvania after living in New York for 17 years, her friend sent her a “New York City” Homesick candle, which she keeps on her desk and lights whenever she’s in a New York state of mind. But options go way beyond geography. Candles come in scents like Monica’s Apartment (A Friends reference), The Burrow (Harry Potter reference) and Showgirl Era (Taylor Swift of course!). A super fun, personal gift for everyone!
Everyone seems to be playing pickleball these days! Look like you know what you’re doing with this Pickleball Bag from Tuckernuck. Smaller than the more cumbersome tennis bags, it’s the perfect size for a towel, some balls, sunscreen, and personal essentials. The bag features a top handle and optional shoulder strap, as well as a paddle-shaped front pocket with a zip closure to keep your equipment secure. Monogram optional!
Back by popular demand… another clothing item from Quince! A fan of versatile staples, Ann has gotten so many compliments on her Cotton Modal Relaxed Long Sleeve Tee Long Sleeve Shirts because they are flattering, comfortable, and versatile. The hit-at-the hip silhouette has the perfect drape and can be worn with a nice pant or to the gym. Reasonably priced at $19.90, you might as well get a 3-pack and save 20% more! (Ann bought the shirts in white, black, and heather gray, but there are seven color options in all.)
If you missed her pick from last year, it is equally practical, still available, on sale for $49.90, and frequently garners compliments as well. It’s Quince’s 100% Organic Cotton Cropped Cardigan in cement marl. (Linen may be a more helpful color name, and though the name says “cropped,” it’s not too short.)
A fall-to-winter-to-spring shoe that has also garnered lots of attention, Rothy’s ReVelvet Cozy Bit Loafer Mules are soft (with fluffy, cozy, vegan-shearling lining), flexible, and fun. Ann recently purchased them in black, and they work as well with jeans as they do a skirt or dressy pant. Best part? They are machine washable! Emily’s
For something a little more active, remember Sambas? Fun fact: Sambas were created in 1949 by Adidas founder Adi Dassler to provide traction for soccer players on frozen, icy fields in Europe. Of course, you don’t have to play soccer to wear them, and the retro design is back in fashion. Ann has an adorable pair in blue, but we also love the red! These currently retail for $120 per pair. Jack and her sons, John and Christian, also have them and are fans of the classic colors, pictured below right. As of post time, the classic men’s Samba OG shoes are retailing for $100. They are available in many more colors as well.
Start the day by taking care of your skin. Ann’s dermatologist recommended ZO Skin Health’s Exfoliating Polish years ago and it’s been the best thing she’s done for her skin as she ages. The “secret” ingredient is magnesium crystals, which exfoliate dead skin cells to create clearer, smoother skin.
Several friends and family members followed Ann’s recommendation (skincare suddenly becomes a fascinating topic of conversation as we grow older!), and they all love and continue to use the exfoliant. The product is clearly for women of all ages, because her Gen Z nieces love it too. They also agreed they’d be thrilled to receive it as a gift!
Sometimes adults like arts and crafts too! Painting can be very relaxing, and watercolors are quite forgiving if (like some of us) you aren’t a professional artiste! Pair this beautiful 48-color watercolor set, which retails for $61.99, with some good paper and brushes for a lovely gift.
For your iced coffee and/or tea loving friends and family members, Ann’s new Jarware Cold Brew Coffee Maker and Tea Infuser for $21.44 may be the perfect gift. Just place coffee grounds or loose tea in the infuser, place in a wide mouth, quart-size Mason jar, fill with water, and refrigerate overnight. The result is super smooth cold brew! Comes with an easy pour spout and a silicone gasket that locks in freshness. The infuser can also be used for hot tea. Either way, the strainer will make sure there are no leaves in your tea or grounds in your coffee.
Before the holidays last year, Christian asked several of his girl friends what he should get his mom for Christmas, and they suggested the Gisele TENCEL Modal Long PJ Set from Eberjey in Navy. Ann loves them! The fabric is buttery soft, drapey, and very comfortable. Each set is prices at $158.
As a mom of boys, Ann can attest that guys can be tough to buy for. Her sons are fans of this practical, 5-star-rated basket-stitch cotton crewneck sweater from J. Crew, which as of this writing, is on sale for $64.50 (a whopping 45% off the original price of $118.00). The extremely soft 100% cotton sweater is available in 10 colors. Our unofficial poll ranked eggplant, sky, navy, and heather moss (pictured above) as the favorites, but there’s truly a color (or several!) for everyone.
Add on with a cashmere beanie from J. Crew for $89.50 or a J. Crew cashmere crewneck sweater with colors starting at $158 (+ monogram available for an extra $10!).
FORCE OF NATURE
A vibrant amaryllis always feels festive and is easy-to-grow indoors. This version, a Waxed Amaryllis, has a pretty “pot” that looks like an ornament and actually grows without watering or care. It’s truly an effortless decoration that will provide a splash of color and life throughout the dark, cold winter months. (For those who have never grown an amaryllis, when purchased, little more than a green sprout exists. The stem shoots up over time and reveals the stunning blooms. Much easier to wrap and transport than the typical flower!) This year, we are seeing it for $32 from Gardenuity, but Ann got one from Trader Joe’s last year, so be on the lookout!
Citrus in winter is a no-brainer, but the gift of these Florida Honeybells makes it extra special. They are a type of tangelo, which is a cross between a tangerine and a grapefruit, and only available for a short time in the winter season. They are seedless, thin-skinned, juicy, and sweeter than any other orange. Order now for a January delivery. While they typically arrive in early January, they are worth the wait. Ann’s mom and dad always give a card that says, “something sweet is on the way!”
Voted best smart bird feeder, NETVUE has done is again! It has AI capability to identify each species that visits the feeder by using a small weather-proof camera, as pictured below. And get this－when squirrels appear, you can press a button and the camera will scare them away! This is a major gift at $249.99, but for the bird lovers in your life, this could be the gift they always remember.
We love our dogs, so whether you’re gifting to your own puppy or a pal’s furry friend, these two gifts are bound to be well-received. Gift them individually or as a doggie foodie bundle. The DASH dog treat maker makes eight bone-shaped treats with recipes included using ingredients you can control. (Ann’s dog Daisy recommends this recipe for Chicken and Rice Dog Treats, which you could also make as pupcakes, otherwise known as pancakes.🐶) The WOOF Starter Pack Pupsicle molds, shown below center and right, includes a dog toy which holds a frozen treat (you can buy the treats or make your own using the mold, as shown on the right). Depending on the treat, which are about the size of a super ball, your dog will be busy for 15 to 30 minutes. Ann finds these to be virtually mess-free and easy to clean. Tip: Store in the freezer to make the treats last longer!
For those who love to ski out west, the Vail Trail Map Base Layers are a perfect gift. Buy the top and bottom separately, each for $79.95 or bundle as a set for a more substantial gift. The good thing about buying them separately, is that you can choose a different size for the top and bottom, if needed. We found them for women through Outdoor Divas and for men through Powder Addicts.
The Cavallini 1000 piece vintage inspired puzzles have kept Ann’s family busy during many a holiday (especially her grandmaster puzzler husband!). They come in some very pretty designs with the perfect theme for just about anyone. Each one sells for about $22, and the finished masterpiece measures 20×28.
For those who have gone down the rabbit hole of Mahjong, it is a game that is fun and social but also requires some concentration. There are loads of fun accessories your mahjong-loving friends and family members would love to get (even if you don’t “get it” yourself!). Oh my Mahjong is a brand sold at Anthropologie that’s dedicated to all things mahjong, and we love this One Bam Keychain, which is beautiful but also has a slightly hidden meaning. Whenever you put down this tile everyone does a little cheers! Pairs well with mahjong-themed cocktail stirs and a cute new tile bag!
For those trying to optimize sleep, The Restore 3 Hatch Alarm Clock is a gift worth considering. Ann’s son, Christian, used one at a friend’s house and loved waking up to it－so much so that he now has one of his own. He really likes the morning sunlight feature, which was designed to support natural circadian rhythm, as well as the ability to customize his alarm. (No more jarring alarm for him! He told me to report that likes the bird sounds, which he follows with a gentle alarm, and he “highly recommends.” And he was the kid that could sleep through multiple alarms.😉) The sleek clock has many different settings depending on your needs, including sleep sounds and dimmable lights. Christian has the clock in putty, and we like the cocoa color too. Currently priced at $169.99.
OH TO BE YOUNG AGAIN, and gifts for the kiddos…
The Colorable Collection from Caden Lane is the perfect gift (and activity!) for kiddos aged 2+ who like to color and show off their creations. Pick from a wide variety of themes such as mermaid, holidays, or construction sites, and then watch the kids color them in however they like! Once they are finished, wash the pjs for a permanent work of art! Emily has them, and word to the wise: don’t let the fabric markers get mixed up with the other markers as they are permanent. Each set retails for $36.
Learning to tell time is educational, and also empowering, as little ones begin their journey of independence. For ages 3-10 year olds, the Swiss company Flik Flak has over 50 different watch designs, which can also be personalized and are bright in color, making it easy and fun to learn how to tell time.
Board games never get old, but they do get updated! We loves these three, which are all a little different but have definitely passed the fun test for both of our families! Pass the Pigs is for ages 7+ and is fun but also teaches statistics. So Clover is a word association game for ages 10+ and no two games will ever be the same. Genius Square is a STEM puzzle game for ages 6+ that promotes problem solving and motor manipulation skills. Note: Though listed with the kids games, Ann was introduced to So Clover by game-loving adult friends and has since given as a well-received gift to adults. If you have friends of any age who enjoy playing the New York Times’s daily game Connections, they will love this fun, fast moving game.
Emily’s son Alex really enjoyed Oliver’s Great Big Universe, a new series which first came out in 2023 and the third in the series was published a few months ago. It’s engaging and perfect for curious minds. The diary-style series follows an 11-year-old who explains everything he learns, like how the sun burps, how ghost particles fly through you, and the uncanny similarities between Mercury and cafeteria meatballs!
If you have a sparkly child (or grandchild) who loves all the glitter and pizazz, check out Lola & the boys for over the top sneakers, slippers, hand bags, jackets, and clothing. Perfect for your budding diva, and a fun site to find something absolutely glamorous. Emily is eyeing the sneakers for her 7-year old daughter…shhh!
For comfy cozy that can also be used outside, get your favorite little girl her own pair of Rothy’s. Emily’s Aunt gave the shoes pictured below to her daughter and we all fell in love. The Kids Clog ($65 a pair) comes in a variety of colors and patterns and has an adjustable back strap to make the fit perfect and grow a bit as your kids grow.
SWEET TOOTH!
Advent calendars continue to get more and more creative, and there’s truly a theme for everyone. (And who wouldn’t love an early gift, which can be enjoyed all month long?) Most notable this year include the calendars pictured below, from left to right:
- Bonne Maman featuring 24 mini spreads, including new seasonal varieties like caramel coffee and pineapple-yuzu for $54.99.
- Vahdam Teas with 24 loose leaf teas for $89.95.
- SmartBones Furry Christmas has treats for dogs at $16.58 (This is on Ann’s dog Daisy’s list!)
- Williams Sonoma Luxury Foodie Calendar is full of cheese and jams and chocolates, oh my! This loaded calendar retails for $349.95.
- The Diagon Alley Advent Calendar from the Official Harry Potter Store is selling $111.99 this year.
For the chocolate lovers in your life, Trader Joe’s Chocolate Passport is a very giftable box with chocolate from all over the world, all 60-73% cacao. At $12.99, this makes a lovely and affordable seasonal gift for party hosts, teachers, neighbors, and friends－or even a holiday treat for yourself! Jack gave Ann two last year, and her dark chocolate loving niece, Evie, thought they were very cool, so Ann shared one with her.
THE BOOK WORM
Horse by Geraldine Brooks follows three different stories over a period of 300 years that weave together through a famous race horse, Lexington. While the horse is real, the rest of the book is rooted in historical fiction and is a fascinating read about art, politics, race relations, and the beauty of horses. Brooks is a Pulitzer Prize winner and her writing is powerful and captivating.
Of the books Ann has read recently, the following are her top picks and offer a little something for all the readers on your list (or to add to your own list!). For strong storytelling, Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall is a top choice. Of course, Emily Henry is the queen of contemporary romance for a reason, consistently writing swoony love stories that are smart, thoughtful, and full of big-hearted characters that immediately feel like friends. Ann enjoyed Funny Story, which was one of her book club picks and is the perfect combination of easy to read but not too vapid. For those who enjoy this style, she also recommends These Summer Storms by Sarah McClean.
For those who like historical fiction and/or nonfiction, Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan is a must! What the main character experienced in his lifetime, framed by his unique role in World War II, is hard to fathom. The Friday Afternoon Club by Griffin Dunne is a family memoir that’s a veritable who’s who of Hollywood in the 1960s through the early 2000s (his family knew everyone!) and recounts significant traumas, mental illness, addiction, family rivalries, as well as deep family connections. The trial of the author’s younger sister Dominique, who was tragically murdered at the age of 23, is central to the book as well.
For people who enjoy food, Ina, or just a really good story about how successful business are built, Ina Garten’s memoir Be Ready When the Luck Happens is entertaining and inspiring. Perfect for book clubs, especially if the members like to cook. Emily and her friends read the book and then each brought ingredients to make a full Ina Garten meal together!
Frozen River by Ariel Lawson is another must-read. Ann’s book club read it and it was universally enjoyed. Emily has it on her bedside table next in queue! It’s a historical mystery inspired by the diary of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife who is privy to much of her small town’s secrets, and even finds herself involved in a murder investigation.
STOCKING STUFFERS
If you haven’t tried Dubai chocolate, it’s time to get on the bandwagon. Emily even saw employees at a stand covering strawberries in Dubai chocolate at Reading Terminal market! According to a quick Google search, Dubai chocolate was invented a few years ago by a pregnant pastry chef who had some serious cravings and decided to fill chocolate with pistachio-tahini cream and phyllo pastry, as pictured below. Tasting Table did a great ranking article of the top six brands this year, but with the interesting backstory and seasonal colors, any bar would be a fun and very tasty stocking stuffer!
THIS NIGHT Socks are knit in North Carolina using US-grown cotton and designed by an artist (Kate T. Williamson) who is inspired by nature and the colors and patterns of Japan. They are what she considers the perfect sock: interesting patterns in an elegant color palette and knit with cotton that is substantial yet thin enough to fit into shoes nicely. They have a band that stays up yet is comfortable, flat toe seams, and a touch of lycra for a cozy, fresh-pair fit. Sizes and styles available for both men and women.
A good pair of tweezers is a great little stocking stuffer that can make a big difference. Years ago, Ann’s sister-in-law gave her a pair, mentioning they are the best tweezers－meaning they grab even the finest hairs and tiniest splinters. Ann has had the same pair ever since, and she’s not the only one who swears by them. Wirecutter voted the Tweezerman Tweezers best tweezers overall!
We live in a neighborhood without sidewalks and very few street lights, so we know how important it is for pedestrians to be visible to cars. This is especially important in winter months when morning and afternoon walks and runs are done in the dark! Ann saw neighbors wearing these small portable lights, which can clip onto you, your backpack, your bike, leash…whatever! They have different light modes (solid and blinking in regular and red light), are rechargeable, and are great for your outdoorsy family and friends as well as kids walking to and from school. Priced at $6.99 per pack, they make a nice stocking stuffer!
Wishing a happy holiday season to all our readers and their loved ones too. If you have a great gift idea not mentioned here, please comment below! And don’t forget to tag all your FAK photos with @fountainavenuekitchen on Instagram and Facebook. Your feedback is always appreciated.
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