The holidays are on the horizon, and with family, friends, and, parties (not to mention teachers, neighbors, and coworkers!), the gift giving list can be long. So, we’re back with our annual list of inspiration.
From toddlers to teenage boys, grandparents to girlfriends, coming up with the perfect gift can be much harder than the actual shopping. To be sure, many of us have a gift list that is decidedly not one size fits all.
With that thought in mind, this edition of “a few of our favorite things” could be called “lots of our favorite things.” In plenty of time for the early shoppers among us (and something to return to for those who aren’t quite there yet), we hope the following list helps you add a few check marks to your gift list, whatever the length!
Things for House, Home, and Hosts!
Jack’s cousin Anne Jarvis Thomas is the artist behind these gorgeous Framed Embroidered Flowers. Locals may have known her grandparents, John and Sally Jarvis. John was an educator (and an artist on the side!) and Sally was very active in the community.
Anne has years of experience as a designer, and the botanical embroideries are her most recent project. The singular pieces start with a hand-drawn flower sketched onto fabric, which Anne then hand-stitches to add color and depth. So many of us have a flower or plant that holds special meaning, brings back a memory, or reminds us of a person or a place, making these unique works of art a truly special gift.
My family is the proud owner of the poppy in the first photo, below, and I love the contrast of the red bloom against the black fabric. That said, the daffodil set against the more neutral fabric provides a buttery richness that is graceful and soothing. The details on all the embroideries, down to the roots, are truly stunning. Anne will happily recreate one of the pictured pieces, but she is happy to bring any flower or plant of choice to life.
Cost is $275, which includes framing. (Standard size when framed is about 11×14.) I love that Anne frames these pieces, as framing can be expensive – and one more thing to do! Orders can be placed directly with Anne at annejarvisthomas@gmail.com or through her website.
FAK merch has arrived!
For all who like the Fountain Avenue Kitchen (or just love an awesome mug!), this is 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. Give as a gift to yourself or a friend. We think they stand alone, but you could pair with a favorite coffee, tea, 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? 🐓)
The “Maru” Tea Pot is a thoughtful gift for the tea lovers in your life. The large basket is designed so the tea leaves can fully unfurl and release all their flavor, making for a delicious cup of tea that feels special too. Pouring is easy and drip-free. The pot is delicate though, so handwashing is best. Three sizes are available; the largest (700ml) pot is currently on sale for $20.50.
The gift of spring flowers 🌼🌷🌸 – Though it may seem simple, bulbs make a wonderful gift, a gift that will continue to give, year after year. We’ve given bulbs to friends and family who love to see an abundance of classic tulips and daffodils welcoming spring after a long winter, as well those who like to experiment with showier blooms.
You can purchase bulbs online, but your local garden center is a great resource too. Stick with classics like tulips, daffodils, and lilies, or mix it up with a rainbow of ranunculus or dinnerplate dahlias.
Bulbs are often sold in a mesh bag and can be a touch dirty, so gift them in a pretty, reusable box or sturdy gift bag. If you’d like a “bigger” gift, pair with a simple vase that’s perfect for showing off the cut blooms. (More on that to follow.) Alternatively, a new trowel and garden gloves would round out the gift quite nicely too.
Pretty, functional, and multi-purpose – Vases need not be fancy. In fact, Ann loves the rustic look of a Mason jar. However, this Falcon enamelware pitcher, which retails for $53, doubles as a fabulous vase. (Can you picture a few happy sunflowers or a cascade of peonies or hydrangeas? Even rosemary or holly branches! All so simple yet so pretty.) We love the white enamel with blue trim, although there are many other colors to choose among. 
Too cold to garden? Grow summer-fresh greens indoors with Bowl & Pitcher’s foolproof Microgreens Kit. You’ll see sprouts in 2-5 days and will be snipping the vibrant greens in about 2 weeks (during winter at that!).
Ann grew many batches last winter, and her nieces thought the kit was a fun (and delicious) science experiment. Add the greens to salads, use them as a pretty garnish, and simply enjoy the burst of color on your counter or kitchen table. Ann likes the broccoli seeds, and there is also a spicy salad kit. Both kits retail for $43 and contain enough materials for three batches. Subsequent refills are $16.
🐦⬛ Squirrel-proof, clear glass Window Bird Feeders are sure to make a welcome gift for family and friends who enjoy bird watching. Ann purchased one last year for her husband, who loves to watch the birds, after a glowing recommendation from a friend. There’s minimal assembly required, so kids and those who aren’t handy 🙋♀️ can set them up rather quickly. The feeder comes with big suction cups that attach to your window, and for $22.99, gives you get an unobstructed view of birds enjoying their seed! 
🎄On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a… Boozy Advent Calendar? Everyone loves a good advent calendar, and this one may be a new favorite for the adults in your life who enjoy a festive drink during the holiday season.
All 24 windows reveal a mini glass bottle of wine, which are a mix of smooth reds, dry whites, refreshing rosés, and an award-winning Prosecco. Fun for the whole (adult!) family, and priced by WSJ wine at $149.99. 
🍷 Festive non-alcoholic options: If alcohol is not on the menu for you and yours, it may be worth trying a bottle of non-alcoholic wine. Like other non-alcoholic beverages that have become popular over the past few years, NA wines have a similar (almost identical) feel and taste to that of standard wines. Emily’s sister-in-law introduced their whole family to Wolfer Estate Spring in a Bottle Rose when she was expecting earlier this year, and everyone agreed it was delightfully drinkable and priced well at $20. And isn’t the bottle pretty?
Getting Dressed for Every Day and the Special Days!
Start the day by taking care of your skin. Ann’s dermatologist recommended ZO Skin Health’s Exfoliating Polish a year and a half 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!
👕 Perennial, practical favorites for men and women, boys and girls: So many of us appreciate the staple items we can throw on every day, ones that are high quality and functional – plus athleisure feels especially cozy during the cold winter days.
Following are a few items Ann and Emily (and our family members) wear again and again. Our list of favorites includes items from Lululemon, Vuori, and Feetures. It’s also worth noting that guys can be especially tough to buy for, and Ann’s husband and sons are always thrilled to receive these items as a Christmas gift.
As mentioned, Ann’s sons are always happy with a gift from Lululemon, particularly the Men’s Lulu Shorts and Joggers, pictured above right. Ann has stayed true to the same style of Lululemon leggings for years. Designed for yoga but equally well suited for a trip to the gym or a walk or run around the neighborhood, Lululemons’ Align Pant from $98 (below center photo) comes in three different lengths and 21 colors. The tights are described as high rise, although they feel more like average rise.
Vuori is known for how soft and special their material is. Ann is pictured, above left, in her favorite Vuori Joggers, which also come in many colors and are now on sale for $75! It’s a popular brand for men and women (Gen Zers included!), so anything from Vuori is bound to be a hit at gift opening time. Ann’s sons are fans of this brand too, especially these shorts (very first clothing photo), currently on sale for $54, which can also be worn as a swim suit.
Ann and Emily both wear (and love!) Features socks. They aren’t too thick or too thin, they offer compression without being too tight, and they don’t slip down under your sneakers even after being washed countless times. The color choices are bright and fun – or you can opt for something more subdued. To keep everyone happy, crew socks and a variety of other styles are also available. Ann’s favorite is the Elite Ultra Light Tab sock for $18/pair, pictured on the right, and she loves the bright colors. Her sons love basic white and were thrilled when several pairs appeared in their stockings last Christmas!
Ann loves this Quince 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.) Priced at $49.90, the versatile sweater feels like a bargain these days. Shown below at a recent Fig Magazine shoot for something exciting (and delicious!) coming soon, you can dress it up or dress it down.
For something fun, unique, but not ultra-pricy (and with an incredible story behind them), check out She is Cheval shoes. Wedding dress designer Hayley Paige, known for her appearances on TLC’s “Say Yes To The Dress,” justly regained the rights to her name after years of legal battles with her former employer. For several years, she was unable to use her real name (yes, really!), was banned from her own social media accounts, and was unable to design anything within the wedding industry. But her determination and creativity pushed her to try something new, designing fun shoes for all occasions under the moniker Cheval.
Each season features different styles and Emily has a few pairs from over the years. She loves her white platform sneakers with rhinestones and rainbow shoes, which she wears when she feels like adding a little something fun to her outfit. Shoes run from about $125-$200 depending on the style and season.
For those who like to cook, bake, and eat!
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.
How many recipes use ¾ teaspoon of an herb or spice? Or salt or baking soda? Wouldn’t it be convenient to have a ¾ teaspoon measuring spoon? This spoon may not be standard, but it does exist and is oh so helpful. King Arthur has a sturdy set of this hard-to-find option with 7 measuring spoons of all different sizes, now on sale for $11.99.
For a homemade touch, pair with the cookie mix above, or perhaps with a jar of Salted Hot Fudge Sauce or a tin of your favorite holiday cookies.
After researching and considering a variety of air fryers over time, Ann finally gave in when a friend, who had tested three top models, professed her love for this Cuisinart model, currently selling on Amazon for $223.99. The air fryer also has bake, broil, convection, and warm settings and cooks evenly and quickly. Ann has now had this unit for about five years and many of her friends have purchased and become fans.
Cook time is quicker than the oven and no preheating is required. Ann has used the air fryer (and posted Air Fryer Recipes) for all sorts of things including peppers, chili toast, salmon, polenta “fries,” and more. It’s also the best way to reheat leftover pizza!
Ann’s friend and expert home cook, Ken, informed her last spring that the Piezano Pizza Maker needed to be on this list. A little research verified that this product is, in fact, highly recommended for its ability to quickly crank out personal-size, pizzeria-style pies with crispy crusts and your favorite toppings, from the comfort of home. Fun for parties and every day meals, the temperature goes up to 800℉ and cooks pizza in 6 speedy minutes. Ken buys store-bought dough and finds it easy and convenient to experiment and customize his own pies. Piezano currently selling on Amazon for $112.05.
Ever wonder what the difference is between sweet potatoes and yams? Bourbon and rye? Pancetta and speck? What’s the Difference? by Brette Warshaw is a fun and practical reference for foodies and anyone who is simply food-curious. With over 100 topics, there’s bound to be something your foodie friends and loved-ones must look up. For engaging conversation at mealtime, this book would be fun to keep on your family dinner table!
We love Mason jars filled with goodies, and our Mason jar recipe page has lots of recipes that will fill all sizes of jars and add a personal touch to gift giving while being economical too.
A jar of Salted Hot Fudge, for example, would make a lovely hostess gift. A few small jars of homemade spice mixes (Pumpkin Spice Blend, Taco Seasoning, and Homemade Sazón, as examples) would be perfect as stocking stuffers and a thoughtful, practical gesture for friends, coworkers, neighbors, and teachers. Cranberry Simple Syrup will create festive cocktails, Cinnamon Honey Butter will perk up morning toast, and Christmas Potpourri will make the house smell like the holidays.
Don’t Forget the Kiddos!
Ann and Emily’s kids both fell in love with the Harry Potter series. And while the Fulton boys may have outgrown Hogwarts gifting, Emily’s kids are just getting into it. A visit to the Harry Potter Experience in New York City would be the ultimate gift (the “butterbeer” pub merely scratches the surface of amazingness!) but the good news is that you can have it delivered!
Emily got her son a Hogwarts trunk with his initials on it, priced at $100. There’s also a mini for $60. From there, you can pack the trunk with extra goodies like above-mentioned butterbeer and other Honeydukes treats, such as Fudge Flies or Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans.
When you’re not sure what to get the little ones in your life, consider a KiwiCo crate. The company offers hands-on projects based on a child’s age and interests that include everything from baking to world cultures, science and engineering (as just a few examples). For older kids aged 12-18, there are plenty of advanced projects like making your own speakers, or robots, or even handmade soaps! Their company mission to inspire kids to help build a better world. Now who can argue with that?
One of the best jobs for kids during on a holiday is setting the table. These placemats add some creative flare to the job…and mealtime in general. The Hester & Cook Perfect Setting Paper Placemats are sold as a good quality pad of 24 tear-off sheets. Ann’s family has had lots of fun with them and she has given the placemats as a well received gift (with entertaining photo evidence that they were put to good use!). Even adults will enjoy coloring in pretend food items or doodling a bit during holiday dinners, family meals, and casual dinner parties with friends. Priced on Amazon for $39.99.
Young readers are all about the graphic novel these days. And while adults may be scratching their heads as to whether or not kids get the same value from this genre as others, Scholastic has a great article on the benefits of graphic novels. One of the most popular series is called The InvestiGATORS (as in, alligators) and they just came out with the newest book in the series called Class Action.
Emily’s kids love games, as most kids do. But when games also have underlying lessons, that makes them that even better. Here’s what her kids (8 & 6) are into these days:
Rush Hour is a STEM fun traffic jam logic game that comes with 40 challenges of increasing difficulty. The pieces are large enough so they don’t pose choking hazards for younger siblings, and they can try any of the puzzles without parental supervision. Fun to work alone or together! On Amazon for $21.99.
Storytime Chess is an excellent way for kids to learn what may seem like a complicated game. Emily’s kids both started the program at age 4 and have been working with it ever since. Now, both kids can beat their parents! Engaging stories and personification of the chess pieces makes this a perfect way to learn a game that will enjoy for a lifetime. Board, book, and pieces come in a bundle for $39.99.
For those with a Nintendo Switch (a console that can be played handheld, tabletop, or on TV with games for the whole family) Animal Crossing allows kids to build their own worlds in paradise island. They are equipped with materials to build, homes and gardens to decorate, and fossils to hunt for. It’s like an easier, kid-friendly Minecraft, and of course the main characters are animals that the kids can uniquely create themselves. On digital for $59.99.
A few months ago, one of Emily’s babysitters brought a game called Sleeping Queens to play with her kids. Now, every time she comes, the kids ask if she brought it with her. It is now one of their favorite card games! Invented by a 6-year old and parent approved, games last under 20 minutes and do require a little bit of math, in a fun way of course! $11.99 on Amazon.
We love to keep them warm, safe, and have fun at the same time. This L.L. Bean light up fleece beanie is great for early morning or late day walks to and from the bus stop. The hat is also a fun way to light up camp out adventures! Comes in a variety of colors, and one size fits most, for $44.95.
For the Literary Curious
If you have not checked out our most recent book list, Pocket Books curated an incredible list specifically for our readers, with helpful, personalized summaries. The categorized collection is a terrific way to discover a new and noteworthy selection for someone with specific book tastes. (Popping into the store and asking the staff for advice is also super helpful!)
Emily recently picked up one of these books, The Husbands, by Holly Gramazio, which she found to be hilarious and just a fun read to pick up at anytime. When a loophole (more like a time machine hole) in Lauren’s attic produces a new husband every time the old husband climbs back up, you can’t help but wonder, is there ever a perfect partner?
Ann just finished Carnegie’s Maid by Marie Benedict, a historical fiction novel about the Carnegie family’s maid, Clara, who must maintain a false identity and use her business skills to gain Andrew Carnegie’s trust. In the process, she encourages him to become America’s first philanthropist, but she must also decide if she is willing to risk her position and her own family’s safety for a chance at something more. This book cleverly navigated the bridge between fiction and non-fiction and was universally loved by Ann’s book club. For those who enjoy audiobooks, the narrator was excellent!
If you like a good murder mystery, The Red Lotus by Chris Bohijalian, the New York Times bestselling author of The Flight Attendant, is an excellent read. To set things up, an ER doctor and her boyfriend head to Vietnam for a bike trip when he goes missing and she tries to figure out if this trip (and their entire relationship) was part of the plot to begin with.
Ann’s son John, a voracious reader who is always ready with a worthy book suggestion, highly recommends Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li, which is inspired by the true story of Chinese art vanishing from Western museums. Will is the perfect son, a senior at Harvard, who ends up as the leader of a heist to steal back five priceless Chinese sculptures that were looted from Beijing centuries ago. It’s a thrilling read that also explores the complex issue and lingering effects of colonialism.
If you like to be up on the trends, check out The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, which is the topic du jour in parenting these days. Haidt unveils his hypothesis as to why younger millennials and Gen Z have experienced an uptick in mental health crises over the past decade. Spoiler alert: It has a lot to do with screen time, phones, and social media. An important read for all of us navigating the ever-changing world of technology and parenting. 
For those who like to journal: Papier Colorblock Notebooks are hardcover lined notebook with your choice of binding. Comes in all different color blocking, and a pleasant place to jot down ideas. $30 each. It’s also good to know that the Papier company ethically sources paper from forests and they use plastic-free packaging to recycle at home.
Have a crossword puzzle enthusiast in your midst? Blackwing’s pencils are great for drawing, sketching, schoolwork, music notation, and the Sunday crossword. They have been called the Cadillac of pencils, thanks to their high-quality wood, the dark core that writes fluidly, and an eraser that cleanly removes marks with minimal tearing. Ann gave them to husband Jack last Christmas for his Sunday puzzles and everyone in the family has become a fan. A set of 12 retails for $30 and comes in assorted color.
Late-night readers will appreciate this convenient neck lamp, which is available in a variety of colors and sizes. Retailing for $23.99 on Amazon, the Glocusent Upgraded LED Neck Reading Light, has a 30-minute timer and is rechargeable and long lasting. Perfect for reading or knitting when your partner prefers to hit the hay earlier!
Need a break from the holiday fun and work?
Watching a good TV show makes the job wrapping more fun. It’s also an ideal way to relax after a long day or work or tucking in the kids. Following are some top picks to add to your list:
Ann and I enjoyed Nobody Wants This, a 30-minute per episode comedy series on Netflix, starring Adam Brody (from the OC) and Kristen Bell who enter into an unlikely relationship that will have you rooting for them and laughing out loud.
Speaking of dynamic duos on Netflix, Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber have on-screen chemistry in the recent dark comedy/murder mystery, The Perfect Couple. The suspense (and the fun intro dance scene before every episode) will keep you on your toes!
Anatomy of Lies on Peacock is a crazy true story which fans of Grey’s Anatomy will surely love (although Ann never watched the long-running show and she was still riveted!). The three-part, documentary-style show depicts how, Elisabeth Finch, a very successful writer, fabricated her life story and used it for TV show plot lines. Suffice it to say that all was not as it seemed.
We hope this list provides some helpful inspiration as the holidays approach. As always, feel free to share any ideas you may have. Your feedback and comments are always appreciated. Above all, we wish you health and happiness throughout the holidays and the New Year. 🎊
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