It’s fitting that my very first newsletter contains this gift guide. The Edit Studio is all about being more intentional about choices and how to get more enjoyment out of life while building healthy habits. My professional focus in recent years has been centered on guiding business decisions, so I am confident that I can help you make a little decision like getting the perfect gift. No matter who you are buying for, I believe you will find something just right.
Are you a last-minute holiday shopper like me? One year I made the evening news on Christmas Eve as I was shopping at our local mall. Inquiring minds would like to know: “Why did you wait until the last minute to shop?” ….. hmmm…. Efficiency? I’ve been busy? Better deals? I didn’t have a great answer. Back then, the holidays tended to stress me right out, so cut yourself some slack if this is you.
Thankfully, over the years, I’ve sharpened my gift giving skills due in part to my love of retail therapy. Each purchase I make is well researched, and since we’re friends now, I put this guide together for you.
OK – I can’t help myself, cue the music: “These are a few of my favorite things…” and channel your gift recipients’ wants and needs.
Get Cozy
Kinto Travel Tumbler – This vacuum insulated coffee tumbler is amazing. I first saw it when I was in Montreal in a hotel gift shop while attending a conference. It was expensive, particularly since I already had a travel mug, so I didn’t get it. A year later, I found the same one during a trip to Japan. It followed me around the world, so it was clearly meant to be. I have used it nearly every day since, and I even use it when I’m just staying at home because it keeps my coffee piping hot thanks to its double lid. The 12 oz version is the perfect size and fits in my hand so comfortably.
Aero Press Coffee – My husband said it can easily be argued that using this press is the best way to brew coffee. When we drive across the country, he often stops at a gas station, boils some water with his portable kettle, and makes his own, even though there’s coffee right inside the gas station. Our household favorite coffee right now is Wonderstate Coffee, “Off Grid,” which is their super dark “bold and roasty,” classic blend. If you order it online, it arrives freshly roasted at your door. It has become a game to check the date on the bottom. We also love Colectivo’s Black ‘n Tan, and every few years, we indulge in a bag of Greenwell Farm’s Peaberry Coffee. It is so expensive because there is a genetic mutation where one husk only has one seed, which makes the sugar content higher.
Prefer tea? Chai-wallah’s Real Chai Spice with Black Tea is amazing with thick coconut milk and sugar. My friend Em introduced me to this tea while I was visiting her in Vermont, and drinking it is just like a hug from her. If you grab some, be sure to get some filters, since it is loose leaf tea. Oh, and canned coconut milk!
Hot cocoa for the kiddos? Lake Champlain Chocolates’ is simply the best. I grew up in the Lake Champlain Islands, and when we go home for the holidays, we swing by their tasting room. They actually melt little nibs of chocolate right in your cup and add on whipped cream. While you are loading up your cart, I also love the Spicy Aztec Hot Chocolate, and the Chocolates of Vermont 4 piece box. Back when I was a consultant and travelled all the time, I had a client that put me up in a historical inn, which had a nightly turn down service. They would put one maple crunch and one evergreen mint chocolate on my pillow each night. After a few weeks, I had quite the collection. I will fight you for the maple crunch, so watch out.
Now that you have a new favorite beverage, let’s get you a cozy blanket. I have the softest Alpaca Blanket from Overland, that I bought in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It pairs wonderfully with a book from Arcadia Books in Spring Green, WI, which is where I live. Order from Arcadia online, and check out their website which is filled with book recommendations from their staff. When you come and visit, I’ll take you there.
Continuing with the cozy theme, the kids keep wondering why does Dad always buy Mom socks (Smartwool) and nice sweaters (& Other Stories is where it’s at!)?
I’ve been known to give everyone on my holiday list socks. Smartwool has long been a favorite of mine, and I also recommend Darn Tough brand from my home state in Vermont. Darn tough has an amazing warranty and standing behind their name, and the company gives back to the community. A word of wisdom when it comes to high quality socks: whenever possible buy at least three pairs in the same color, so that when you are missing one or one gets a hole, you’ll still be in business and matching. Lost socks and mittens bring me to tears, especially the good ones.
Kids Corner
Ty Beanie Boos – With the pandemic, I noticed my kids were really enjoying their stuffed animals. I think it filled the void a bit with the lack of social opportunities. They really love the Ty menagerie, and I’ve come to appreciate them as well. They have names and birthdates on their cute little tags, and I just love seeing my kids happy.
Origami is also very popular at our house. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced paper crafter, this Extravaganza kit will keep you entertained with a mix of traditional and modern designs.
Busy Town Eye Found It Game – My kids both love the Richard Scarry Busy Town books, such as “What do people do all day?” I had those too growing up, and I bet you did as well. There is a great game that is cooperative in nature, and everyone plays as a team to work together to find objects hidden in the scenes of the town, racing against the clock. If you don’t make it to the ferry boat in time, the pigs will eat the picnic!
Banana Blast is another game that comes highly recommended by son, Seiji (age five) and Kira (age eight). It was a gift from my sister and my nephew. I haven’t played it, and all I know is that there is a ton of laughter involved.
LEGOs – One of the last places we visited before the pandemic was LEGO-land in Chicago. It was so cool to see all the giant LEGO sculptures. While the price tag may sting at first, once you figure out how much a babysitter costs and observe the peace and quiet for hours on end that can only come from LEGOs, it will all be worth it. The kids really enjoy the Harry Potter and Jurassic Park lego sets, and there are so many to choose from.
Robotis Play 70 Robots Play 15 300 Dinos – The kids have received a few of the Robotis sets from extended family. The building process is step by step just like legos, but in the end, they are mini robots. It’s a crowd pleaser.
My kids spend a lot of time coloring. It’s their activity of choice. They love the following art supplies the most: Tombow Brush Markers, Stadtler 100 count Markers, and Frixon Eraseable Pens. We also love to print coloring pages on the HP Color Laser Jet Pro M-454 DW, and this works great for The Edit Studio’s printables too!
On the Go
Tile – We first discovered Tile when my husband went fishing, and for “safe keeping” he put his keys in his tackle box, and after catching zero fish, he forgot where he put them. He had to borrow his friends car and drive home several hours to pick up a spare set. And then drive all the way back there, and all the way back home again. The tile works with an app on your phone and helps you locate your keys (via a fob) or wallet (credit card size version), plus you can reverse engineer it to find your phone. I’ve thought about sewing them inside of mittens, but I haven’t gone that far just yet. These are truly a life saver!
Black Diamond Spot 350 Headlamp – A headlamp is a great investment for the runners in your life for safety. Although Black Diamond makes several headlamps that require standard batteries, this model that I’ve linked can be recharged. Double check that it’s the rechargeable version before you press buy.
Bontrager Flair 100 Bike Light – Be seen on the road while biking. This set includes a headlight and a tail-light. It can go dark quickly, and you don’t want to be in a low visibility situation.
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music – Power charge your workout with this watch which “has just enough stuff to do everything I want, and it’s nice for everyday use.” Take it from Masaru, he is the most active person I know.
In the Kitchen
OXO Kitchen Scale – I learned to make sourdough bread before it was cool, and this OXO scale is key. In fact, I rarely use measuring cups anymore. It makes baking super speedy.
Cuisinart Waffle Maker – I haven’t traveled to a hotel for a while, but when we do, I’ve always loved the convenience of the pourable waffles. Why not enjoy it at home where you can experiment and improve the recipe to your taste.
Thermopen Digital Thermometer – Test the temperature of your meat, bread dough, and hot water in an instant. Cooking is basically one giant science experiment, so be sure to have the right equipment.
Ed Wohl Cutting Board – Our friend, Ed, makes a mean cutting board and is internationally renowned for his beautiful birds eye maple boards. His woodworking shop is on the local artist studio tour, and we go every year and visit with his wife and son. We load up on factory seconds, which are pretty much worth the trip to Spring Green, WI in October along with the crisp fall air. If you come and visit, don’t miss Carol Naughton’s ceramic studio and Wilson Creek Pottery. I’m so lucky to have such talented friends. You can also stop by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesen and check out American Players Theater.
Takamura HSPS Santoku Chef’s Knife – When we visited New York city, we accidentally fell into MTC Kitchen, a restaurant grade Japanese kitchen and cutlery store. We were just married and so we got the best plates and bowls, and THIS KNIFE. It’s so sharp, and stays sharp when you learn how to use a Knife Sharpening Stone. We’ve had it nearly a decade now, and it’s still going strong.
OK, there you have it! Now get busy shopping, and maybe as a bonus, grab one of those sweaters for yourself.
A great sweater is like a warm hug, and you deserve to treat yourself.
Enjoy and have fun with this! Gift giving is not supposed to be stressful. Reach out (erica@editstudioco.com) and let me know how it goes or if you have any questions. I’d love to hear from you, including what’s on your own personal favorite things list.
XOXO,
Erica
