It’s the Holiday Season!

Embrace self-care Sundays

This ritual is one of my favorites, and it is so easy! Sleep in, make a cup of tea (bonus points if you drink it by the fire), take a bath, relax with a face or hair mask. Before you tackle the week ahead, lay out your outfits for the coming week to make your mornings just a little bit easier.

Shop ahead

This is more a practice than a ritual, but it’s a rule I follow every year. Starting months in advance – is June too early?! –  keep my antennae up for perfect gifts that cross my path. Finding just the right things for the special people in your life as you encounter them is far more joyful and far less stressful than last-minute shopping. You will be happier, and your gifts will be more intentional and meaningful.

Limit your gifting

This is a big one. It’s a practice I’ve honed over the years. For my family, I’ve developed a rhythm: something to read, something to wear, something you need and something you want. It’s a wonderful way to set limits, help me focus, and free me to be creative and thoughtful in my giving. I’m also a big fan of stocking stuffers – small gifts that are fun and low-stress.

Take a breather and enjoy the afterglow

Each year just before the holiday, I set aside some quiet time, just for me. It creates a nice eddy in between the stream of celebrations and the holiday itself. Since Christmas and Hanukkah overlap this year, December 22nd or 23rd feels like just the right time to create some white space in the calendar. I also remember to enjoy the afterglow, when the gifts are opened, celebrations are completed, and holiday guests have returned home, but the aura and beauty of the holiday remain in the air. I particularly love the week between Christmas and New Years when you forget what day it is and the world is in a bit of a respite.

Holiday gifting

Gifts that are a joy to give and receive.

My favorite gifts are experiential – things that strengthen a connection, evoke memories or invite new ones, or simply show support for the things that bring joy to the life of the recipient. Here are some great examples…

For the traveler…These are my go-to essentials when I travel; they are non-negotiable—and this mindset also inspires my gift-giving during the holidays.

White + Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap. I practically live in this scarf—it’s my go-to travel essential. It doubles as a cozy blanket on flights and provides such comfort, especially since flying isn’t my favorite thing.  Link here.

Truffle Clarity Pouch. I’ve had so many different makeup bags over the years but I love this series; I have multiples for makeup, skincare, tech, etc. – I want to see what I am looking for! Link here.

Le Pliage Original  S Travel Bag. This bag tucks under the seat in front of me, allowing me to combine it with a carryon and avoid checking a bag. Link here.

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones. I love how these shut out the noise and let me be in my own world. Link here.

Apple AirTags. I swear by these—I use them for everything: my wallet, keychain, backpack, suitcase, even our little dog! They’re a must-have and they make the perfect stocking stuffer! Link here.

For the design enthusiast…

Assouline Clear Book Stand. This makes such a statement on a coffee table or console, beautifully displaying your favorite coffee table book opened to a stunning page. It’s also a fun and stylish way to ‘turn the page’ and refresh your decor! Link here.

Santal 26 Candle from Le Labo. In one of my favorite scents, this is a sexy candle that both men and women love, and it makes a stunning statement on any coffee table. Link here.

Alpaca Basketweave Throw from Jenni Kayne. This cozy throw, along with a candle or your favorite book makes the perfect gift. You truly can’t go wrong with this cozy combination. Link here.

LifeStyled by Shira Gill. This practical yet beautiful book simplifies daily living with tips on cutting clutter, creating systems, and building habits—all while looking lovely on top of a coffee table stack. Link here.

Monogrammed Celebration Bowl from Mark and Graham. This makes an incredible gift for newlyweds—perfect as a punch bowl, a chic ice bucket, or even as a planter for multiple orchids. Link here.

For foodies…

Le Creuset Signature Dutch Oven. The Le Creuset is not just a kitchen workhorse—it’s also a stunning piece that adds beauty to any range. Link here.

Salt Trio by Jennifer Fisher. I’m obsessed with her salts, especially the spicy one—it takes everything to the next level and makes any dish taste incredible! Link here.

Flamingo Estate Personalized Heritage Olive Oil. I’m in love with this personalized olive oil. My team doesn’t know it yet, but I’ll be gifting each of them a bottle for the holiday! Link here.

Breville Joule Turbo Sous Vide. I’ve heard incredible things about this tool—it’s definitely on my Christmas list! Link here.

Vintage Bread Board from Elsie Green. Last year, I gifted each member of my team a vintage bread board from France, paired with a silver hotel knife. I absolutely love these boards—they add so much soul to a kitchen and are incredibly versatile and perfect for daily chopping, serving as an instant cutting board, or even as a decorative piece leaned against the backsplash. Link here. 

Material Knives + Stand. These Japanese knives and their cool stand are such a great combo—practical and stylish. Link here.

For lovers of art and craft…

Material Resonance. Discover our latest art exhibit showcasing five visionary Bay Area artists: Liz Bloomfield, Kim Cardoso, Kristina Nobleman, Joan Pinto, and Amy Torgeson. Their distinctive techniques and creative exploration invite you into a world of tactile beauty. This small works collection, perfect for holiday gifting or your own space, is available for purchase through January 31st.

Case for Making Water Colors.I recently discovered Case For Making at the Marché Market in Oakland and I loved building a custom palette with unique colors. I also picked up some raw-edged paper. I can’t wait to paint our Christmas Eve place cards. Link here.

Olympus Stylus Zoom Point & Shoot Camera. For the photographer in your family – a classic 1990s point-and-shoot camera paired with black and white film. Link here.

Craftsy. If you’re gifting an artist looking to pick up new skills, check out this online platform that has classes for everything from painting portraits to cooking soufflés or making pottery. Most of the classes are taught by other artists, so it’s got a great community vibe. Link here.

Museum membership. Another great option is a yearlong museum membership to a museum in their area, which will give them access to expanded hours, previews, and other perks (often, a discount at the gift store). Link here.