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What Our Editors Are Giving & Getting This Christmas

Written by James Kicinski-McCoy

With the plethora of gift guides that clog your social media feeds and inboxes (ahem, ours included!), we thought it would be nice to pull together a list of the things we are actually gifting and getting this holiday season! From tried-and-true favorites to much-needed upgrades, see what’s on our to-buy list. Warning: If you’re one of our close friends or family members, you should stop reading now, so we don’t spoil the surprise! But for everyone else, read below to help inspire and cross a few names off your own shopping list.

James:
FOR ME:
“I am currently in the middle of transforming what used to be a toy room into my home office—hallelujah! I have been working from the most random places over the years—my bed, the kitchen table, random coffee shops, cafes, and our office at our store, which is a 30-minute drive from my house, and more times than not, I prefer to stay put and work from the comforts of home. It will be so nice to have a dedicated space in the house to call my very own. We’ve already installed a wall of cabinets to keep all of my various work things out of sight, and I picked up a cool vintage tiger rug from my friend Alyssa of Relic Home for the space, and the new table from Floyd Detroit has been ordered and is headed my way. I’ve been eyeing this beautiful emerald green velvet couch to really pull the room together and make it feel warm, inviting, and inspiring.”
The Floyd Table, $595, Floyd Detroit; Ms. Chesterfield Sofa, $1400, Interior Define.

“My friend Brooke introduced me to the wonderful world that is Cire Trvdon, and it has quickly become one of my favorite candle companies. I am dying to get my hands on this beautiful Holiday Edition red and gold candle. I have the perfect place for it—my new office.”
Cire Trvdon candle, $105, Amazon.

“Who doesn’t enjoy a little refresh in the underwear department? I stumbled upon the beautiful brand Negative on Instagram and quickly became obsessed with its sexy, yet simple pieces. Hoping to get a set for myself!”
Bra and Brief, Prices Vary, Negative Underwear.

“I am obsessed with these little face wipes from Ursa Major. They are great for travel or lazy nights when I can’t be bothered with my skincare routine. My stock is running low, so I need to replenish, stat.”
Ursa Major Face Wipes, $24, Amazon.

FOR THE KIDS:
“We have a family tradition of opening one gift on Christmas Eve. Every year it’s the same—a pair of new pajamas to sleep in, while we wait for Santa to visit, and an ornament that represents each of us and our interests that year to hang on the tree.”
Long John Pajamas, $25, Hanna Andersson.

“My daughter Birdie is American Girl doll obsessed, so of course, we had to include her doll Sophie, who has quickly become a member of the family in our Christmas pajama tradition.”
One-piece Pajamas, $24, American Girl.

“Our kids are super into Legos, as per usual. In fact, Sailor’s Christmas list consisted only of different Lego sets. This Star Wars set will definitely be under our tree this year.”
Star Wars TIE Advanced Prototype, $9.99, Amazon.

“My teenagers are both receiving new iPhones this year. Their old phones have completely bit the dust. These new ones will be coming with screen protectors and heavy-duty cases, for sure!”
iPhone 7, prices vary, Apple.

FOR AUBREY:
“Cold weather brings cold feet, and who can’t appreciate a cozy and warm new pair of socks for Christmas? My husband always does, so I plan on getting him this knit pair and stealing them for myself later on.”
Alpaca Crew Socks, $28, Cuttalossa.

“My husband needs a nice sports tee or two like no other. All of his are old, ratty, stretched out, and fading fast. I upgraded his worn out Hanes for a crisp, clean Acne—one in black and one in white.”
Basic T-shirt, $100, Acne Studios.

FOR MY GIRLFRIENDS:
“I love this little Rodin lip balm compact. It makes a great stocking stuffer, and I will be including it in a gift for our annual friend’s Secret Santa party next week.”
Lip Balm, $34, Rodin Olio Lusso.

“I am 100% gifting this new cookbook from The Beauty Chef this year. It’s beautiful and includes a whopping 150 make-at-home recipes to benefit the skin, gut heath, and overall well-being. I have a couple wellness-loving friends that I can think of that would love to receive it, especially with the “New Year, New You” motivation that’s just around the corner.”
The Beauty Chef, $29.82, Amazon.

“I have a friend who has mentioned trying out Daily Harvest many times, but she’s never pulled the trigger. She’s crazy busy with her kids and work every day, so I want to surprise her with the new Daily Harvest x Well + Good curated nine-cup box. The set comes with nine delicious smoothie cups, soups, and more to mix and match, plus a cute keytag for avocado lovers. P.S. the new Chai + Coconut smoothie cup is oh-so good!”
The Well + Good Edit, $69.75, Daily Harvest.

“For my workout partner is crime, I have to get her the new Monroe Bra from Girlfriend. I have a couple and absolutely love them!”
Monroe Bra, $48, Girlfriend Collective.

“This illustrated calendar is one of my all-time favorite gifts for the amazing women in my life every single year. It never fails to bring a smile to their faces!”
Twenty Four Hour Woman Calendar, $26, Two Son.

Katie-Editor-Gift-Guide

Katie:
FOR ME:
“Like James, I am super excited to start off 2018 with an office space, which is something I’ve been dreaming about (quite literally) for several years now. Mine is just a 7-minute walk from my house, which is key! My dear friend Susan Work of Homework is helping design the space and I’m excited to fill it with things I love, like—perhaps—this limited-edition print by my friend and Mother mother Jen Garrido. Psssst…someone tell my husband!”
Jen Garrido Limited Edition Print of CSS-6, $185, Jenny Pennywood.

“No matter what the holiday is, I ask for spa credit, because what I constantly crave above all else is a massage and a dedicated place and time to unplug. My favorite spot in San Francisco is actually right outside of the city—International Orange at Marin Country Mart. It has a wood-burning fireplace, great magazine selection, an outdoor deck for sunny days, and, of course, solid rubdowns. The surrounding outdoor shopping center also has a handful of tasty food spots and you can even take a ferry straight to the venue, which is really the cherry on top of a great spa day.”
International Orange Gift Certificate, International Orange.

“I’ve heard so many great things about this seamless everyday bra by the very chic Land of Women label. It’s a slip-on, full-coverage style and is also swim-friendly! Which is great for impromptu sun bathing and splash sessions at Ocean Beach.”
Full Cup Bra, $100, Land of Women.

“We just shot one of our Mother mothers (Katie Gong) at this beautiful new women’s wellness and co-working studio in San Francisco, The Assembly. It’s based in a former church and has beautiful stain-glass windows, soaring ceilings, and woodwork by Katie. It’s just a few MUNI stops away from my house (key for a non-driver like myself!) and a membership and opportunity to spend more time there would be heaven!”
The Assembly Membership, $250 per month, The Assembly.

“We’ve used the mama-owned Can Can Cleanse at so many of our events, and I’m always dreaming about the juices and nut milks afterwards. A gift certificate would be perfect for my stocking, plus it would be supporting a really great small business.”
Can Can Cleanse Gift Certificate, prices vary, Can Can Cleanse.

“My favorite chocolate bar in the world! Plus, it’s made in S.F..”
Salty-Sweet Cashew Bar, $7.95, Charles Chocolates.

“The whole fake news epidemic and tragic political situation is making me yearn for real journalism now more than ever. I keep getting stuck behind the New York Times’ paywall and I think it’s about time to pony up for the yearly subscription and support an institution that supports thoroughly vetted facts.”
New York Times Basic Digital Subscription, $8/month, New York Times.

FOR DIEGO:
“My 4 1/2-year-old son was gifted three DC Super Hero Girls dolls last year for Christmas and only just recently, over the last six months, has gotten really into them. It’s been extra exciting for me, since I was super into Barbies growing up and it’s giving me major nostalgia. He doesn’t have Bumblebee yet, and she’s one of his favorite characters from the series. Major bonus points that she’s a non-white character in the incredibly white-washed world of superheroes.”
DC Super Hero Girls Bumble Bee 12” Action Doll, $17.75, Amazon.

“Also on the Bumblebee theme, I’m trying to get more girl characters into Diego’s expanding Lego collection. This set looks fun. Plus, building it together is such a nice little activity for both of us.”
DC Super Hero Girls Bumblebee Helicopter Lego Set, $18.89, Amazon.

“Diego is obsessed with cats and really needs a new nightlight. This could be just the thing.”
Mini USB Cat Himalayan Salt Lamp, $29, Urban Outfitters.

“We love the intricately illustrated MAPS book, and this spin-off title allows curious kids to take the pictures from the globally minded book and put them on their walls. Great for all of Diego’s little friends.”
MAPS Poster Book, $15.39, Amazon.

FOR HORACIO:
“My husband and I will be sharing the new office, so we both need to agree on some thoughtful, timeless pieces for the space. Neither of us are green thumbs, but I’m thinking that if we work together we can tend to at least one beautiful (low maintenance) office plant!”
Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, $399 (+ free delivery in Bay Area), Leon & George.

FOR MY GIRLFRIENDS:
“I recently heard about the new company Mari, which curates gift boxes specifically for new mamas. I definitely know a few brand-new mothers in my life who could use one of these sets. Also the case doubles as an eco-friendly container or lunchbox later on.”
Quartz Rose Gift Set, $65, Mari.

“Another local gift basket company I love is Bestowe. From welcoming baby to relaxing and restoring, owner Catherine Weis’ baskets are perfectly bundled for so many occasions.”
Bestowe Gift Basket, $80 and up, Bestowe.

“One of my girlfriends was recently complaining that although she wants to be a robe person, her sleeves always end up in her breakfast. I found the perfect solution in this cropped-sleeved robe that looks super comfy. I can’t wait to surprise her with it!”
The Long Weekend Robe, $95, Jijamas.

“My friend Natalie Bowen made some beautiful floral-embellished smudge sticks that she’s selling at The Podolls shop through the holiday season. They are $10 each and 100% of the proceeds go to the undocumented victims of the Northern California fires via UndocuFund. I will be buying a bunch for my friends.”

“I saw this book in Lena Corwin’s bedside stack during our shoot with Floyd. It reminds me so much of a specific girlfriend. I’ll be gifting it to her along with the smudge stick mentioned above, plus a stone or crystal I’ll let Diego pick out at the local shop Scarlett Sage. So very woo-woo California!”
Be Here Now, $12.12, Amazon.

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