Holiday Gift Guide 2019
Hello, Friends!
I am currently jamming out to Harry Styles’ new album and am absolutely delighted to gather this list for you of items that I personally think will make the perfect gift. Over the last several weeks, each gift was consciously curated through an effort to support female ran small business, transformative companies and the circular economy. Good gifts that have good consumer feels and were crafted with GOOD intentions. Pretty much, this is a space where I am so excited to share with you my absolute favorite brands, products and finds. My friends can tell you, I can’t keep my mouth shut when it comes to wanting others to find as much joy from these things as I do.
There are also just some great go-to classics.
Below, you will find gifts that fit just about every budget and I can joyfully share with you that many of these are my favorite pre-vetted things that I find myself reaching for most days. A few are on my very own wish list!
None of the selections below are sponsored, just pure love. Many of the brands are currently having sales, so be sure to check them out! Or better yet, gift a gift card and wait until after the rush.
Most importantly, the holiday season is about spending time with the people you love, doing your favorite things, supporting others or making sure others have a safe, happy holidays. As I get older, I’m finding that the presence of the people that I love are the perfect present. Should you wish to donate to a cause in lieu of a physical gift or would like a little help in finding experience based gifts, I have a little list for you!
A very warm “thank you” to all of you who have supported my small business as well as those of others this Christmas. You will never know how much it means to me. Shopping small has a tremendous impact on our lives. Purchasing needlepoint to put under your tree or to give to a loved one over the course of eight sacred days, directly helps me travel home and celebrate with my own family. Thank you, truly. My brother, Willie, is our Chief Elf of Operations and will solely be shipping all of your orders in time for the shipping deadline.
I hope you enjoy!
xo,
Brooke
Be on the look out for ❄ this symbol ❄ This will signify that the company is a small, female ran business!
Fashionable Finds:
KINN STUDIO
I had the pleasure of meeting Kinn Studio’s Founder while visiting New York for a conference. She is absolutely dreamy and wants everyone to be informed when it comes to where their jewelry comes from. Not only that, but create affordable luxury items that you never want to take off. I have to admit that I have several of these below and now feel like I don’t need anything else in the world.
“I started Kinn to replace the antique jewelry my parents lost when their home was robbed. In honor of those priceless heirlooms, we design classic pieces at Kinn that stand the test of time. After a lifetime of wear, you’ll be able to pass your Kinn jewelry on as an heirloom.”
— Jennie Yoon, Founder
Whether you’re looking for dainty jewelry, every day signature pieces or beautiful signets- she’s your go to!
If the items below are not quite your budget, she has a page of items under $100 for those who are just starting their fine jewelry collections.
My mother, sister and I each got one of her diamond by the yard-esque necklaces while visiting NYC in November. It is so dainty and well made and is very affordable. Just saying. $285
I mean…. the is Yoonicorn horn necklace is amazing and is one of my favorite pieces by her! Pairs/layers well with the Round Diamond Necklace. Just be sure that the chain length on the diamond round necklace is shorter than the Yoonicorn for a balanced look. The back is flat, saving in on material and making it comfortable against your décolletage. $250
These pearl earrings are absolutely stunning and the perfect gift for your nautical friend or the one art history major obsessed with ScarJo and Colin Firth in Girl With The Pearl Earrings.
I wear these door knocker almost every day and I love the modern yet sophisticated aesthetic. $200
Whether you like to stack ‘em up or are on the hunt for an alternative wedding band- I rarely take my dome ring off! $250
French girl vibes are in full swing with these earrings. Enough said. $200
❄ SMALL FEMALE FOUNDED BUSINESS
Other fine jewelry companies that I love: Mejuri, Vrai, Jane Pope Jewelry, Consignment pieces on TheRealReal, Ferkos Fine Jewelry
These Gorgeous Lizzie Fortunato earrings are seriously stunning. From their dorm rooms to Paris Fashion Week, twins Lizzie and Kathryn have built a NYC based wearable art collection that is to be admired. The aim is for Lizzie’s cosmopolitan designs to be as beautiful on your dresser as a form of art as it is with your ensemble. For $395 the Roumana Earrings will certainly be a treasured statement in your stash.
LIZZIE FORTUNATO ❄ SMALL FEMALE FOUNDED BUSINESS
The Crown Earrings $140, Lizzie Fortunato
If I were to pack one shoe for the weekend…
These Meghan Markle approved shoes are a major staple in my wardrobe.
Fortune Necklace in Laurel, $290, Lizzie Fortunato
ROTHYS
ROTHYS: If you know me at all, I never go anywhere without at least one pair of Rothy’s! They are comfortable, they are machine washable and they are even made of recycled water bottles! I admit that I have gotten many friends and family turned on to this amazing shoe option. After getting a dear friend (and LBH her entire family) hooked, I discovered last weekend that she had packed a pair that went with her outfit for when it was time to kick off some heels. Brilliant. How did I not think of that?? A brilliant product with an even better mission and selection.
Photos from Rothys.Com
MARGAUX NY: Speaking of shoes. I have yet to try these, but they are very high on my list!! If only shipping to Canada weren’t so tricky... At $245, these handmade to order, Kate Middleton-esque heels are said to be the comfiest on the market and incredibly well made in a family run factory in Spain. Their 97 five-star, high praising reviews speak for themselves. I spotted a couple of pairs while walking around Manhattan’s Nolita and have been pining ever since. They even have a custom (with wedding date or monogram plated on the bottom) Bridal option- a route I definitely plan on looking into in the future for the dance floor!
For now, their gorgeous steel gray option is on my wish list.
A beautifully made Cashmere scarf. Dress it down for your morning commute or dress it up for a holiday party on a wintery night.
NADAAM: Oh Naadam. I stumbled into their store in Manhattan this past summer and I could not wait for fall to come so I could rock my new cardigan. I preciously packed my serenely soft sweater for the train home and found myself looking forward to the cooler months so I could appropriately snuggle up in their luxurious cashmere. If you think I’m kidding, I’m not. Their shit is goooooood. I have been blessed to have been handed down TSE amongst other luxury cashmere sweaters over the years, and I have to say, Naadam kind of hits them out of the park… You can also feel good about the purchase as they have made every effort to bring you middleman-less cashmere that is good for your wardrobe as well as for the planet.
A while back, while at a wedding in CT, the temperatures dropped lower than I have grown used to here in BC. Thank goodness I brought my black cashmere scarf (above for $175) because the shawl I had packed was not nearly warm enough and I did not deem my duct-taped puff jacket suitable for the occasion. I was as happy as the gal above to have had my cashmere sweater and was very happy to utilize it as a chic, comfy wrap. So much, that it was so perfectly blanketed around my sleeveless dress that I forgot that I hadn’t brought my coat. Since then, I have loyally worn it as a scarf or as a blanket on flights. Sign up for their emails and keep an eye out as they often offer great discounts!
Photos from MargauxNY.Com & Nadaam.Com
UNDER $50:
Guaranteed to be the most coveted item at your Yankee Swap or Secret Santa! At $25, these Yeti Mugs are king when it comes to keeping your warm drinks (and cold) sipable and at the temperature poured. A pair of these were giving to Mr. Oceans and I a couple of summers ago and in fact, I’m using one right now. They were excellent on camping trips and are perfect for those who like to be on the go and not create waste. Coffee shops often give you a discount if you bring in a reusable cup or mug- just remember how many ounces it holds.
TATA HARPER: Tata Harper tint: a beautiful, non-toxic staple for quick make up application. Works gorgeously as a lip tint and cheek tint. My dopp kit is mostly filled with Tata Harper’s Vermont based company’s products. I also especially love her cleansing scrub and serums. $39.00
❄ SMALL FEMALE FOUNDED BUSINESS (that has grown to a bigger business!)
SKIDA:
I live in my Skidas! Started by a young, female Middlebury student who just loved to play outside, it has been so fun to watch this company grow. Their shop was just a couple blocks from my house in Burlington a few years back! Our apartment’s “mudroom bin” is filled with various banditas, headbands, you name it. They come both fleece lined or not and are made in my home state, Vermont <3 Every trip, hot or cold includes at least one of their “tours”. They’re great for keeping out dust on the trail and helping me combat exercise-induced asthma up the mountainside by breathing through them. 1000% plan on bringing these with me on my trip to Kilimanjaro. Skida products for both men and women start at just $18.00!
❄ SMALL FEMALE FOUNDED BUSINESS
Lush is a fabulous brand if you are looking for fun, vibrant gifts that are good for the soul. This bath bomb called Twilight is $6.95 and is heavenly. With a lavender scent and a handmade background from Vancouver, you can feel good knowing that your recipient will be thrilled to take some time for themselves in style. “Recreate the magic of a dreamy, starry night in your tub with our most relaxing bath bomb yet. As Twilight slowly fizzes away in the tub, its dusky pink exterior gives way to streams of purple, and finally to a deep indigo hue with delicate shimmering stars. Relaxing lavender oil and comforting tonka absolute soothe stressed bodies and minds, leaving you feeling warm, fuzzy and ready for a restful slumber.”
Another Lush favorite: their masks! “Everybunny's a bit sensitive now and then, so if your skin's feeling a bit tender or sore, treat it to this gentle, gold-dusted jelly mask. Loads of soothing, syrupy honey lock moisture into skin, while rose, chamomile and vanilla relieve irritation and leave skin feeling balanced again. There, there: you'll have calm, clear skin before long.”
Many products even include a little illustrated sticker of the specific person who made the product!
IN A PINCH INEXPENSIVE GIFTS:
I. A gift card to their favorite coffee shop or restaurant is always an excellent gift! Mr. Ocean’s sister and brother-in-law always come through with gift cards to their favorite restaurants with accompanying cookbooks! It was such a fun way to explore restaurants out of our habitual go-to’s and get to enjoy spaces that they loved with our own twist.
II. Who doesn’t love a beautiful handmade mug? Add some of the recipient’s favorite tea or a bag of locally roasted coffee. Mugs are some of my favorite gifts to give to my parents each year. Mr. Oceans and I love collecting mugs so we often point special ones to one another. We are particularly keen on chubby mugs with mountainous or geod-esque glazing.
III. Treat your favorite yogi to a class or two at a new studio in town. Include a beeswax candle and a lavender saché. Did you know these can ward off pesky moths from cashmere sweaters?
IV. Darn Tough Socks are actually the most exciting part about the gift giving aspect of Christmas. They are made in Vermont and have a life time warranty! They are also just straight up, the best socks. At about $20 a pair, they’ll be joyfully accepted for their high quality and durability. Perfect for indoorsy and outdoorsy types alike!
V. Uber & Lyft gift cards are a seriously wonderful gifts for students or anyone who lives in a city or has a big trip coming up! Airline gift cards are also amazing! My brother Jasper is known to almost exclusively request these when family members ask for gift ideas.
VI. Spa treatments! Self- care is so very important. A manicure, a thirty minute massage or a facial will certainly be a great gift for you favorite person who doesn’t give themselves much time to relax.
VII. Donate to a cause that they are passionate about or plant a mini forest in their name. This year, my siblings I are pooling together to purchase uniforms for students in Northern Kenya on behalf of our parents for their gift!
One-Of-A-Kind Magic:
These SZ Blockprint totes are so freaking cute! They come in a few different patterns and are handprinted in Jaipur, India and I will definitely be giving a couple of these this year. $88.00
❄ SMALL FEMALE FOUNDED BUSINESS
Are you following @ellenstryker.art ? ✨ Run don’t walk over to her website snag one of these DOPE tees hand printed by one of my favorite lady friends @ellenstryker.art ✨Several years ago, we sat next to one another in a Buddhist ritual and art history course and connected over our abundant brothers and deep love for rollerblades ✨ So thankful the universe conspired and is letting this lady’s soul shine through her beautiful work ✨ All of her garments are hand-dyed or printed in Jackson Hole, WY. I personally have one of her “Indigo Sweaties” and a shirt from her collab with Skida! While visiting Jackson on my way to British Columbia, I got to catch up with my sweet friend and scooped up one of her indigo sweatshirts. Okay, you guys, I’m seriously obsessed! I wore it throughout the rest of the trip and may need a second one just in case!
Stay tuned for an exciting collaboration in 2020!
❄ SMALL FEMALE FOUNDED BUSINESS
BANDERAS: Was started by a dear friend of a friend, Katie Williams. I met Katie ages ago after visiting friends I studied abroad with. She makes the coolest flags, bags and banners that she sews, paints and prints. Over the summer, Katie made me two flags in a pinch and they are wonderful wall hangings for trunk shows and events.
❄ SMALL FEMALE FOUNDED BUSINESS
COZY CUTIES:
SHIT THAT I KNIT
Gunn Beanie Bundle
For $265, you will receive a hat, mittens and neck warmer. I am a true fan of Boston’s Shit That I Knit and feel lucky to have shared a city with such a kick ass fellow female founder. The mittens are beyond clever, including little holes for your pointer finger and thumb so you can call a ride in any weather.
Should you wish to go for the individual pieces, the mittens are priced at $80, the beanie at $125 and the neck warmer for $80.
Christina also has a beautiful range of earrings, tote bags, ponchos, wraps and even Mommy & Me beanie bundles! I admit to having quite the collection of her products hand-knit by women in Lima, Peru. Although I splurged on a black color way for the Motley Beanie, I have some serious eyes on the stunning aquamarine color. It took everything to not walk away from her pop-up in Boston with both!
❄ SMALL FEMALE FOUNDED BUSINESS
NAADAM: Just about everything they have to offer
I am personally a huge fan of their Kilo Blanket, Daily Sweater, Cashmere Scarf and Luxe Oversized Sweater- in fact, I think I wore that one for about a week straight!
I will never explain how wonderful this company is to it’s justice, so I invite you to check out their website.
A beautifully, sustainably made, high quality cashmere sweater for $75? Easy as a Sunday morning.
WELLNESS WANDERER
RACHEL POHL ART: Yoga Matt
These gorgeous yoga mats designed by girlcrush Rachel Pohl are printed in Montana by Big Raven Yoga and are made with recycled and/or sustainably sourced materials. It is a wonderfully mindful way to appreciate Rachel’s art and support her small business! Rachel has a bunch of other fun gear options for your favorite outdoorsman or woman. From one-of-a-kind paintings to chalk bags to hats, Rachel has a number of colorful pieces with her own sense of natural touch.
❄ SMALL FEMALE FOUNDED BUSINESS
POTLI: Honeys, Olive Oil, Chili Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar
Stock up your CBD Pantry with Potli’s infused goodies! From honey, to olive oil, apple cider vinegar and chili oil, there’s a little something for everybody. Many of their ingredients are locally sourced and after meeting and chatting with the founder last fall, I know that there is so much love and heart that goes into these products.
❄ SMALL FEMALE FOUNDED BUSINESS
SHOP BOX FOX:
Wellness Gift Set. $95 by Shop Box Fox
ROSEBUD CBD: Oils & Chocolates
CBD is a major part of my wellness routine. Due to chronic pain, I soon realized how harmful various over the counter pain medications can be to your liver. CBD not only helps me manage pain, it is a welcome addition to my morning coffee, afternoon tea, or just before a flight. Like a deep breath, I have found the benefits to take place in my life from helping soothe cramps, help me get a good night sleep and take a moment to breathe before a less than exciting task. From day one, I have watched Rosebud shine from concept to consumer products and back this outlet 100%. Chocolates begin at $22.00 and Oils at $55.00
❄ SMALL FEMALE FOUNDED BUSINESS
UNDER CANVAS:
This is a real life photograph of my real life routine. A charcoal bar from Beauty Counter, a shampoo bar from Lush, Vintner’s Daughter regimen and Naturopathica’s Hydrating Cream. Pictured in our Under Canvas in Moab, Utah on our road trip. A routine that focuses on non-toxic ingredients, sustainable packaging and transportability.
Although Under Canvas is disguised as a “glamping” experience, I have done it twice, both in Glacier National Park and in Moab. I’m obsessed. They are also incredibly sustainable, beating a standard hotel by eliminating 80%+ of energy use or waste. Treat your adventurous loved one to an Under Canvas experience. Can be incorporated in both a romantic getaway or a fun trip for a group of friends!
COR PENDANT:
Cor Pendant is modern, minimalistic aromatherapy pendant. The product is thoughtfully designed, including three different oil blends to fit your vibe — calm, energy, and focus. Wear this pendant daily or make it your new on-the-go BFF, as you can easily slip it into your purse / travel bag. Started by the mother of a mutual friend in Utah, this business is female founded small business certified! In fact, Sheila has been wearing one of these for years!!
Thanks to Sheila’s hook up, you can use “three” for 25% off at check out! $125
Carry the power of essential oils with you to support your mood – whenever, wherever.
❄ SMALL FEMALE FOUNDED BUSINESS
GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK:
LINGUA FRANCA:
Anything you find on Lingua Franca is surely to be treasured. Have a sweater customized, support one of their many collaborative charities through the purchase of their hand stitched products.
Pictured Left: A Lingua Franca x DVF cashmere sweater! Hand embroidered in New York City on special Naadam sweaters. Although sweaters $380 and up, I can assure you that they are on the most wonderful cashmere sweaters. Remember what I said about Naadam? They must have some secret sweater stock because LF stitches on the crème de la crème of wearable voices.
❄ SMALL FEMALE FOUNDED BUSINESS
These darling Rose & Rex dolls were created in collaboration with Lingua Franca for The International Day of The Girl. Each doll comes dressed in her very own LF sweater that says “Who Run The World?”
In addition, each doll donates six toys to children in need.
Non- profits we love donating to:
Mission Blue Started with Dr. Sylvia Earle, aka Her Deepness, this initiative is out to protect our oceans.
Kenyan Drylands Education Fund Started by a personal friend, Sarah, this initiative does everything from providing feminine products to young girls to keep them in school to providing scholarships and water in times of drought.
One Tree Planted Started by a guy in Vermont who wanted to make sure you could give back with full trust through cost transparency and reforestation reports!
National Women’s Law Center Empowered women empower women
Exxpedition This initiative is not a non-profit, but it does allow for an all female crew to voyage around the world and collect plastics in the oceans to study their toxins and impacts on the female body.
Flying Kites This wonderful initiative helps provide pathways out of poverty for children in Njabini, Kenya. They do so many great things in the communities they work with and I look forward to visiting Flying Kites in a few weeks! Sponsor a child, empower a teacher, your donation will have a serious impact.
The Leo Project Started by a personal friend in memory of her best friend, Caitlin O’ Hara. The Leo Project creates wonderful spaces for students in Nanyuki, Kenya to provide support and activity that is otherwise not available to vulnerable youth. I will be visiting The Leo Project in a few weeks!
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust My friend Jess adopted an orphaned elephant name Eleanor for me for my birthday last year! I absolutely love getting updates on her life and progress- I even get a drawing here and there via email!
BABY, BABY, BABY
Another Naadam Find: A Baby Blanket in Mongolian Sky for $150. I’m sorry, I can’t help it!
I first came across Shop Box Fox while at a Girlboss gathering in Los Angeles last year. This little box would be the perfect gift for a new baby. $80
Last, but not least, I am very excited to share with you Mr. Ocean’s sister, Chelsea’s Etsy shop, Fox Honey Goods! She is so incredibly creative and makes these sweet baby gifts on the side when she’s not styling in Los Angeles. From onesies to wall hangings to hand-dyed trousers- at $20 up, these one of a kind gifts are perfect for your favorite little one.
❄ SMALL FEMALE FOUNDED BUSINESS