24: The Holiday Gift Guide No. 2
Featuring 25 Gifts for Your Mother!
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Welcome back to another installment of my gift guide!
One of the difficulties of making gift guides is finding the balance between ideas and products. All of these recommendations started with ideas— art that supports an important cause, pretty tea towels, or a nice bubble bath. I’ve chosen items I adore to represent each category but don’t feel that a Haws watering can is the only suitable version of a watering can. There are plenty of less expensive versions that are equally lovely or better suited to your recipient’s taste. You know your Mother a lot better than I do.
Two Notes:
Firstly, I asked countless mothers what they wanted for Christmas and most of them listed quality family time before anything else. There were also several mentions of framed family pictures, photo albums, spa gift cards, and massage vouchers. (Last Spring, my Mom and I went to goat yoga on a farm near Seattle and I’d recommend that if your Mom is as into goats as mine is.)
Secondly, one thing I like to keep in mind when gifting is the idea of the entire experience. If you are giving someone candle holders, add candles and a vintage candle snuffer. If you are gifting wine glasses, add a bottle of wine. If you are gifting someone a garden trug, add in some packets of seeds, a new pair of gardening gloves, or a gift card to their garden center. It’s a great way to enhance any gift.
In no particular order….
Fiber Sculpture (Untitled) by Joanna Beal from Creative Growth ($150) — I can’t recommend a piece of art from Creative Growth enough. Creative Growth is an Oakland-based non-profit that advances the inclusion of artists with developmental disabilities by providing a supportive studio environment, high-quality materials, and assistance. The organization currently has 140 artists in residence and so many wonderful pieces to buy online, many of which are reasonably priced. The proceeds help support the artists and fund the program.
Vintage Teak Candle Holders ($65) and Trudon Scented Pillar Candles ($55)
Casa de Folklore Horezu Bowl from Toast ($40)
Vintage Tiffany and Co. Thyme and Rosemary Plates ($30) — I just adore these.
Loewe Tomato Leaves Candle ($110) — A great choice for someone who likes traditional luxury brands.
Minna Ridges Set of 2 Coasters ($24) —These reversible cotton coasters from Minna were handwoven in Zinacantán, Mexico. Minna is a certified B. Corp that carries many wonderful handwoven textiles and baskets. If you live in New York, I’d check them out at Michele Varian.
Heath Bud Vase ($37) — I just love the Heath bud vases. My friend Kate introduced me to Heath Ceramics a few years ago when I came to visit her in Los Angeles. They are also a certified B. Corp and are well worth checking out.
Melin Tregwynt Wool Pillow Cover ($110) — Melin Tregwynt is a Welsh wool mill on the edge of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park that has been owned by the same family since 1912. This particular pillow was created in partnership with TOAST, it’s a reimagined version of the Knot Garden weave from the 1950s. The brand has so many beautiful patterns, I think a Mom would love their wool scarves. ($58)
Handmade Bent Wood and Garden Garden Trug from Gardenheir ($98) — Great for a gardener!
1930s Brush McCoy Vase ($30) — I have this in blue.
Papier Mâché Polar Bear Ornament from Michelle Varian ($12)
Vintage hand-painted Brooks Brothers Shoe Trees ($40) — I can’t explain how much I love these. I’d buy them for myself if I wore an 8.
Whale Fall by Elizabeth O’Connor ($27) — My friend Ivy recommended me this debut novel and I adored it. It was the only thing I finished in November. Any book will do.
Haws England Rowley Ripple & Smethwick Spritzer Gift Set ($139) — This watering can and spritzer set would make a wonderful gift for someone with a collection of indoor plants. I love the idea that the watering can doesn’t need to be hidden away, it can be its own beautiful statement. Haws has been making the same watering cans since 1886 and they come in a bunch of great colors and sizes — this one in nasturtium is less expensive.
Santa Maria Novella Melograno Bath Salts ($55) & Dermo-Protective Oil ($90)
A Subscription to The Paris Review (1 year, 4 issues, $59) — I highly recommend a subscription to The Paris Review especially if you have someone in your life who is adamant they don’t need anything. My boyfriend bought me one last year and I looked forward to its arrival at the turn of each season. The New York Review of Books is also great for this and their subscription prices around the holidays are considerably lower than any other time. Right now, it’s $45 for 20 print issues and full digital access which is 77% less than the newsstand rate.
La Scarpa Venetian Velvet Slippers ($85) — Venetian slippers or furlanes are wonderfully chic. Some people wear them out but they also make lovely house shoes. There are a bunch of Italian brands that make them at different price points. VibiVenezia makes some lovely pairs.
Kent Handmade Comb (It varies but less than $15)
Liberty Swan Puzzle ($75) — My boyfriend’s wonderful grandmother is a huge fan of Liberty Puzzles and introduced us to them a few years ago. They are absolutely stunning — they are made of wood and all of the pieces are uniquely cut in whimsical shapes in theme with the puzzle. (Go look at the photos!) Half the fun of building them is looking at the pieces themselves.
Ginko Earring with Pearl Drop from Michele Varian ($120) — JUST BEAUTIFUL
Caswell-Masey Floral Soap Set (
mentioned Caswell-Masey on a gift guide from a few weeks ago and I’ve started seeing the brand everywhere since. This set of floral soaps is a wonderful gift because they were created in partnership with The New York Botanical Garden, and each purchase directly supports the park's education and conservation efforts.$32$24) —
ALL MY BEST,
SOPHIA <3
Updates from The Pleat!
I spent 15% of the proceeds from my last Instagram closet sale on essentials for the Bowery Mission, an organization in New York that provides 3 meals a day, 7 meals a week to people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.
I had never thought of gifting vintage shoe trees. What a good idea, thank you! It’s the kind of gift a person would not necessarily think of for themself and is actually quite practical. I hope that you enjoy this holiday season!
The Creative Growth site was such a joy to peruse! If I weren't based in the UK I would 100% buy a piece – curious if anyone has any similar recommendations!