I promise you, there’s not one hand cream or fragrance in sight, nor gin, nor chocolates, nor a 2-week silent retreat in the Himalayas (this is not the Goop gift guide, thank the Lord). No: I promise you the extraordinary, the exceptional, the most out there (but still with easily accessible items!) holiday gift guide 2020. Also, a chuckle or two – the whole process of gifting should be fun, shouldn’t it?!
Small businesses gift guide
Because there’re so many businesses struggling right now, why not support the cafes, restaurants, hairdressers, nail places, bookstores, gyms, florists and bars that you love and frequent? Give and ask for gift cards and help them survive.
Soapsoop, Berlin, Germany
Soap manufacturer soapsoop makes washing hands so much more fun! Korean inspired scents and soothing patterns, what more can you ask for?
Hunky Dory, Frankfurt, Germany
One of the best and most innovative bars I’ve been to, ever, Hunky Dory has become a staple during lockdown because they sell their drinks via an online store. Shipping is free in Germany! Right now, I’ve got the Glühwein Punch in my fridge – there’re no Christmas Markets this year, so why not bring the staples into your own home?! Send someone a drink, and invite them to a virtual Christmas party (btw, they also offer virtual events like mixology courses).
Aurum, Reykjavik, Iceland
A small jeweller from Iceland with high sustainability and community standards, and the most delicate and quirky jewellery I’ve ever come across. They also offer virtual consultations. I own the Ran ear climber (€112) that is absolutely stunning, if not the easiest to wear.
Andaluz Skincare, Spain
Rebekah makes sustainable skincare from organic ingredients in Andalusia. We’ve been covering her journey from the beginning, so it’s thrilling to see her come into her own. Luxurious and stunning oils, soaps and sprays.
Holiday gift guide 2020: Unusual beauty gifts
Unicorn Slime Shower Gel
Would I want to shower with something that looks like unicorn goobers? Nope, thankyouverymuch. Do I know 10-year-olds who would absolutely love this? Yes, I do. So, here’s your nieces sorted. (Merci Handy, €10.)
Sun King Mirror/Marie Antoinette hairbrush
I’m a sucker for a good gift shop. Have you SEEN the weird stuff in there?! It’s a dream. Case in point: French site Boutiques des Musées sells stuff from all the major French museums (and they ship!). You can now easily get that pink Marie Antoinette hairbrush (€18,50) for your sister in law or that Sun King Mirror (€15,90) for your brother. Or, of course, browse to your heart’s content and find the perfect gift for the Francophile on your list. (Boutiques des Musées.)
Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal – Shower Kit
For anyone who loves Home Alone. For travellers. And travellers who love Home Alone. Who doesn’t love Home Alone?! Honestly, I just found it funny. (Notonthehighstreet, €14,31.)
Spacemasks (warming eye masks)
After all those masks we’ve been wearing this year, I’ll introduce one that’ll change your life. (I mean, don’t we all shop for ourselves when we shop for Christmas?) These are WARMING eye masks that warm up when you open the package and twist them, and emit a soothing scent at the same time. They’re a big hit in Japan, and I stocked up when I returned from Asia. Pop them into the stocking of everyone needing some relaxation. (Beautybay, 5 for €16.)
Holiday gift guide 2020: for the home (pandemic edition)
Homesick Candles
If we can’t travel right now, I at least want my home to smell like either a fancy hotel, a waterfall in a rainforest, that forest in Finland or the seaside. Homesick will have the candle for all your unfulfilled travel dreams, memories and holidays: The France candle will smell of patisserie, tobacco and coffee, while Beach Cottage has notes of salt, sandalwood and musk. Or should I go for the homey scents of ‘Grandma’s Kitchen’? Dear Santa, I’ve surly been a good girl: I want them all. Homesick, $34.
Foodie Dice
Cooking – and figuring out what to cook! – can be such a chore. With these dice, you just roll them for new ideas what to cook: one roll will figure out the cooking method, and what protein, carb, veggies and herbs to combine. Whatever takes that decision off my shoulders is fine with me. Etsy, €21.
Skin Tone Crayon Set
Have you ever opened a box of crayons and wondered about the selection of ‘nude’ colours?! All of Us challenges that and gives you 8 different colours for your kids to draw every skintone out there. All of Us, $20,99.
Vulva Coloring Book
Maaaaaayyyyybe not for the kids. Let me quote, because I couldn’t say it better:
“Vulvas are too often either crudely objectified or shrouded in mystery. No longer! The Post-Structuralist Vulva Coloring Book demystifies gender and interrogates your assumptions as you are drawn into its mesmerizing patterns, folds, and whorls. Color away the false binaries between male and female, words and text, inside and outside, art and nature.”
Go forth and colour. Happy Holidays. Here, for $14,95.
Please note that this review is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods, or money, for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
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