My 2023 Holiday Gift Guide
Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links.
For years I have been thinking about creating a holiday gift guide. And well, I’ve finally done it! This is a comprehensive list of tried and tested gifts that I love and recommend for creative types, outdoor enthusiasts, readers, dreamers, and homebodies like me. It’s for all of you who have someone creative, adventurous, or whimsical in your life and no idea what to get them. Or maybe that person is you, and you just need a little inspo to figure out what to put on your wish list this year. Either way, keep scrolling and read on for my favorite picks for everyone on your 2023 holiday gift list!
1. The Future Artist
Is someone in your life showing artistic promise? Encourage their creative side and set them up for success with some high-quality art supplies. A new art set can ignite a lifelong passion for creativity, offering new artists the chance to experiment with mediums and styles. There are a whole host of paints, brushes, papers, and tools to choose from, but I’ve made it easy for you by narrowing it down to a few supplies that I recommend for beginner watercolor artists. Click each item below to go straight to the product page, or click here for my full list of suggested art supplies.*
Or, consider supporting a local art store in your area. If you’re in Dallas, check out Oil & Cotton’s wide selection of unique materials for artists of all ages, as well as their art classes for kids and workshops for adults, including my upcoming workshops on January 13 & 14 (virtual & in-person classes available). Not sure what they’d like? Give them a gift card to their favorite art store and let them choose!
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links.
2. The BOOK WORM
There’s nothing like smell of a new book or the feel of turning a physical page. If you know someone who can relate, give them the first few books in a new series or a special edition set of their old favorites. Below I’ve listed a few of favorite reads. Click each item below to go straight to the product page, or click here for my full list of favorite reads.*
If your bibliophile is more of a minimalist, consider gifting a Kindle E-reader*. This device can store thousands of books, making it easy for the recipient to carry their library with them wherever they go.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links.
3. The road tripper
For the adventurous spirit who loves to hit the open road, consider gifts that enhance their travel experience. After racking up almost 20,000 miles this year driving around the country, I’ve got quite a few suggestions on how to make life on the road a luxury.
My top pick for road trippers this year is a rooftop cargo box. I have the Thule box linked below, and it has been an incredible space saver for me in the car. You’ll also want to grab them a car doorstep, so they can easily access everything on top. A few mini car trash cans help eliminate clutter when you’re constantly on the road, and mesh window screens let the cool breeze in if you’re napping or camping in the car. And as a little stocking stuffer, deodorant wipes. Trust me :)
Click each item below to go straight to the product page, or click here for my full list of travel essentials.*
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links.
4. The amateur baker
Know someone who has a knack for baking? If they’re great at cakes and desserts, but haven’t gotten into bread yet, give them everything they need to get started baking sourdough! Many amateur bakers want to try sourdough bread but think it’s intimidating. Sometimes all we need is a little push and the right tools. I’ve only been baking sourdough for about 6 months, but through research, trial, and error, I’ve come up with a process and set of tools that I think will set any baker up for success.
Getting started is simple. All they’ll need a sourdough starter culture, a starter kit, a set of proofing baskets, and simple bread tools. If you really want to elevate their bread making game, gift them the holy grail of bread baking - the Le Creuset Bread Oven. (This is high on my own Christmas list!)
Click each item below to go straight to the product page, or click here for my complete list of sourdough baking essentials.*
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links.
5. The outdoor enthusiast
For the nature lover who is constantly adventuring into the great outdoors, give them something that will make their next hiking trip the best one yet. As a seasoned outdoor adventurer with 18 national parks under my belt, I’ve tried out lots of camping and hiking gear over the years. I have a whole long list of essentials in my Amazon shop, but here are five must-have’s for me.
My number one pick for an avid hiker would be a National Park Pass. This gains them free, unlimited admission to all United States national parks, monuments, and historical sites. This saved me so much money on my road trips this year. Next, a great pair of hiking boots - my Lowa Renegade GTX hiking boots are the sturdiest and comfiest pair I’ve owned. They are waterproof, and I even hiked through a stream wearing them with no problems. I also recommend the PowerLix inflatable sleeping pad. You can easily inflate it by hand - no huffing and puffing necessary- and it deflates in about 5 seconds. If they like to camp overnight, give them a bulk bin of freeze dried meals. I eat these constantly on my camping trips, and they are surprisingly delicious! For safety, gift your hiker a Birdie alarm. The ultra-loud alarm and strobe light would scare off any predator that got too close and could be used to locate a lost hiker.
Click each item below to go straight to the product page, or click here for my complete list of camping and hiking essentials.*
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links.
6. The cottage-core lover
For the whimsical romantic at heart who belongs in a cottage by a forest or would love to live inside a Jane Austen novel, I have a list of items that will fit perfectly with their aesthetic. If you’ve followed me on Instagram for a while, you’ve seen me turn my little “treehouse” into a cozy home reminiscent of an English country farmhouse. This gift list is inspired by a few of my favorite things that make my home feel like the cozy cottage of my dreams.
A five minute journal can turn any morning or evening routine into a positive moment, plus the linen cover makes it a beautiful addition to any cozy nightstand.
A candle or cute mushroom lamp will give their room a warm glow, and some decaf tea would be the perfect way to wind down this winter season. For the cottage-core lover who cherishes their humble abode, consider a custom house portrait to commemorate their home.
Click each item below to go straight to the product page, or click here* for all my home decor favorites.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links.
7. The cat owner
As a new kitten owner, I've been excitedly researching all manner of cat toys, food, furniture, litter and everything else you could possibly think of getting for a cat. If there’s a cat lover in your life, here are some great ideas that will bring a smile to their face and joy to their cat’s life as well.
The simplest way to your cat owner’s heart is a cat toy wand that will have them both entertained for hours on end. A sturdy cat carrier is a nice practical gift for trips to the vet or cat sitter. The ‘Dinner or Drinks’ bowls are on my wish list this year - I mean how cute are those?
Click each item below to go straight to the product page, or click here for even more ideas.*
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links.
Happy holiday shopping! Remember you can never go wrong with an experiential gift like a National Parks pass, concert tickets, a cooking class, or airline miles. And don’t be afraid to give a gift card - what you’re really giving is the gift of choice. For even more gift ideas, check out my Amazon store*. Wishing you lots of love, joy, and peace this season!
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash