Game time my friends - as promised, we're rolling out the 2024 gift guides this week. Let's start with shopping for the the lady in your life, athleisure girls, all the men in your lives, any coffee aficionados, the cookbook collectors and anyone obsessed with tech! Without further ado... some recs straight from both Thomas and me!
For Her:
Mini Letter Necklace - A dainty 14k gold necklace that adds a personal touch with an initial charm, perfect for everyday elegance.
Malibu Travel Set - A stylish and practical travel set, featuring pieces designed for comfort and versatility, perfect for those who prioritize both style and function while on the go.
Leather Backpack - A sophisticated leather backpack for those on the go, designed to fit a 16-inch laptop comfortably.
Straw Sherman Hat - With a slightly wider brim, this hat offers a chic, sun-protective accessory in a natural tone.
Crossbody Bag in Black Croc - An elegant, structured bag in a crocodile print that elevates any outfit.
Mini Travel Jewelry Case - A beautiful, floral-printed case that keeps your jewelry organized while traveling.
Cashmere Beanie - A timelessly stylish hat that adds sophistication to any ensemble.
Zip Wallet in Autumn Croco - This chic wallet combines functionality with Clare V's signature style in a rich croc texture.
Large Tote Bag- A sleek, versatile tote designed for both style and function, fitting a 13-inch laptop with ease.
Leather Fanny Pack - A spacious, hands-free option in a woven check pattern, ideal for travel or daily errands.
Short Black Leather Boot - Water-resistant and stylish, these calf leather boots are a must-have for cool weather.
Lavune Evergreen Candle - Capture the essence of a lush forest with this candle, perfect for bringing nature indoors.
Heart Socks in Red - Cozy, fun socks with a heart motif that make a sweet gift or treat for yourself.
Jamie Beck Jardin de l’Orangerie - A luxurious scent that transports you to a fragrant orange grove, ideal for gifting.
Tall Black Leather Boot - A timeless black leather boot with a sleek, sophisticated silhouette, designed to elevate any outfit while offering comfort and durability for everyday wear.
Oversized Sweatshirt - A cozy, statement sweatshirt with "Ciao" in bold mint, perfect for laid-back yet stylish comfort.
Corduroy Baseball Hat - Featuring embroidered lips, this hat adds a playful touch to any outfit in a classic corduroy fabric.
Cashmere Pullover in Black - A soft, classic cashmere pullover that brings a touch of luxury to any wardrobe.
For the Athleisure Girlie:
Alo Yoga Thermal Weekend Escape Mock Neck – Warm and stylish, this long sleeve with a mock neck is great for layering and perfect for those cooler days. Ya'll know I live for a mock!
Vuori Sedona Rib Half Zip – This half-zip is super soft with a textured look, perfect for a relaxed vibe whether you’re working out or kicking back. Half zips for life.
Lululemon Wunder Puff Crop Vest – Stay warm and stylish with this cropped, cozy vest—ideal for chilly days when you need an extra layer without the bulk.
Alo Yoga Muse Hoodie – With a roomy fit and super-soft fabric, this hoodie is as cozy as it gets—perfect for chilling at home or layering up on the go.
Alo Yoga Muse Sweatpant – These comfy, wide-leg sweatpants bring ultimate chill vibes and pair well with just about anything.
Alo Yoga Soho Pullover – The perfect throw-on for a laid-back look, this pullover is cozy and easygoing, whether you’re hitting the gym or brunch.
Vuori Long Sleeve Feather Tee – Super soft and lightweight, this long sleeve is perfect for layering or rocking solo, whether you’re lounging or out and about.
Nike Air Max 270 – These kicks bring style and serious comfort, perfect for everything from workouts to casual hangouts.
Nike Free Metcon – Built for intense workouts but comfy enough for everyday wear, these trainers offer great support with a flexible feel.
Nike Zoom Vomero – Sleek, comfy, and supportive, these shoes are ready for anything, from long walks to all-day wear.
Vuori Halo Essential Wideleg Pants – Easygoing and ultra-soft, these wide-leg pants are all about comfort while still looking totally put-together.
Lululemon Scuba MR Wide Leg Pant – These wide-leg pants are cozy and cute, with a high waist and relaxed fit that’s perfect for lounging or casual days out.
For the Coffee Lover:
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine: This is the espresso machine I learned on. If you are interested in getting into espresso, I believe that there is no better machine out there. It makes phenomenal coffee and does everything needed for virtually any kind of coffee beverage.
La Marzocco Linea Mini: : For those looking to level up their current espresso setup or splurge on a high-end machine, this is the one. Its appearance is fully customizable to match your style, and the drinks you can create are simply amazing. I was very happy with my Breville espresso machine and skeptical that one of these fancy machines would make a huge difference in taste. I was wrong! I have a La Marzocco at home, and I can say that it’s worth every penny if you can swing it.
Breville Coffee Grinder: : This is my go-to grinder for all things coffee (not espresso). It grinds to the perfect coarseness and doesn’t get super static-y. This is an essential part of my pour-over setup, and it’s lasted me the past 10 years.
Roseline Coffee:When it comes to coffee, not many do it better than Roseline. They are my favorite roaster stateside and truly love coffee. All coffee is roasted to order. That means when you place your order, they roast the beans the next day—none of that stuff sitting on grocery store shelves or in warehouses for months on end.
Manhattan Coffee Roasters: This is the best coffee I have ever had. It’s a splurge but 100% worth it. Warning: if you try this coffee, it may ruin almost all other coffee for you. They are based in the Netherlands and partner with some of the most elite coffee growers worldwide. If you’re looking for a special gift, this is it.
Acia Scale: When it comes to espresso and pour-over coffee, repeatability is one of the most important factors. The only way to consistently make a great cup day in and day out is to measure what you’re doing. There is no better scale out there to help you make the perfect cup every time.
Counter Brush: Making coffee can get messy. No one likes small grains of beans on the counter. This brush does the job and looks great for cleanup.
Espresso Cup: It’s not every day an espresso cup gets named after you. However, when you’re married to What’s Gaby Cooking and she launches her own product line, magic happens. When I saw these cups, I knew they had to be part of the product line as espresso cups.
Cappuccino Mug: It’s also not every day you get to name a cappuccino mug after yourself. The dual texture of this mug perfectly sums up Gaby's line as creative and makes for a beautiful addition to your morning routine.
WDT: When it comes to making espresso, the attention is in the details. This WDT is basic but effective at breaking up clumps of espresso to prevent channeling and ensure your espresso shot is properly dosed and evenly saturated.
V60 Pour Over: The V60 pour-over holds a special place in my heart. It was my introduction to good coffee, and the technique is very old school. Brewing coffee this way produces a superior, repeatable cup and offers a wonderful morning routine to start your day.
V60 Goose Neck Kettle: If you’re going to do a pour-over, you need a proper kettle to pour evenly and not too quickly. This has been my kettle since day one, and I love it. This was also one of the first coffee tools I purchased and still use today.
Tamping Station: When it comes to espresso, you can start to acquire a lot of tools to make the perfect cup. This station is perfect because it holds your tamp and distributor, with a place to tamp so you can protect your counters. It’s minimal and doesn’t take up a ton of space.
Espresso Brush: The more espresso you make, the more it gets all over the counter and in the machine. Part of making great coffee is maintaining your equipment. This brush helps reach small areas to keep your gear running optimally and producing great cup after cup.
For Him:
Weight Vest: Every little bit helps. Looking to go on a long walk and burn some extra calories? Or add a little intensity to your workouts? This vest is it. Buy additional weights to adjust how heavy you want to make it.
Adidas Samba Green: I’ve been in a big green mood this past year, and these kicks are some of my favorites. You can dress them up or down, and they’re super comfortable. I love that Sambas have made a return in the last couple of years. Have fun with the colors and add them to your rotation.
Golf Net: Want to hit some balls but don’t have time to go to the range? I’ve used a handful of nets over the years, and this one is by far the best. It’s super easy to set up and has held up well over the last 6 months of use. Get your reps in from the comfort of home.
Plyo Boxes: I’ve used several different plyo boxes over the years, and I keep coming back to these. They stack nicely for storage and are very durable. I love that they come in three sizes to help me focus on specific workouts.
Body Wash: When I find a body wash, I stick with it. Go back and look at past gift guides, and you’ll see my Every Man Jack body wash. As good as that was, it’s been replaced with this amazing-smelling body wash from Salt and Stone. Santal is such a good scent; you’ll thank me later!
Cologne: When it comes to scents, no one geeks out more over this stuff than Matt. He’s obsessed and recommended this one to me last year. It’s perfect for a night out or a casual day, and it lasts all day long. I love that the smell develops as you wear it.
Leaf Blower: This was one of those purchases that made me feel like an adult. The beauty is that it gets used a ton. My best advice is to purchase a couple of extra batteries because these leaf blowers go through them quickly.
Dewalt Batteries: : Speaking of batteries, these are the extras I got for the leaf blower. They last longer than standard ones and come in a two-pack for enough juice to get all those leaves out of your yard.
Portable Cable Machine: This was one of those purchases I went back and forth on for a long time. They’re pricey, but I’m very happy with them. The resistance is perfect, and they can be used almost anywhere. The feed is super smooth, and it gets used almost daily!
Golf Glove: This has been my go-to golf glove for the past 5 years. I cannot stress enough how good this glove is. Once you try it, you won’t go back to any other.
Protein Bars: I’m a huge fan of Promix as a brand, and these protein bars are top-notch. I usually go for birthday cake, but all the flavors are amazing.
Tool Box: You know what’s cool? A job box for your garage. You know what makes it even cooler? Putting it on wheels. I recently transferred my tool shed to one of these job boxes, and it’s been one of the best investments for the house. It’s easy to wheel around the yard, and it comes with two locks, making it super secure. It’s like a giant rolling toolbox.
For the Tech Obsessed:
Golf Range Finder: This is it when it comes to range finders. It pulls the distance and shows an image of the green. It gives you the distance to the front, middle, and back of the green, so you know how much space you have to work with. It’s pretty epic!
Travel Router: Calling all parents—this is one of those purchases I didn’t know I needed until we started traveling with a baby camera and sound machine. These devices require a secure connection. The problem is that most hotels don’t offer a password-protected option. That’s where this router comes in. With a bit of setup, you tap into your hotel’s non-secure connection and set up your own hotspot, so all your baby gear can connect easily. It can also tether off your cell phone if you’re on the go and need to share internet.
Sonos Sub Mini: Looking to add some bump to your home theater? Look no further. The Sub Mini is a slimmed-down version of their traditional sub and sounds just as amazing.
Aura Frame: The Aura frame makes an awesome gift for keeping favorite memories on display and sharing new ones instantly with family and friends. It’s super easy to set up, and its sleek design looks great anywhere, bringing those special moments to life every day.
Weber Searwood: The Weber Searwood is a fantastic gift for grill lovers, adding that perfect smoky flavor to meats and veggies right from home. It’s easy to use and takes any BBQ game up a notch, making every cookout even tastier.
Sonos Surround Speaker: While we’re on the topic of speakers, check these out if you’re looking for a way to add wireless surround sound to your TV without having to run cables.
Google Nest Hub: We use this thing every day. It lets us know what the temp is going to be, connects to all the cameras in the house, and we set timers on it constantly. It’s kind of the hub for our house and all our connected devices.
Nest Floodlight Camera: A couple of months ago, someone went down our street and popped everyone’s car tires. After that, I decided to install this floodlight camera in front of our house, and I’ve been very happy. The first night it was installed, someone started walking down our street at 3 am, heading straight for my car. The motion-activated floodlight kicked on, and the individual froze, looked up at the light and camera, and decided to stop, turn around, and go the other way. Who knows what he was going to do but clearly the camera deterred him from going further.
Sony Noise Canceling Headphones: If you’re not an earbuds person, then might I suggest these headphones. They can be set up as Bluetooth or used as wired headphones. They sound great and are super comfortable to wear.
Eight Sleep Mattress Cover: I sleep super hot, while Gaby sleeps warm. I like the temperature freezing; Gaby, not so much. Enter 8 Sleep. With this mattress cover, I can set the temperature for my side, and Gaby can set it for hers. Even cooler, this mattress tracks how well you sleep and adjusts throughout the night to maintain an ideal temperature so you stay asleep longer. One of the best investments we’ve made—my sleep has never been better.
Belkin Charger: I have faith that one day power chargers will be a thing of the past. That time hasn’t come yet, though. This charger is slim, easy to pack, and charges quickly. Plus, you don’t have to worry about cables, as they’re built into the unit, making one less thing to worry about.
For the Cookbook Collector:
Eat What You Want: Indulge guilt-free with crave-worthy recipes that celebrate comfort food with a fresh, modern twist. Perfect for those who love satisfying meals without the rules.
Everyday California Food: A sun-kissed collection of recipes that bring the vibrant flavors of California to your kitchen, blending freshness, zest, and laid-back style in every dish.
Grilling: A must-have for grill masters and weekend warriors, packed with delicious recipes and expert tips to make every barbecue unforgettable. (ALSO MAJORLY ON SALE)
Take It Easy: Simplify weeknight cooking with easygoing, unfussy recipes that deliver big on flavor without stress.
Cookies: An irresistible collection of classic and creative cookie recipes for anyone who believes a perfect cookie is life’s sweetest pleasure.
What to Cook When You Don't Feel Like Cooking: Simple, comforting recipes designed for those days when cooking feels like a chore but a homemade meal is still on the menu
Ottolenghi: Comfort: From the celebrated chef, discover heartwarming recipes full of bold flavors and comforting ingredients, perfect for cozy nights and gatherings.
Sweet Tooth: dreamy guide to satisfying sugar cravings with inventive, delectable desserts and baking recipes for all skill levels.
Pass the Plate: This vibrant cookbook celebrates shared meals with recipes designed to bring people together, perfect for family dinners and potlucks alike.
My Mexican Kitchen: Step into the world of authentic Mexican cooking with recipes that capture the bold, traditional flavors of Mexico, made easy for the home cook.
Health Nut: Nutritious, feel-good recipes for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor or variety.
Dinner Tonight: Quick, delicious solutions for busy weeknights with recipes that make dinnertime stress-free and satisfying.
Let's Eat: Family-friendly recipes that are easy to make and sure to please, making everyday meals more fun and flavorful.
The Ambitious Kitchen Cookbook: Wholesome, flavorful recipes from the beloved food blog, packed with nourishing meals and indulgent treats alike.
Love the gift guide. Hope you add the one for kids /toddlers. Thank you!