Before we get into it, did you know you can gift After Hours to friends? I’m hosting a killer mentor series over the next few months with some of my mentors. Folks like LaTrayl Adams, Jennifer Toledo, Lisa Sharon Harper, Macy Grant, and Danielle Strickland will answer questions from this community. It’s the perfect gift for folks before the new year.
When holiday gift guides start hitting my inbox, I am not delighted for two reasons: 1) The list is either filled with things that cost $500 2) full of affiliate links. This gift guide is neither - I do not have any links and I do not like to spend $500. So, I’ve curated a killer list for eight personas in your life. Love you and you’re welcome.
For the Worn Out Friend
If you want to go somewhere and sleep for three days, you are not alone. We is tired, fam. If you can’t send your friend on a sleepcation, here’s some ideas to help her rest.
Gift card to Air B&B or overnight hotel stay
Mani and pedi in her neighborhood or Olive and June nail kit
Slippers and a sleep mask
Dry brushing tools - Cheap and Little Less Cheap (This is a great gift for friends with autoimmune diseases.)
For the Hostest with the Mostess
We all have a friend (or three) who is the Queen of hosting. House smells nice; holidays are a vibe; you always feel at home. Here’s a few things she might enjoy adding to the collection…
Cheeseboard that she better not put butter on
La Labo Fragrances Bergamote 22
Aesop Reverence Aromatique hand soap with beads (to die for, truly)
Cookbooks (There are 2M, take your pick.)
Farmgirl Fresh Flowers for her holiday gatherings
For the Maker
Art is a vibe. Poetry is necessary for the times. Makers who create in their home space whether or not anyone sees their creation are changing the world. Here’s a few ideas for the creatives in your life.
A painting from Goodwill and a set of paints (This is a rad exercise I saw on TikTok where you paint over a painting - I’ll be doing this over break!)
Rolled canvas and acrylic, oil paints, or chalk
Why Design Matters by Debbie Millman
Knit Happens mug
For the Freedom Fighter
Advocates and activists on the ground are fighting for a better world. We need them. Joy and pleasure is important to renewal. Here’s a few ways to help them relax and enjoy the world they are busy building.
Concert tickets or stand-up comedy in their area
Gift card to dining experiences (not Medieval Times though, be serious)
A paint night
Writing classes with Gotham Writers or UCLA Extension Courses
Love is the Resistance or Rise of the Truth Teller (my books!)
For the Person who has Everything
A boss who doesn’t need a thing, a family member who can buy whatever they want or need, a friend with an immaculate home and style vibe - these folks are impossible to shop for but I found some things…
Humans leather-bound book by Brandon Stanton
House of Fire Candle Santal (MY GOD THE SMELL IS HEAVEN)
Local NBA or College Basketball Tickets
Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee book by Jerry Seinfeld
Bibiotheca edition of the Bible free of chapter and verse numbers (Reads like a book and is a centerpiece on our credenza!)
For the Plant Lover
Was it Covid or did your friend always have a green thumb? Who knows, but either way, there’s always room for more plants, pots, and accessories in this person’s home.
Gift card to The Sill
Propagation Station from Happy Happy Houseplant
Fox Farm Ocean Soil (the absolute best soil for houseplants)
Biggie Smalls planter (I love this so much)
For the Book Worm
The person you text or message every time you need a book recommendation. They are hip to the fiction and non-fiction game and will not tolerate bad writing or shenanigans from authors. They come through in clutch for recs so here’s how to come through for them.
Audible Subscription (Yes, audiobooks count as reading, cut it out.)
Barefoot Dreams Cozy Throw (My favorite blanket in our home!)
Gift card to their local bookstore but if they don’t have one, I love Fabled in Waco, TX and the Lit Bar in the Bronx.
For the Holy Roller
The spiritual folks in your life who love to read, study, highlight, underline, and record their thoughts and ideas on the regular. Just a few things to keep them going in the new year.
Walter Brueggemann’s Commentary on the Psalms (I use this like a devotional!)
Grit + Virtue Emerald Green Journal (Obsessed.)
Alabaster Books and Bibles (Beautiful!)
Subscription to Seminary Now
Hope you enjoyed this gift guide! I loved pulling some of my favorite things and wishlist items for you. What present or persona would you add to this list?
I know the holidays are sometimes trashy - I feel you. It’s hard. Hope this gift list brought a little joy to your heart (GET YOURSELF SOME THINGS!) I’m rooting for you, neighbor. You are so loved.
What a helpful list! I mean, really. The stuff you've curated is THOUGHTFUL, in every sense of that word. Thanks, Ashley!