Holiday Gift Guide (Part 2)

Welcome back to the ​Pack holiday gift guide​! Part two is here, and it’s all about the people who can be a little trickier to shop for: hosts you’d like to thank with something other than wine, the friend with impeccable taste (making it hard to top their own finds), and the people who insist they don’t need a thing (looking at you, Dad!).

Just like part one, every gift is meant to feel personal and thoughtful — things they’ll genuinely be excited to use day in and day out.

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1. ​Geometry Mahj Flowers Tea Towel​

An average tea towel might feel like an impersonal gift, but ​these are anything but!​ Geometry has endless cute patterns — including their ​new Mahjong collection​ — that instantly make them feel thoughtful.

And they’re functional, too: the kind of towel you’ll actually want to hang on your oven handle and reach for when wiping down the counter. I love picking up the ​seasonal ones​ to swap out throughout the year.

2. ​The Cookie Box Recipe Cards​

This collection of 50 cards features a photo on one side and a cookie recipe on the other. I love this idea for the baker in your life, or for the friend who hosts an annual cookie swap. Everyone picks a card, and that’s the cookie they’re responsible for bringing!

If you think they’d prefer baking from a more traditional cookbook, my friend Susan has a ​brand-new cookie cookbook​ (with the cutest pink cover!) that would make such a fun gift this year. And for friends hosting Hanukkah, I can’t say enough good things about Leah Koenig’s ​The Dessert Table​. 3. ​Holiday House Matches​

We all know someone with “the holiday house:” the person who goes all out on decorations and loves hosting throughout the season. These matches are perfect for them!! Pair them with your favorite ​holiday candle​ for a really lovely gift. 4. ​Glass Butter Dish​

I never realized how much I cherished my glass butter dish until my husband accidentally broke it 🤪. It really is a hosting essential, especially if you have houseguests staying the night. (Nothing beats spreadable butter with fresh bagels in the morning!). Pair it with a colorful ​bistrot spreader​ and some really good ​French butter​ and you’ll win the hostess gift game. 5. ​East Fork Wave Glass Pitcher​

This ​sunny pitcher​ just makes me smile. It’s my pick for the hostess you may not know all that well, because it’s unique enough to feel special, but classic enough to work in just about anyone’s home. East Fork honestly has ​so many great gift options​ this year, so it’s worth browsing their colletion.

6. ​Koala Eco Nature Studies Trio​

I recently discovered this ​sustainable cleaning brand​, and I’ve already re-purchased the dish soap and surface cleaner. I think one of their gift sets is such a cute way of saying thank you for hosting (and sorry we made a mess!). Plus, you’re introducing them to products they’re likely to keep using long after the holidays.

7. ​Brightland Pizza Night Set​ (15% off!)

We consistently keep just two olive oils in my house: an extra-virgin olive oil for everyday cooking, and this pizza oil. That’s how good it is! So when I saw Brightland pairing it with their signature olive oil and jammy blackberry balsamic, I immediately knew it would make the perfect gift — especially for a friend who’s into homemade pizza nights.

8. ​Crow Canyon Splatter Medium Basin​

I’m not kidding when I say that almost everyone I filmed with while promoting ​my cookbook​ owned ​this bowl​. It’s pretty but lightweight, and works just as well for mixing as it does for serving.

1. ​Alexa Leigh Everyday Hoops​

As a recipient, jewelry is one of the most fun things to open. As the giver, it’s one of the most stressful! That’s why I love ​these hoops​ — they’re pretty much a surefire win. They’re made of 14k gold, are surprisingly lightweight, and easily transition from day to night. They’re the pair I wear most often, and my mother-in-law loves hers, too!

2. ​Flamingo Estate Mini Three Sisters Set​

These mini candles define little luxury: they smell incredible, and the green glass vessels are gorgeous. With three in a set, you’re essentially giving the gift of a little luxury for every room in the house.

As one of three sisters, I also love the name. How sweet would these be for a mom of three daughters?

3. ​Machete Midi Heirloom Claw​

I’m partial to anything tortoise because it’s such an easy way to elevate any outfit. This is the same brand that makes my ​blonde tortoise watch band​, so I can personally vouch for the quality. This ​slim Paris barrette​ also has my heart.

4. ​BonBon Medium Gift Box​

A box of colorful gummy candy is an instant way to spark joy. Choose from a sweet mix, a sour mix, a sweet AND sour mix, or even a gluten-free mix. It also comes packaged in the cutest pink box, so the wrapping is taken care of! 5. ​Merit Day Glow Dewy Highlighting Balm​

My sister gifted me ​this highlighter​ a few years ago, and I’ve used it every day since. It gives you an instant glow without having to put on a full face of makeup. And because you simply choose a finish (rather than a skin shade), there’s no stress about finding the perfect match.

6. ​Sofie Pavitt Face Nice Ice Frozen Toner Pods​

I’ll stand by anything Sofie Pavitt makes. Her ​face wash​ has genuinely improved my mornings, and my skin is so much happier because of it.

​These pods​ look glorious — especially for a frequent traveler. Store them in the freezer, pop one on a cotton pad, and massage it into your skin whenever you want a brighter, fresher-looking complexion. For a more budget-friendly but equally refreshing option, this ​overnight face mask​ seriously works wonders. 7. ​Mosaic House Socks​

One look at ​these​ and you’ll never call socks a boring gift again. I’m 1000% getting them as a third trimester gift to myself (let’s pretend that’s a thing). I’ve also heard rave reviews about ​these​ for a slightly more affordable option.

8. ​Theraplush “Hold” Refillable Overnight Retinol Hand Repair Cream​

Speaking of rave reviews, I can’t stop reading about this hand cream!!! Not only is the packaging super satisfying, but the benefits are compelling too: more hydrated skin, tidier cuticles, and stronger nails.

Plus, there’s something about having a luxurious hand cream on your bedside table and applying it before bed that feels like such a treat.

1. ​Pigeon Glasses Holder​

If my mom wasn’t the first person to read all of my emails, I’d absolutely get this for her desk. I just think it’s the cutest stand for anyone with reading glasses!

2. ​Japan Kit Kat Variety Pack​

Everyone knows someone who’s always on the hunt for a new Kit Kat flavor (I’ll be getting this for my brother-in-law, because unlike my mom I don’t think he reads this 😂). Just make sure you stick around while they open it so you can grab one for yourself.

3. ​Merry Golden Tea Towel​

Who doesn’t love a gift featuring their dog? There are ​so many breeds to choose from,​ making this an easy win for the impossible-to-shop-for dog lover.

4. ​Camp Snap 2 Screen-Free Digital Camera​

I actually just got one of these and I can’t WAIT to try it out. I’m convinced the built-in filters are the secret to the vintage-looking carousels I see all over IG. And the kid-friendly lock settings make it a great first camera for little ones! Use code GRACEELKUS7 for 7% off.

5. ​Puzzle Mania!​

For the friend, dad, or co-worker who’s always playing Wordle or tackling the NYT crossword — this is that in analog form! It would actually be really cute paired with a ​coffee mug​.

6. ​Best Dad Hardcover Photo Book​ (15% off!)

Of course, there are approximately a million more photos of Pat with Daisy than there are of me with Daisy, because I’m so much better at taking them. I’ll try to put my frustration aside and make this for him, because I think it would be the sweetest, most personal gift (he does read these emails, but probably never makes it to the bottom 😉).

7. ​Brooke Patterned Frame​

When you’re really stumped, you can never go wrong with a framed photo. Whether you just got school pictures back or are taking new family pics for the holidays, print out a favorite and pop it into one of these whimsical frames.

For someone with a more traditional style, ​this frame​ is another great option.

8. ​The Perfect Weekday Tote​

My friend ​Rebecca​ is one of the most stylish people I know, and every time I see her carrying this monogrammed tote, I’m tempted to get one myself. It would make a great group gift from the kids to their mom. I also love this ​L.L. Bean option​ — my sister and I had one monogrammed with “Mimi” for our mom last year!