2020 Holiday Gift Guide - by kchoi

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I know you’ve heard it a million times by now, but I’ll say it again - this year has been unlike any other. It’s hard to believe that we’re still fighting against this pandemic, but at the same time, I struggle to remember what it was like in the time of B.C. (before Covid). But however much havoc this G̶r̶i̶n̶c̶h̶ virus has wreaked on our lives, it doesn’t mean that Christmas is cancelled. It just might look a little bit different this year.

Like me, you may be participating in various distanced or virtual gatherings over the holidays with your friends, family, and colleagues. So if you’re feeling a bit stuck on what to send to someone as a gift, here are ten of my favorites from the past year (links in bold at the bottom of each item’s section).

For the new homeowner (or renter): Our Place dinnerware

Source: Our Place

Source: Our Place

If you know someone who’s still using a mishmash of hand-me-downs and basic IKEA dinnerware, now is the perfect time to give them a refresh with some staple pieces from Our Place. This brand took Instagram by storm with its 8-in-1 pan, but also has stylish and functional dinnerware that will elevate anyone’s home cooking. I was lucky enough to be gifted a set of plates and glasses from Our Place (thank you!), and they sure do make a great gift. You can purchase their plates, bowls, and glasses in a set of all three, combinations of two, or a-la-carte.

Search “Essentials” or “Sets” on Our Place ($20 off referral link)

For the skincare lover: Neogen Joan Day and Night Cream

Source: Neogen

Source: Neogen

I first tried this cream when my friend Joan launched it in 2018, and I fell in love with how soft and supple it made my skin feel. Joan recently launched version 2.0 of this cream, which has an upgraded formula and eco-friendly, refillable packaging. I’m so proud of how far Joan has come and I know that this new cream will be even better than the last.

Buy on Amazon or on Neogen ("JOANDAY30” for 30% off on Neogen at the time of writing this post)

For the wine enthusaist: Gift card to a natural wine shop

Source: Glouglougloss

Source: Glouglougloss

In early 2019, I was introduced to natural wine during a trip to Paris with friends. Even though making wines “the natural way” has been around for decades, it’s especially taken the world by storm over the past few years. Get a gift card to a local or online natural wine shop, and your friend can enjoy a bottle (or two…or twelve) in quarantine. If you’d like to gift them with an actual bottle instead, check out my wine-loving friend @glouglougloss for some great suggestions.

For the work-from-home worker: Purple Seat Cushion

Source: Purple

Source: Purple

Although its been about 9 months since many of us started working from home, lots of people haven’t had the chance to properly upgrade their WFH setups. The Double Seat Cushion from Purple is soft, supportive, and the perfect office companion for my booty during all those back-to-back Zoom calls (well, Microsoft Teams meetings for me).

Search “Seat Cushions” on Purple (5% off referral link)

For the friend with a brown thumb: Samak fabric cactus

Source: Samak Cactus

Source: Samak Cactus

Owned and operated by another friend of mine, Samak makes fabric cacti that can be used as decor for the living room, nursery, home office, or anywhere else that can use a bit of greenery without the responsibility. From mini succulent sizes to large statement pieces, you can find something for any person and space. Bonus: They also have masks!

Explore Samak’s website and Instagram (Use code “KCHOI15” for 15% off!)

For the home chef: Caraway cookware set

Source: Caraway

Definitely the most expensive item on this list at $395 for a full cookware set, this is a good option for a group “pitch-in” gift. I’ve been using my Caraway Fry Pan and Dutch Oven over the past few months, and I’m super impressed by the non-stick quality, functionality (the lid is one-size-fits-all!), and style (look at that dreamy cream color).

Search “Cookware Set” on Caraway (affiliate link)

For the one who deserves a pamper: Parachute robe

Source: Parachute

Source: Parachute

I wasn’t always a robe person, but now that I have one, I can’t stop wearing it. Parachute’s Cloud Cotton robe is lightweight, buttery soft, and has the perfect sleeve length for keeping your cuffs out of the way when washing up. I have the one in Rose, but Mulberry and Amber are also on my wish list.

Explore Parachute’s bath items (affiliate link)

For the sentimental friend: Mixbook photo album

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When I got married this past summer, my bridesmaids put together the sweetest photo album filled with memories I have with each of them. It was such a thoughtful gift, especially since we couldn’t all be together for the wedding (thanks, Covid). After the wedding, I took a cue from them and created a wedding day photo album, and got three copies printed (one for me and my husband, and the other two for our parents). This is a creative, simple, but impactful way to show someone that you care.

Create on Mixbook (always look out for 50% off deals on their site)

For the exercise (or lounge) lover: Girlfriend Collective activewear

Source: Girlfriend Collective

Source: Girlfriend Collective

Athleisure has been on-trend for a while now, but it really found its place in 2020. After trying out a few diffrent brands, my favorite across the board is Girlfriend Collective. I’ve slowly curated a collection of leggings, bike shorts, bras, T-shirts, and even a skort that have become staples in my quarantine wardrobe. Even better, the brand is environmentally conscious so you can feel good while looking good.

Shop on Girlfriend ($10 off $95 referral link)

For the one who won’t be home for Christmas: Homesick candle

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I know many people won’t be able to see their families over the holidays this year, so why not bring a little bit of home to them? I have both the Los Angeles and Southern California versions of this candle, which not only smell great but are also a fun way to reflect my California roots in my New York home.

Shop on Homesick (20% off referral link)


Whether you’re gifting for someone else or yourself (come on, you deserve a gift after the year you’ve gone through), I hope you found some inspiration from this list. Have a safe and happy holiday season!

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Planning Around a Pandemic