“Practical and beautiful” is perhaps my favorite gifting category to give and to receive. I love that it might help my recipient upgrade a part of their everyday routine, even just a little. It's also a great default category when you’re completely stumped on what to gift someone. Think of these picks as little luxuries that have a real job to do.
You probably know and love Sézane for their soft cardigans and leather accessories, but did you know they also have an excellent selection of gorgeous kids’ clothing, home goods, and menswear? It’s a lovely one-stop shop for gifts that feel like a special upgrade of everyday items.
Last year, one of my biggest gifting hits was this puffer jacket and this everyday sweater for my husband. They’re simple, but the fit, quality, and design made them giftworthy wardrobe workhorses (and I know he wouldn’t usually buy this type of “nicer” thing for himself.)
And because we all know that scrolling gift guides is secretly the best way to build your own wishlist, I’ve got a few contenders for us. This elegant walletif you’re also looking to upgrade. A gorgeous burgundy leather cardholder, a practical thing I somehow don’t own yet. Ruched loafers are everywhere right now, and this chocolate suede pairlooks perfect. I love the slight bell sleeves and cable-knit detail on this cardigan.
@Alisha Ramos’s guides remain undefeated for cozy gifts tbh — I still reference last year’s for bday gifts!
2
1
1
A note of appreciation: My gift guides and sponsors last year, along with my paid subscribers (most importantly!—you are the best), funded my maternity leave as a self-employed writer. So thank you for engaging, sharing, and supporting my guides each year. I love seeing your comments and notes about what’s resonating. Please feel free to forward these guides to friends and family members; I’ve got three more guides coming your way soon.
Turns out, the hair in Sense & Sensibility is historically accurate. (I still stand by the fact that Marianne needed to at least brush her hair…)
n+1 just launched their very fun Bookmatch fundraiser. For any amount you donate, they’ll give you a personalized reading list from writers like Tavi Gevinson, Jia Tolentino, and Tony Tulathimutte.
Stop-motion animation by @so.daze for a brand campaign
More of this, please: Brands investing in humans creating cool art for their holiday campaigns and showing the process, rather than turning to AI. I’m seeing more stop-motion animation, highly-produced campaign films, and paintings popping up on my feed and I love it.
A descendant of Renoir reflects on a new gallery exhibition at the National Gallery in London titled “Renoir and Love.” Wish I could visit!
Made me laugh: Things that are highly offensive in toddler culture, lol.
Behind The Scenes: I’ve been squeezing in micro moments of self-care during a busy work season. Left: Making myself my favorite breakfast of buttery, toasted sourdough with flaky sea salt and this incredible rhubarb-cardamom jam, with hard scrambled eggs. Right: Taking advantage of this magnificent fall weather by working outdoors.
This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you buy anything using one of my links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support and for trusting me with your time and attention.
Thank you for subscribing to Downtime! Feel free to forward this email to a friend.
