Pandemic-Worthy Gift Ideas, Vol. 2
Well, here we are again, about to roll into another pandemic birthday. My husband recently asked me for a birthday wish list and I had approximately zero ideas…which is exactly what happened last year. When this happened last year I queried in Instagram Stories about things people were loving or would ask for for their birthday and it resulted in this incredible, crowd-sourced pandemic-worthy gift ideas post. I asked again last week and once again, people did not disappoint! Several people asked me to share the list so here we go. Below, everything is organized by categories. Many of the items recommended to me were general but if there were cases where specific product recommendations were made I linked them up (in some cases, affiliate links are used, which means that if you shop the link I will get a tiny commission at no extra cost to you).
But before I get to the list, two things:
My recent go-to items to gift
I wanted to share a few fun little items that I have gifted repeatedly during the pandemic. All recipients have loved them so I figured it was worth sharing here. Yay, small businesses!
The handmade soaps by Dear Botanicals (by Emily Chou) (I featured her in this local makers post and the soaps are awesome!
The irreverent socks at Blue Q (based in Western MA)
Caramels and chocolates from Big Picture Farm in Vermont
Recommendations from Tina Payne Bryson
Here’s an incredibly sweet thing: My super smart, very busy friend Tina Payne Bryson responded to my request for gift ideas by creating a private Pinterest board with recommendations for me…internet nerd love language achievement unlocked! The board is replete with amazing, incredibly on-point-for-my-style ideas; here are some top items that caught my eye:
Clinique 20-piece Chubbettes Lipstick Set (lip color is my thing and I love these mini sizes since I have never, ever finished a tube of regular-sized lipstick)
J. Crew Saturday sneakers (because I wore heels once during the pandemic and it was torture)
Jack & Mulligan Pablo Large Tote (I totally do not need another tote but I am totally obsessed with this one)
Garnet Hill cashmere wrap (because I am cold all the time…like literally right now I am wearing slippers and a sherpa hoodie)
Staud x C. Bonz custom pet sweatshirt (because now I am a crazy dog lady…the ultimate pandemic puppy owner gift LOL)
La Chatelaine Hand Cream Trio (because my hands get so dry during the winter)
UPDATE: Between my initial drafting and publication of this post, I finally provided my husband with a wish list, including a handful of items from this post and some “priceless” asks from him and the kids. And then I ended up buying myself the custom pet sweatshirt and these Gola x J. Crew sneakers (and a few tops that were on clearance) as birthday gifts to myself and I am ridiculously excited.
Instagram crowd-sourced list
And now, here is the list crowd-sourced from responses to my Instagram Stories ask. Thank you so much to everyone who made these recommendations! I feel so seen in many of these responses! And also, I love how much joy people are taking in home things. This list is so awesome.
Accessories
Jewelry
Earrings or ring from Melanie Casey Jewelry
Classic earrings like studs or pearls
One pair of fun dramatic earrings form a small jewelry maker
Ruth Bader Ginsburg saint style necklace by Awe Inspired
Ruth Bader Ginsburg saint style necklace by Awe Inspired; image via Awe Inspired
Snuggly Things
Cashmere robe
Cashmere socks
Slippers
Ugg Ainsley slippers; image via Ugg
Shoes/Bags
Clothing
Sweatpants that are nice enough to wear in the real world and seem put together
Vuori lux jumpsuit; image via Vuori
Outerwear
Heated vest/jacket
A coat for change in seasons
A warm hat for walking James (LOL!)
Winter hat with giant pompom
Blaze orange hat with LED headlamo on it for winter night walks
Fitness & Wellness
1/2 inch yoga mat
Roller skates
Rollerblades
Tennis racket or gear
Hi-rise long bike shorts with pockets
Skincare
Perfume sampler by Jo Malone
Soy makeup removing face wash by Fresh; image via Amazon
Home
Bedroom
Heated mattress pad
Fancy pillow
Silk pillowcase
Nice sheets
Weighted blanket
Bathroom
Plush bath sheet
Kitchen
A fancy local pottery mug for afternoon tea
Upgrade to baking tools that would bring you joy
Upgrades of everyday stuff (quality dish towels, oven mitts, storage canisters, pepper grinder)
Air fryer (Note: “You need this in your life. The zucchini alone is worth it”)
Electric kettle
Nugget ice maker
Caraway bakeware set; image via Caraway
Living Things
Houseplants
Dahlia tubers
Cut flowers
Miscellaneous
Tennis decoration for your office (paperweight or print)
Bench swing
Art/Craft/Stationery
Art supplies
Adult coloring book/markers
High quality pens and notebooks
Flowers by @handmadebysarakim
Susannah Bleasby 2022 calendar; image via Susannah Bleasby
Books
Books
Book of poetry
Coffee table book
Book subscription from an indie store
eBook voucher
Tech
Noise cancelling head/earphones (these Bose headphones are an investment but highly rated)
Electric eye massager (“Amazing for stress relief”)
Neck reading light; image via Amazon
Food
Dinner at a Michelin spot
Takeout
Coffee, tea, wine
Experiences
Visit to the witch exhibit at the Peabody Essex followed by dinner at Tonno
Gift cards to small local businesses
Family photo shoot
Spa day (facial, massage, etc.)
Salt float experience
Solo getaway
Night alone in a hotel with room service
TIME ALONE (this got a lot of votes)
Miscellaneous
Notes/letters from kids
Monthly subscription box of some kind
Make a donation
Vorda wooden car diffuser; image via Vorda