I love each and every one of these small brands, who are each selling things that would make such beautiful gifts (for yourself, or others on your list). Tech (of course), as well as things for the kitchen, self-care, and even something for your doggie. Most of them are about upgrading/elevating the small rituals in your life to make them special, or bringing something beautiful to you (or your dog’s) dinner table. Happy early shopping!
Lettuce Grow
I planted mine a few weeks ago and it’s been a thrill to watch my seedlings grow… and foolproof enough that it doesn’t seem as if I’ll kill them all! Growing things hydroponically is easier than I thought, and I’ll be harvesting everything from lettuce to pole beans to herbs to berries in a a week or two.
Urbanears
I’ve loved this company for years, and they never miss the mark when designing beautiful, affordable headphones and earphones in fashion-forward colors.
Ember
This mug continues to make the perfect gift year after year for nearly anyone on your list (who doesn’t want a latte that never gets cold?). Metallic colors are new for the season.
Joovv
Joovv light panels use medical-grade LED panels to deliver the concentrated light our skin cells crave (and are starved for, now that we’re all spending more time inside), without heat or UV rays that cause sun damage. Purported benefits of infrared and red light include a decrease in inflammation, and a boost to muscle recovery, skin health and better sleep. For me, I’m finding it gives me a bit of an energy boost in the middle of the day, and helps combat the emotional cocktail I get from watching the news.
Diaspora Co.
You’ll have a tough time going back to spices from the supermarket after you taste these equitably and deliciously procured single-origin spices from India. The fragrance and the freshness will inspire new dinner ideas, promise. The trio makes a beautiful gift.
Boll & Branch
I was thrilled to try a sheet set by this buzzy brand. It only took me a week before I decided to invest in the rest of what I needed to complete the bed: the Percale sheets are cool and crisp, and the details are pretty and practical (the duvet cover and pillowcases have envelopes that make everything neat and tidy).
Cuzen Matcha
Frankly, I’m tired of coffee drinkers getting all the high-tech gear. This Matcha kit will grind leaves into fresh matcha powder on site, then brew the perfect cup. I’ll take mine iced.
Crown Affair
I am aware that $45 is a lot for a hair towel. But if you’re looking to improve your haircare game I promise you won’t be disappointed. Plush waffle and lots of length lets you wrap even the biggest pile of tresses, and the elastic in the back is a stroke of genius— it will not move while you do the rest of your morning routine.
Made In
Love the simplicity and quality of everything I’ve seen from this brand. I bought a bread knife that quickly sold out (a collab with legendary LA baker Nancy Silverton), but they have so many beautiful knives and cookware pieces. Great gift for anyone in their first home/apartment.
Bluejay Bikes
I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to electric bikes: they have to look CUTE or I’d just rather walk. Bluejay stole my heart with their retro leather details and pretty colors. A perfect pandemic gift for those of us spending more time near home.
Ollie
Marty’s favorite food (he’s partial to turkey). It comes frozen each month, made with human-grade ingredients, and the food calculator makes it easy to know exactly how much your dog will need. Most importantly, the bowl is licked clean.
Monos
OK so most of us aren’t making use of luggage these days, but I love Monos’ lightweight, futuristic designs, and thoughtful details (think anti-microbial interior fabric, a telescopic handle with 4 height settings, and a built-in compression pad). A standout offering this year has to be their CleanPod sterilizer, a beautifully-designed UV cleaning wand that can rid any surface of 99.9% of the germs.
ZIIP Beauty
I am OB-SESSED with this nanocurrent device that depuffs, lifts and even zaps breakouts. It has become part of my morning ritual which helps me SLOW DOWN. Use it for a few weeks, then tell me you don’t see a difference.
Navy Protocols
The New York Times recently asked, “Is This The End of the Manicure?”, and heralded the shorter nails, natural colors and at-home prep trend. I couldn’t be happier. These nail care tools are for pros, so you’ll feel extra posh when you’re DIYing your own mani.
