Mel’s Holiday Gift Guide: His + Hers
This is the last gift guide going up this year, and it kind of encompasses all the wonderful odds and ends of gift giving.
Or in other words, it’s a little random…but full of fun, great gift ideas!
Just as a reminder, nothing on this (or any other) gift guide I publish is sponsored; these are all things we’ve bought or been gifted by friends/family and ones we genuinely love (there are Amazon affiliate links below for the items I’ve actually purchased from there).
Here’s a quick link to all the gift guides I’ve posted over the years.
And here are past His + Hers gift guides:
His + Hers Gift Guide 2014
His + Hers Gift Guide 2015
His + Hers Gift Guide 2016
His + Hers Gift Guide 2017
His + Hers Gift Guide 2018
His + Hers Gift Guide 2019
FYI: the comment threads of all of these gift guides are amazing and filled with so many other game recommendations!
3. Owl Succulent Pot Holder: {aff. link} I love succulents, and I love this succulent holder. The owls! So cute! I think succulents are a great low-maintenance gift (I’ve given this succulent subscription several times as gifts). Succulents are about the only plant I can keep alive, so they might as well look cute while they’re in my house.
4. Super Comfy T-Shirt Dress: {aff. link} I love this comfy t-shirt dress. I wear it year round (it’s a great summer dress with flip flops or in winter with a long cardigan). I have the gray/white stripe. It fits pretty true to size and is loose and straight (not tight and form fitting).
5. Joggers:{aff. link} I mentioned these joggers {aff. link} on a Friday Thoughts post last month; they’re great. Inexpensive and so comfortable. I have the black camo pair. They’re a dri-fit, slickery type material (vs a soft stretchy knit). And for a splurge, let me repeat my love for these Vuori joggers. Incredible.
6. Silk Pillowcase:{aff. link} I was skeptical about silk pillowcases, but I am officially a convert. I love mine and am now one of “those” people that take my own pillow and pillowcase when I travel anywhere.
7. Milk Frother:{aff. link} My brother sent me this milk frother {aff. link} for my birthday earlier this year because he knows of my obsessive love for hot chocolate. I can’t believe I lived so long without a milk frother! I hear it’s great for homemade lattes, too, but I use it for hot chocolate and it takes hot chocolate to a whole new level.
8. Bamboo Cutting Boards:{aff. link} These bamboo cutting boards are fantastic! I needed new ones badly and have loved these ones. I use mineral oil occasionally to keep them in tip top shape. I have the small and medium-large sizes.
9. Throwing Hatchets: Brian and the boys threw hatchets at a church activity last year, and it didn’t take long before Brian had rigged up a couple old logs in our back yard so we could throw our own hatchets. It has been wildly popular (and it’s safe, I promise). Chances are if you ever come visit us, we’ll feed you, and then go out back and throw hatchets. Be careful…you’ll become obsessed. We get our hatchets and handles from here – we have full size hatchets and “mouse hawks” for younger kids.
10. The Most Amazing Wooden Spoon: I didn’t know I could love a wooden spoon so much. These hand crafted wooden spoons from Jonathon’s spoons really are in a league of their own. They are light weight and sturdy and pretty much perfect in every way. I have the spootle and the stirring spoon. The design and ergonomics of the spoons are unlike any other wooden spoon I’ve used.
11. Leather Handbag: {aff. link} I’m not a real pursey-purse kind of girl, but I love this cute but still functional leather handbag. It’s roomy without being bulky, and I like that it has a shoulder strap so I can still wear it crossbody.
12. Branch Basics: my friend introduced me to Branch Basics a few months ago, and I have been using it for everything from laundry to toilets to sinks. It’s amazing stuff, and I love how green and clean and natural it is. I’m already planning on gifting a starter set to a few friends and neighbors.
13. Geekey Multi Tool:{aff. link} this clever little multi tool fits on a key chain and has a screwdriver, ruler, wrench, bike tool, and more. My teenage driver is getting one of these in his stocking. UPDATE: thanks to a reader for alerting me that this tool also includes a bowl and a pipe labeled on the packing. I’m sorry for not noticing that (I had previously bought one of these for my dad and father-in-law…and I’m clearly super oblivious…I’m going to now have to make an awkward phone call to both of them).
14. Bold Habanero BBQ Almonds: {aff. link} I’ve talked about these bold-flavored almonds before, but it’s official: the habanero BBQ flavor is our favorite. So much so that they’ve gone straight to our Amazon subscribe and save orders. They are so, so, so good.
15. Extra Brute Cocoa Powder: {aff. link} For the chocolate lover or ultra home baker in your life, this extra brute cocoa powder is something else. It is the deepest, darkest, richest cocoa powder I’ve ever used. I save it for all the super special baking projects (or for homemade hot chocolate). It’s ridiculously amazing and totally worth the splurge.
16. Weighted Blanket:{aff. link} I tend to be a little claustraphobic-y and thought I’d hate a weighted blanket, but Brian got one for me earlier this year, and I.Love.It. I have twitchy restless legs at night and this blanket helps me sleep a lot better and a lot deeper. It does get warm (even though it says cooling), so I don’t use it as much in the summer, but I missed it while it was gone.
17. Proofing Baskets:{aff. link} for the bread baker who wants to take their bread baking up a notch, proofing baskets are so fun! I have a couple and love using them. They make me feel like a rock star, and they are great for sourdough recipes or free form bread. I have the loaf shape and the round baskets.
18. Leather Wallet:{aff. link} we got Brian this wallet for Father’s Day this year, and he says it’s his favorite wallet ever. Phew! It’s simple, no frills, but leather and durable.
19. Roadside Emergency Flashlight: {aff. link} a great little gift for someone to tuck into the glove compartment of their car! This high-powered flashlight also has an emergency signal – it’s small and lightweight!
20: My Favorite Bowls: {aff. link} I can’t tell you how much I love these bowls. They make prominent appearances in my food photos, but more than that, we use them all the time in our every day eating. They make perfect serving bowls for things like taco or pizza toppings, and they are also fantastic for main dish pastas, salads, or even soups. I LOVE them.
21: Collapsible Cooling Rack:{aff. link} this amazing collapsible cooling rack is the perfect solution when you are either making a bazillion cookies at once or you need to save counter space (or both!). It doesn’t take up a lot of storage space either. I use mine all the time.
Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
MEL—You are the WORST! I just received my JOGGERS as you listed in #5. I couldn’t wait (they were for Christmas). I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM! Holy Cow are they nummy! The fabric is amazing and the fit is out of this world and absolutely COMFORTABLE to the extreme! You always provide such awesome recommendations and this did not disappoint! I just ordered 4 more pairs! Thank you for your suggestions (both in recipes and in gifts!) Merry Christmas to me!
I rely on your these guides so much, Mel! Thanks for sharing them – I always come away with gift ideas for loved ones!
The collapsible cooling rack is unavailable . Do you have a recommendation of another one that is good?
Thanks so much
My favorite gift guides are yours! I’m eyeing up the succulent pots, the almonds, the frothier, the bowls, the spoons, the washcloths, and the pillowcases. Many for myself . Thanks for the fun ideas!
Just a quick heads up. I ordered the multi-tool for my 16 year old son and it is really cool…except that the packaging makes it a point to highlight that it features a bowl and pipe……
Oh my goodness, Audrey, I have bought this for several people and not noticed that (I must be super oblivious). Thanks for the heads up! Ugh. That’s kind of a deal breaker and I’ll add a note up there in the post!
Love your gift guides! As a fellow dark chocolate lover, is the Brute cocoa your favorite for hot chocolate? I need a good staple cocoa to whip up hot chocolate for the coming months. Thanks for all your hard work!
I DO love it for hot chocolate, but it’s pricey. So I usually use Anthony’s dutch-process cocoa or Guittard cocoa for hot chocolate.
Question – Wbat is the advantage or reasons why one would use a proofing basket? I have already purchased several of your suggestions! Haha!!
Hi Kim! Proofing baskets are great for soft bread doughs that have a tendency to spread out instead of up when freeform baking.
Can you recommend or post a recipe to use in them? Thanks!!
Hi Charlie, they are great for this French bread recipe or this rustic bread and I also use them for this rosemary bread.
https://www.melskitchencafe.com/french-bread/
https://www.melskitchencafe.com/macaroni-grill-rosemary-bread/
https://www.melskitchencafe.com/rustic-crusty-bread-a-simple-how-to/
I have made your oatmeal , whole wheat buttermilk pancakes to rave reviews. I have used white whole wheat as you suggested and followed the flour mixture as printed. I would like to make up some for Thanksgiving gifts. I wonder if I could omit the oil from the mix and suggest that 2 T per cup of mix could be added when the batch of pancakes is made. I would like to make something that does not need refrigeration. What say you?
Yours is my favorite cooking blog. Please keep up the good work. With Thanks.
Yes, I think that would work!
Thanks for these gift guides! I just love them and look forward to them and use them all throughout the year!
Hi Mel! Great list!! Can you tell me which adult hatchets you have and also, what do you use for a target?
Hi Kristina, we have a couple of these ones:
https://www.crazycrow.com/hand-forged-throwing-hawks/custom-throwing-hawk-hand-forged-tomahawk
My husband and kids strapped together a bunch of old logs and we use that for a target.
This may be the dumbest question ever… but…I also love hot chocolate…. do you put the frother right into the whole cup or do you make something separately and froth it up and put it on top? I have no experience with one of these gadgets.
Hi Diane, I just make the hot chocolate and use the frother right in the cup!
Can I add another “dumbest question ever”? Do you make the hot chocolate with just milk or do you use part water. And you just whip it up while it’s piping hot? Thanks!
I almost always use at least half milk (or all milk) because it helps the hot chocolate be extra creamy and the frother works better with milk. And yes, you whip it while it’s hot.
Awesome list! I just filled my amazon cart with all the things . Shhh…..
Hello and thank you so much for the gift guides. Quick question about the dress- I’m trying to decide if it’s something I could wear to church or if it’s too casual- I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!!
It’s a soft knit material (like a t-shirt) and delightfully shapeless 🙂 so it’s definitely on the casual end, but I think you could wear it with a cardigan and cute shoes and it would be totally fine!
Love the list!!! I wanted it to go on and on! Such great ideas! Thank you!
Thanks, Sherri! They are super fun lists for me to put together.
Great ideas, as always! Looks like you’re already getting lots of restless leg suggestions, but I’ll throw this one out too: we gave my mom compression socks and she swears by them now. (And they’re also good for long road trips.)
Thanks, Michelle!
The hatchets seem like a fun family gift! How many hatchets do you think is a good amount to have?
Hey Lori! We have two of the main/adult size hatchets and two of the smaller mouse hawks. You could have more but the actual steel part of the hatchet is super strong and sturdy and we’ve found we really only need two (usually people throw two, one at a time, and then we go retrieve them and someone else throws). You do have to replace the handles as they splinter and break (totally normal and expected). We’ve had ours since June and have used them a lot (several times a week) and I think we’ve replaced the handles twice.
Have the bowls ever broken? Do they shatter in a billion pieces like correll? Do they break less eat than a classic ikea plate for instance? Thank you!
We’ve had them over a year and so far no chips/no breaks. They are thick and sturdy, but they are also ceramic so if they drop or get banged against the counter or something, they could definitely break.
Thanks for another great gift guide! Just wanted to mention that for restless legs at night, we use magnesium lotion before bed. We get it from Magnesiumlotionshop.com. My older son likes some on his back before bed to help him relax and sleep better.
Thank you, Vickie!
Your gift guides are my very favorite! Thanks so much!
Thanks, Jessica!
Try taking an iron supplement for restless legs. Take it for about 6 weeks and then after that you can take it when you feel the restless leg coming and it will stop it in about 10 min
Thanks for the tip, Tiffany!
I never knew caffeine and dairy can both block iron absorption. Iron absorbs through the stomach lining, so best taken on an empty stomach, also with vitamin C.
Also be careful how much acidic foods you are eating while taking iron. It causes you to have more acid reflux. It also causes other non fun stomach issues. Only take it if your doctor suggests taking iron.
Yes, iron definitely helps me too! I read it on the Mayo website, and I do get anemic from heavy cycles. I never correlated my worsening RLS with my cycles getting heavier with age, but the iron has been a game changer! It was the one thing that finally motivated me to remember a pill everyday 🙂
Whoa! LOVE that spoon site you linked to!! Very good prices and I love the selection ……….Thank you!
Thank you for putting these together.
The throwing hatchets are a great idea, but can you tell me more about which hatchets y’all have; There are a lot of choices!
I have used Branch Basics for years as my only cleaner. It is a great product and a super stain remover.
Hi Sheila! We have a couple of these: https://www.crazycrow.com/hand-forged-throwing-hawks/custom-throwing-hawk-hand-forged-tomahawk
And then we replace the handles when needed (they inevitably crack or break over time – that’s totally normal). We have used both the ash and hickory handles. Our friend who told us about where to buy them suggested this starter set, too: https://www.crazycrow.com/hand-forged-throwing-hawks/custom-competition-throwing-hawk-set
Brian recently bought two of these https://www.crazycrow.com/hand-forged-tomahawks/mouse-hawk-womens-or-childs-throwing-camp-hawk which are smaller, lightweight hatchets so Cam and younger kids can throw them, too.
Great gift ideas! I have a couple of them in my carts already. Thank you for all the amazing recipes and great pearls of wisdom. We have been avid followers for a long time now. Although this question is from a post back in may, I’m wanting to add some food storage and supplies to my gift wishlist. I’ve been trying all different ways to open your link to your food storage spreadsheet, and just can’t get it to work. would you be willing to send me the excel file/link?
Thanks,
Elizabeth
Just sent it to your email address!