Holiday Gift Guide 2021

Shopping season is upon us, and today I’m excited to share a handful of our favorite gift ideas in the annual Holiday Gift Guide! Whether you’re adding items to your own wish list or picking out the perfect gifts for your family and friends, I hope that you find plenty of fun options gathered right here. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

We’ve all heard that it’s important to start our online shopping early this year, so I’ve done my best to pull together the ultimate list of holiday gift ideas in every price range, from both large online stores and smaller boutiques. I’m a big fan of supporting local, independent businesses, and I can’t wait to introduce you to some new favorites. Best of all, you can cozy up in your slippers, grab a mug of coffee, and get your shopping done virtually. Crank up the Christmas music and you definitely won’t miss that crowded shopping mall this year!

Just a quick note that this is not a sponsored post. I’m sharing links to products that we already own and love, or items that we might like to purchase. I haven’t been paid to mention these products. Some of the links are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. With that, let’s get shopping!​​​​​​​

Favorite Gift Ideas for 2021

There’s something perfect for everyone on your list in the annual holiday gift guide!

Twisty Taper Candles and Vintage Brass Candle Holders: This set of three beautiful taper candles make a practical gift that also serves as elegant and cozy home decor. Pair them with these vintage French brass candle holders (or other holders in your favorite style). They would be beautiful on a dining table or mantle.

USB Lighter: A great stocking stuffer on its own, or a clever addition to the candles shown above. This rechargeable lighter does away with the need for matches!

Sourdough Starter Kit: A great option for the bakers on your list! This package includes King Arthur Flour’s fresh sourdough starter, as well as a handmade crock for storing it.

Linen Bread Bag: This would be a great addition to the sourdough starter gift pack!

Tecovas Boots: you can’t go wrong with a beautiful new pair of cowboy (or cowgirl?) boots! For a guy or a gal, these are the perfect addition to any wardrobe.

Scout Bags: My favorite for carting all of our towels, goggles, snacks, and clothes to the pool or beach! These lightweight totes are waterproof, colorful, and available in a wide range of sizes and shapes. We use the “4 Boys Bag” — which is giant — for the pool all summer long. Add a plush, monogrammed beach towel to the bag for a great gift that your friends and family will enjoy on repeat!

The Loomia Turkish Blankets and Towels: I received one of these soft, thick, beautiful cotton blankets as a gift from a client, and I have been so impressed with its quality. You can cozy up with the big blanket on the couch, or use it on your bed. The company also sells beautiful Turkish bath towels that would make a lovely gift, too.

Beekman 1802 Hand Cream: I first discovered this rich, fresh-smelling goat milk hand cream at the Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg earlier this year. I promptly ordered multiple tubes for myself and my mom! The “fresh air” scent is clean and…fresh! I also really like the honey and orange blossom scent.

Nuvo Olive Oil: this olive oil comes highly recommended from a blog reader named Rochelle, who lives near the olive orchard in California. It’s a practical gift that will make any dish, salad dressing, meat, pasta, or crusty bread taste even better! There are a variety of extra virgin olive oils to choose from, as well as flavor-infused oils (such as Meyer lemon or garlic).

Farmhouse Pottery Olive Oil Bottle: I love just about everything that the potters make at Farmhouse Pottery in Vermont, but these olive oil bottles are a new release from the past year. They’re handmade artwork that you can enjoy in your kitchen on a daily basis! Pair a bottle with some gourmet olive oil (like the Nuvo brand shown above) for a really special treat.

Heirloomed Collection Candles and Tea Towels: Ashley’s small business has been a favorite of mine for years. Her products recently launched in Nordstrom stores, so the business is no longer very small! The handmade scented candles make great hostess gifts or stocking stuffers at this time of year, while her aprons and tea towels add a lovely touch of nostalgia to any home. You can check out the full Heirloomed holiday gift guide here, find the classic tea towels here, or check out the aprons here.

Leather Gloves: Keith has new leather gloves on his wish list this year, and I love this version for myself when the weather gets cool. They’re cashmere-lined, made with buttery soft leather, and they’re even tech-friendly so you can use them with your smartphone!

Craft Beer Tasting Kit: I gave this set to Keith for his birthday a few months ago, and he has raved about the high-quality glasses. Each item is designed to enhance a specific beer style, including IPA, Tulip, Lager, and Hefe glasses. Pair them with a six pack or a case of craft beer and you’ll have one happy husband!

Hummingbird Feeder: we have a number of feeders around our property, but the hummingbird feeders definitely bring Keith the most joy. They work well, they’re easy to manage (just fill with sugar water rather than seed), and they’re not too expensive — especially given the entertainment that they provide. Perfect for bird-lovers of any age!

Striped Beach Blanket: Know someone who’s already dreaming of her summer beach vacation? These classic striped blankets are hand-loomed with super soft cotton in a size that’s big enough to fit the whole family!

Bombas Socks: Nobody loves to buy themselves socks, but we all appreciate a great-fitting pair! I’ve heard folks rave about this particular brand for years, making them a great stocking stuffer. They’re available in a variety of sizes, colors and styles for both men and women. Bonus — the company donates a pair of socks to a homeless shelter for every pair purchased!

Dr. Squatch Soaps for Men: Keith has a set of these organic, handmade bar soaps that smell like different cocktails. Sounds crazy, but they actually smell good! The variety packs include scents like bay rum and wood barrel bourbon.

Le Pen Fine Point Pens: If you know someone who loves stationery supplies, then she’ll love this set of colorful pens! I received them earlier this year and instantly fell in love. They’re smooth, the color is rich, and they’re smear resistant. Pair them with an adult coloring book or a nice moleskin notebook for a thoughtful gift.

Kiehl’s Ultra Hydrators Set: The Ultra Facial Cream has been my personal favorite night cream for years now. It’s rich and moisturizing, but lightweight and not greasy. This little holiday kit that also includes hand salve, eye treatment, and creme de corps, would be a very welcome gift during the cold, dry-weather months! Tip — the lip balm set is equally good!

Barbour Wray Gilet Vest: I live in vests from the time fall arrives until late spring, so I’ve got quite the collection of colors and styles in my closet. These are my all-time favorites! They’re warm, yet stylish and fitted enough so that they don’t feel too bulky — even under a heavier coat.

Ted Baker Crossbody Bag: This sweet little purse was on my birthday list this year! It’s a nice option for those short trips out of the house when you don’t want to haul a larger bag with you. The classic shape and size goes with just about any outfit, and it’s available in black or maroon as well. The purse is big enough for a wallet, keys, phone…and not much else!

Virginia Goodies: You know I love my home state, and there are a few things that we do better than anyone else! Spoil your loved ones with fresh Rappahannock Oysters, Kite’s country ham (from right here in Madison), or crunchy, salted Virginia peanuts.

Vuori Sunday Performance Joggers: Hands-down the softest, most comfortable athleisure wear for men and women!

Charix Shoes: I live in running shoes and boots, since they’re most practical for my life around here. That said, sometimes it’s nice to dress up a little more and wear loafers or flats with certain outfits. My feet are super-picky, and these are the most comfortable flats I’ve found. They remind me of canvas Toms shoes, but with a bit more support and an elevated look. The leather is buttery soft, and the insole is memory foam. I know it’s practically impossible to buy shoes for someone else, but maybe you’d like to add these to your own list? I have the camel color and the navy with red trim.

Smithey Ironware: Some of my favorite cast iron pieces come from this Charleston-based company. The heirloom-quality pieces will last for generations, and they’re beautifully crafted. Favorites include the 10-inch and 12-inch skillets, as well as the carbon steel oval roaster. An amazing gift for any home cook!

What’s on YOUR holiday list?

So there you go, friends! I hope that I’ve inspired a handful of unique holiday gift ideas for the season ahead. Leave a comment below and let me and the other readers know what’s on your holiday shopping list this year, too!