Last-Minute (and Unique!) Gift Ideas
For the co-worker/mother-in-law/impossible-to-shop for on your list
We’re coming down to the wire here on Christmas gifts — I, for one, am not finished with my shopping. And while I think we’re all being undated with gift guides, and likely don’t need another, I felt it a good idea to round up some of the more unique items. The stuff for all those people on your list you never quite know how to shop for: your mother-in-law, your brother-in-law, you coworkers, etc.
Socks might seem like a weird gift but honestly, these are great and have been photographed on all the fashion girlies. The red ones are the best, though I’m also partial to the plum and the plain old white versions.
Erasers seem like a boring gift but these are French and they’re scented. And clocking in at just $10, they’d be a fun White Elephant gift.
Another excellent White Elephant option, this black wooden bowl is in the shape of a heart, and costs less than $25.
An ideal gift for your mother- or sister-in-law (or just your mom or sister), this John Derian tray can be hung on a wall, or simply placed on a table to serve as a catch-all for jewelry, keys, that kind of thing.
The most-asked-about item I have ever shown on Instagram is an adjustable easel. Mine is black but these gold easels, which come in two sizes, are somehow even better. This is the easiest way to display art without having to put a hole in your wall.
For your much younger and cooler cousin (or Gen Z co-worker): a set of bracelets handwoven by Colombian craftspeople using vibrant acrylic threads and finished with a semi-precious bead and a small brass medallion embossed with the mantra “be positive!”
This bright red toolbox seems cool enough, but when you open it up, you’ll see it actually functions as a small grill (and it comes with charcoal, a warming rack, a storage tray, a removable fuel tray and an adjustable vent).
This vintage constellation map would make a great boyfriend/husband/father-in-law gift. It also happens to be gorgeously framed, so it could be hung just about anywhere in your home, even if you aren’t into astronomy.
Okay so these vintage Christian Lacroix earrings are wildly expensive, but I’ve included them here because you could find something similar (possibly even the same ones) at an antique mall. You know all the glass cases up toward the front of most antique malls? Those are full of costume jewelry that would make such a fun gift for your cool cousin or aunt.
And while we’re on the subject of vintage gifts, the thrift store/antique mall is an ideal place to shop for last-minute gifts. My picks? A vintage frame, with a photo of you and the recipient inside; a vintage vase, full of flowers, a fun pair of costume jewelry or a scarf, or a vintage ashtray or decorative plate to use as a catch-all on the recipient’s bedside table.
Rapid Fire
A concert I watched: The Eras Tour. Duh.
A perfect where-to-shop guide for New York City: Jess over at The Love List compiled the ultimate NYC shopping guide, enlisting some of the chicest New Yorkers to help compile the most unique places to shop in the city.
This sentiment, by author Brianna Wiest:
…and I’ll leave you with this: