Gift Guide: Home For The Holidays

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Hey Jordan,

Hope you’re well! I just saw Kendrick’s gift guide, which reminded me that I need to buy presents for my brothers, which reminded me that one of them is about to move out of the house and in with his girlfriend for the first time. I was wondering if you had any thoughts on a good gift to get a couple just starting out?

– C

I think when it comes to giving a home-themed present, you have to first figure out which category the recipient falls into:

A new homeowner/recent graduate/newlywed – someone in need of real basics, like pots and knives and such; or
Someone who kind of already has everything they need, and would prefer something a little more off-the-beaten-path.

It sounds like the couple you’re buying for is likely in need of some basics, but I included a few from both categories just in case. And even if you’re going for essentials, I still think it’s nice to remember that a gift should always feel special – something the recipient is excited to get, but would probably not have ever bought for him or herself. Like a gold banana bud vase. (Just kidding.) (Sort of.)

I love everything pictured here SO MUCH. Let’s discuss.

Ayyy, this blanket. It’s just perfect. And a really cool blanket is one of those gifts that everyone enjoys, because really: you can never have too many really cool blankets.
I have such a thing for hand sculptures, and such a thing for books. Hand bookends are like the best of both worlds.
I cannot tell you how much I use our Le Creuset pot; it’s an absolute home essential. It’s expensive, but if you’re looking to get something that the person will keep forever and use constantly, this is it. (I especially love the white-with-a-gold-handle style pictured here.)
Another great gift pick for a someone who just moved into their first home: a truly great knife. This Henckels is a phenomenal pick for the price.
An Instax mini camera (plus some film) is such a cute gift – and you’d be surprised how much it actually gets used. It’s especially fun during parties – we just leave ours out and let guests take photos as they will – so it’s a great pick for an entertainer.
I don’t really think you should get your brother and his girlfriend a gold banana vase, but I think it’s so funny (and strangely cool) that I needed to put it on here anyway.
An elegant tray – and this one is rustic and not-too-feminine – comes in handy more than you’d think. Especially if the couple has a soft ottoman rather than a coffee table; they’ll definitely need a tray to set their wine glasses on during movie night.
This Pendleton log carrier is just the coolest thing ever. This plus the Camp blanket = best present of all time, IMO.
A gorgeous copper pitcher – plus the fixings to mix up a batch of cocktails – is a fun gift, and can also double as a vase in its off-duty hours.
Few things instantly brighten up a space like a live plant, and I love the idea of giving a couple who just moved into their first home a tree to plant in their yard (or stick on their windowsill).
If the couple you’re buying for lives in a cold climate, I cannot emphasize strongly enough how much this little fireplace will make their lives. (We had one when we lived in Westchester, and I loved it SO MUCH.)
Another cute blanket, if the Camp one isn’t your thing.
For a foodie, how about a cool salt cellar (this one is cement) plus one or two fancy salts?
I’m not personally an espresso drinker, but it’s my understanding from my friends who are that this little thing is basically a miracle.
For the apartment dweller who loves the idea of an herb garden but doesn’t have the space, I think this reclaimed wood wall planter is so neat.
And finally, this grill pan – another Le Creuset pick, because it truly is special stuff that lasts a lifetime – lets you grill meat and vegetables right on your stovetop on days when it’s too cold or too rainy to grill outside.