Not sure what to buy for those special friends and family members on your list? Maybe our suggestions can help! Our editorial team weighs in on their favorite gifts of the season.
Annie Tucker Morgan, Editor
This holiday season, I’m swearing off my usual frantic mall excursions. Not only are they stressful, but I always end up with a bunch of Christmas gifts that aren’t particularly meaningful—just so I have something to put under the tree for my loved ones. Instead, I’ve decided to give gifts that keep on giving, in the form of charitable presents for my family and friends.
For my mom and dad, both of whom work in finance, I can’t think of a better gift than a microloan in their names to Kiva.org, a nonprofit that encourages people to donate small amounts of money to entrepreneurs all over the world, alleviating poverty and building a vast global network of philanthropists.
Since I don’t have a single friend who doesn’t love NPR, I’ll be visiting its online store and snatching up cool gadgets and books for them; I’ve got my eye on David Sedaris’s Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk, the This American Life: Stories of Hope & Fear anthology, and the NPR Radio by Livio. Even better, every purchase I make will support NPR programming.
Finally, for all my beloved nieces and nephews, I’m trying to decide between a species adoption from the World Wildlife Fund, a Heifer International animal purchase, which will give a family in need a direct food source, and a donation to UNICEF in the kids’ names. The nice thing is, no matter what I choose, it’s a win-win.
Vicki Santillano, Staff Writer
I usually spend the last few weeks before the holidays stressing about what gifts to get for my family and friends, making lists and checking them twice and then throwing them away when new inspiration hits. But this year, I’ve been so obsessed with the accessories and home goods at Anthropologie that I’ve decided to do the majority of my shopping there. I got more gift ideas during a recent quick browse than I have from hours of online searching and bus-ride brainstorm sessions.
As soon as I spotted the Needlework Candle Tins in Burnt Vanilla, I knew it’d be the perfect stocking stuffer for my mom, who’s a sucker for cute candles with sweet scents. Maybe I’ll pair it with the Mistral Winter Russe Soap in Winter Berry, since it has a hint of vanilla as well. My friend who’s famous for her homemade desserts will be getting this adorable Baker’s Delight apron. Another friend is going on a European excursion this winter; I think this wine-colored eternity scarf will keep her stylishly warm.
I can’t buy everybody’s presents at Anthropologie (the men in my life care little for candles or scarves), but at least I can knock a few people off my list—and add a few hundred items to my own gift wish list in the process.
