The 7 Best Sales Today
Happy December! Are you getting excited for the holidays? Here’s the full Cup of Jo 2025 gift guide, except for the hard-to-shop-for guide, which is coming up tomorrow. Meanwhile, if you’re doing some shopping for yourself or others, we’re happy to share seven excellent sales today…
Get 50% off at J.Crew. I’d love to give my mom and aunts these pajamas.
Get 40% off at Banana Republic. They have great sweaters, especially this very chic cardigan and lightweight V-neck.
Get 40% off, plus free shipping, at Madewell. I’d wear this polo every day.
Nordstrom is offering 60% off select styles. Even the magical Westman Atelier makeup is on sale. (A CoJ reader once said she threw away her other blushes once she discovered this brand.)
As for independent stores, Little King — a very cool design shop in Beacon, New York — is offering up to 25% off. Perhaps a little treat for sushi fans?
Mr. Boddington — with stationery, desk supplies, and books that feel right out of The Royal Tenenbaums — is offering a free bag, if you spend more than $75.
And Lewis — the sweetest nursery and children’s brand — is offering 25% off with code CHEER25. They’re my go-to for baby gifts.
Since I’m always curious what people actually buy, I treated myself to touchscreen gloves for the winter and got this dreamy set for my sister. How about you? Who’s on your list this year? xoxo
Note: If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission or have a sponsored relationship with the brand, at no cost to you. We recommend only products we genuinely like. Thank you so much.
(Photo from J.Crew)
Comments
92 commentsI am so thrilled to see a local-to-me store on the list. I am fairly certain I would like any gift from their store – they have such a beautiful selection.
The J. Crew pajamas are so good. I have two pair and I orchestrate my pajama-wearing so that I’m in them on nights when I know I will be sleeping in the next day, just so I can be in them longer.
Speaking of giving sustainably, we initiated a new tradition this year. I currently live in Germany, where Advent calendars are taken quite seriously. Instead of buying mass produced calendars, we started a friend homemade DIY Advent calendar. Basically, we assigned all participants a number/date between 1 and 24. The number received was the “door” participants made/designed. Each participant created 24 (of the same) small homemade gifts (e.g., chocolates, ornaments, baked goods, spice mixes, jam, little art projects, etc. etc.), wrapped them, and numbered them with their assigned number. The rule: the items had to be homemade. Last weekend, we had a door exchange party (everyone received one of each) with Glühwein and cookies. It was so festive and cozy! Each day of December, we all open the same door number – and it’s so fun to have a happy reason to connect and comment and share (recipes, tips, etc.) after opening the day’s surprise!
This is brilliant!!
Joanna, I hope you still post the hard to shop for guide. I like looking at them, even if I don’t purchase anything. I think the negative comments are just coming from seeing sponsored content on blogs at the end of the year, when you need to get some Christmas presents, while in the mean time the price of groceries alone is at an all time high, not to mention price hikes in electricity, etc. and these are all life essentials, not exactly things I can choose to buy less off in the new year! So every year there is a disconnect between aspirational life and our real life choices.
I feel like I can’t believe I’m seeing some of the comments on this post. I think it’s okay to talk about real issues caused by consumerism, but it is another to speak as though CoJ is forcing everyone here to contribute to the downfall of our planet and human race by posting an optional gift guide. Are we grown ups? With our own brains and agency and free will? I’ve been reading this blog for years and, as far as I can remember, have been influenced to buy one single thing: a subscription for Kate McLeod’s sex stone. We love it and I’m thrilled to have been shown it exists. It hasn’t been difficult to scroll right past the things we don’t need for the past several years of reading. CoJ isn’t twisting anyone’s arm to buy new things. They’ve gone thru the trouble of finding readers ideas for gifts, if you like. It saves hassle for those who struggle with coming up with ideas, and it saves readers money if there is a sale. And in the process, it gives Jo and her team a way to make a living which is a good thing. If you think there is a better way for her to make a living and support her team, drop some helpful ideas in the comments. Jo is so open minded and always willing to make adjustments when she is able. As for local shopping, in my imagination it sounds so great and special, but in reality in my town I can be sure to find a large amount of moose related decor and hoodies, huckleberry soaps/baked goods, and extremely expensive art that I don’t love (the moose, people, please consider another muse). We have one truly excellent book store, and the prices cost double and triple what they cost on thriftbooks. It’s the same at our lone, adorable toy store. Our thrift stores disappoint unless you go weekly which I don’t have the time or ability to do because I am disabled, have a job, and homeschool two little kids. I don’t have FB for marketplace or buy nothing groups. I do 99% of my shopping online because it’s what I am able to do. I think gift guides are really fun to read, and no one is holding a shotgun to my head forcing me to overbuy anything. Here are the gifts that I’m doing this year. Everything is already bought and wrapped so I can experience December, my favorite month, without last minute shopping which stresses me so much. For my sister: several house cleanings because she hosts a lot, but stresses over the work of a tidy house. For my husband: Turtlebeach gaming headset, a little phone holder for the shower because he loves watching things like “how cars work” or “which is better: Fire Maple or Jetboil” on youtube, a couple tool organizer things for the garage because no one is more disorganized than my husband, and one of those squeeze slushy cups (I hope it really works). For my kids: some very wonky, hand sewn pillows which I embroidered to death, pink hiking backpacks of their own(they’re SO TINY), pink walking sticks, the tiniest, pink plastic golf set which will be great for our extra long hallway and extra long winters, and a tiny pink karaoke machine because my husband has the most beautiful baritone and he will sing on that thing with them every day so really it’s a gift for myself, a bunch of craft stuff because we can’t keep enough scotch tape or glue dots stocked in this house for them, and wool hiking socks for their stockings. For my best friend who is the grandest nerd: Magic The Gathering LOTR collector cards, Shawn and Gus Funko Pops, and one of those book nook puzzles (Interstellar bookshelf scene because, you know, nerd). And for myself, I asked for new embroidery supplies, a romantic cami from Free People Intimates to sexily “pad around the house in”, for my husband to paint our bedroom while I do absolutely nothing except perhaps eat chocolates while I sit on a heating pad because my back always hurts now, and a new book which I will read for probably only five minutes every night before falling asleep. I hope every reader here has a beyond expectations wonderful Christmas, and wonderful December. I hope you have the strength and courage to say no to every dreaded activity, and yes to every joy!
Thank you! Honestly thinking the same thing with some of these comments. Buying local is great when you can, but it’s also a pretty privileged viewpoint. Because, let’s be real, local shops are almost always more expensive (or don’t have everything)–and rightfully so!–but not everyone can afford that. And if you don’t want to spend money for the holidays, why even open the article titled “The 7 Best Sales Today”?
Hear, hear!
While I agree that no one is forced to purchase an item in a gift guide, influencing people’s purchasing decisions (which is what gift guides are explicitly for) is still a huge form of soft power. Do we have free will and agency? Yes. And yet our desires are shaped by what we see around us. As Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom said, “‘I just like what I like’ is always a capitalist lie.” I know that no gift guide will satisfy everyone, and Joanna + team are trying to walk a very tricky tightrope of finding things are appealing, affordable, accessible, and available from reliable retailers. That’s a huge task! I’m just saying that if you’re wondering why some folks are expressing strong reactions to something that might seem trivial, it’s because they recognize the well-documented power of influencing and the very real impact of fast fashion (like GAP/Banana Republic) on our planet and human race. I also have a hard time shopping in person (do much of my purchasing online after work is over and my kids are in bed) and agree that many local stores have high overhead and thus are likely to be more expensive than what we can find online, but just want to share the perspective that shopping locally is not only for the privileged. Lots of poor folks shop in their own towns and neighborhoods. I’ve received great gifts from pharmacies (bath bombs), hardware stores (gardening gloves/tools), and bodegas (fun snacks/candy). Even if it’s from a chain store, buying in person generates more local jobs and puts more money back into the community.
This is poetry. Thank you.
I picked up some decor & lifestyle magazines from the last 20+ years at an estate sale and am giving a few to friends along with an Only Good Things for 2026 calendar from people I’ve loved. Also found a few useful/fun/nostalgia gifts at the thrift store for a couple people: the home edit ornament storage dividers, a Taylor swift notebook, Gilmore girls advent calendar, a labubu washcloth lol, and a cute vintage mug. Oh and a couple months ago I got some charm soup from Loony You Studio on etsy to divide amongst them—I kept a few, too haha.
i wonder if there is a way to blog differently/do business differently given the climate crisis and myriad injustices due to our consumption chains. i was hopeful about big salad, but it seems to be more of the same (affiliate links and product recommendations, just behind a paywall)
How about you choose your blogs differently?
Guess I’m in the minority of readers, or commenters at least, but I love shopping recommendations. I like having to sift through less and see things I wouldn’t otherwise see or find. <3
Same! I don’t shop a lot, which usually makes me pretty bad at knowing what to get. I saw that hot chocolate rec and got it immediately for a few people! People can make really sustainable choices when shopping (more than 75% of my furniture is estate sale finds!) but also still buy gifts that aren’t local and that’s fine by me. Easier, takes me less time for me, and I feel like it’s way less likely to be returned.
Also writing from Australia as it starts to really warm up here my Twin brother sent a photo this morning from Boston of the first snow of the season which has made me really emotional. He moved over just before COVID and has met the love of his life, gotten engaged, inherited two of the most spectacular nieces (who I have adopted by proxy) and is building the most wonderful beautiful life. He just spent Thanksgiving baking pies and celebrating with in-laws & I am missing him a lot today. Cannot wait to visit him in New York in May for his wedding. This weekend I was at work in Emergency Services (it marks my move from probation to a permanent team – so that is a something to celebrate) & completing the last of a Certification is Active Volunteering so has felt productive in its own way.
Wow, you are so impressive! Congratulations! I really admire your choice to work to help people. Good luck with the transition.
I was the reader who threw away all blushes bar the Westman Atelier & absolutely stand by Poppet which looks terrifying in the tube but gives the most gorgeous snow flushed naughty sweet cheeks.
I’d like to know where all the wrapping paper is from! Love those polka dots!
I felt the same! It looks like some (or all?) are previous seasons of Mr. Boddington’s. You can find the polka dot one still available from other vendors by searching “Holiday Color Palette Gift Wrap.” Atelerie and Duly Noted are two places it turned up. ;)
yes, mr boddington’s!
Like so many other commentators I’m quite weary of the consumerism and all the affiliate links to huge corporations. I understand that these links probably generate a significant amount of revenue for this beloved website, but it feels like too much this year, or like, we’re missing the mark. For Xmas this year I just want to get out all of our old decorations, drink TJ’s candy cane green tea (flavors work, surprisingly!) out of my mom’s old xmas mugs, and watch Klaus with my kids on Netflix. I know I’ll go on my little shopping spree at some point for presents for the family but we’re gonna keep it local as much as possible!
Klaus! My very favorite Christmas movie. We started watching it last night. I’m also trying to keep my shopping local this year (although I understand that doesn’t necessarily work for a gift guide with a global audience).
Sort of related. Even though I’ve never been a shopper, for whatever reason for awhile I enjoyed participating in several groups (on fb, gee thanks and F 35) that are pretty much, well, shopping groups. For unimportant reasons, I stopped this year. And by golly, even me, not a shopper, I have spent so much less, thought so much less about products and things. All this to say… look at the spaces that you frequent. Are they consumerist? Would you maybe be happier elsewhere? Here, at CoJ, i mostly skip over the sponsored posts and those that are pretty much about buying new things. It’s not all that much, but I feel better just not even seeing it. I know Jo has to make a living and I respect that. I’m just pointing out that we can expose ourselves to less consumerism, and we might be happier for it. (I also skip all ads on social media or pod casts, mute commercials, don’t read ads, don’t participate in “sale” days, and don’t try to optimize my life with the very best whatever).
you know, i don’t have much consumerist media except for cup of jo, and i realize it’s definitely led to an uptick in my shopping (thinking and browsing and brain space especially, because i am a magpie and if people show me cute fun things to buy i am compelled to look). makes me sad because i LOVE this corner of the internet, but makes me aware i need to dial back my involvement because its hard for me to just “skip” over the posts about buying things
Hugs Nadia. It’s hard! We’re all magpies to a degree in think. One thing that helps me, when I see something that sparks that “ooh! Iwant!” feeling, I put it on a list on my phone. Somehow putting it on the list feels enough like acquiring to my brain to let it go. And now I’ve got a (giant, lol) list of wants, just in case i DO have an occasion to get a treat, or give a hint to someone who wants to buy me a gift. Came in really handy for my secret Santa wish list this year – I had a bunch of stuff ready and didn’t have to think. It might not work for you, but maybe give a try if you think it might. It’s hard to give up the good things in this space! I for one would miss you.
This is a PSA to join your local buy nothing group on facebook! Do i wish it was not on facebook, of course. But my buy nothing group has changed my life drastically – usually everything i need is already cluttering up someone else’s house, and everything i have (even things that couldn’t be donated otherwise) someone else is clamoring for! It’s such a joy.
The Porch Swing app is available in some places (I’m in Oregon) and it’s just like buy nothing but without needing to be on Facebook! Just a heads up in case anyone else is looking for a way to give/receive without fb.
Buy nothing is the greatest! I particularly like the hyper-local nature of it. A fun way to meet and help neighbors you’d never have crossed paths with
Yes! Whenever Buy Nothing comes up, I need to echo how amazing it is! I am an avid member of my local group. I can’t eat dairy, and house guests have left an open half gallon of milk before, and someone in my neighborhood will usually scoop it up within an hour of my post. It’s incredible. I’m so grateful to the group. There is so much less waste because of it. The family that I nanny for will often ask me to throw away perfectly good things (think-candles that have been burned but only a little bit, plastic clothes hangers, slightly stained kids clothes) and I can’t bring myself to throw them out, I just bring them back to my apartment and then put them on the buy nothing group. It’s amazing.
I’m a minimalist/non consumer ( use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without), so my holiday list usually includes what needs to be replaced or something new that we need and will use such as the touchscreen gloves you mentioned or a hot water carafe for making hot drinks etc. The real gift is conscientious consumption- I try my best to ensure these items are tear/ pain free consumptions- not made by small kid hands, no one consumed toxins, was hopefully paid a livable wage, no rainforests were wiped out, and 100% Cruelty Free. I’m sharing this short video for those who want to show care for others- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUM58LIU2Lo&t=3s
I’m so buoyed to see the number of comments encouraging shopping locally from independent stores or not at all because none of us actually need new stuff, choosing experiences and donations over material goods, and reminding us of the environmental and political consequences of consumerism. In the era of influencers, gift guides and Black Friday sales, it’s easy to feel like everyone everywhere is frantically mass consuming thoughtlessly from big corporate giants, and as always, the COJ comment sections provides reassurance that there are lots of people out there who care, are intentional, have values that align with mine and are not just giving up as if it’s all inevitable. And I say all of this understanding that COJ is a business that needs to generate income – I don’t begrudge you the consumerism bent of your blog, and enjoy “window shopping” your links.
Thanks for thoughtful gift guides. Gifts are my love language, and I think that while fighting back against consumerism is always important … bits of joy are too? We all decide which battles to fight and where we can make the most difference. My personal goals are to shop small and thoughtfully, and trusted recs are very helpful to cut through the noise.
The “CHEER25” promocode for Lewis doesn’t work for me FYI. Not sure if anyone else has had it work for them!
Hi Kathy! I just checked their Instagram, and it looks like their Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale ended last night, which is why the code no longer works. :(
I feel a bit guilty cause as soon as I ordered six natural wine bottle toppers from Little King, that finish sold out. And now they’re all sold out. Good for Little King, bad for anyone wanting to purchase them in time for Christmas. But I highly recommend — they are beautiful! On a (maybe) related note, I read an essay by Joanna Gaines last night that caused me a moment of……..rage? Too strong, but it sure left a bad taste in my mouth. It was about during this season, we all have to wind down, simplify, reflect, etc. etc……really become more grounded and spiritual. The same Magnolia issue displayed her fully decorated house, which was anything BUT relaxed and spiritual. Well, maybe the result was, but we all know the frenzy in which these spectacular displays are created. And it felt so — dishonest. Coming from someone who has created a very successful career out of whipping women (mostly) into decorating maniacs, it was a real turn off. I’m trying to create a lovely Christmas for my family and will go to great lengths to do so, but I’m definitely not putting up at least four fresh trees (the tallest being 14 feet high, in Joanna’s house) and everything that goes along with it. I’m determined to actually make this season more spiritual! Anyhow — just wondering if others are feeling this weird vibe (doing SO MUCH but somehow not working hard on it!) and how you are all coping with the conflicting feelings.
The Grinch is a great example, and full of irony… the moral of How The Grinch Stole Christmas is that we don’t need the “stuff,”, but merchandise related to (admittedly, the new not the original Grinch) is now everywhere and overwhelming.
Silly Lily, you are not one bit silly. I love Christmas like no other time of year, but the American version of it – where the house is transformed into a showcase and gifts are tumbling out from under an overdecorated tree – makes me very, very weary. What unrealistic expectations – especially in a year when so many families are struggling. I raise my mug of tea to you, girl.
What a great description. When my kids were small we decided to do three things that made us happy and skip the rest. A real tree. Baking a little. And gifts but out kids knew they weren’t getting everything. Remember that most people don’t need to meet the standards of rich people or go into debt to celebrate.
I share this feeling of ickiness during this time of year. My solution is to do my absolute very best to reuse things from previous years, and as a bonus my kids seem to really enjoy the sense of nostalgia stirred up by our “old” decor, much more than they would by a trendy decorated house. I also wrap all of our Christmas books for the kids to open as a countdown to Christmas. And beyond that, we pick literally one other thing to do- this year it was a play. Trying to keep up with making everything perfect makes me exhausted and doesn’t actually contribute to my children’s enjoyment of this season, so I let most things go, and we’re all happier!
Here’s what reflection and simplifying looks like in my house this year. Secret Santa. Each of the adults are only buying a gift (or gifts, limit $75) for one person. My husband is in charge of stocking treats. We cut our own real tree, $5 Forest service tag. The only thing on the tree is one strand of lights (it’s very small and wouldn’t hold more) and our cherished sea shell star on top, that we got our very 1st Xmas together, 33 years ago. I hang about 15 ornaments in our front window with more lights. And a few decorations for the door. That’s it. IT’S ENOUGH. I do not need to decorate my bathroom for xmas lol. My husband put some lights in the front for the children in our lives. We will also keep the food simple and non traditional, eating what we like instead. I used to exhaust myself trying to keep up, esp with gifts for everyone PLUS extended family. Just no. I really really really want to make it a thing that xmas gifts are for children (and maybe for couples, and for those groups, SMALL, HOMEMADE, USABLE) and that’s it. None of us need anything. It’s all just capitalism run amok.
I mean, I use media resources like Joanna Gaines as inspiration to do what I can in a way that fits my lifestyle. No one is insisting you get 4 trees? Why are you blaming media for “whipping you into a decorating frenzy”?? Do you not rule your own mind and actions? I don’t get it.
Just do what you want?
One thing that we’ve opted out of is stockings. The concept of finding “stocking stuffers” – i.e., random things to fill up the space in a large sock – is everything I am trying to avoid around the holidays (quantity over quality, gifts with little meaning). Maybe it’s because I have three young kids who tend to accumulate small plastic things like dogs collect burs. Perhaps I’ll rediscover the joy when they’re out of this highly acquisitive phase.
To Heather, because stockings make me so happy and are always far more heartfelt/personalized for me than the ‘bigger gifts’ – I do understand the disappointment of small plastic things that kids accumulate and not wanting to have more in your house. If I can suggest a few things for future years when you bring them back here’s what I’m putting in my daughter’s (4) and it fills it with few things and mostly consumable: 2 lush bath bombs, 2 small nail polishes, her favorite snacks like veggie straws and cheese its and pouches, new toothbrush, a book, and an orange! For my 1 year old I got a small book, her favorite teether snacks, a new toothbrush, and an orange!
Thank you, Jules, for growing my Grinchy heart one size. I do love the idea of snacks!
I know so many of us are trying to shop local, so I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite local shops (Tulsa, OK). Kiddlestix – the cutest toy store Ida Red – amazing Route 66 finds Ribbons Magic City Books Snow Goose
Excellent idea! In Rhode Island: Books on the Square, Barrington Books, Frog and Toad, Stock Culinary Goods, pottery sales at South County Art Association and RI clay space, Purple Cow, artist sales at the Waterfire Center, just to name a few.
I’m in Tulsa too and would add Made to your list :) It’s right next to Magic City. I’ve never heard of Ribbons though. Also, I’m excited to check out Kiddlestix now that I have a little one!
Molly, thank you for reminding me about Made! It’s such a great shop!
This holiday season, I’ve focused on making purchases from local small businesses, black-owned businesses, and generally trying to avoid corporations when possible. In the time of billionaires, it’s great to support one’s local community. Local bookstores especially need our monetary support this time of year! I appreciate the independent stores included in this list. :)
Amen, Sarah! What you’re doing is so important ♡
Got a sweater last year, immediately returned due to how thin it was.
I bought my hard to shop for brother-in-law a customized daily calendar from Social Print Studio after a COJ commenter recommended it. I think he’ll love it and I’m glad to have that knocked off my list. My favorite part of the gift giving madness is stocking stuffers and my favorite place to buy them is Fair Play Projects, which I also learned about from the COJ comment section. I’ve also gotten some fun items from various Etsy shops. For more budget conscious stocking items I still hit up the dollar store, the pharmacy and Trader Joe.
Tess, I just googled fair play to check it out, and it’s two miles from my house!! Thanks for the recommendation, I’m going to go there in person(!!) this week!
I got my mom the daily calendar from Social Print and it remains one of her all-time favorites! She’s used it for two years in a row now.
Adore Fair Play Projects!!! I live in the Bay Area and nothing is like it here. Wonderful toys, books, arts & crafts, excellent little stocking stuffers/gifts that bring so many smiles. Quick shipping and a hand written note in the box.
I bought myself a Snoopy watch and red New Balance sneakers on eBay (both $30). I like buying things second hand if possible. Last year I thrifted two of my sisters merino wool sweaters from thrift stores that were nice quality.
Yesss, the quality of secondhand goods is so often superior to their modern day counterparts – at least when it comes to anything in an affordable price point. Your finds sound like total compliment-magnets, too. I know it’s the season for Snoopy’s Christmas special, but I was just thinking about the one where he runs the Iditarod.
Muslin jammies from H&M! We have one million cozy muslin blankets all around the house with our one year old so when I saw the jammies I had to. /have been pleasantly surprised with the quality of H&M baby clothes so hoping for the best with adult.
I am trying to get my head in the game, but haven’t bought anything yet. My goal is to not lose track of myself in all the frenetic energy, or get overwhelmed by obligations. Peace, ease, and love will be my compass. And I am hoping to keep gifts pared down to simple pleasures and comforts, like pajamas, socks, a book, maybe something fun to eat.
Got some long cashmere gloves from Gardenheir during their sale – feels decadent! The other gift I’m excited about this year – can’t remember which gift list introduced me to it! – is a tide log from tidelog.com. They’re beautiful! I’m sending it to my person who lives by the ocean, in conjunction with a subscription to the Abrams Planetarium sky calender.
I admit to buying a couple things this weekend but you know what feels so good? Not falling for the sales, not falling for the hype, and not going into debt for no reason!
Word, Rachel!
Yassss, Rachel! ♡
I stocked up on shampoo and electrolytes! No xmas spending at all. I’m not here to prop up this economy for this administration.
I am a longtime COJ reader/superfan but am having a hard time lately not knowing what is sponsored content and what’s not. I wish the delineation was clearer on posts like these. Thanks so much for considering this feedback.
Thank you for your note! Yes I will talk with our team about this and we’ll come up with a new way to make the sponsored content more immediately clear. Thank you!!
Olivia, thanks for bringing this up, and thanks, Joanna, for graciously addressing it with the team! I, too, have wondered a few times in recent months whether things were sponsored or not when seeing repeated mentions. For instance, I know Joanna loves the Roz hair line, and the British gardens are indeed gorgeous, but after multiple mentions of each, or inclusions on several link lists, I wondered if they were being promoted. I really do want CoJ to keep running forever and ever, and pay all your staff competitively! But I do think a little more transparency would be welcomed for added authenticity. Even an asterisk with a note at the bottom saying (this brand has sponsored us previously, and now we’re just recommending this as big fans!) would be helpful. I also know affiliated links generate income, too, but do feel that that is widely understood and clearly noted.
Agree with this 100%! It’s not just this site. It seems like across the internet and social media, sponsored posts have gotten a lot less transparent. Thanks for bringing it up and thanks to Joanna for addressing the topic.
I want to stay positive, but I’d really love to see some less consumerist gift ideas — like experiences, good second hand shops, etc. I’m a climate scientist, and for me the holidays are a reminder of how wasteful consumer culture is and how it’s not sustainable if we want an ok climate/ecosystem 50 years from now. We should think harder about what new consumer goods we buy. (To temper the moralism, I’ll say that I bought my partner an OMGYES membership, because sexy times are sustainable ;)).
Tickets to a show or concert are always awesome! My husband has gifted me with Kenny G, Herb Albert and A Beautiful Noise tickets in the past!
Yes to your comment on climate and consumerism. Bigger yes (or omg yes!) to the sexy sustainable membership, hehe
Yes, thank you for pointing this out Tereza! We celebrate christmas eve at home and it’s very low key (cheese platter, board games). We don’t do gifts but instead we each choose a good cause to donate to (I will be donating to UNRWA again this year). I explained the principles of ‘we have our house, our health, food and safety and not everyone in the world has that’ to our 5 year old, and he’s on board to choose his own cause this time. For the extended family get togethers there are gift habits however, but we all try to keep it to a normal level: something useful or an experience.
It’s heartening to see more of these comments on gift guides. I’m not sure why so many purportedly feminist/ eco-conscious blogs have this content—I understand that affiliate links pay the bills, but there has to be a better way.
OMG Tereza! After reading your comment, I went down an OMGYES rabbit hole! Wow I had no idea that type of learning platform existed. I talked to my husband and we moved forward with the one time membership (and it’s half off!). As I navigate the intense waves of perimenopause, I can’t tell you how excited I am to explore my sexual health and depths of pleasure (whether it’s with my spouse or by myself)!
Thank you for this comment! I agree wholeheartedly. I am not buying anything off of this gift guide/sale guide, but I AM being more thoughtful about how I go about giving gifts / experiences, and where my money is going and what it is supporting. I respect needing to have enough money to pay the staff of Cup of Jo (obviously) but as others have said here and elsewhere, there has to be a better and more eco-conscious way.
Museum memberships for adults or kids or families is always a winner.
Land’s End winter jacket for my oldest! I remembered to have him try on last year’s coat and of course sleeves were too short (this was after letting ’em out, a fab feature of their coats). Also, this weekend I had success with 4 eBay purchases – woot! I made a fair offer and got items for the same or lower cost than AMZ. Plus I stumbled upon an eBay shop benefiting seniors aging in place in Morningside Gardens NY. I love that I’m checking off my kid’s lists plus supporting social events for seniors. Points for eBay.
Two gifts for hard-to-shop for folks that I thought I’d share: A 2-month Letterjoy subscription for my dad, who loves pens, handwritten letters and history. The service sends a historic letter to his address once a week! My brother and I are going to make several soups/casseroles and freeze them in single servings with short handwritten notes for our grandmother who lives alone and far away from us. We’ll see her for Christmas and let her choose her recipes, then make them the next couple of days for her. Happy gifting y’all!
Been hunting for a gift for my stepdad and Letterjoy looks right up his alley. Love how unique this is vs. my traditional gift of a book. Thank you for the rec!
What an incredible idea for your grandmother. I can tell you are a good gift giver. Thanks for the inspo!
That’s an amazing gift! My mom is a soup fiend, and I am stealing your idea for your grandma.
Wow, thank you for the Letterjoy recommendation! This is the perfect gift for someone I know!
I am not a grandma but if someone let me pick out recipes to make and froze them for me, I would so delighted. Such a good idea!
Anonymous Elf you are such a thoughtful gift giver! I’m going to pinch the soup/casserole idea…thank you!
That second gift idea is something I would LOVE to receive.
Are folks enjoying Banana Republic lately? I’m looking for quality sweaters that don’t pill instantly and have had mixed success w BR.
I get annoyed when there is pilling, too! My BR sweaters pill sometimes. But recently, I invested in a pill remover/fabric shaver. One of the best purchases ever! I wish I had done that sooner.
Agree, but I have a better track record when I check the fiber content. I don’t buy sweaters that have plastic (polyamide/rayon/elastin) in them because they will look TERRIBLE after just a few wears. But the ones that are 100% wool or a wool/cotton/linen/silk blend wear much better. That said, if you want good quality sweaters, shop consignment/vintage. Vintage cashmere is CHEAP but GREAT! I got a 100% cashmere sweater at our local consignment for $5 and it’s lasted more than a decade!
I just got a “forever cardigan” from BR Factory, of all places, and it looks like great quality. It’s a smooth cotton rayon blend. I think fuzzy sweaters, even nice wool or cashmere are just going to pill…
Knits are where I have the least luck with BR – credit where credit is due, they *did* make one of my all-time favorite pairs of pants. Please go vintage for sweaters, though! They really aren’t hard to find, I swear. I’ve got a bunch that I swear must be immortal. If you’re bothered by pilling, I only ever get that problem with vintage *blends* – like, angora blends can be an issue. Straight cashmere or wool, though? I’ve never had it happen, and I’ve had and seen lots. My fave brands are Ballantyne, Pringle, Dalton and Hadley. I hand wash them only when necessary, and there’s never an issue.