Gift Guide, Part 1: Dads, Sisters-in-Law, and New Quar Romances

You have gift questions, and we have gift answers! Welcome to part one of our second-annual gift guide, where you’ll find so much cool stuff from small businesses (many run by women and BIPOC!), no Amazon links (but you do you), and thoughts on orgs to donate to, too. Part two is coming next week, and last year’s still-relevant installments are here and here. Now, hope you’re prepared for an outrageously long episode recap...


The linkage:

PARENTS!

My mom has requested “a new hobby” for Christmas which has sent me spinning. Any ideas? She’s very artsy and already gardens and writes fiction. Knitting hasn’t worked for her due to her arthritis, and she’s a lifelong hater of kitchen activities, most of the cute gifty hobby kits I’ve seen fall into those categories. Stumped! 

Fic & non-fic books that will nudge my parents to the left without them realizing it.

I need gift ideas for my almost 60-year-old, tech-y, suburban dad. Hasn’t finished reading the books he got for Father’s Day but he loves history. Does a lot of biking on his indoor trainer. He has an Apple Watch but we aren’t allowed to get him AirPods because my mom thinks he’ll accidentally put them through the laundry. He likes food/eating/cooking but had a heart attack 3 years ago so we’re not allowed to do fun things (unless they’re low sodium/cholesterol). Usually I try to find an activity (movie, bike, ride to brewery, etc.) but covid makes that hard. So many restrictions!!

Mom and her husband who just bought a new cottage and are DIY fixing it up. The kitchen and garden are especially yucky! 

My Jewish parents who are IMPOSSIBLE to shop for and trying to stop eating sugar. 

My crunchy fire-fighting dog lady MIL.

Stepmom: hates being cold. She’s always cold. But is entertaining outside now in CA.

SISTERS-IN-LAW!

My sister-in-law is a chic New Yorker and I live in Missoula, Montana. I am a needs-based gifter and she is very much a wants-based gifter. I love to cook, she dabbles in cooking (she’s dairy free) and I think she finds me kind of quaint for my homey ways. She is (and strongly identifies) as an Aries. She is a platinum-rewards-level business traveler and boss babe entrepreneur in the music industry. We get along great, but we literally could not be more different and I am ALWAYS stuck on gifts for her. This year I already gave her a gorgeous coffee table book of NYC night photography that I feel pretty good about, but I need a lifetime stockpile of ideas. Budget is $50- $100

My very chic sister-in-law who lives in a shoebox in Paris and will need to clear TSA

Sister in law who loves to cook. $50 and under

HUSBANDS, BOYFRIENDS, AND OTHER UNDEFINED MEN!

A dude who I’ve been seeing since early October. We’re exclusive but not serious….helllp

Fiance! Together 8 years, postponed wedding. Xmas AND his bday SAME WEEK!

  • A piece of art—maybe decide to pick it out together for Xmas (and then you only have to shop for his bday): Picture Room or Absolut Art

  • You could even reach out to an artist you like on IG and ask about commissions!

  • Custom neon sign with something you two say or your initials : Yellowpop or Brite Lite

  • Something sentimental framed via The Heirloomist

A 35-year-old man who loves sports, his dog, his Jeep, the Cubs and classic music. 

A 37-year-old suburban dad who misses dance parties and loves the Book Review

FRIENDS!

My long-distance bestie and I turned 30 this year and we’d originally planned on going on a trip together and getting welded gold bracelets as some grown-up version of friendship bracelets. However, THESE TIMES(™). So now she’s moving from Toronto (same country) to New Zealand (different hemisphere! Different continent!). We thought we’d do some sort of big co-gift! Pertinent details for your brainstorming pleasure: She’s a Capricorn (reluctantly) and I’m an extremely Pisces Pisces (love 2 cry). Budget is up to $200ish. Needs to be mildly packable considering she has to get it to NZ somehow along with the rest of her earthly possessions. Needs to ship to Canada. LOVE YOU!

Group text friends

GRAB BAG!!!

My great-grandma who lives across the country and has never met my baby, because COVID

People whose hobbies are “going for walks in the neighborhood.” 

Someone who hates things/prefers experiences, but with Covid it’s hard to experience!

OTHER LINKS

  • You know what else makes a great gift—a digital stocking stuffer, if you will? A sub to Secret Menu.

  • Do you have other ideas and just thoughts in general to share? Hit us up at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, and/or @athingortwohq

  • On 12/21, we’re going to be talking about the romance novel Reckless by Selena Montgomery (aka Stacey Abrams). Join us for a read-along!


the sponsors (and promos!):

  • Look no further than Sakara for some hearty, healthy deliciousness. 20% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO.

  • Explore b.serene’s handmade crystal jewelry, and get 15% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO.

YAY.

Previous
Previous

Gift Guide, Part 2: Teens, Bosses, Brothers, and, Duh, Your Mail Carrier

Next
Next

Running a Record Label With Sam Valenti IV...and Eating Artichokes With Us