Although you may think that the recipient of your gift understands the deeper meaning behind those coasters, sometimes a little extra explanation can make all the difference in showing your support. For those of us lacking a poetic sense or crafty skills, Hawthorne & Wren is the answer to your present-prayers. Not only are the gifts themselves timeless and beautifully wrapped, but each comes with a thoughtful message explaining what the gift represents and how it ties to the emotion that the giver wants to express. Searchable by expressive terms (like, “sympathy”) in addition to holidays and celebrations, the offerings from H&W range from flowers and fruits to picnic and cocktail sets. The streamlined curation and foolproof options make these gifts an easy choice for tricky, picky friends! 

We’re not saying that this couple hand coozie from etsy shop isewnaked isn’t adorable- it is. We are saying we would be mortified to walk down the street wearing it. BUT,  it could be the perfect gag VDay gift for your super touchy-feely friends! 

When I think of “Terry Richardson” and “photo shoot,” I don’t typically associate those with “socks.” But the edgiest sock brand of all (and one of our favorite holiday gifts), Happy Socks, has pulled off arguably the highest budget sock shoot ever for their 2011 holiday campaign, in which their brightly patterned socks sub for bras and capes. It wouldn’t be Terry Richardson without with some tongue-in-cheek sock sex appeal. 

Hostess gifts are infamously boring—there are only so many times you can give/receive candles, jam, wine, dishtowels, etc. (ok, wine is never bad). But how fabulous would it be to show your gratitude, not to mention impress the party, with these stunning hand stamped vintage silverware sets? We’ve mentioned the stamped settings trend before, and it’s only growing. Scoop up a set for serving your Thanksgiving feast, or spread holiday cheer with the charming reindeer names set from BeachHouseLiving on Etsy. Next on my list: the amazing My Ice Cream/Your Ice Cream spoons! 

Riddle: If your Dad already has an iPad, what do you get him for Father’s Day?

Answer: Ummmmm…..

For some reason or another, fathers are notoriously difficult to shop for. While mothers (pretend to) appreciate handmade trinkets and sentimental kitsch, fathers aren’t as apt to tear up over a handmade frame. Chocolates, flowers, perfume, jewelry…all “for the girls.” Aside from the standard ties/cufflinks/watches/gadgets (see: iPad we got him for Christmas), I am always at a loss when it comes to buying Dad a gift. If he wants something, he gets it himself like a rational human being. And he doesn’t golf.

So what is a loving daughter to do? Why, impress some of my own style on his outdated ass, of course! If he doesn’t want anything, I’ll get him what (I think) he needs. Ulterior motive? Well, I’d love to cruise on that beautiful Bianchi around town, sneak a lotion from the Kiehl’s x Sartorialist dopp kit, and maybe help sample some homemade craft beer from Beer Craft. Other than that, just trying to help Dad look good.

From upper left, 

J. Crew Trapper Jacket, $148

Vilebrequin Okoa Fond Corallien Swim Short, $230

Bianchi Iseo, $599

Byrd & Belle Handmade Felt iPad Case, $48

TOMS Charcoal Chambray Cordones, $69

Beer Craft: A Simple Guide to Making Great Beer, $12

Knowledge TLS Backpack, $116

Georg Jensen Elephant Bottle Opener, $55

Kiehl’s x The Sartorialist Dopp Kit, $55

Sabre Heartbreaker Sunglasses, $100

Moleskine “Mattias Adolfson” Creativity Planner, $22