Guide to Gift Giving
As the season of giving is fast approaching I wanted to share my thought process, some ideas, and places I like to look for buying gifts for friends, loved ones, co-workers, creative types, practical thinkers and those really hard to buy for people in our lives! When it comes to that person who has all that he or she needs you may ask yourself what in the world am I going to get them? My attempt here is to alleviate some stress to gift buying, lighten the mood with some humor, and keep promoting creative solutions that are inside all of us!
Photo Album
Whether the person is a coworker, close childhood friend, family or a loving partner in your life, keep in mind that we all want to feel the same things from those we let into our lives- feeling cared for, acknowledged, seen, appreciated, and loved and if you start with that in mind you have dozens of options to choose from for any unique individual in your life!
Ever since I was a wee lass I always loved creating my own scrapbooks from training camps, competitions and my travels abroad. As an adult I’ve continued to embrace my love for creating memorable experiences with those I cherish and documenting them too. Nowadays with all of the pictures we take on our phones it feels easier than ever to make something sweet and special using programs such as, Shutterfly, Mixbook, and Printique These photo books are an option that I always enjoy giving/making as well as receiving.
Shutterfly has some really well priced photo book possibilities that I’ve linked here InstantPhotoBooks with 20 pages of photo collage layouts that will keep special memories all in one place to last a lifetime. This choice is awesome if you’re on a budget and take pleasure in crafting unique and personalized gifts. Another favorite in the creative, craft making, gift giving department of mine is shadow box framing. Using, for instance; a picture, a poem, or tickets from a show that you attended together - can take a moment in time that was rooted in a joyous occasion and preserve it for all of eternity, or at least until the sun evaporates all the oceans and life as we know it disappears (a billion years from now).
If you have girlfriends who are anything like me - a super high spirited, little bit rough, energetic, and hell raising kind of gals gal, you’ll love this site! I don’t know why, but ever since I was a pre-teen I just absolutely loved stationary, adorable pens, and annual planners. I’m not too sure if it has anything to do with the fact that I’m a Capricorn which would mean that I love planning way in advance and that I need time to think through every decision. Maybe, maybe not. I’m sure my Jeffie would disagree (not astrologically inclined). I was given this annual planner for the first time in 2019 by my best friend in Toronto and immediately fell in love with all the stickers, coloring pages, and inspiring quotes. Eventually I looked Bando up and went on to purchase colorful pens, workout wear, and the eco conscious reusable paper towel/Swedish dish cloth set. They are all natural, anti-bacterial, and compostable. How cool and non damaging to our beautiful Earth!
Bando currently has 30% off on Bando branded products and our 20% discount will work for all other products using EMILIEGOLDBLUM at checkout.
Happy Shopping!
Vintage or Antique Item
This brings me straight back to my papy in France, where I spent most every summer until I decided to train in Russia for my dream of going to the Olympics! Recently we were invited to our next door neighbors house for dinner with our boys, and when I saw that our host was using his to grind his herbs I nearly jumped out of my loafers from sheer joy! I asked where did you get this and of course he said in France. Which made me miss France even more but I wasn’t going to let that stop me from bringing France to me. When we got home I quickly looked up french coffee grinders and found many originals and in good condition on Etsy, check this one out!
The reoccurring theme here is that it’s an original gift! This coffee grinder will look cool in even modern kitchens, has sentimental value, is stylish for that person who loves mid-century design, and it’s re-using a great machine that will produce fresh coffee with the authentic taste of the past. What could be more original and thoughtful than that, I ask?!
French Butter Bell
Ahhhh this sleek and practical butter bell is quite divine!
It is so simple and keeps your butter (even in LA) at the perfect room temperature, which that in and of itself captures my attention. Plus it looks great on a table, shelf, or counter without your guests having to see any greasy butter marks all over a butter dish. The one I’ve linked above is just under $45 from William Sonoma.
Offer a Tree
This speaks to my heart, it is a symbolic gift that not only gives off oxygen for us to breath but trees absorb odors and pollutants like nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone. It’s estimated that one tree can absorb nearly 10 pounds of polluted air each year and release 260 pounds of oxygen, (Arbor Day Foundation). I’m wild about this gift and I can’t believe how inexpensive it is to order a Christmas bundle of 5 trees for just $15 at Reforest Action. If you’re looking for an original, thoughtful, and impactful gift, check Reforest Action out at the link above, you’ll feel part of a positive and ever growing movement around the world!
I love walking through old forests, and being in nature! It feels like a cleansing of my mind and a healing for the soul, which is where I turn to whenever I feel lost, or overwhelmed, and need to ground myself in the power of a mysterious force that is bound to our infinite connection with the universe.
Your Local Book Store
This super iconic small bookstore (but still big enough to offer over 60,000 books) is not too far from our home and sits in the filet of the famous Sunset Strip. Whenever visiting Los Angeles, you’ll probably want to walk around this neighborhood and take a gander into this funky and well curated bookshop. The staff is extremely helpful and will take the time to locate any particular tome you may be searching for or, if not on the premises, will make the effort to procure it from other sources.
Recently I finished reading my purchase, the biography “Mike Nichols: A Life” by Mark Harris which lead me to re-watch some of Mr. Nichols’ classic films; Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf, The Graduate, Carnal Knowledge, Biloxi Blues, Heartburn, and Closer. As someone who didn’t watch TV or very many movies growing up, I now find myself diving into certain films with relish. Mike Nichols had a large and sensational career with dramatic highs and lows and this beautiful book kept me madly interested throughout. I recommend it and this delicious soup wholeheartedly.
A Bit of Self Care
I remember when I was eleven years old traveling to Sofia, Bulgaria with my coach Ludmila Dimitrova. I immersed myself in the sport that I lived for (Rhythmic Gymnastics) but and on my day off, we would roam the markets. I always found myself purchasing original rose water in these authentic wood containers that had a red rose carved onto it to bring back to Canada as a souvenir and remind me of my training camps. Now as an adult I’m still very connected to certain scents and this R+R Summer Fridays mask takes me right back to my Bulgarian childhood experience with that powerful rose water aroma, plus it leaves my skin glowing with hydration. Their Jet Lag mask has no fragrance, and helps nourish, hydrate, and leaves my skin feeling radiant and bright. I’m a big fan so I highly recommend!
Summer Friday is offering a 15% off code for all their products with the code “maisongoldblum” at checkout at their website you can find here.
Happy Shopping!
Los Angeles Locals
Last but not least, our favorite, the tried and true gift shop located in L.A. on 3rd Street, OK.
You’ll find everything here, from hip houseware to unique jewelry. It is filled with modern, understated, well made, and very usable items and after two decades has established itself as a go-to destination in the Big Tangerine. I promise you won’t be disappointed and you’ll probably find an irresistible something for yourself before you walk out of this little Lotusland gem!
Whatever it is you decide to wrap up for your cherished friends and loved ones this year, remember that your time and their time is precious and giving the gift of time spent together can sometimes be the best present that you can offer (or receive).