Loved & Gifted: Gift Guide for the Host & Home
From whimsical address labels to resilient plant cuttings; A collection of gifts with a tale to tell
As I nestle by the fire in my cozy socks (a sweet gift from an even sweeter friend), I embrace the magic of gift guide season. Yes, I could easily call it the giving or holiday season, but for me, it all starts with the deluge of gift guides flooding our social media accounts and filling our mailboxes. And I am here for it. It's not merely a materialistic inclination (although that is a factor); instead, it's the obsession I have in trying to uncover that perfect gift for everyone on my list. The pursuit is not easy, especially when trying to find something uniquely meaningful.
In today's Loved & Gifted, I share a curated selection of my perennial favorites for housewarmings & hosts—gifts that have been given and received with unwavering success. While each item holds a personal story, there's one exceptional gift in this collection, a recent addition that touched me profoundly and now claims its place at the forefront. Allow me to share the story.
In 2005, shortly after meeting Scott, his grandfather sadly passed away. In remembrance, we received a plant basket with five green baby plants. As the years unfolded, one plant outlived its botanical companions, the Schefflera, surviving our sometimes forgetful green thumbs. I can’t remember why exactly; perhaps we ran out of space, or it was during our remodel, or more likely, the plant had grown unwieldy under my care, but the Schefflera ended up at the office of Eric’s (my business partner) and my newly formed company. Amidst office moves and expansions, this resilient survivor became a centerpiece in our workplace, having grown 20x its original size, taking over our conference room.
The twists of fate took an unexpected turn with the arrival of Covid in 2020. Offices stood deserted, and our botanical comrades were left to endure solitude and neglect. Unbeknownst to me, one of our lovely teammates rescued the Schefflera, where it got to spend lockdown being loved on by a true green thumb. Under her care, the plant thrived and eventually returned home to the office as we began to reenter our workspaces.
Except work did not return to the office as we thought, remote flexibility had taken hold. When we sold the company in 2021, Eric rescued the Schefflera again, bringing it back to its glory in the sanctuary of his home office. A few months before my 50th birthday, he experimented with a series of plant cuttings to capture its vitality into a new beginning. Eric’s finest work, a carefully potted offspring of the resilient Schefflera, became a poignant surprise for my milestone celebration.
This 18-year-old plant (older than our kids!), reborn and now back in our home, is more than a plant. It carries memories of Scott's grandfather and symbolizes the growth and closure of Eric and I’s shared company journey.
Whether you are searching for an inexpensive or extravagant gift, the ones wrapped in story and love are always the best. Here are some of my favorites.
A Plant Cutting (Storebought is ok too!) - A touch of greenery and a living story.
Bring the beauty of nature indoors with a thoughtful twist. Gift a plant cutting rooted in a stunning pot, adding a touch of greenery and elegance to any space. Don’t worry if you don’t have a green thumb (like me) or lack plants for sourcing cuttings. You can always turn to your local nursery or online from stores like Bloomscape, Bouqs, or EasyPlant, which offers self-watering pots—count me in! Or get inspired by this boho planter, a colorful or modern ceramic pot, or these mini succulent pots. Plants have long been a popular housewarming gift, and for good reason. Plants can be a living reminder of your connection, adding life to any space.
Felix Doolittle Address Labels - Personalized illustrations with a touch of whimsy.
Elevate the art of personalization with Felix Doolittle's exquisite address labels. Each label is a tiny canvas featuring charming watercolors and a touch of fancy. Perfect for those who appreciate the beauty in the details. Whether you choose jewel-toned beets, a newt, red cap mushrooms, a French bulldog, rainbow macarons, or, my favorite, a retro record player, you are bound to find an illustration that sparks a connection. These labels are more than just an address—they're a window of personality through the little details that make our relationships unique. Easily one of my favorite housewarming and holiday gifts.
Liberty Puzzles - Every piece tells a story.
This is NOT your ordinary puzzle! Liberty Puzzles are a testament to artistry, with each wooden piece uniquely cut into whimsical designs that tell a story. Their round puzzles are smaller, the perfect size for a host gift. If you are visiting for a more extended period or over the holidays, consider one of their full-size puzzles to work on with your loved ones. With each unique shape crafted with precision, these puzzles offer a challenging yet rewarding experience, turning leisure time into a work of art. The puzzles are packaged exquisitely and bound to become a collector’s item. Puzzle enthusiasts will want them all!
P.s. They even will remake a lost piece, or in our case, a chewed piece. Our pup’s picture now resides on their factory’s Dog wall of shame. :)
Masi Masa Spice Blends - Embark on a culinary adventure.
You may recognize Masi Masa from last week’s guide; the duo behind Masi Masa introduced us to the Hammitt Clear Bag. These creative geniuses have created spice blends to take the heavy lifting out of meal planning. Perfectly blended and beautifully packaged, they take your family on a culinary adventure with a touch of flavor that goes beyond the kitchen. Masi Masa adds a dash of joy to every dish, from the Tikka Masala that became a family favorite to the Moroccan Ras El Hanout blend that sparked experimentation. You can buy their variety pack on Amazon, and it is a gift that can stand alone or consider pairing with a boldly covered Dutch oven for one-pot meals or a handcrafted serving bowl.
Glassybaby - Illuminate lives and spaces with a radiant glow.
As a former Seattleite, I’ve witnessed Glassybaby’s journey from a small shop to a cult phenomenon. Glassybaby is a tale of art, warmth, and generosity. Each unique piece not only lights up rooms but also contributes to hope and healing. They have donated more than $14 million of their proceeds to charitable organizations. They are not inexpensive, but each Glassbaby is hand-blown here in the USA and is one-of-a-kind. You can feel the craftsmanship in the heft of the glass and in the glow of the radiance it emits. I’m a sucker for a gift with meaning and beauty all wrapped in one. Trust me, you’re going to want one in every color.
(Don’t forget to include LED tealights with your gift; these with timers are my favorite!)
These handpicked treasures are just a few of my go-to’s, perfect for housewarmings, hosting, or as delightful holiday surprises for your loved ones. Stay tuned for more curated gift ideas next Friday.
While not all my recommendations are shoppable at Amazon, please note I may earn from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate. Your support is greatly appreciated and helps me continue sharing these fantastic gift ideas.