Clockwise: Tangie bar, Tom’s Granola, Quince tote, Quince earrings, Augustinus Bader lip balm, Mate the Label sweatshirt, and safety razor
Welcome to my third annual holiday gift guide on this blog. If you’ve seen the 2019 and 2020 versions you’ll realise there’s a lot of repeats. I keep recommending the same things because these things are some of my most used items and have been some of my best gifts (to myself and others). And the fact that they’re around year after year means these products aren’t trendy, but rather classics. So for long time readers, sorry to sound like a broken record but hope you find some helpful gift ideas in this post!
Safety Razor
I basically start every holiday gift guide here with the safety razor because I love it so much. It’s fairly easy to use and I love the fact that I’m no longer using disposable plastic to shave. If you or your friend haven’t tried a safety razor yet what are you guys waiting for? I got mine 2.5 years ago and I’ve only had to purchase a blade refill once (for a grand total of $38 for 2.5 years of shaving—$29 for the razor and $9 for the refill). Plus I’ve been storing all my used blades to eventually recycle here. Get one for yourself, get one for your friends, and help keep at least some disposable plastic out of landfills. You can find my original safety razor review here (along with video recommendations on how to use it). And if you’re avoiding shopping at Amazon this Christmas, you can find safety razors at this zero waste shop!
Tangie Shampoo Bar
Here’s a new entry to my holiday gift guide, but only because I’ve just discovered Tangie myself this year. You can read my review of the Tangie shampoo and conditioner bar here. I’m a huge fan of their easy-to-lather shampoo bar and minimal packaging, along with of course the fact that I’m not using any disposable plastic to wash my hair. You can get 20% off your first purchase with the code FAIRLYCURATED.
Quince bag, fine jewelry, or home goods
Last year I recommended Quince’s small leather crossbody, and gave them to my friends as gifts (and they were a hit). But unfortunately it looks like they no longer carry that bag. But if you’re looking to gift a tote, the Quince totes are pretty great (and they also have vegan options). I’m also a fan of Quince’s fine jewelry. Their jewelry is probably some of the best valued items on the internet, though not all of their items are of the best quality. So far my favorites are their pearl stud earrings, the chain link necklace, the diamond bar necklace, and their rings. I would stay away from their bracelets since they’re on the more delicate side and may have a tendency to break (true for the lariat bracelet and the bead bracelet felt equally delicate). I’ve also gifted Quince’s towels (so soft and fluffy), silk pillowcases (yes not the same as the $90 Slip pillowcase but works just as well) and their linen sheets (my personal favorite). You can find all my Quince reviews here, and this referral link gets you $10 off your first purchase (thanks to those who shop through my link and fund my Quince reviews!).
Augustinus Bader Lip Balm
My favorite thing from Augustinus Bader is their Rich Cream, and I’ve added it to the gift guide in the past. But the Rich Cream is definitely a very expensive gift plus skincare can be such a tricky thing to gift. So this year I’m recommending the AB Lip Balm. You can find my full Augustinus Bader Lip Balm review here. I love this unisex, unfancy, but super effective lip balm, and it’s pretty much the only one I use these days. The balm works amazingly, but I also never get “addicted” to it (ie feel like I have to use it constantly like chapstick). Most times I just use it at night and it repairs any dry lips for the rest of the day. True it looks unassuming and a tad plain in it’s aluminum lip balm container, but with the TFC8 ingredient that’s in all AB products, this lip balm is worth every penny. If you’re interested in joining the AB Club to get 20% off your first order, you can fill out this google form and I will send you the invite asap (usually within 24-48 hours).
Mate the Label Terry Raglan Sweatshirt
This Mate the Label sweatshirt was on my MVP list last year and it looks like it’s going to be on my most worn items list again this year, so how can I not add it as a great gift for this guide? I currently have two of these sweatshirts that I rotate between, and I wear them constantly as soon as the temperatures drop. These sweatshirts are made from 100% organic cotton and definitely have that soft, lived-in vintage feel (they were originally called the Vintage Pullover when I first reviewed them). Find my Mate the Label Terry Raglan Sweatshirt review here. They’re definitely on the pricier side, but I’ve pretty much worn my two Mate the Label sweatshirts all spring, fall, and winter so the cost per wear is waaay down (and I think it’s 100% worth it). Mate usually has their best deals on Black Friday weekend (30-40% off on pretty much everything), and I’m thinking of picking up one more during their sale. Also if you’re looking for a more budget option, the 100% organic cotton sweatshirts from PACT are also great! They have a very similar looking Vintage Raw Hem Sweatshirt or a more classic Slouchy Sweatshirt (but it has graphics on them). This link will get you 20% off and free shipping from PACT.
Tom’s Granola
So for the last two years I’ve listed a kind of salt in my holiday gift guides. And while my love for those salts are still going strong, I thought I’d change it up with a different consumable item this year. And I have to say I’ve been loving Tom’s Granola every month since July (when I first started my subscription). Is $20 for a bag of granola a tad outrageous? Yes, but will you eat the best granola of your life? That’s also a resounding yes. My favorites so far have been the Tango Mango (strawberry and mango bits), Classic, and this month’s Matcha one.
And that’s it for my gift guide this year. Thanks for reading and hope you might find some gift ideas for this holiday season. And of course I just want to add, the best gifts are usually the intangible ones so also consider giving an experience as a gift this year!