Jessica Gibbs

View Original

A Gift Guide to All Things Cozy

I love a gift guide. I love reading them even when I don’t have a giftee in mind. Sometimes I don’t even purchase a gift off of the guide, but use it as inspiration for whomever is the lucky recipient. The point is, I love a listicle that scours the internet for all the random things you never knew were out there.

But the holidays are upon us, so I’m assuming you do have some people in mind that you need to shop for. To narrow down this list of things, I’ve decided to go with the theme of all things cozy. This is not just a list of cashmere accessories (though they will be included), but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention something made of wool on a list of cozy items. I wanted things that evoked a feeling of coziness when it’s cold or when you just want to be a hermit for an evening. Below are 15 gifts to show you care about comfort.

1. Shearling Sandals

Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Shearling, $180

Might as well start with something fluffy! A pair of shearling-lined sandals from Birkenstock says ‘I know decadence and I’m not afraid of looking comfortable.’ These sandals are equal parts cool and unnecessary, which is why I love them. And to keep those tootsies warm, add in a pair of comfy, cozy…

2. Chunky Socks

Brother Vellies Winter Sock, $35

These cushy, vintage-style socks are chunky enough to keep your feet toasty. If you’re going to give the gift of socks, they might as well be from a cool fashion brand like Brother Vellies. Keep the multipack of cotton crew socks for the white elephant gift.

3. A tomato scented candle

Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle, $58

Yes, that’s correct- tomato scented. A candle is a fool-proof gift and conjures coziness with the strike of a match. Why not step it up a notch with fragrance notes that evoke the coziest of dishes- pasta! Vine-ripe tomato is a totally unexpected scent to stand out from all the vanillas and cinnamons burning this time of year.

4. Facial Steamer

Aira Iconic Facial Steamer, $69

Apart from the warming feeling of steam gently puffing onto your face, this little facial steamer is perfect for recreating the facial experience in your bathroom. For the one who takes their skincare very seriously, give their routine a lift with a skin-softening, pore-opening steamer.

5. Cashmere Joggers

Naadam Off-Duty Cashmere Jogger, $135 (I have to say I do not love the pairing of these loafers. Please don’t do this to me, you, your loved ones, etc)

If you don’t have cashmere joggers, are you even living your coziest life?! What do you wear on Sunday mornings to lounge in while you put off whatever boring to-do list items you should be to-doing? I digress. Give the gift of sanguine comfort to the one you love the most.

6. Faux Fur Handbag

Free People Cozy Commuter Tote, $78

First of all, this bag is so friggin cute I want to hug it. Second, it’s that great in-between size where it can fit more than your phonewalletkeys without being too large and cumbersome. It comes in 7 different colorways so good luck choosing just one. Perhaps one for them and one for you?

7. A New York Times Bestseller

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, $15 paperback

I think everyone should gift a book to someone. Even if they breeze through books or take their time reading a few pages a night, books stay with us even after we’ve turned the last page. Also, doesn’t everyone say they like to cozy up with a good book? Since everyone has different tastes in books, here is a link to the NYT Bestseller List of 2023 as well as their 10 Best Books of 2023. And if you can, shop at your local bookstore!

8. Mohair throw blanket

Mantas Ezcaray Striped Mohair-Blend Throw, $375

While reading their favorite book, give them something to wrap up in that’s decadently chic and warm. The muted color stripes and the brushed mohair wool make this a great throw for the living room couch and it’s just begging to be snuggled in.

9. Fancy Hot Chocolate

Ritual Hot Chocolate 70% Ecuador, $20

The brand calls this 70% single origin cacao mix a “sipping chocolate” so I’m on board. Sorry Swiss Miss, but you cannot hold a candle to rich dark chocolate hot cocoa…except maybe the tiny marshmallows.

10. Hot Toddy kit

Hot Toddy kit, $40

I learned something new when writing this: the hot toddy originated in India using the fermented sap of the toddy palm. Neat! The drink has now become synonymous with cold weather imbibing and curing colds. I hope whoever you’re gifting this to isn’t feeling under the weather, but rather enjoys a warm whiskey drink they can customize to their liking.

11. A Jazz album

Miles Davis, Kind of Blue, $26.95

There’s something about cold weather and the holidays that brings out an appreciation for jazz. I’m not talking about the 80s/90s smooth jazz era when the curly-haired Kenny G reigned supreme. More so jazz in its heyday of the 50s and 60s enjoyed with a tumbler of whiskey or a gin martini. Plus, this album from Miles Davis is considered one of the best jazz albums of all time.

12. Sleep eye mask

Clementine Sleepwear Organic Silk Sleep Mask, $68

Snooze in style and silk to keep those crows feet at bay and protect the delicate skin around your eyes. An organic silk sleep mask is perfect for those whose blackout curtains aren’t enough and want a touch of style while they sleep.

13. Cashmere Cardigan

Jenni Kayne Cropped Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan, $445

Jenni Kayne is the queen of comfy cozy. The cropped cut is a nice update from the robe-like cardigans that we see across Instagram in every fall aesthetic post. It’s time to move onward and upward on those hemlines.

14. Room Diffuser

Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud Diffuser, $135

You can’t go wrong with any scent from Jo Malone, but this Velvet Rose and Oud diffuser seems extra elegant and warm. I don’t even know what Oud is, but I like saying it and it makes me think of a dimly lit smokey lounge with the sounds of a piano tinkling in the corner.

15. Body Lotion

L’Occitane Lavender Body Lotion, $32

I love the feeling of L’Occitane lotion. It’s moisturizing but doesn’t leave me feeling greasy. The lavender scent is nice and light, not too overpowering. The large bottle of body lotion would make a great gift, but even the small travel size is perfect for tossing in a handbag.

I hope this list inspired some gift-giving ideas for you or you just enjoyed reading it. Let me know if you end up getting anything on the list or other ideas for cozy gifts!