#16: The 2023 Holiday Gift Guides
There'll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting...
I absolutely love putting gift guides together, something about the curation of items really does it for me. I carefully select and bookmark goods all throughout the year and then filter and categorize them into stylized collections that become little works of art. This year I’ve put everything into four personality types to help you find something for all the wonderful people on your list. Keep in mind, the categories are only for fun and, if you look hard enough, you should be able to find a little something for everyone in all of the categories. That’s certainly true for me at least! I mean, these guides are basically my personal wish-lists for old Saint Nick (aka Scott).
In addition to the many material items I have sourced, there are also lots of local service ideas (support your local businesses!), annual subscription options, and charity/donation ideas (your province/state should have a list of registered charities - for British Columbia residents, you can find ours here). I have to say, these are my best holiday guides yet. Please let me know what you think in the comments! Also, a quick reminder: I don’t use affiliate links or make sponsored content, all my recommendations are personal and genuine.
And now, without further ado… The YGL 2023 Holiday Gift Guides!
*Due to the number of photos, this edit might get cut off in your inbox. If this happens to you, simply click the “view entire message” button at the bottom.
1. THE HOMEBODIES - lovers, champion routiners, artists, and natural nurturers.
These folk love to get cozy in style and appreciate quality time spent together. They are romantics and memory makers who balance and ground us. These are the ones who always check the thread count.
✨ Cancer, Taurus, Libra ✨
Cashmere Socks, Pressed Flower Art Print, Beeswax Dinner Candles, Pro Electric Kettle, Dark Milk Chocolate, Mini Projector, Fashionable Saturday Sweatpants, Soothing Lip Balm, Bedside Water Carafe, Stackable Gold Rings, Heartthrob Vibrator, Make Waves Mascara, & AD Coffee Table Book.
Ornaments: The pyjama mouse, the champagne button, & the birth of Venus.
Annual Subscriptions: Book of the Month Club or Apple TV.
Local Services: Sauna house/cold plunge session, a couples massage (yes, even friends can do this), a weekend away at a bed & breakfast, or an afternoon at the art gallery together.
Charity/Donations: Your local women’s shelter, children’s hospital programs, or indigenous societies.
2. THE CREATIVES - designers, communicators, weirdos, and trend setters.
These folk aren’t afraid to try something new - they love loudly and make art out of vulnerability. Quick, dynamic, and passionate, they collect knowledge and envision a brighter tomorrow. These are the ones who show up in the best Halloween costumes.
✨ Leo, Gemini, Aquarius ✨
Classic Leather Purse, Glass Serving Platter, Gold iPhone Case, Moleskin 3-Pack Journals + Staedtler Pencils, Ojukokoro Edition Basketball, Vented Hair Brush, Banana Hands Puzzle, The Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes, Sculptured Candles, The Radiant Tarot Deck, Kodak Portra 400 Film, Don’t Get A Job, Make A Job Book, Waterproof Shower/Camping Speaker, & Refreshing Facial Cleanser.
Ornaments: A Salvador Dalí clock, a third eye tassel, & a vintage duck wearing a crown.
Annual Subscriptions: Canva Pro Studio or a Masterclass membership.
Local Services: Art classes (pottery, painting, etc.), a mini photoshoot, a night at the board-game cafe, or tickets to an upcoming concert/guest speaker together.
Charity/Donations: Your public library programs, humane societies, and environmental protection associations.
3. THE FOODIES - helpful hosts, world travellers, innovators, and tidy cooks.
These folk are the movers and the shakers. Intuitive, sharp-witted, and precise. The ones with childlike wisdom and curiosity who find themselves surrounded by limitless possibilities.
✨ Aries, Sagittarius, Virgo ✨
Lobster Art Print, Beautiful Salt + Pepper Grinders, Pearly Butter Knife, Artsy Glass Straws, Icelandic Chocolate Bar (Licorice + Sea Salt), Gourmet Canned Fish, Dinner Party Coupe Glasses, The Ultimate Kitchen Speakers (follow along to YouTube cooking shows), Acid League Vinegars, Classic Camping Stove, The D3-K2-CoQ10 Supplement, Botanical Hand Balm, Fancy Oven Mitts, & Heirloom Tomato Candles.
Ornaments: The NYC paper coffee cup, a stick of butter, & a Christmas pickle.
Annual Subscriptions: Olive Oil Of The Month Club or a Community Garden Patch.
Local Services: Cooking classes, a fancy grocery store gift card, a weekend away in a town with great food, or a surprise picnic dinner to enjoy together.
Charity/Donations: Your soup kitchens, local/international meal programs, and the world health organization.
4. THE SCHEDULERS - visionaries, new parents, adventure seekers, and disciplined empaths.
These folk bring mystery and surprise to our routine world. Mature, honest, and gentle. Their devotion to their craft, whether that be work or art, is unmatched. These are the ones methodically rising to the top of their class.
✨ Capricorn, Scorpio, Pisces ✨
Cashmere Toque, The Best Daily Planner, Glass Water Bottle, Apple Airpods Pro, Portable Charger for iPhones, Cute Pickleball Paddles, Chunky Gold Hoop Earrings, Peppermint Halo Headache Remedy, Theragun Mini Muscle Relaxer, Black Diamond Headlamp, SuperYou Daily Vitamins, & Well Kept Safety Razor.
Ornaments: A traditional gingerbread house, a skiing mouse, & a ceramic mountain.
Annual Subscriptions: Spotify Music or the Calm App.
Local Services: A manicure, private tennis lessons, movie tickets, or an escape room evening.
Charity/Donations: Your local counselling/mental health outreach centre, senior care programs, and international emergency and disaster response.
With the spirit of the season, please consider sharing these guides.
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Grazie mille for all your support.
Great gift guide, thanks!
No need for Secret Satan with these! 👏
https://open.substack.com/pub/katedarracott/p/life-hack-part-2-secret-satan?r=1nkhs2&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Fun ideas!