Ask the Editor: Holiday Gifts, Pt. 2

This week has been a struggle. The end of the year is always such a torrent of deadlines. Add the magic making of being a Mom and I’m ready for January. But in the meantime, let’s tackle a few questions from readers who need help with their gift lists.

My sister is having a baby in March. It’s her first. What was the best thing you got for yourself when Sloane was born?

Shortly before I had Sloane, Kathleen Barnes suggested buying a pair of Bose noise cancelling headphones for those times when the baby just cries and you need to turn down the volume on the anxiety that creates. They were a godsend more than once. Now, two years later, I work from home and use them to block the sounds of toddler joy from interrupting my Teams calls. They’re a great gift.

Abra + Kyle:

My father in law wants nothing. He told us not to get him anything. My mother in law will be furious if we don’t. It’s a real Catch-22. Help!

Sydney

Abra’s suggestion: Call your local domestic violence shelter or visit a Tree of Hope, and buy gifts for a family in need. I don’t know a single person who wouldn’t love to make magic for someone else this holiday season. Just write a card telling him about the family and what they received.

Kyle’s suggestion: Tickets to something his wife wants to do that he won’t hate. There isn’t a husband who can’t benefit from a date night someone else planned and paid for.

Any gift suggestions for teen boys? There is so much for teen girls and nothing for boys. I need nephew gift help.

Of course, there are video games and video game systems. Kyle recommends a StockX gift card so they can pick out sneakers, but that could be a little spendy.

I’m told Lululemon is big for older teen boys — a friend is buying her son these lined shorts. For older boys, I’d also try a quality portable speaker or a decent quality wallet with some cash in it.

For younger teens, I liked this Plinko-style piggy bank. It’s a cool art piece and useful. I’m told these Carhartt swatch beanies are still big. Our neighbor is getting her son this smartphone controlled paper airplane. She’s also got him ice skating lessons, so something like that — pickleball, batting cages, golf simulator visits, etc. — might be good.

My boss has been my mentor for 15 years. I need to get him something nice as I transition to a new role in another department. He doesn’t drink, smoke, golf, watch football, and has lots of food allergies. I have no idea where to start and one week to find something, but I’d like to spend $250-$500.

Okay, that’s a healthy budget. Kyle owns the leather version of this Hook + Albert weekender. It’s a garment bag that zips into a duffel for easy weekend travel. Also, a leather desk set might be nice. And Courant makes the nicest phone charger/trinket tray around.

Beyond that, I echo Kyle’s suggestion from above: tickets. Plays, concerts, sports events, or a Delta gift card so he can get out of town for a few days.

Hi Abra,

My college-age daughter is beauty and skincare obsessed. I bought her a Dyson curling device last year. The year before I bought her a PMD facial brush. She’s my hardest to shop for kid because I’m not girly. What would be a hot gift?

Mom of Five

For a big gift, the CurrentBody red light mask is the thing all the It Girls want. This Therabody under-eye depuffing device is also very popular. Beyond that, this Soft Services body and hand creme is like a beauty-insider gift for those in the know (also great for a MIL or SIL).

Another idea would be a candle warmer (most colleges don’t allow lit candles) and this Hotel Lobby candle set. Every woman I know under-35 is obsessed with Hotel Lobby.

Beyond that, I’m told Kendra Scott is big for college aged girls thanks to #BamaRushTok. This inline pendant necklace is a great piece. Add a birthstone charm for that extra vibe.

I plan to do one more post for last minute gift giving. So if you have any questions for that one, leave them below.

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