Originally Authored at TheFederalist.com
We already knew Google search results were skewed to bury conservative speech, but the censorship has come for decent gift ideas too. I tried searching for Christmas gifts on Google Shopping the other day, and the results included a $56 Mike Wazowski bracelet charm, a $170 gift basket of men’s underwear and various soaps, a Lilo & Stitch Christmas tree topper, and an explicit Christmas ornament. (I used an incognito browser for this experiment, lest you think that’s a reflection of my personal taste.)
My favorite way to Christmas shop is to browse pretty things in local shops for gifting inspiration, but if you’re short on time, I’ve done the work for you — here’s an assortment of gifts for all ages and personalities to inspire your gifting.
For Her
The hostess in your life is sure to love this tea towel handprinted with strawberries from Relish Decor. The shop is based out of Maryland and Delaware, but they ship!
The L.L. Bean Boat and Tote is a classic for a reason. Growing up, my grandparents lived on a lake and there were always a few of these in the closet full of beach towels. Get a small one for your favorite farmer’s market lover or a large one for the friend who never flies with more than a personal item.
This mini cookbook for drinks will turn any kitchen into your neighborhood coffee shop. Get it at your local bookstore or if you must, on Amazon.
Throw in a handheld milk frother and maybe a mug, and you’ve got a gift set for far less than you’ll pay for the prepackaged ones.
This silk bandana from Madewell is on my Christmas list. It’s the perfect combination of sophisticated and casual — and it’s classic Americana.
For the person on your list who agrees with RFK Jr. that there are too many chemicals in our homes, check out Acure — from shampoos to skincare, their products are free of all the gross stuff without breaking the bank. If you don’t know where to begin, start with this bundle of brightening products.
For Him
This slim leather card case holds the essentials without being bulky. Get the RFID-blocking version for an extra $5 and/or personalize it with his initials for an extra $15.
Growing up, my dad always had a Petzl headlamp in his truck or toolshed. This one gets the job done at an easy price point, or take the quiz on their website if you’re looking for something with more bells and whistles.
For the outdoorsman, you can’t miss with this L.L. Bean field coat. It comes lined in cotton flannel, or spend a little extra to get one with a button-out wool blend liner if you live up north.
I spotted this knife at a gift shop in Switzerland and thought it was the coolest thing, but passed on it because of the price and the fact that I was flying with a carry-on. But lucky for me — and for you — they have a website and ship internationally! They offer dozens of options, with blades featuring Alpine ridges, famous American mountain ranges, or even a “best of Mars.”
If your guy is a dog lover, how about a baseball cap with his pup embroidered on it? The brand 47 offers more than 20 breed options. (For a Labrador owner, Orvis has a similar style.)
OK, these are on the pricey side. But my husband says these PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells are the best in the business, and I love them because they take up a fraction of the space a normal dumbbell rack would. The stage 1 set — which ranges from 5-50 pounds — is currently on sale on Amazon, and your grateful recipient will always have the option to add expansion sets that increase the blocks to 70 and 90 pounds each.
For Families
Know someone just starting a family, or in need of an update to mismatched stockings? These needlepoint stockings from Lands’ End and these from the Company Store can each be personalized.
My family read this book and its sequels for Advent season growing up, and any family will surely love the stories and their gospel-centered messages.
Friends of ours introduced us to the game Wavelength, and it’s my new favorite. Easy to learn and good for small or large groups, this party game will have you laughing as you try to guess how your teammates rank random concepts on a scale.
For the family with a new addition, you can’t go wrong with a classic — and Peter Rabbit is certainly that! I loved the collected tales of Beatrix Potter as a kid, and this edition is just lovely.
Christmas is a wonderful but very busy time of year. Families will appreciate a pre-made, home-cooked meal to pop in the oven during the holiday season — try this lasagna and make one for yourself and one for a friend.
For Anyone
I love to buy coffee beans from local shops whenever I’m traveling and use them as gifts. It’s more fun to find them yourself, but if you need somewhere to start, I recommend Deeper Roots Coffee, based in Cincinnati. Try their community blend with notes of chocolate and caramel, or go for a three-pack sampler.
Travels with Charley in Search of America, John Steinbeck’s field notes-turned-novel journaling his cross-country road trip across 1960 America with his loyal poodle, is one of my all-time favorite books. It’s an easy, charming read — perfect for curling up by a fireplace with your own pooch over Christmas.
I stumbled upon these Wildsam field guides the other day, and they reminded me of the travel and culture sections of the Southern Living magazines that used to sit on my grandmother’s coffee table. These pocket-sized guides are full of itineraries and recommendations to help you unplug on a trip without missing out on the best spots. Shop the road trip series like this Route 66 guide, or pick a specific region like the Gulf Coast.
“In an age of Tripadvisor reviews and Instagram ads, Wildsam is something very different,” observes Elizabeth Stice in Front Porch Republic. “Wildsam field guides are designed to be taken seriously by people who travel with a serious interest in place.”
For the frequent flyer in your life, consider some practical luggage. This backpack is small enough to fit most airlines’ size limits for a personal item but unzips like a suitcase. For something a bit nicer and carry-on-sized, Osprey makes an excellent lightweight roller bag that converts to a backpack or duffel bag.
My husband loves to cook steak and loves the sous vide cooker he received as a gift last year. This one is currently on sale.
I own this Anecdote planner, and it’s one of the things that got me through a hectic election season! It has a month-view section to write in appointments and events, as well as sections broken down by week that include a daily schedule and to-do list. It comes in eight classic colors.
Elle Purnell is the elections editor at The Federalist. Her work has been featured by Fox Business, RealClearPolitics, the Tampa Bay Times, and the Independent Women’s Forum. She received her B.A. in government from Patrick Henry College with a minor in journalism. Follow her on Twitter @_etreynolds.