The Silly Guide to Gift-Giving: Part 1
From Friends, With Love.
(I know, I know, another gift guide? But hey, stick around; this one's “different”)
I'm no gift expert, I’m just a regular person who's slightly obsessed with this time of the year and giving gifts. I dream of being rich so I can shower my friends with presents whenever I want. I slowly accumulate gifts over the year, sniffing presents out in unexpected places and giving it to them on unexpected days. What type of gift giver are you?
Recently, I stumbled upon an idea that really struck a chord – people who love giving gifts aren't just doing it for the recipient; it's a way of expressing something about themselves. And you know what? It hit home because, honestly, my gifts always feel like they've got a piece of me tucked in there.
Now, speaking of originality, ever heard of a newsletter that doesn't plug another newsletter? I hadn't either. But here we are, thanks to Rayne Fisher who kickstarted this gift guide tradition. This year, I decided to run with it and asked my silly goofy friends about their Christmas wishes or what they'd gift someone. The quadrant table idea came from Mixed Feelings, and I absolutely loved making my own version. Unlike Mixed Feelings, my friends' suggestions are quite wholesome (at least for this season).
And because the best gifts are the ones you share, I'll sneak in a subtle reminder that sharing your Pretty Silly Thing newsletter with your pals is a gift that keeps on giving (Subtle, right?)
Enough with the dilly-dallying. Let's cut to the chase with these friend-approved picks:
Antara's Recommendations 🎁
Phool agarbatti: Everyone seems to love the smell, from hiding the smell of weed to just appreciating the cool and sustainable design of the dabba.
Shrewsbury biscuits from Kayani Bakery: A Pune specialty packed in a tin dabba adorned with my own little Christmas postcard drawings (for those close to me).
Stoles, socks, and chocolates: Classic choices that I've received but never gifted. Although, I must admit, opinions on these are a bit mixed. But hey, if you really want to go wild, go for it, my friend!
Personally, I think my fav gift was in 2014 when my sister gifted me 2 oversized sweatshirts and her partner gifted me checkered pyjamas- my outfits for the next 2 days (i was vv depressed lol so having my outfits put out was nice)
Things I've seen others get: facemasks, blankets that come with hands, cosy slippers, obnoxious but cute amount of red everything, crochet set to start a new hobby, tote bags with texts on them from the person, and last but not the least MUGS.
Anushka's Coffee & Accessories Picks ☕
Blue Tokai Coffee & accessories
Cutesy handmade jewellery from Strawbabie on IG
Nice print shirts/pants/skirts from Bisoubysachi on IG
Nidhi's Picks 🎁
Phool Christmas gift box: Check it out here
Odd Giraffe Gratitude journal 2024: Get yours here
Damaasa quilts and throws: Shop now
Brillare pure hair oil (cold pressed): Grab it here
Sana's Christmassy Adventures in London 🎄
Walk the stretch of street lights from Covent Garden to Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street, Carnaby Street, Oxford Street, New Bond Street, Mayfair, and then the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park.
Don't miss the Christmas markets, they're a festive delight!
Ice skating is a big thing, so lace up those skates and show off your moves.
Christmas at Kew Gardens and Ever After Garden are enchanting experiences you won't want to miss.
And of course, indulge in some hot chocolate and catch a fabulous theater show!
Tamanna's Practical Gifts Ideas 🎁
Cool storage units: Because who doesn't need more storage space, right?
Grooming products subscription
Kitchen utensils:(Practical and always useful!)
Personalized food, a custom-made T-shirt, or some artwork
Nishanth's Movie Night Extravaganza 🎥
Set up a movie night and play 'The Last Hangover' on Netflix. Oh, and don't forget to add some Merry Jane to the mix!
Bhavna's Must-Have Picks 🎁
2024 planners and notebooks from Odd Giraffe: Stay organized (and stylish)!
Stacked in Your Favour vegan face palette set from Gush Beauty: Bhavna swears by this one!
Fresh Fruit Jam Tote from Strawbabie
Cutest collectible pins from The Qubi.
The cutest trinket trays
Delvin's Handy Picks 🎁
Tote bag: You can never have too many tote bags! Check it out
Bosch 12 Pieces Hand Tool Kit: For the handy folks in your life. Limited-time deal
Classic brushed chrome lighter from Zippo: A timeless gift. Get yours
Cool Digital Men's and Unisex Watches from Casio: Check them out
I hope these ideas bring a touch of joy to your gift-giving journey and ease the holiday stress just a tad. Yet, here's a little secret: the ultimate gift guide is the one that resides within you all along.
Sending love and festive cheer,
Maahi & her Silly Goose friends! 🎁✨