The holiday hotline is OPEN

What’s a good gift for someone you’ve never made eye contact with but are now bonded to forever?

The coconut oil on my counter is solidifying, I wore a sweater on Wednesday, and the sun is about to start setting at 5pm now that Daylight Savings ends tomorrow, so who’s to say it’s too early to start Christmas shopping? Last week I put out a call for the people in your life you might be struggling to find a gift for. Here are 5 to start!

1. For the sister-in-law who is verified on Instagram

I’m obsessed with these colorful beaded phone necklaces that I’d never actually buy for myself, but sadly they’re sold out. Instead, what about an external battery with a personalized case and a set of fun BAGGU POUCHES for carrying it all around?

Because I also know this person’s sister-in-law is a very cool, very smart journalist from the Bay Area, I think she might like a GIFTED SUBSCRIPTION to Haley Nahman’s Maybe Baby newsletter.

2. For the stranger in your building who let you sit on their couch for 2 hours and borrow a book after you accidentally locked yourself out without your phone and couldn’t get in touch with the super

What’s a good gift for someone you’ve never made eye contact with but are now bonded to forever? A GIFT CARD TO YOUR LOCAL COFFEE SHOP.

And if you’re interested in falling in love with this person and believe that encounter was your meet-cute!! Ask them if they want to get the coffee together or return the reading with YOUR PHONE NUMBER scribbled on a bookmark.

3. For the manager you’ve never met IRL

I am an anti-believer in getting your boss a gift because you are already giving them all of your time and energy. However, if you want to, get them a ZOJIRUSHI, the greatest and only thermos anyone will ever need. It will keep a morning coffee hot for an entire work day and then some.

4. For the crunchy neighbor who watches your dog

My first thought is weed gummies. My second thought is COZY SOCKS equally fit for lounging at home and walking around the neighborhood for the fourth time that day.

5. For the mom who “just wants you to be happy”

Let’s be real, your mom really just wants you to FaceTime so that she can make sure you’re not depressed, so schedule in a weekly call. And to make HER happy, buy LITERALLY ANYTHING FROM FLAMINGO ESTATE, DUH. This has been my favorite place to buy and receive gilded treasures and earthly decadence (Flamingo-speak for gifts) from for the last two years.

Is there anyone else you might need some help with? Send me more!
Erin