With the 12 Days of Christmas swiftly counting down, you might find yourself scrambling to fulfill your gift list. Never fear! Here are 10 gift ideas sure to delight the Ivy-minded recipient in your life. Or at least keep their feet warm.
- Draper of Glastonbury Leather Slippers from O’Connell’s
Your thickest boot socks sometimes need a little extra help keeping your toes warm around the house. In these emergencies I reach for leather slippers. Made in England, these stylish house shoes can provide that extra layer (and a sole) during the winter, but it’s their versatility that makes them indispensable. While thick lined slippers will have your feet roasting in milder seasons, you can always lose the socks and wear these slippers virtually year-round. They are also quite smushable and convenient for travel. $165
2. Smathers and Branson Needlepoint Coasters
Smathers and Branson’s signature needlepoint designs bring charm and energy to a variety of accessories, but my favorite are their coasters. Bring a personal touch and a decorative flair to tabletop protection with pink elephants spilling out of martini glasses or your alma mater’s colors. $95
- A Shaggy Dog Sweater from J. Press
J. Press’s signature brushed Shetland sweater is iconic for a reason. It is hearty, handsome, and available in a gorgeous range of colors. The original is generously sized, which I prefer, but trim models are also available, as well as beanies, and this season they’ve even added Shaggy Dog sport coats. $245
- Fangst Tinned Seafood Selection from Rainbow Tomatoes Garden
Canned fish, the old frugal favorite, is going chic these days with an increasing number of savvy seafood lovers discovering its joys beyond the tuna salad sandwich. The Danish brand Fangst is one of my favorites for tinned seafood. Each offering is delicious and unique. Try them with eggs, tossed with pasta, on buttered brown bread, or speared straight from the can! Rainbow Tomatoes Garden offers an amazing selection of tinned seafood, and it’s a lovely small business, sending each package with little surprises like recipe suggestions. $113 (all cans also available individually)
Buy from Rainbow Tomatoes Garden
- A Christmas Mystery Book from Your Local Independent Bookstore (or the Mysterious Bookshop)
Every year my parents would give me a book in my stocking. The idea was that stockings were opened first, whenever you woke up, and the book was to be read while adults were still slumbering before everyone was awake for presents under the tree. Any appropriately sized book can fulfill this duty, by why not keep it seasonal with editor Martin Edwards’s latest British Library Crime Classics anthology, A Surprise for Christmas and Other Seasonal Mysteries. $14.99
Buy from The Mysterious Bookshop
- Kennedy Socks from American Trench
Yes, socks. Practical clothing might be the scourge of every child’s Christmas toy dreams, but as an adult there are few things more luxurious than a fresh sock upgrade. The athletic crew sock can too often fall victim to neglect. Thankfully American Trench has addressed this deficit with handsome striped crew socks inspired by JFK’s sportier looks. $22
- Blackwatch Pajamas from The Vermont Flannel Co.
You need at least one good pair of pajamas, and these handsome flannels will keep you warm at night, and presentable to family members in the morning. Made in the United States and available in a range of patterns—Blackwatch is my personal favorite. Pants ($48.80) and Shirt ($63.80) sold separately
Buy from the Vermont Flannel Co.
- An L.L. Bean Boat and Tote
You can never have enough tote bags—well, realistically you probably have far too many…BUT you can never have enough excellent tote bags. There’s a big difference between a reusable bag from the grocery store and a boat tote. The Boat and Tote is one of L.L. Bean’s most iconic offerings and it’s still made in Maine. Add a monogram for a personal touch. $34.95 (price depending on size)
- A Perpetual Cubes Desk Calendar from MOMA
A fun tactile way to mark the days, this handsome desk calendar from MOMA brings a touch of mid-Century Modern chic to any workplace (even if it was designed in 2010). Add a splash of Mad Men to your office without committing to the full wet bar. $22
- A Viyella Bathrobe from the Andover Shop
What man would buy a bathrobe for himself? Well, what man besides me? Warm without being suffocating, Viyella is a beloved blend of wool and cotton that’s soft, durable, and machine washable. Viyella is most often used for sport shirts, but thanks to the Andover Shop, we also have this vibrant tartan bathrobe. $250
Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!
