You’ve likely seen the gift guides with suggestions for DC experiences and the one especially for teens… and now here’s a round-up of gift ideas for the adults in your life. (And maybe some inspiration for your wish list too.) Happy Gifting!
Softest Sweaters
Cashmere always makes a great gift — it’s luxurious and useful (so warm for winter) — and the kind of item some people may not splurge on for themselves. There are also so many amazing sales on sweaters to take advantage of right now!
Naked Cashmere – Great quality sweaters…love mine. (For men, too.)
Jenni Kayne – Most splurgy, but supposedly amazing.
Naadam – Sooo many style options. (For men, too.)
Reformation – Soft and chic.
J. Crew – Relatively lower price points. (For men, too)
Quince – Cashmere starting at just $50.
Accessories — Luxe and Fun
A perfect way to give them something really nice, without going full splurge on a large item. Or a great way to give them something practical and/or fun.
Scarf – Super soft cashmere or a really pretty color combo.
Winter Hat – Soft and splurgy or colorful and fun. And options for him.
Gorgeous Earrings – Colorful beaded dangles or simple but statement-making.
Fun Socks – The best gift socks and currently on sale.
Sunglasses – Really good and reasonably priced. This brand, too.
Boot Season
With the cold weather coming, help them keep their tooties warm and stylish.
Ugg Ultra Minis – Just received a pair for my birthday and love… like slippers that also make a cute outfit.
Blundstones – Great, cold weather boots for men and women.
Hunters – Classic rain boots for all.
Hiking Boots – For outdoorsy peops, upgrade their footwear,
Kitchen & Dining Delights
If they love to cook and entertain, here are a few things to up their enjoyment.
Vitamix Blender – Gifting this would be a smooth(ie) move
Ninja Portable Blender – For smoothies on the go — and if you don’t want to go all in on a Vitamix.
Dutch Oven – Le Crueset is the standard. (Or Amazon Basics is much less expensive and gets good reviews.)
Pasta Maker – Guaranteed to elicit grazies!
Pitcher – How beautiful is this?
Give a Game
For family and friends who love to play, from board games to ball games.
Azul – I’ve recommended this a lot because it’s my favorite. (Another version.)
Parks – An indoorsy gift for outdoorsy peops.
Monikers – This party game gets great reviews.
Clue Conspiracy – An adult version of the classic.
Pickleball Set – Everybody’s doing it.
Bocce Set – If they like lawn games.
Creature Comforts
Gifts that keep them cozy at home.
Plush Robe – For him, too.
Slippers – Keep those tootsies toasty. (For her, too.)
Sweat Set – So soft and comfy. (For him, too)
Cozy Blanket – Snuggle up.
Good Books – A few recommendations: Tom Lake, The Covenant of Water, I Have Some Questions for You, Trust.
Pampering Experiences
Make them feel coddled with some relaxation or sprucing up.
Balian Springs Day Spa – I recently spent a day at this spa with indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pools, saunas, an infrared area, and a great cafe — and it was wonderful. Kind of like a nicer Spa World (which I also like) but without the required nakedness.
Massage – Go for upscale at the Four Seasons in Georgetown. And here are some more to check out.
Mani-Pedi – Give a pampering sesh at nailsaloon — locations in Logan Circle and Capitol Hill.
Float Therapy – I haven’t tried it, but hear it’s very relaxing.
Dry Bar – For giftees who like regular blow-outs.
Great Getaways
Gift the whole fam or just the adults (or even just your partner) an escape to a driving-distance resort — or maybe even a destination further away.
Salamander Resort – A luxury spot in Middleburg, VA, with awesome amenities (for all ages) and a location near great wineries.
Tides Inn – A lovely, relaxing resort on Carter’s Creek, which leads to the Chesapeake.
Jim Thorpe – Plan a trip to this fun, quirky PA town that’s especially great for outdoorsy peops.
Greece – Go all out and gift your family an awesome vacation! (Portugal is pretty fantastic, too!)
Travel Gift Card – For American Airlines… or Delta or Southwest.
For Those with the Mostest
If you’re going to a gathering during the season, bring a little gift for the hosts.
Salt Pig – A friend gave me one last year, and I love it.
Cheese Knives – A simple, pretty set.
Candles – A colorful, twisted, tapered set.
Coffee – Infused with bourbon.
Traders Joe’s Goodies – In a pinch, pick up a few things like this, this, or this.
Just For Fun
Random suggestions for shits and giggles.
Best Coffee Mug – Repeat from last year, but so good.
Cocktail Recipe Book – With a literary twist.
Custom Photo Ornament – For the tree… or the rearview mirror.
Bubble Umbrella – Genius design, imo.
New York Times Games – For those who love word puzzles.
* * *