Holiday Gift Guide 2023: Things We (Would) Love

To close out our gift guides for the season, we’re sharing the things we would love to receive because moms like gifties, too. In this whole holiday magic season, moms are at the helm. We’re driving this boat. So whether you need a link to forward to your partner or want to add these to your own shopping list to treat yourself, here are the things Mary and I would love.


When people ask what I’d want for Christmas, I usually have no place to even start because this season has me in circles. But if I really sit and think about it, there’s a lot of things I’d like to have for the holidays: experiences, vacations, or moments of pure relaxation. But for a close runner-up, here’s my wish list for the year:

Calphalon Pots and Pans – It’s been about 10 years since we received our cookware as a wedding present. Although it has served us well, it’s time for a replacement. Yes, cookware is a big purchase item, but the entire set would be a welcomed upgrade.

Samsonite Winfield Luggage – When my husband and I started dating, my luggage finally succumbed to its old age. Since then, he has graciously been letting me use his suitcases whenever we traveled. It’s time I get my own luggage, a carry-on at least. This hard shell one caught my eye, and it comes in this pretty blue color.

Euro Ceramica White Pasta Bowls – “In the end, we’re all just women who wanna find bowls that sorta look like plates that are sorta like bowls…”

Makeup Brush Set – I blame Patti for this one. Getting ready to go out on our blog retreat, Patti pulls out this paddle-looking makeup brush and I was immediately in awe. Hers was Artis, but this set from Amazon is a perfect dupe. It also doesn’t hurt to see a ton of makeup influencers promote it on social.

3D Moon Lamp –So, a little confession. I’ve been using the flashlight on my phone to light my room for a soft glow. Not a bad way to MacGyver it, but it’d be nice to have a little ambient light on my side of the bed. Might as well be the moon.


The Drowsy Sleep Mask – In a video for Vanity Fair, Emma Watson shared her sleep mask that she brings with her traveling. I could not find the exact one since it’s made in the UK and sold out, so I got this top-rated one from Amazon. Yes, it’s more expensive than any other sleep mask I’ve bought, but it does the trick and I’m dead to the world.

Marks and Spencer – I got super excited when I saw that M&S, the go-to UK grocer, was partnering with Target for the holidays. Their Sticky Toffee Pudding was amazing when we spent the holidays in London. However, big fail on them for not having ginger snaps, my personal favorite from them. Match it with some Yorkshire Gold and it’s *chef’s kiss. So I caved and ordered an 8-pack of M&S ginger snaps from Amazon, not Prime and with the international shipping fee. These will be my stocking stuffer, but they also fall into Hostess Gift territory.

TBR – My trip to B&N for the Child(ish) Reads gift guide was super tempting. I usually take cover photos of the books to add to my Goodreads list and library queue. Standouts are:

Salamati by Hamed Allahyari – a beautiful Persian cookbook
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang – I’m 330th in line for this at the library….
Single AF Cocktails (coming soon) – because I’m #TeamAriana
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett – The next pick from my Book Club

I’m traveling to Asia twice in the coming months, one of the trips is for Troy’s 40th birthday. So I don’t really have a Go-Big-Or-Go-Home gift. If I wanted to go super practical and for the house, I would snag the Skylight Calendar. Obviously I’m a planner addict, so everyone in this house better know what’s up.

If I wanted to splurge and make it an experience, I would set up a fancy dinner reservation. Five Atlanta restaurants were just awarded Michelin stars. Since Mary and I got back from Vegas, I’ve wanted to do a sparkly, super-foodie date night.

Capping it off with stocking stuffers, I usually like refills of my skincare routine, this Scalp Massager/Shampoo Brush that looks awesome, a couple of loaded gift cards, and for the nerd-out factor, I loved this adorable Green House book nook I saw at Kinokuniya.


Thank you for digging this year’s Gift Guides and giving us an excuse to incessantly browse online. Like we said earlier, we try to pick items that have development value and longevity, while also being parent-friendly. If you’re moving up age groups, please remember to declutter and donate as much as you can.

Happy Holiday Season to you all!
~Mary & Patti


All of the linked items can also be found on our Child(ish) Advice Holiday Gift Guide Amazon List.
We do not receive a commission through these links. We’re just really big fans.


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