2020 Gift Guide
IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!
One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is giving. It sounds cliche but there is something about seeing the smile on someone's face and finding ways to give back (and wrapping is fun, too). It is no question this year has been tough on everyone- now more than ever it is most important to be there for each other, in any way possible.
On top of my gift guides, I’ll be including some ways to give back in the next couple months. One of my favorite initiatives is USPS Operation Santa. At the bottom of this page I’ve included more information and other options to give back in the next coming months.
I’ve separated my gift guides into categories (obviously had to include a cheese lover guide with a custom mb&co. cheeseboard) in hopes of making it easier to break down who you are shopping for. There is also a “shop small” page where I’ve curated some gifts from my favorite Chicagoland small businesses. Each guide will have links to directly shop the product. Just click on the highlighted text
THE CHEESE LOVER
What would a gift guide be if I didn’t shamelessly plug an mb&co. cheeseboard!? For more information on how to order your custom board please email us at mb.and.co.20@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram @ mb_and_ co. You can also visit our “Shop mb & co.” page for more details
What would a charcuterie board be without some accessories? These gold cheese markers make it easy and cute to style your cheeses and let your guests know what is what
Every board needs a knife set to go with it. This set is pricey but worth it for the cheese lover. I have had this exact set for about 5 years now and it has held up nicely. Adds a chic element to any charcuterie
How cool is this cheesemaking kit? This is a fun stay at home activity to learn how to make your own cheese! The perfect gift for all the cheese lovers
For some cheese board inspiration, this book by Marissa Mullen gives all the themed board ideas and fun ideas on how to spice up every day charcuterie
A great gift for the cheese lover who already has all of the charcuterie accessories. These handmade cheese prints are a cute addition to any kitchen
Had to include this adorable honey pot and spoon. A great gift to give the cheese lover who has everything. Adding this to their board accessories will elevate any board
What’s a cheese board without a good wine? My friend recently introduced me to this brand and it has quickly become a staple in my house (and under $15)! Do yourself a favor and get one as a gift and one for yourself, too.
If you are looking for a more inexpensive cheese knife set for your cheese lover- this one is perfect and easy to store
THE COCKTAIL CONNOISSEUR
For the cocktail connoisseur this is an adorable way to keep track of wine glasses when hosting with these cute agate wine charms. No sharing drinks here!
Another fun stay at home activity is a homemade gin kit. Great for the cocktail lover who “has everything” already
A cute addition to any bar cart, kitchen or bar with these bar prints. Choose from this set or this print
Talk about chic this brass wine rack and this bar tools set makes a perfect way to elevate any bar space
Whiskey stones are a common gift for the cocktail lover but this set includes more than a typical set. With glasses, whiskey recipe cards, coasters, a velvet freezer bag to hold the granite stones, and a wooden whiskey gift box. Classy!
A great stocking stuffer idea: bloody mary tree skewers. A great item for the cocktail connoisseur to add to their barware collection
THE HOST
Bring all the cozy feels for the host and their guests by purchasing one of the best scents to burn at home
The host will love this chic marble wine chiller to entertain and keep that wine cold throughout the night
Game nights are in! At Home Murder Mystery game is a fun gift to give the one who loves to entertain or have themed parties
For the host who has it all, give them a unique gift by customizing their neighborhood/city (one can never have too many coasters)
Adding a personalized touch is a great add on to any gift. A functional yet display worthy item that comes in multiple colors and different monogram fonts. Like this pitcher, dish towel and custom apron
Upgrade their kitchen utensil game with these bistro style tile measuring cups. Add to their glassware collection with these vintage coupe glasses. Perfect addition to any host’s bar cart.
THE HOMEBODY
You know when you’ve hit adulthood when you get excited about glassware. Any homebody would be happy to have this wine glass set
We all know and love the Capri Blue Volcano scent. This diffuser will last longer than the candle and is always producing its lovely scent
Who doesn’t love a game night? Codenames is a fun game for the homebody to play with their roommate, significant other or family
Comfy while also elevating their home, this chunky knit blanket is perfect for cozying up on the couch. Speaking of comfy these slippers scream cozy
The homebody is most likely a movie buff as well. Help decorate their space by giving them their favorite movie in poster form!
Elevate their bath experience with this wooden bath caddy. Perfect to hold a book, iPad, or a glass of wine
A subscription service makes a great present. It's the gift that keeps on giving! A great service is the Book of the Month Club. The homebody will get a new book sent to their door each month (and maybe you can borrow it when they are finished)
FOR HIM
A unique gift for the whiskey lover in your life is this whiskey barrel wood cocktail set. Comes with everything your guy needs to make a great smoked cocktail. Or this cocktail smoker will elevate his cocktail game
Gifting clothing is also a great gift for the man in your life. A basic like this one or a classic button down is a safe bet, too
For the guy who’s a game lover- Beeropoly is a fun drinking game to play with his friends or Spikeball is a fun outdoor game he can bring anywhere
For the guy who loves to cook, up his breakfast game with this breakfast sandwich maker
For the guy who has everything, get him this mystery tackle box fishing kit- a fun surprise for him to take on his next fishing trip. Or personalized golf balls to take on his next golf outing
FOR HER
For the self care queen, this silk pajama set is comfy and chic. This Summer Friday’s set includes a facemask, lip balm, and vitamin c serum. Perfect for a relaxing night.
For the gal who misses the nail salon, this at home gel kit has everything she needs to give the perfect at home manicure
I love a good tote bag and their many uses. Get this personalized tote for her market or shopping trips
This set of white wine chilling coasters makes the perfect gift for the wine loving gal. Minimal trips to the fridge for ice? Count me in.
Practical and cute, this mask chain elevates any outfit while also keeping a mask close at all times
My friend behind Itty Bitty New York City makes amazing custom artwork. Based in New York City she makes fashion prints and can make a custom piece for anyone. For the gal who would love a print of her and her friends, significant other or favorite fashionable celeb, this makes the perfect gift. You can visit her website ittybittynewyorkcity.com or DM her on Instagram @ ittybittynewyorkcity to order! And tell her I sent you :)
FOR THE LITTLES
I know I have shown this a few times on Instagram but i would be REMISS if I did not include this adorable pretend charcuterie set. Get them started on their charcuterie game young!
This personalized name puzzle makes a great gift for any toddler
Speaking of personalized, this custom bowling set is a fun addition to a toy collection. Add on a warm & fuzzy monogram hat as a stocking stuffer
For a fun activity these color in pajamas make a cute wardrobe addition and wearable art piece that come in a dino and unicorn print. Another great activity is this create your own comic book kit
These LeleLerele dolls are a cute and fashionable upgrade to any doll collection
$20 & UNDER
This personalized Christmas ornament is a cute way to commemorate an important event that happened in the past year! Or baby’s first Christmas, first Christmas married, etc.
For the boss woman in your life, this Bad Girls Throughout History book is a great read and gift
A custom stationary set never goes out of style. This one from Etsy is so cute and minimal
A classic beanie is a great wardrobe staple this one comes in a rainbow of colors
For the plant lover, this mason jar herb garden set makes a great addition to their collection
For the fashionista, this Madewell bandana is multi purpose. Coming in a variety of prints and colors it can double as a hair accessory or bag accessory
Can never go wrong with the gift of coffee. This french press is stylish and inexpensive. Can be found via Bodum or Target. If you have a tea lover in mind, this works for them, too!
Personally have been into reusable tote bags lately (which is why it is on my gift guide twice). Great for travel, shopping, going to the market etc. Add a nice touch by personalizing it. This one here is a great option
SHOP SMALL (Chicagoland small businesses)
even if you aren’t from Chicago, all of the businesses listed have websites and ship anywhere in the US
If you live downtown, you’ve probably heard of Alice and Wonder. They are located in Lincoln Park by DePaul’s campus and have the cute clothes and accessories. I love this Chicago sweatshirt from their online shop. A great store for the trendy gal in your life
Foursided is one of the best vintage, lifestyle and trinket stores around. You can find anything in there for anyone. I love the idea of this card set for the Friends lover and this Chicago book for the Chicago lover. It really is a one stop shop with multiple locations across the city and an online shop!
I love getting/giving unique jewelry pieces as gifts. The shop Adorn512 is located in Downers Grove. Everything is handmade in shop and by local artists. They have everything from rings, necklaces, bracelets, candles, hair accessories, etc.
Another Chicago staple for the trendy gal is Lost Girls Vintage. A groovy and one of a kind vintage shop with locations in West Town and Logan Square (and online). A unique store for the environmental and fashion conscious gal. Their items are one of a kind so if you love it, snag it! I also love their accessories like this hat and cute mug set
Milk handmade is a unique shop with most items being handmade directly by sustainable, local designers. I love this reversible chic mask from their shop. You can shop at their store in Lakeview or online!
I used to live down the street from Vanille Patisserie in Lincoln Park and it was dangerous. They have the most authentic french macarons you can get without actually being in Paris (the pistachio is life changing). They offer holiday box sets of all bakery goods. Whomever you get this yummy gift for- their tastebuds will thank you! You can order online or call their store.
This candle from Waxman Candles are all made in shop! They even offer candle making classes with different kinds of wax to choose from. Also located in Lakeview or place your order online!
WAYS TO GIVE BACK
As I mentioned in the beginning of this post, I wanted to also list some ways to give back or help out other families and communities.
One of my favorites that I have done in the past is USPS Operation Santa. You can adopt a families or child’s letter to Santa and make their holiday wish come true. You can adopt as many or as little letters as you want; no matter how big or small the wish, you can purchase what is doable for you. Their website gives full instructions and handles majority of the work for you. Just drop off your gift at your local USPS. So easy to make someones holiday <3
You can also donate to Feeding America - to help feed hungry children or families during this exceptionally hard year. For more information visit their website
I would love to know any more organizations, or ways to help out this year. If you have any ideas please send them our way :) we are all in this together!
Here’s to a happy and healthy holiday season!
Cheers,
mb.
