Holiday 2024

Seasons greetings +The annual gift guide

Holiday Greetings!
I’m embracing tradition and sending this your way early, so you can start brainstorming gift ideas. As always, I’m drawn to simple, practical things. I hope it’s been a good year so far! As we approach this much-anticipated season, I wish you warm friendships, cozy sweaters, and plenty of sweet treats. Sending you my heartfelt wishes for good health and a joyful holiday season!
xx - Rach

Holiday Gifting

Simple, practical, (mostly) affordable

1. Back in the day, these V Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels were a popular gift item in my specialty food shop. The unboxing is a treat in itself, with several layers to peel back along with clever sayings printed on the underside of the lid. All signs indicate something scrumptious is in store for the lucky recipient. These creamy caramels are lightly sprinkled with sea salt and are a wonderful way to make someone you care about feel special. I recommend the 32-piece box of sea salt caramels with mixed dark and milk chocolate. ($29.95)

2. Chances are, you’ve seen Graza Spanish single-varietal extra-virgin olive oil around on socials. They are everywhere this year and are even showing up on shelves at Whole Foods. But that doesn’t make it any less special. The packaging is eye-catching and playful, and the squirt top is practical and useful. These cheerful bottles look great on a kitchen counter or any open shelving. Slip a single bottle into a stocking, or give the more substantial Duo Gift Box to your favorite foodie. The Sizzle is considered their more mellow cooking oil and has a higher smoke point, while the Drizzle is a punchier finishing oil. If I were to choose only one, it would be the Drizzle because it has greater health benefits. ($42.00)

3. This classic piece from GreenPan comes in creamy ecru with gold handles, goes straight from oven to table, and will be the most gorgeous casserole dish to ever grace your holiday table. Use this Rectangular Roaster with Rack to roast a turkey or prime rib, or reserve it for use as a serving piece for casseroles and crisps. GreenPan is a trusted brand known for their Thermolon Minerals Pro technology. Their pans are nontoxic, nonstick, and dishwasher-safe. We’re talking both style and substance! I don’t own one yet, but I hope Santa is paying attention. ($200.00)

4. Dark Chocolate is is known for its health properties, and sometimes a little nibble is all you need! You could break up this box of Raaka individually wrapped minis and use them as stocking stuffers, or set them out in a pretty bowl, or tie it with a wide velvet ribbon and gift the whole box! I love the Pink Sea Salt bites but if you head over to Raaka’s website you’ll see their full size bars and other delicious options like the mixed box of minis which contains Oat Milk, Pink Sea Salt, 60% Cacao, and Coconut Milk bars. (29.95)

5. The Healthy Aging Serum by good.clean.goop. is my favorite lightweight daily moisturizer. It’s tricky to find one that’s safe for my sensitive skin and this one imparts a velvety, well-hydrated finish. It is synthetic fragrance-free and I would describe the scent as just a whisper of ylang ylang. I wait until it goes on 20%-off sale (which is quite often), and I stock up. This silky formula contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for extra hydration Add it to your skincare repertoire, stuff a stocking, or include it as part of a gift basket. ($29.99)

6. Justine first caught my eye on Instagram with her Figs in a Blanket. I thought, wow, I like the way she thinks! I hadn’t really settled on any one cookbook as a standout favorite of 2024. But then her plant-forward cookbook, Justine Cooks, dropped earlier this week, and I can already report that the Boyfriend Salmon and Smoky Scallops Over Crispy Quinoa are calling my name. If gluten and dairy were not a problem for me, I would be all about A Spoon Salad — maybe make that your first stop. If you’re looking for new ways to get your veg on, this may be the inspo you need to make that happen! ($27.34)

7. I love a PJ pant! These winter-plaid flannel PJ bottoms are my fall/winter 2024 uniform — I sized up for a slightly oversized fit. Don’t be scared off by the poor reviews, they seem to be specific to the solid red option which does appear to be a bit vibrant. The shape is right and they wash up well — just pair them with a tissue tee and your favorite sweater. Cozy is king! ($22.39)

8. I prefer to use an inexpensive face cleanser and save my budget for the heavy hitters which have more therapeutic value. The Daily Juice Cleanser by good.clean.goop is a water-based foaming face wash with fruit enzymes and chlorella extract. It starts as a gel and lathers into a gentle foam with the most delightful fresh scent. No perfume-y stuff here. It leaves me feeling fresh-faced and invigorated, and you only need a little squeeze of it. As with the moisturizer, I wait until the cleanser goes on 20%-off sale (which is fairly often), and stock up. Consider treating your overnight holiday guests by making it a guest bathroom provision. ($14.99)