I’m back with a new and updated list of favorite products with an emphasis on supporting small and locally owned businesses as well as companies that align with my values. The 2020 Gift Guide for Grownups includes foodie favorites, health & beauty, stocking stuffers, clothing and more. Here are the BEST gifts that’ll fit your budget AND your discriminating taste.
You won’t find anything here that I was paid to endorse. I’ve personally checked out every single item in the 2020 Grownup Dish Holiday Gift Guide. If it’s not something worth spending my own money on, I would never recommend it.
Be sure to check out my 2019 Gift Guide for Grownups and my 2018 Gift Guide for Grownups for more ideas.
FOODIE FAVORITES
Homemade Sea Salt Caramels & Salted Caramel Bourbon Sauce from K Kelly Confections – I’ve been friends with Dawn Kelly for over 30 years and she makes the most delectable homemade caramel treats with customizable gift boxes/tags available.
Balanced Bites Organic Infused Sugars – These organic, infused sugars are a delightful way to add a pop of flavor to your morning coffee, tea, and beyond. They come in four flavors: mocha, cocoa, cinnamon and vanilla and are available individually or as a four-pack. I am not a proponent of a high sugar diet, but these are intended as finishers or as part of a treat. I like a sprinkle on top of my latte.
Be sure to also check out the Balanced Bites spice blends. You can get this Rainbow of Flavor Gift Box featuring a dozen one-ounce spice blend bags on sale for $40.
Prickly Pear Herbal Tea by Maya– I discovered this delicious decaffeinated herbal tea during one of my many visits to Miraval Arizona and now I order it in bulk. We always have a pitcher of iced tea in the fridge.
Always Pan by Our Place – I bought one of these for myself and I just ordered one for my mom. It’s truly become the go-to pan we use daily. Its great for sauteing or steaming (with a built in steamer basket). I’ve even used it to boil pasta. I love that it’s both non-toxic and non stick. And it’s so pretty that I don’t feel guilty if I leave it out on the stove. Read my full review. Use this link to save $20.
Mushroom Growing Kit – Grow organic mushrooms indoors. All you need to do is open the box, spray daily with the included mister, and in 10 days you’ll be harvesting your own mushrooms. Each crop produces three to four servings of mushrooms, and each box can grow up two crops. This was recommended by my organic gardening pal @horseradishandhoney so you know it’s gonna be great.
BEAUTY & SELF CARE
Golden Hour All-In-One Palette – Even though I’m not wearing much makeup these days, this stunning palette has become my go-to. It’s an endlessly versatile curation of four gleaming eyeshadows, a warm blush, an illuminating highlighter, and a built-in mirror for easy application anytime, anywhere. These colors look GREAT on all skin tones. And if/when I ever get to travel again, it’s the perfect all-in-one kit to throw in my carry on luggage. Order before Nov. 29th to take advantage of BeautyCounter’s 15% site-wide sale.
Olive & June Manicure and Pedicure Kits – I ordered the manicure kit back in march when my local nail salon closed. Their nail polish is GREAT quality and the kit comes with everything you need to give yourself a salon-worthy mani or a pedi at home. Use this link to get $10 off your first purchase of $50.
Original Makeup Eraser – I purchased a two-pack of these about a year ago and they do a great job of cleaning my face with just plain water. I use my BeautyCounter cleansers in the evening and in the mornings, I just splash warm water on my face and use the microfiber Makeup Eraser to dry it off. Then I slather on this Vitamin C Serum, and this Tinted Moisturizer with SPF and I’m good to go.
FOR THE GUYS
Counterman Fresh Essentials – I’m buying a bunch of these sets for the favorite men in my life. It includes three full-sized products for men: Counterman Purifying Shampoo, Energizing Charcoal Body Wash and the (brand new) Clean Deodorant in a crisp sequoia scent – all beautifully packaged in a gift box that doesn’t even need to be wrapped. Order before Nov. 29th to take advantage of BeautyCounter’s 15% site-wide sale.
The Campo by BE Outfitters – Meet the most versatile product in your outdoor collection: it’s a hammock, rain poncho, shelter, and ground cover all packed into one incredibly functional and packable product. Watch this video to see how it works. Plus, right now it’s 30% with free shipping. No code needed.
COMFY & COZY
Ambiance by Bernadette Embellished Masks – Let’s face it, we’re all going to be wearing masks for the foreseeable future. But they don’t have to be ugly. My husband’s sister Bernadette owns a retail shop in Los Angeles where she sells jewelry, accessories and very blingy embellished masks. She accepts custom orders so you can have her create something one-of-a-kind.
Be A Good Person – Based right here in Denver, I love the shirts, hats, athletic wear and masks emblazoned with “Be A Good Person.” They recently did a really cool collaboration with Lululemmon.
Handmade Quilts by Blue Mungo — Want to give a handmade heirloom without all of the work? Blue Mungo is your answer. Artisan Kate McMahon sells modern handmade quilts at a fraction of what you’d expect to pay. Choose from completed versions on her website, or contact her to customize something one-of-a-kind. And if you’re a quilter, she also sells patterns.
Fit Bitch Athletic Apparel – My friend Treena is the founder of Fit Bitch athletic apparel where she has a variety of unique tanks, t-shirts, and leggings. It doesn’t matter what size, age, sex, race you are…ANYONE can be a Fit B-I-T-C-H which stands for Badass, Inspiring, Tough, Capable, Human. Her clothes are great quality and very reasonably priced. Use code BADASS for 20% off.
My favorite veteran (who will probably never read this post) will be getting this T-shirt (and I love that the proceeds benefit veterans and their families through Easterseals Military Services.
MeUndies Underwear & Loungewear – Here’s a gift idea that keeps on giving: an underwear subscription from MeUndies. We’ve had a gift subscription since last March and really look forward to our monthly delivery. Note: You do not HAVE to sign up for an ongoing subscription. You can place a one-time order. But the subscription is significantly cheaper (up to 30% off) and you can pause or stop it at any time. Read my full review. Use my referral link for 20% off your first order (excluding packs).
BOOKS
What Would I Do Without You: A Collection of Short Stories About Friendship — Margo Krasne’s latest book is a collection of 13 short stories about the different friendships and all their complexities. The characters are artists, writers, business types, women, men, single and married. Their ages run the gamut. Starlight Starbright tells about two women who have known each other since childhood whereas the women in The French Lesson meet in their fifties. Friendships within a family are explored in the title story as well as Dead Daisies Strewn All Over. There are friendships that grow apart and those that life tears apart. This is a book about attachment, separation, loss and sometimes reattachment. But mostly it is about how friendships sustain us for the time they exist and even beyond.
The Little Book of Big Knowing: Tiny Bursts of Insight to Wake Up Your Soul – This is Michele Sammons’ first book and it’s a delight. Meant to be read in short bursts, her insights, wisdom and humor shine through on every page.
STOCKING STUFFERS
Holiday Ornaments from The Happy Givers – If you’ve been following me for a while you know that I love The Happy Givers merchandise and I own and often gift their clothing. They have a large selection of holiday ornaments to choose from and everything you purchase helps fund their non-profit efforts.
BeautyCounter Stocking Stuffers – All 15% Off Until Nov. 29th
I love using these BeautyCounter Mini Deodorants and Lip Jellies as stocking stuffers. They also make a perfect thank-you or hostess gift when you don’t want to show up empty handed. They’re only available during the holidays so I always keep an extra set on hand for grab-and-go gifting throughout the year.
LOOKING FOR MORE DEALS?
This post has a summary of all of my current discount codes and special offers.
Also, you can find lots of my favorite products 365 days/year in the SHOP section of my blog. Here are the shortcuts:
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This is not an ad. I have received no compensation for the 2020 Holiday Gift Guide for Grownups post. Although I’m not paid to endorse any of the products in this Gift Guide, if you follow my affiliate links to purchase them, I may get a small percentage as a commission—though it won’t cost you an extra penny.
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