via TravisMathew
As a professional gift giver, I’m going to give you one of the strongest tools I have — what I would gift myself. Luxurious pragmatism has a place, and these are the items that she will not only appreciate, but look back on with warmth and not idle contempt. The latter is the last thing you need during the long, long week between Christmas/Hannukah and New Year’s.
As a supposedly benevolent person, I’m a firm believer in gifting something that can also benefit you in the long run, especially if you’re living with them. As long as it’s not an idle threat or poorly complements an inside joke, quality upgrades that improve your standard of living are not only welcome, but much more appreciated in the long run. However, it can’t be something that only you will use, like an old version of Guitar Hero that takes you back to college days when you only had a forty of malt liquor duct taped to your hand a dream. It has to be something your partner will be thrilled about because they wouldn’t have spent that money on it themselves.
In that vein, I’m recommending cuter and cozier loungewear, AI cleaning tools because it’s the only AI I’m comfortable with (the kind that allows me to do as little as physically—not intellectually—possible) and other staple items that will prove useful rather than collect dust in your cabinet.
TravisMathew loungewear and sportswear
via TravisMathew
Ever since I took a trip out to the ACC golf tournament, I’ve discovered the joys of cuter and comfier sportswear and loungewear and have been wearing TravisMathew on repeat. Looking good and feeling good go hand-in-hand, and I can’t go back to sweats that I wouldn’t get hit on in. Now that it’s colder out, I can say without question that the woman in your life wouldn’t say no to a great, matching loungewear set that looks just as good on the ‘gram as it does while binge-watching holiday favorites or hanging with family.
There’s that old gift trope of buying your girl a cocktail dress or gown and then taking her out to a fancy dinner. That’s all well and good, but as someone who doesn’t trust a dude to get my preferred style or dress size right, I can attest that I would much rather get a sweet matching loungewear set and the option of whatever I wanted to order in for date night. It’s foolproof and she’ll be wearing a cute, elasticized set a lot more than whatever cocktail dress you find dripping in sequins.
I especially love their Spa Day sets, anything with Cloud Fleece, and it doesn’t get cuter than their polo tennis dresses. I really appreciate how the latter includes a pocket for your phone, so I don’t need to bring a bag or wallet when I’m walking around.
On another note, may I also note that, as a male, can do the lord’s work by wearing grey sweatpants that fit you better.
Shop NOW AT Travis Matthew
Ninja Shark Robot Vacuum
Shark
While I may live in a studio apartment in Manhattan, I can safely say that robot vacuum that both mops AND dusts has been a savior. I can’t justify hiring cleaners because, frankly, my apartment isn’t that big, but having something else handle the mopping and vacuuming has been a major lift in mood and time. While I don’t endorse AI taking over jobs meant for humans, I also don’t want someone I don’t know in my apartment when I, a grown-ass adult, could reasonably take a few hours to deep clean it. I love the little guy, who I’ve named Skynet after the AI in Terminator, and it’s great to see him intelligently make his way around the apartment while dutifully avoiding the furniture and rugs it already mapped out and can sense. Not only is he adorable, but he cleans up after himself with no-touch technology. All the dust and dirt and old water get sucked up into the base, which I empty after a few runs.
But isn’t gifting cleaning items during the holidays a no no — reminiscent of clueless 1950s TV sitcom husbands giving their stay-at-home wives a new mop or vacuum for Christmas? I can assure you, as a working chick, that a robot vacuum is a different story because it drastically reduces your cleaning time. It’s not offensive; it’s practical for the both of you.
Tap To BUY @ SHARK – $999.99 $699.99
Bitters collection
If you’re a drinker who’s upped their cocktail routine or is looking to do so in the new year and your partner is opting for the same, then bitters would be a really cute stocking companion or night of Hannukah gift. Bonus points if she is one of G-d’s strongest soldiers (constantly dealing with an upset tummy). My brother’s fiancée brings a bottle of seltzer and bitters on long car rides because she’ll make herself a drink if she starts to feel car sick. I think that’s quite brilliant and a lot more economical than hotboxing a rental car.
BUY NOW @ AMAZON
Barbour scarf
via Orvis
Tartan scarves are timeless, and the Barbour tartan is unmistakable now between the Royal family and cast of Succession always drenched in it. The other cool thing about tartan, especially Barbour as a brand, is that it’s gender-neutral. Two can play this game, and by that, I mean you can steal her scarf on occasion. As a gift, it’s a win/win for the both of you!
BUY NOW @ ORVIS – $65
FSA gifting — eye massager or red light mask
This is going to sound awful, but — why not use your FSA or HSA dollars on your significant other? They’re going to expire on December 31st, anyway. I haven’t gotten into the red light mask moment, but I am all in on my eye massager. Red light and pulsing vibrations help with an undereye situation, and the procedures to help fix such seem more invasive than the usual fillers or botox appointment. This is another win/win gift because you can steal it from them on occasion as well.