SCRAPS AND SCRIBBLES
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A couple years ago I photographed a marina cookout and oyster education event out on the Olympic Peninsula for a business called Fjordlux, and I grabbed a few bonus shots of Helmsman Trawlers boats that evening in passing. Just the other week I reconnected with some kind folks at both companies and spent a drizzly weekend afternoon aboard a beautifully trimmed Helmsman yacht.
2016 tree concept
2016 gift wrap scheme
I think many have complicated feelings about the winter holidays. I know I do. I live for the holiday season: the brisk temperatures, extended time off, the excuse for baked goods, the festive lights and mulled wine and fair isle sweaters. But. Like with any highly anticipated thing that comes packaged with high expectations, the holidays generally find me sinking into a state of thwarted perfectionism. The decor must be photogenic, the gift choices flawlessly suited to recipient, the party conversation sparkling and interesting, the family movie choices a hit with every single person present. 2020 has amplified that questioning & anxiety.
How did I manage to gain so much weight this season? Did I do enough this year? I’m another year older - but what do I have to show for it? And with it all: feelings of guilt for being a wet blanket during the holidays when everyone else is already wrestling with their questions too, and trying not to show it.
At the end of a weird year, the questioning and the thwarted perfectionism are weirder too, and likely not improved by spending the season in isolation. To those of us who have complicated feelings and experience complicated holidays: You’re doing great. Happy Christmas, and may better times lie ahead.
What makes an item gift-able? It has to occupy that sweet spot between indulgent and utilitarian, and between wish-you-had and you-already-own. Below: five handy lists of products I’ve tried and loved, received and loved, or loved to gift in the past, sorted by recipient.
Keeps your coffee (or tea, or soup…I guess) heated to your desired temperature through all those morning meetings.
For those on-the-go overachievers who combine errands, a run, and a social commitment all in one fast-paced outing. Part casual sneaker, part sport shoe, and always polished looking.
This is my own phone case style at the moment - minimal, monogrammed, and professional.
Some people are so on top of their shit that they send actual personal correspondence regularly by mail, and on personalized stationery. I am not one of these people. But in case you know someone, this is a solid option.
This was a hit when I gifted it to a family member a year or two ago. Aesop is some high-quality stuff with a great natural ingredients ethos.
Fabulous, satisfying texture, plus Ouai makes some of the freshest body care scents around. Apparently the internet loves this too, so I feel justified in putting this on my list.
I was recommended this lactic acid and retinol nightly skincare kit by friends, and haven’t stopped using it for three years. It’s the best thing to happen to my skin since aging out of the chaotic teenage years.
There are a number of things I love about this small brand’s range of body washes, lotions, and scrubs, including their silky textures and unisex, atypically muted, high-end scents.
These inconspicuous ankle/wrist weights add a little something extra to a long walk or home workout, perfect for quarantine times.
This sleek bottle is not only nice to look at, it has a glass interior coating to stop even coffee from leaving behind a lingering taste.
Not quite a scarf, this is just enough for for an active person to stay warm during an outdoor winter workout.
For pilates and barre enthusiasts who also love a bit of bling.
Winter is coming, which means it’s leave-your-hot-coffee-mug-on-random surfaces time. These pretty things will save many a tabletop.
For those who love a retro decor look, this is Smeg’s update of their popular fixed-temperature kettle style.
These are beautiful enough to gift a particularly hard-to-please recipient. Plus they come in a range of unusual, intriguing fragrances you won’t find elsewhere.
These incredible timesavers integrate right into Apple HomeKit and can be controlled from your iPhone, making a nightly routine of switching off various lamps and other powered items a breeze.
A cute, washable, easy-care, waterproof blanket to protect your nice couch from inevitable animal accidents.
I think I remember TFD getting into the pet bow tie craze before other stores did, and they still make some of the cutest, most thoughtfully designed ones around. I confess I haven’t sent these particular ties to anyone (yet), but wish I’d thought of it in time.
These adorable things let your cat come along on hikes, bike rides, and errands. But not all cats are cool with being clipped into one of these, so definitely check with your cat-owning friend to see if their kitty is chill.
If your cat is like mine and enjoys nibbling at all the faux (or real) decorative greenery in your home, distract them with this easy-grow kit that comes in a cute container.
Disclaimer: I have never purchased these things for myself or anyone else.
This just tickles me because it looks like the storage box a pair of earrings by the jewelry house might come in.
I have looked at this so many times and thought, How cool. You can carry it to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
I’ve seen enough movies to know this is exactly the kind of art object-looking speaker tech-y thing a rich person would have in their home atop a custom made rare wood console table near where the great room feeds into the study.
In case someone you know just craves a beautiful blanket they will never be able to machine wash.
