gifts i love : super smalls

I WAS A SUPER girlie girl. I was all about clothes and makeup and Barbie and princesses. I took ice skating lessons just so I could have a Dorothy Hamill dress. I paraded around the house in my sequined dance costumes. And I would have thrown my best friend to the wolves without second thought for some Super Smalls bling. It’s shiny and stylish and adorable and made just for kids who like to rock the hardcore sparkle.

FOUNDED BY a legit fashion industry veteran and certified girl mama of three, Super Smalls mimics the look, feel and presentation of serious luxury jewelry and accessories, but is made just for all-out fun. It’s intended to spark the imagination, power up the the play and straight up wow its wearers. They make over-the-top adorable jewelry, accessories and hair bling that all take glitz and shine to the next level. It’s just plain fun and would make a seriously SHOW-STOPPING gift for any little or t(w)een that’s dazzled by sparkle. Their BFF Twin Stars Necklace Set comes with matching blingy necklaces, one for each pal, along with a super sweet guide that explains what each colorful stone represents about being a good friend. It’s so stinking cute. Super Smalls also has a massive collab with Disney and the MLB so you can really personalize your special li’l person’s gift to their passions.

GRANDMAS AND cool aunties take note, if you love a little that’s super wowed by big time sparkle, Super Smalls is a serious no-brainer AMAZING gift option. I guess it’s a good thing for my elementary school best friend that it wasn’t around when we were kids. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

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gifts i love : brightland

WHEN I WAS a single gal, dinner for me was whatever looked good in the Whole Foods prepared case that night or maybe, if I was feeling ambitious, a pot of spaghetti. When I started to grow my family, my cooking repertoire slowly started to expand, too. Cooking is now obvs an everyday part of my life (more like 3-5x a day) and probs fueled 70% by love and 30% by necessity depending on the day. I’m super passionate about food and health and want to share that with my family, but I’m for sure still learning how to be a ‘good’ cook. I can follow a good recipe and am a FIRM believer that having the right tools for the job is key, be it your go-to kitchen supplies or the best ingredients you can get your hands on. It’s something I’ve been slowly and intentionally honing over the years, swapping out big piles of mostly useless gadgets for a few of the RIGHT ones. It’s the reason I buy organic when I can and the inspiration for finally splurging on some truly gorgeous Brightland Olive Oil.

I’VE HONESTLY always just bought a simple, inexpensive olive oil believing that anything coming from the Mediterranean was probably pretty good and basically all the same. Um, no. It turns out I could NOT have been more naive. When you dig in, you find out that much imported olive oil sold in the US as ‘extra virgin’ is actually nothing of the sort. It can be [and often is] rancid, moldy, contaminated with larvae and filled up with a bunch of other super junky types of oil. EEW. GROSS. It’s apparently a massive global scandal and actually super fascinating (I now want to read this book for the juicy details). The oil I was buying may not have even had the powerful polyphenols and other awesome health benefits that I was using it for in the first place. So I took the leap to something SO MUCH better. If I’m super honest, my leap started more like a casual wander fueled entirely by Brightland’s stunning branding (I’m like a barracuda drawn to shiny objects), but after learning more, I didn’t hesitate to jump and will never look back.

BRIGHTLAND produces small-batch, high quality, gorgeous olive oils with only locally-grown fruit straight from the rich Cali soil. They source all of the little gems from a family-run farm and know exactly what they’re putting into their final product. So you can rest knowing that you’re not putting mold or larvae into your Taboule. And the flavor is spectacular. It’s bright and herbaceous and so super delicious. I started with their ‘basic’ oils, Awake and Alive plus pretty Spouts for both (quickly now some of those ‘right’ kitchen gadgets). I use Awake for soups and chicken and Alive for all the veggies. Then I added Rosette (garlic) and Ardor (chili pepper) to the lineup and they’re both delicious. Ardor is SO good on roasted broccolini, potatoes and chicken. They also make two gorgeous vinegars, Parasol (champagne) and Rapture (balsamic), made with the same high standards. And they just launched a new line of raw, unfiltered honeys. California Orange Blossom and Kauai Wildflower are both made by small-batch farmers in the US and are gorgeous. Brightland has stunning sets that would be a really beautiful gift for anyone on your list who loves to cook or eat fabulous food.

SO, WHILE I still have plenty of days when I’d rather just grab something from Whole Foods, on all of the other days when I’m excited to chef it up, I’m so happy that I have the right tools for the job. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

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gift idea : origami

fold me up, fold me down

ISN’T IT so fascinating how two kiddos born of the same two parents can be so vastly different? My guys are both kind, funny, bright and loving, but their similarities pretty much end there. My little guy is most frequently found in a fantastical world of his own making. He has a GiGANTIC and wondrous imagination and could spend days fully entertained by a single twisty tie. My older son on the other hand, is firmly rooted in reason. His equally active imagination has never been to The Land of Make Believe, but instead is stirred by Rube Goldberg-style machines, elaborate Danny MacAskill tricks and epic ski lines. When he was little, he asked me in all earnestness if Santa was going to come into his room and watch him sleep. He was super creeped out. I mean, it makes sense. The jolly man’s already in our house, the logical next step is that he might go for a wander. And my guy is ALL about logic. He has always busied himself with tinkering and building and engineering and solving problems. He builds elaborate bike jumps and epic race car tracks. He assembles the big Lego sets so that his little brother can actually play with them. He has folded probably close to one million paper airplanes of every possible combination to test their speed, distance and accuracy. And when he discovered origami in second grade, it was true love at first sight.

IN MY observation, LOTS of kids go through a serious origami phase, often starting around age 7 or 8, and it’s easy to see why. The paper is bright and colorful and sometimes has really cool patterns. And, of course, it’s so satisfying to follow the complicated series of steps and end up with something recognizable. My son would then attempt to make a giant version or a teeny tiny version or a whole family of his latest creation (the frogs might’ve been my favorite). He still loves the Art for Kids Hub videos that teach origami in super understandable steps. He learned the hard way that not everyone on YouTube knows what they’re doing, but Rob does and he makes it fun and sets the kids up for success (also an AWESOME and inexpensive subscription, which you know I’m all over).

THERE ARE TONS of awesome resources out in the world for learning and practicing origami and they make excellent gifts for kids or adults that would enjoy the zen process. It’s such a great activity for busy minds and fidgety hands. Taro’s Origami is an excellent resource for learning all about the art form and the paper-making process. They make some of the best paper you’ll find and the studio even offers live online classes with Taro’s professional folders for all levels, which would be a spectacular gift. And if your folder would be wowed by cool patterns, Aitoh is an authentic brand that has an endless offering of super cool paper to delight. So if you love an analytical little and need a good gift or rainy day distraction, check out these fun origami activities and watch their pride swell as they create something dazzling from a humble sheet of square paper. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

origami gifts for folders of all ages

> Jumbo Origami Paper is a fun BIG variation on the standard origami paper and it comes in 30 colors >

> Djeco Origami Kits come in fun themes, perfect for learning new shapes >

> Learn to fold 15 different animals with this Origami Zoo Kit that also includes a fold-out map of the zoo and stickers for adding the finishing touches >

> My First Origami Kit is the perfect starting place for beginners with 22 different projects to practice with, plus stickers >

> You can’t actually fold this Origami Boat, it’s a super cute Oli & Carol natural rubber bath toy, perfect for little siblings of avid folders >

> Make 20 different customized paper airplanes with this cool Paper Airplane Squadron Kit >

> Oh man, I loved making Origami Fortune Tellers when I was little and this bright, colorful set comes with lots of different themes >

> There are 200 brightly colored, double-sided sheets in this Rainbow Colors Origami Paper Pack to keep the imagination running wild >

> This Kusudama Origami Book has stunning, elaborate folds to make traditional Japanese paper spheres >

> Learn to fold 30 different origami designs using a single dollar bill with The Dollar Bill Origami Book >

> This Star Wars Origami Kit is a must for any Star Wars lover. Learn to fold all of your favorite characters >

> Foldology is an origami puzzle game for more advanced folders with 100 brain-teasing challenges from beginner to expert >

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heartfelt support gifts

OH MAN. There are just some gifts that you wish with all of your heart that you never have to give. And a dear friend starting chemo is def on that list. But those times that are the most difficult in a friend or family member’s life are some of the most important times to show up with your most heartfelt support and a thoughtful gift that screams “I’M SO SORRY THAT YOU’RE SUFFERING AND I’D DO ANYTHING TO MAKE IT GO AWAY but I can’t, so here are some soft + lovely things that I hope help you feel deeply loved instead.” Or something like that, right? It can be so hard to know what people need or want or what to say, but there are a few really nice, pampering things that are just about always welcome when someone is struggling.

BLANKETS ARE such a fantastic gift for almost any occasion, but are especially nice when someone is feeling unwell. Faherty makes crazy soft, serene and soothing organic cotton ones that are lightweight enough not to bother any super sensitive spots, but that have enough heft so you know it’s there. It’s just like a sweet hug when you’re all wrapped up and it can be super grounding. A natural fiber like organic cotton is nice for people who are healing and compromised and could do with avoiding additional toxins. Likewise, I love this Zestt Organics Dreamsoft Travel Scarf for snuggling up at appointments or treatments.

LIKEWISE, A cozy pair or two of socks or house shoes keep toes nice and toasty when you’re having trouble regulating your temp. I LOVE these Le Bon Shoppe Cloud Socks for chilling at home and have gifted them to several people who all agree that they’re heavenly. A pair of Topdrawer's Japanese House Shoes are also so soft and comfy. You can’t go wrong with something super luxurious and squishy to make someone feel a bit more comfortable.

NEXT ADD in a few really lovely self care elements. I generally like to keep things pretty simple for people who aren’t at their best, so not too scented and with clean ingredients. Rebecca’s Herbal Apothocary in Boulder is a fantastic resource for handmade blends that are made simply and intentionally. The Balancing Spritzer is for calming anxiety and the Clearing Spritzer is for moving bad juju out of a space. The Himalayan Salt Massage Stone can be put in the fridge or oven to create a smooth and soothing hot or cold tool for working out angry muscles and detoxifying the body. Just about everyone needs a good lip balm and a friend is obsessed with this French Nuxe Reve de Miel. Homemade body butters or other soothing goodies made ‘with love’ are always a beautiful addition (I so didn’t make this one, thanks RHP!). And mints (these are my favorite, I stash them everywhere) or mouth spray can mask the taste of meds or help with a dry mouth. There are TONS of self care items that your loved one might need along the way, many of which are super useful, but NOT sexy. You should, of course, bring them what they need. BUT just for this beautiful pampering gift, maybe stick with the special, luxurious things over straight utility; both will help in their own way.

A SPECIAL tea blend or other beneficial nourishing foods and drinks (like homemade granola) that promote healing are always so nice. This Yin Time Tea + Slippery Elm mix was specially blended by the expert herbalists at Rebecca’s to help sooth anxious nerves and calm a nauseous stomach. And this World Market Glass Loose Leaf Tea Press makes brewing loose tea super easy and beautiful. Or opt for an electric one that keeps your favorite tea nice and warm so it’s always at the ready.

THERE ARE so many options for spoiling your loved ones when they need a little extra propping up. What’s most important is that the gift is put together and given with the love and support with which it’s intended so that the message is super clear; ‘I’m here for you and I have your back.’ GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

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things i love // off to college

WHEN MY oldest was about 7, my husband told him casually that it was move-in day at the University. He reminisced about the day his own parents left him at his freshman dorm and said goodbye, leaving him to experience college on his own. When I went to tuck my little in that night he crumbled and SOBBED and told me in no uncertain terms that he DID NOT want to go to college. It sparked some serious anxiety in him about a ritual that wouldn’t come for another decade. I’m only sending him off to Middle School now, but the thought of dropping him at his freshman dorm already makes ME want to sob. Sending our children off to learn independence and test out their fortitude Is such a special rite of passage. And with a little forethought you can send them armed with a few things that might make the transition a bit easier or at least prettier and more fun, which totally counts for something, right? Good luck fierce freshman [and their sobbing parents], you got this. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

There’s nothing more important than the safety of your undergrad. With all of the terrifying statistics out there, you’ll both rest easier knowing that your ‘baby’ is armed with Birdie, a personal alarm that unleashes a deafening 130 db sound and bright flashing strobe light when activated. It was designed by two moms of new college students to scare off attackers and attract attention, but Birdie is also excellent for anyone you love who might be out and about anywhere a little added safety measure would be prudent. And Birdie is designed to be super cute, compact and lightweight so it can be easily stashed on a keychain, water bottle, belt loop or bag while they’re out on campus, on trails, in the city or wherever they roam. There are 12 fresh, fun colors to choose from and for every purchase Birdie donates 5% of proceeds to a variety of organizations that support women’s safety, shelter or health.
// BIRDIE PERSONAL SAFETY ALARM $29.95 //

Last I checked freshman dorm rooms were pretty, um, ‘compact.’ You can save some coveted space by sending your frosh with a few super cool + slender Nomadix quick-dry towels instead of thick, plush, space-eating ones. They come in a bunch of really cool prints, including National Parks and Island-inspired. They even have hand towels, too. Plus, because they’re quick-dry, they won’t develop the nasty stank of a terry towel that got thrown in a corner and forgotten about for days [I’m sure your kid would never do that though, right?]. I have an Agua Blue one and I love it. I’ve brought it on a river trip, to the pool and to a music festival and have been thrilled every time with its performance. It dries really quickly and is super soft despite [or because?!] being made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. They’re also part of 1% for the Planet, so that’s a win-win for me [and the planet, of course].
// NOMADIX TOWELS from $19.95 //

You can’t play nurse to your sick or bleeding teen from hundreds of miles away, but you might *feel better* knowing that your fledgling adult has all of the tools they need to take care of themselves when they’re a little under the weather or crash their bike into a stump [or are just a bit *off* for other reasons]. Arm them with a first aid kit that houses the basics so they can focus on what really matters instead of trying to track down a few ibuprofen or a bandaid. Letterfolk has a super cute compact tin that’s roomy enough for the essentials, but wee enough to be easily stashed. And by filling it up yourself, you get to decide which items make most sense so you’re not stuck with sterilized gauze when you really need Pepto. Now don’t you feel better already?
// LETTERFOLK FIRST AID TIN $27 //

Keep those brilliant expanding brains well nourished with a monthly delivery of healthy snacks. There are a bunch of options for snack subscriptions, but TasteCrate will send your student a fairly giant selection of unique snacks that you may not have seen before, which is pretty fun. You can set it up to ship once or monthly all year long. If your frosh has dietary restrictions, SnackSack offers boxes that are GF, Vegan or both. And if you just want to blow their mind with a little something super special, Candy Club will deliver a bright, fun, sweet sugar party in a box once or monthly. Now, you already know that I’m a big fan of subscription gifts. They’re so easy to set up and then they just keep *delivering* the goods, so your people continue to feel super special over and over again with almost no effort on your part. Whichever box option you choose, your young adult will feel like a little kid again when their special care package arrives.
// TASTECRATE SNACK SUBSCRIPTION $39.99 //

There’s just not space in a dorm room or studio apartment for a hefty collection of picture frames to lovingly display the beautiful faces of everyone you love. So, help your undergrad feel connected to friends and family with a Nixplay Smart Digital Picture Frame. It’s compact enough to fit almost anywhere, including on the wall, and can be easily updated with new photos or short videos instantly from anywhere in the world there’s an internet connection. Anyone you invite can share to it, so if your student’s BFF lives in upstate New York, brother lives in San Diego and grandma lives in Paris, they can all upload photos to the frame anytime via email or through the Nixplay app. It’s seriously magical. My sister and I gave one to my parents a few years ago and they are SO delighted when a new photo of their grand babies magically pops up on the frame. It couldn’t be easier to use and is such an awesome way for everyone to stay connected and let your hard-working student know that they’re top of mind. And it’s especially fun on a birthday or holiday to upload a special surprise tribute. The frame comes in a range of finishes, but the basic 10” frame is available in black, white or a wood finish to match just about any decor. It would be a fantastic gift for parents and grandparents, too, so everyone can feel the love.
// NIXPLAY SMART DIGITAL PICTURE FRAME $179 //

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