Ultra-specific gifts for you, your parents, and every adult on your list
The gifts I’m buying straight from my notes app, part 1
Does anyone else feel like the entire month of November suddenly became “Black Friday Season”? Every time I open my phone it’s sale-after-sale-after-sale, and here I am just trying to catch up.
I had every intention of curating these gift guides in October. But then… life. Between announcing our fourth MNT location, launching (and immediately selling out) our July + August programs with Roam Collective, running two businesses, all while trying to be a present mom, wife, and friend, the gift guides kept slipping down the list of priorities.
But honestly? I think they’re better for it.
This year’s list is more real than polished. I’m sharing what’s actually sitting in my Notes app: the gifts I’ve been eyeing for Jason, our kids, our parents, and yes, myself. I keep these lists all year long. When I see something I love, when the kids ask for something mid-store meltdown, or when I notice my mom could really use an upgrade. They’re practical, thoughtful, and most importantly, intentional.
This is also the exact list I send to family when they ask what to get us.
Because let’s be real… I’m awful to buy gifts for. I’m way too particular to leave it up to chance, and I want my kids getting toys I actually approve of, not random stuff I’ll end up tossing the second they’re not looking.
These gift guides are curated from that reality. Just things I actually considered buying.
First up: gifts for adults. The kids lists are coming next week.
As always, thanks for the support and for trusting me as you shop for the season.
-Barbara
Table of Contents
The Modern Mom
These are all of the items I swear by or have asked for this year in case you need some inspiration for your own list:
Cuyana Classic Easy Zipper Tote I use this almost every day. I’m constantly on-the-go and this fits everything I need when traveling from place to place.
Cuyana Nano Zipper Pouch I’m always on the go, and sick of losing my lip gloss, hand sanitizer and other small items in my totes (hint, hint Jason 👀)
Aureum No. 17 Belt This brand of belts beats out every other brand I’ve tried in terms of quality. I’m eyeing this new style
Quince Double-Faced Merino Wool Wrap Coat Got this last year, and receive nonstop compliments.
Cadence Starter Set Got these last year and love how simple my toiletry packing now feels.
Cumulus Cold Brew Coffee Machine I’m obsessed with cold brew and maybeeee got this for myself already (use code NMM100 for $100 off)
For the Wellness Enthusiast
For the person in your life who loves routines, rituals, and gadgets that make them feel a little more grounded (or a little more optimized).
Goop Dry Brush with NUXE Huile Prodiguese Dry Oil Dry brushing every night has been one of my favorite wellness rituals I added to my routine this year, and this body oil I discovered in France is simply the best
Gratitude Journal with MOON JUICE Magnesi-Om For your friend who wants to improve their bedtime routine, this journal is the most thoughtful one I’ve seen
Zip Halo Nanocurrent Device First tried nanocurrent during a facial, so got this for myself after. I’ve been told its very effective at fine lines around the mouth and eyes.
Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant and Align V-Neck Bra: The GOATs!
STAKT Mat We have these at MNT and they are by far the best mat I’ve used
Collagen Chin Lifting Gel Mask The perfect addition to your self-care routine
For Parents and In-laws
My parents and in-laws can feel impossible to buy for, but my notes-app list made this year easy:
ARTKIVE Art Books A service to turn your kids art into a book! Have you ever seen a better gift for a grandparent?! In the process of doing this myself… Code NMM gets you $20 off
Wine and Champagne Chiller This and a nice bottle of white wine to go with it will be a winner.
Mahjong House Rules from Across the Asian Diaspora Book, Citrus Songbird Mahjong Mat and a Mahjong Game Set my mom and mother-in-law both play mahjong weekly (and it feels like this year’s pickleball!) This is a beautiful set!
Shun Classic Knife We’ve bought these for both mine and Jason’s parents in past years
Cuyana Leather Travel Case Thinking of grabbing these for my mom this year
Dagne Dover Travel Tech Organizer So when they take their next trip their cords are organized in something other than a ziplock bag!
For Him
Jason’s wishlist for the man in your life:
Custom Stadium Artwork this was actually the most purchased item from last year’s guide!
Luke Hanging Toiletry Bag Grabbing this for Jason this year.. In his words the hanging feature is *critical*
XEBEC Tri-Screen I can’t stress enough how this laptop extender is the best on the market at just over 3 lbs with not one, but two 13” screens
JBL Outdoor Portable Projector Outdoor movie nights with the kids!
Vuori Ponto Performance Jogger Jason, my dad and father-in-law love anything Vuori
Bomba’s Men’s Sunday Slipper Perfect for any man in your life
For the Home Chef
A mix of genuinely useful tools, fun upgrades, and kitchen things for the chef or hostess in your life. I will be using this guide for my hosting gifts this year!
Anthropologie Velvet Bow Wine Charms My Chief of Staff brought these to a gift exchange last weekend and they were the most fought-after gift!
Kitchenaid Ice Cream Maker My whole family has been obsessed with this. We make ice cream weekly!
Flamingo Estate The Chef’s Kiss Gift Set The perfect hostess gift
Crate & Barrel Gold Napkin Rings For the person who loves entertaining
Wishbone Kitchen Cookbook I love everything Meredith puts out
Fish Lemon Squeezer And the award for most unique gift is…How fun is this?
So what am I missing? What’s that item you’ve been saving over and over again, or already bought for someone in your life?
💬 Drop a comment with your top gifts to help us all out!
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I'd love to see what your top wish list item is!