Gifts I Love to Give
The gifts I keep on hand, gifts that are a simple click away, and gifts I trust so completely I needed to share them with you!
From the time I went to my very first playdate, my mother instilled one rule in me: you do not show up empty-handed. It wasn’t about the price tag — it was about the thoughtfulness, the meaning, the small signal that you were thinking of someone before you ever walked through their door.
Of course, I love nothing more than a gift completely tailored to a person — something that could only ever be for them. But life is full of occasions that call for something a little more universal, and over the years I’ve built a closet (quite literally) of go-tos: gifts I keep on hand, gifts that are a simple click away, and gifts I trust so completely I needed to share them with you!
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WEDDINGS
PROPOSAL — How to Be Married by Jo Piazza
This is, without exaggeration, my favorite gift to give or recommend to anyone who has just gotten engaged. It's a memoir of a newly married journalist diagnosed with muscular dystrophy in her first year of marriage, who sets off across the world studying how other cultures approach the institution as she navigates her own new chapter. Funny, moving, and perfectly apt for a bride-to-be.
BRIDESMAIDS — Champagne Bucket, Tea Towel, and Champagne
Little box-filling trinkets are sneakily expensive and so often get tossed. Jewelry, meanwhile, is deeply personal — hard to get right for a whole party of women. This trio feels elevated and celebratory and is a fit for all.
ENGAGEMENT PARTY — Tiffany or Waterford Champagne Flutes
The Tiffany flutes arrive in a large, bright blue box — such a fun, unmistakable statement! The Waterford set set is just as exquisite, though — it’s the one we have! My favorite part of this gift, though, is that it doubles as a toasting set for the wedding itself, so you become a special thread through the whole celebration and beyond. Carter and I still use our wedding flutes on the most special occasions — anniversaries, Valentine's Day, milestones worth marking.
BRIDAL SHOWER — Stay on the registry, but bring the feminine fun!
This soiree is the setting for a girly gift. Look for colorful stemware, delicate hosting linens, or — my personal favorite recent addition to modern registries — mahjong accoutrements.
WEDDING — Stay on the registry, but focus on longevity!
I love to select a Le Creuset Signature Braiser or Dutch Oven — ours gets used weekly, without fail — or a personalized champagne bucket or champagne bowl. It feels far more elevated and fun to give than kitchen shears, but it’s every bit as practical, and it becomes a centerpiece for their hosting for years to come.
BABY
BABY SHOWER — Stay on registry, but make it personalized!
Selections for a baby are incredibly personal, especially where technology or gear is concerned, so stick with the parents-to-be’s selections. When I do want to add something of my own, I look for a baby blanket or tummy time mat I can personalize.
NEW PARENTS — Uber Eats Gift Cards
For the love of god — do not show up with a casserole unless you're leaving it on the doorstep and texting once you're long gone. New parents don't need a visitor; they need dinner solved.
FIRST BIRTHDAY
For Mom — Custom Engraved Silhouette jewelry
Goldbug Collection offers engraving on a variety of its pieces, but I am partial to this necklace!
For Baby — College Fund Contribution or a Family & Friends Board Book
Babies often have more toys than they know what to do with (and generally prefer boxes), so a tuck away earning interest is my go-to gift. That being said, a board book with family and friends names and faces is perfect for early speaking and recognition!
GODPARENT — First Bible and Petite Keep
This is especially meaningful if the family is religious and the child will grow up with memories tied to their faith and education.
COUPLE
ANNIVERSARY — Case of Wine
Carter and I started this on our wedding day, and it's become one of my favorite traditions: we alternate gifting each other a case of wine that reflects the past year — a bottle from somewhere we traveled, a blend we fell in love with, a name that captures what the last twelve months represented. We write the year on the bottles and tuck it away for the nights and moments that call for something special.
PARTIES
HOSTESS — On-Theme Paper Cocktail Napkins
Easy, grab-and-go, and so fun to have on hand — for you and them!
HOLIDAY HOSTESS — NEST New York Holiday Candle
This is by far my favorite holiday scent! There is usually a great sale in late fall, so I take that opportunity to restock for our home and the gift closet!
EVERYDAY
BIRTHDAY — Favorite Things Tote or Classic Personalized Tote
You can never have too many. Add a funny inside joke or a phrase that’s just theirs, and stuff it with their favorite candy, a bottle of wine, or whatever small joys feel true to them.
GET WELL SOON/HARD TIMES — Uber Eats Gift Cards or Flowers
Uber Eats is genuinely helpful — one less thing for them to think about. That said, when I’ve received a special arrangement during a hard season, it felt like a visible, beautiful talisman of love and support.
THANK YOU — Thank You Note
A truly heartfelt note makes all the difference — no more is needed!
TEACHER/COACH — Gift Card
They have enough personalized mugs, truly. One of my closest friends is a teacher, and trust me on this one: a gift card is exactly what they want.
HOUSEWARMING — Tricia Lowenfield Heirloom Plate or Wreath Ribbon
Tricia Lowenfield platters are a gorgeous heirloom in the making, and a personalized wreath ribbon is a lovely, endlessly customizable option for every season and occasion.
GRADUATION — Personalized Stationery or Laptop Sleeve
A stationery suite is such a nice nod to the start of adult life — especially embossed with a newly minted title or degree. And while briefcases and work bags are deeply personal, a monogrammed laptop sleeve is a thoughtful in-between: protective, convenient, and genuinely useful.
THE PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING — LAKE Pajamas or Addison Ross Picture Frame
You can never have too many nice pajamas — and don’t stress about ordering forgiving sizing, since who doesn’t want a little extra room? A luxury picture frame from Addison Ross is also perfect someone who has everything: it becomes a true family heirloom, and the quality is unmistakable. You can add a photo to be printed and shipped in the frame, too!
FOR ME
Sometimes you have to be the one to celebrate you! Whether for a milestone, a small win, or when your heart just needs a little lift, here are the things I reach for.
P.S. Don’t forget to select “gift” at checkout and write yourself a cute little note!
Perfect for memorializing birthdays, holidays, and other special moments!
GIFTING
As much as a great gift matters, so does the wrapping! Keeping a small suite of themed gift tags on hand, alongside a simple set of wrapping paper, bags, and tissue, keeps the whole process easy.
P.S. I promise to always keep The Lauren Letter free as my little exercise of trying to make the world a bit more beautiful. If, in return, you could considering giving this post a “like” or share with a friend, it would just mean the world to me.
