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It's Peak Cozy season, and we're wishing you some moments of calm. In this series, we're sharing our best tips on gifting, recharging, and getting the most out of downtime during what can become a super hectic season.
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Editor's Note
How to make the most of this "holiday"
Gifting with your people and the planet in mind.
Good morning,
I hope your week has been filled with good food and family. This holiday season is extra special for me—I’m seeing my family for the first time in almost two years (!!)—and it’s making me more reflective about showing appreciation for the ones we care about (not to mention immensely grateful).
I know your inbox might be flooded today, and in the spirit of Peak Cozy, we’re here to help you sift through the sea of ~deals~ so that all you gifts-are-my-love-language people can pick up that perfect, thoughtful present and then get back to being with your loved ones.
On a “holiday” that ostensibly is about shopping, I’m also thinking a lot about overconsumption. To me, there’s no shame in saving money (that I can get behind); it’s more that I still want to be mindful, amidst all the shiny things and all-caps promotions, about the way things are made, packaged, and marketed.
Later in this issue, you’ll see some tips from Azora Zoe Paknad, Founder/CEO of the very cool sustainable shop Goldune, for approaching gifting in a way that’s kinder to the environment. “I'm kind of a romantic when it comes to gifting—the idea that we're just asking people to cross things off a wish list for us bums me out. I love the idea of something so personal that you know is special to your giftee,” she wrote. I hope the tips and our gifting suggestions get you closer to Peak Cozy.—Mary Anne
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: PARADE
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Parade—your go-to for creative basics—just sweetened the deal on their Black Friday sale. They're now offering up to 50% off sitewide this weekend only. Seriously, this never happens.
Think underwear and bralettes starting at less than $10! But also don't sleep (see what we did there?) on their brand new loungewear and bodysuits. The limited edition, mix-and-and-match pieces include bike shorts, joggers, tanks, and tees made responsibly with 100% recycled, super soft fabric. And they’re almost sold out—so stock up now!
Shop the collection and other great gifts here (psst—did we mention free 2-day shipping and returns?).
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- When in doubt, go for an activity or experience gift. “I've been gifted an Eataly pasta-making class and a sourdough class that I really loved.”
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Sustainable wrapping doesn’t have to be drab. “I wanted to do away with the idea that gifting sustainably meant wrapping in newspaper or brown Kraft paper (if that's your speed, that's great too!). We ended up with something zero-waste, and bright and colorful tip to tail. Each kit is completely flat and compact, which means less emissions shipping these to folks.”
- Setting the table and decorating can be better for the planet, too. “Dried floral arrangements or decor (even pine cones!) can keep or live much longer than the fresh kind on your holiday table and beyond.” Also check out vintage ornaments on eBay or Etsy.
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weekly picks
this week's picks and reads were curated by Mary Anne Porto
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please share your thoughts on top sheets with us! a necessity for you or too much fuss?
- IMO, a good strategy for today is to think longevity. Last year, I picked up just one splurge-y thing, a linen sheet set that converted me to both linen and top sheets (something our team had a lengthy Slack debate about recently! Are you Team Top Sheet?). These get better over time, and they were super worth it for me. Plus, Parachute’s robe (20% off right now) is one of our Golden Gifts, meaning it’s a great pick for hard-to-gift friends. For more things our team thinks are worth it, head to our little luxuries gift guide.
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I also usually stock up on skincare/body care products that I know I’ll eventually have to replenish anyway. I'm looking at my go-to's, Cocokind and Youth to the People today—both have 25% off sales right now.
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Marissa Meyer, the author with 14 (!!) New York Times bestsellers, is back with Gilded, a haunting fairytale reimagining. If you like star-crossed romance and mystery, pick this book up today! Sponsor
- Olivia on the team recently stumbled upon Slow Stories, which offers a range of vintage holiday gift boxes with specially curated items from homewares to jewelry and accessories. She’s excited to try it this season, as someone who loves vintage shopping but often doesn’t have the patience for sifting through pre-used pieces at consignment stores!
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Saje is here for your physical and emotional wellness. Shop their plant-based products to build a skincare routine, refresh your space with essential oils, and relieve stress, all powered by nature. Sponsor
- If you're shopping IRL anytime soon, Nordstrom curated lots of small businesses this year, including our sibling brand Whiled. Check out kishmish for candles, Recreation Center for mugs, and of course, fan-favorite from our popcorn issue, Opopop’s holiday popcorn kit.
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Thoughtful gift of the week: "For my birthday in October, my boyfriend made me a crossword puzzle!!! The answers were my favorite foods, plant-related terms (I'm a plant person), characters from our fav movies, places we've traveled together, etc. I totally cried." —Eliza J. Reader Rec
We asked who you need help shopping for this year. Here's my advice! 🕵️
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Emily's searching for a gift for a bookish friend who has read everything. You could DIY a calendar of upcoming literary events that your friend might like, then commit to going with them. Also, we shared these custom library stamps in our gift guide, if your friend likes to loan out their books. Lastly, I think you can't go wrong with a special edition of a classic (love the look of this edition of Emma, for example).
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Jessica's gifting "my dad who only ever wants DVDs of live music or adventure films but has them all." My dad also really likes watching live music DVDs, ha. I think a subscription to a streaming service with niche movies, like Metrograph or Mubi, would be nice. He might also be interested in a chill, local concert, which you can find through Sofar. A bonus in these times: they're smaller and you can filter for outdoor-only ones.
- Jessica (a different one!) wants something for a "super trendy 21 year old college kid who has it all." College makes me think tech accessories? Like a phone case from Lisa Says Gah or this adorable pouch for earbuds. I’d also check out From the Lobby for trendy brands—I find seeing pieces styled on different kinds of bodies really helpful. And, you can’t go wrong with fun drinkware (for any kind of drink) or cool vintage decor (I have picked up some great things from this shop).
- Do you want more highly-specific gift recs? More are coming from the team next week—to read them, make sure you're signed up for our shopping emails here.
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weekly reads/watches/listens
Have a long road trip/flight/train ride ahead of you? I am personally dreading mine. You might want to save these for your trip!
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Following a holiday about stolen land, and approaching Giving Tuesday, this read on reparations in a grassroots way is a reminder that compensating for past wrongs should be a practice, not a one-time thing. (Yes! Magazine)
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Rethinking aspirational routines. (Out of The Blue)
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Alisha called this episode of A Thing or Two "dee-lightful." David Cho, the publisher behind The Awl and Grantland, is the guest this week, aaand there's snack recs involved.
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Selling Sunset fans... we're getting Selling Tampa! (Essence)
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Even if The Loneliest Americans isn’t on your to-read list, I've found the criticism and discussion it provoked around Asian American identity to be really fruitful. I think this piece sums it up well. (Jewish Currents)
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Cheesy holiday movie rec of the week: Alisha watched last week's cheesy holiday movie rec and now wants to see another movie starring James Saito, The Christmas Bow.
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I am here to recommend more smart YouTubers: 1) Amanda Maryanna has great commentary on trending aesthetics and internet culture, and 2) Paige Wassel is a prop stylist who makes behind-the-scenes videos styling photoshoots for places like Architectural Digest. I found her channel recently and have already started taking inspo from her design tips.
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Extremely disagree with this take, but will be repeating "the night sky is literally glimmering with possibilities" to myself when the 4pm sunset gets me down. (MEL Magazine)
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take action and take care
Though Thanksgiving has past, it's not too late to reflect on it: check out Indigenous Solidarity Network's Rethinking Thanksgiving Toolkit for resources to learn about your personal history with settler colonialism and build community with Indigenous people. Research organizations you may be supporting this Giving Tuesday (and anytime) with this tool. |
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reader ❤️ from our inbox...
"GNI was the first newsletter I ever signed up for that wasn't like for work or something boring, and I feel like it's made me more informed, more trendy, and just more cozy." —Eliza
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