Welcome to our 12th annual Holiday Gift Guide!

Each year, our team puts together our top, hand-picked gifts to help you explore new ideas for everyone on your holiday list. Our gift ideas include everything from experiences to tangible, practical, affordable, and sentimental gifts. We hope you enjoy browsing our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide!

Contrary to popular belief the Happiest Place on Earth™  isn't Disney World, it's actually Woman-Owned Wallets in NuLu. This little shop which I lovingly refer to as "Woman & Woman First" (Portlandia anyone?) is sure to put a smile on any Millennials' face and make them forget about all those student loans during the holiday season. All of their products are made by women, hence the name. Their selection of stickers makes perfect gift toppers because sometimes it's what's on the outside that counts.


Woman-Owned Wallet | Stickers

For your many many friends that became pet parents during 2020, you'll find just the right gift at The Dog Shop. From treats for you to your Scooby-Doo this shop will leave them begging for more. My personal fav is the Dogs Are The New Kids Tee. Did I buy one? No, I bought two.

Pet Parent Tee 

Take a class together! For the person that has everything, the one thing they are missing is more quality time with you! Memories made together is timeless, priceless, and gift wrap free. For those of you who happen to find yourself in my neck of the woods, check out New York Kitchen for a wide range of classes from cooking to candles and everything in between.



New York Kitchen

From Andy Weir, author of "The Martian". Recently out on paperback, this is the best science fiction book of the last five years. Super fun read, and also one of the best audiobooks I've heard. Yes, I'm a nerd. I've both read and listened to the book. It's that good.

Project Hail Mary

Some friends and I booted up a dance music event company two years ago. Since then we've hosted over 30 live-stream and in-person events. It's been really fun to bring people back together. With the branding, I've been asked if I'm part of a cult now, so I'll take that as a compliment. Get your space necklace here!

TRANSMIT Medallion Necklace

I remain an avid art collector and having seen great art and memories fade by the sun, I am an advocate for putting that art in a nice frame with UV glass. I've been using Deck the Walls in St. Matthews for years, and they have never let me down. The owner, Chasson Higdon, is honest and friendly and has great taste in art. Tell him we sent you!

The Gift of Framing

...and throw in some reliable cords with that. This is how boring my life is now. Our house is littered with ancient USB chargers, and now that my last micro-USB device (buh-bye old Kindle) has been retired, USB-C is ubiquitous. Still, for some reason, I'm always searching for a charger. This charger has great ratings and is supposed to be a super-fast charging solution for phones, laptops, and all your other USB-C gadgets.

Anker 100W USB C Charger

The Ninja CREAMi is an absolute game changer! It allows you to make ice cream, sorbet, and gelato at home, but without the mess of normal ice cream makers. Everything is confined to pint containers, which are dishwasher safe, and making frozen treats are a breeze. For example, a mango sorbet can be made with just a can of diced mangos (that's all) and comes out perfectly.

Ninja | CREAMi Ice Cream Maker

A good friend of mine wrote and published his first book this past year, Dusk on the Western Range. It's a mix of Star Wars meets the Wild West with the pandemic on top of it all — it’s a very enjoyable read.


Dusk on the Western Range

Strange item for a holiday guide, but I'm telling you this made pool upkeep so much easier this past summer. I was able to drop this in the filter and really only messed with Chlorine the rest of the time, nothing else. Our pool never turned green and we never had any issues.


PoolRX+

Before Peloton, there was Zwift, the virtual indoor cycling app that allowed you to ride, race, and train on virtual roads using your own bike. Now, after Peloton has imploded, Zwift has launched their own trainer contraption for a fraction of the cost of a Peloton bike, or for other indoor trainers like the Wahoo Kickr. If you've got a road or mountain bike, you can hook it up here and start "Zwifting" from the comfort of your basement. 

The Zwift Indoor Cycle Trainer

I resisted these for a long time. What is this, the mid-90s? The mid 1890s? Naw... it's 2022 and these well-made, multi-functional, super-comfy overalls are the perfect gardening/camping/DIYing 'fit. The material is lightweight, the stitching is supreme, and do NOT get me started on the pocket situation. Also available in a superior women's version that has a gnome pattern and buttoning roll-up cuffs (c'mon Duluth! Dudes want to roll their gnome bibs, too!).

Duluth Trading Company | Gardening Overalls

What if I told you you could mix gardening and stabbing? Well, you CAN and it's just as effective as it is therapeutic. You can dig a tiny grave for your un-ergonomic spade and trowels with this useful, easy-to-clean, multipurpose gardening weapon... er tool.

Hori Hori Gardening Knife

This Lyndon tea shop feels like it could be straight out of Stars Hollow. They have a huge selection of 150 different loose-leaf teas that you can sample at their tea bar, as well as cute giftables like teapots, mugs, and infusers. My personal favorite tea blends (so far!) have been Ambrosia and Fairy Garden. 



Louisville Tea Company

I'll admit I bought this journal on a whim after seeing it on TikTok but was surprised at the quality of both the materials and the questions! There are 365 prompts that will guide you on a year-long journey through topics like self-awareness, personal growth, and creating happiness, making it the perfect gift to kick off 2023.  


Better Every Day Journal

For the folks who always have to have the window seat on the plane, how about trying the views from the cockpit? Your flight instructor at Louisville Aviation will ask you what you want to get out of the experience, whether that's learning how to fly the plane and doing some touch-and-go landings, or just enjoying the ride and sightseeing in Louisville from a whole new altitude. Either way, it's unforgettable! 


One Hour Flight Lesson

These are more than just journals with funny covers. Each inappropriate, awkward and awfully honest book title aims to poke fun at life in ways we can all relate to. They playfully highlight the flaws we’re all too proud to admit and remind ourselves that, after all, we’re just human.


WTF Notebooks

In search of smell-good items for the home that are non-toxic? Pura Diffuser and oils are perfect to replace Candles. There are no additives, chemicals, or toxins in anything that is Pura branded. It has been their goal as a company from the very beginning to offer scents that are safe to diffuse around our families and pets.


Pura

This is great for travel, home, or work. It’s compact and can be set up in any location. It has three charging stations so you can use it to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and Airpods.


3 in 1 Wireless Charger

Always looking for cheat codes to improve my mental and physical health. Headspace is 1 of those. I love their sleep casts to help me drift off, their guided running meditations, and just the quick "headspace" opportunities they provide for any and all situations. If I'm sitting in traffic, sometimes I'll pop on a five minute guided meditation. Having that as a resource in your pocket at all times is amazing. It's a yearly investment worth making.



Headspace Annual Subscription

Non-stick, non-toxic. Equally important attributes. We have waaaaaay more pots and pans than we need. They're awkward to store and I really only use one or two. But this is one that does it all, so I could donate the old and only have one, do-everything pan. Plus, it's nice looking enough to leave out as decor. Amazing!

Our Place | Always Pan 

Having an almost 3-year-old and a newborn on the way, we’re always looking for family activities that don't cost a lot and will keep everyone entertained. Sometimes it's walking around Cosco aimlessly for an hour and sometimes it's a bit more rewarding and educational. Being able to walk to the Zoo from our house AND get in for free year-round? Sign. Me. Up ... Please?

Louisville Zoo + Kentucky Science Center Dual Membership

When I was a young girl (many moons ago), I remember a beloved aunt who adopted a panda from WWF for me as a Christmas gift. I don't know what I adored more, the cuddly little stuffed animal or looking at the certificate knowing I was helping an endangered animal. Now as an adult, I love receiving the WWF Gifts catalog every year and making a donation to help support WWF's global efforts to protect wild animals and their habitats. Do you know someone who loves sea turtles? blue-footed booby? narwhal? two-toed sloth? There’s an animal for everyone! Plus, when you donate not only are you supporting such a worthy cause but you can now pick a stuffed animal, fun socks, or even a bobblehead to commemorate your donation!


World Wildlife Fund 

I quickly breezed through our former first lady's book, Becoming, when it was first released and I am super excited to read her latest book, The Light We Carry. Mrs. Obama is an inspiration to many of us. I appreciate her honesty, her candor, and her natural ability to make others feel at ease and included. I truly can't wait to learn more valuable lessons from this amazing role model who teaches lessons like “starting kind,” “going high,” and assembling a “kitchen table” of trusted friends and mentors. Order below or from your local bookstore!

The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama

A little over ten years ago I had LASIK eye surgery. The surgeon told me that I was a great candidate but joked that in time "my arms would get shorter." I gave him a puzzled look and he said due to my age, I would need readers in the future (ouch!). Well, that inevitable day has come and after seeing numerous friends and colleagues wearing these cute peepers, I finally broke down and bought myself two pairs. They are super cute and affordable so you can buy multiple pairs!



Peepers 

Shopping for a perfume enthusiast can be tough, but they’re sure to love one of these perfume oils by Malin + Goetz. My personal favorite is the Dark Rum — which possesses hints of leather, bergamot, and rum. I wear this perfume oil whenever I want, regardless of season, because it's that versatile. 

Thank me later.

Malin + Goetz | Perfume Oil

I don’t even know where to start with this game, but please, keep reading! If you’re looking to reconnect with an old friend, have deep conversations with a family member, or practice more gratitude in your love life — this game is for you. The thing is, this game is for everyone. This specific deck has three levels: Perception, Connection, and Reflection. As you go on, the game requires you to dig deeper, but the beauty is that in between those tough questions, there are funny, light-hearted questions and reminders. How does the game end? Whenever you want. The only requirement is that you write a note to the other player that they’ll open once you part ways. Check out their expansion decks, too!


We’re Not Really Strangers | Card Game

I’m a quality over quantity person who appreciates all things comfort. Naturally, that makes me a lover of the Smartwool brand. I love their socks because they're made of merino wool, are long-lasting, and comfortable. This is a practical gift that the receiver will get good use of. Shopping for an athletic person this holiday season? Check out their socks made for various sports like hiking, running, skiing, and more.


Smartwool | Socks

This tile mat is an all-purpose mat that’s functional, beautiful, and my favorite part — customizable. Each mat is a timeless, vintage-inspired hexagon tile design and features removable caps that can be used to create endless patterns, designs, and words. 

Letterfolk | Tile Mat

We designed this bag to take the hassle out of packing for the weekend or whichever days you’re away. Seriously, this tote’s easy-access opening makes getting everything in and out a breeze (no flashlight required). Plus, the bottom compartment is designed to keep your shoes, toiletries and travel essentials separate — you can even stash a hair dryer in there. Bonus points: there’s a zipper-pocket on the back that becomes a trolley sleeve so it fits over your luggage handle. 



Beis Travel | Weekender Bag

This perfume set comes with 13 sample-size fragrances ranging from fruity florals to warm and sweet gourmands. With this sampler, you are able to try your favorites and then take the included scent certificate to any Sephora to redeem for a full size of your favorite featured fragrance at no extra cost.

Sephora Favorites | Perfume Sampler

I purchased a PS5 in the fall and while I love it, it lacks the mobility offered by my Nintendo Switch. The Backbone One Mobile Controller solves that problem! It comes in Apple or Android versions. Once paired with the PS Remote Play App the Backbone controller allows you to play PS5 games anywhere on your mobile device!


Backbone One Mobile PS5 Controller

The Herschel Little America Backpack is the perfect bag for weekend trips. It offers lots of cargo volume and looks good while doing it. This is my ideal checked luggage bag for short weekend trips. The straps are comfortable, it offers a laptop sleeve and comes in a variety of colors. This is the one bag you need for a short trip.


Herschel Little America Backpack

I bought one of these hoodies this fall and loved it so much that I immediately ordered two more! It is soft, comfortable, and comes in a variety of colors. It can be worn on a lazy day around the house or out and about on a cold afternoon. Trust me, if you try this hoodie you will want more of them!


Gap | Vintage Soft Hoodie

My wife swears by these slippers, which she can’t live without once the temperature starts trending downward this time of year. “It’s like wearing hugs on your feet,” she says, but for much less than the cost of energy-efficient windows!


Bombas | Slippers

For the aspiring explorer in your life, consider this augmented-reality globe. Perfect for anyone who has access to a smart device and is too young to read and Google “Kyrgyzstan” without assistance.

Orboot Globe

Like all great cookbooks, Ruffage teaches both how to make particular dishes and how to approach cooking in an entirely new way. Organized by vegetable rather than meal-type, this book is for when you pick whatever looks good at the farmer’s market and then think, “Okay, now what?” Find the chapter for whatever vegetable you came home with and get the inspiration you need to make something delicious.


Ruffage: A Practical Guide to Vegetables by Abra Berens

For the more holistic and mindful person in your life, a sound bath would be a phenomenal experience. This experience is exactly as it sounds, bathing the body in sounds that are healing for the mind and soul. This is a true experience that any yogi or more mindful person would love as a gift!


Inner Warrior | Sound Bath

When was the last time you explored the offerings of Actors Theatre? Did you know that some of their work is now offered as a VR experience for only $5.99? Take your time to peruse their site as they truly have something for everyone. You can also consider purchasing a membership ranging from $5 to $50 a month which comes with a long list of benefits! 

Actors Theatre

This new-on-the-scene coffee is perfect for the person in your life that drinks coffee and takes CBD daily. Now, you can bundle the two costs for a more affordable and jitter-free coffee experience. Plus the coffee tastes amazing!

Van's Coffee | CBD-Infused Coffee

Culture

Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide 2022

We’ve been building this tradition for quite some time now...

Happy holiday season and welcome to our 11th annual Holiday Gift Guide! Below are our team’s carefully selected gift ideas for everyone on your list this year. We hope you enjoy browsing our guide as much as we did creating it.

If you're anything like me, a good night’s sleep consists of remaining cool all night long. Buffy's breeze comforter is a temperature-regulating, plant-based comforter designed to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night. 


Buffy Breeze Comforter

A small, woman-owned business based in Southern Indiana whose specialty is natural, soy candles that are phthalate-free, toxin-free, and carcinogen-free. My top holiday scent recommendations are: Holiday Spice, North Pole (for my peppermint lovers), and Pine + Bergamont.

Kozy Kandles

I would much rather receive an experience than a material gift. Cooking at Millie's offers a range of engaging cooking classes and date nights that allow you to learn new skills in a "home kitchen" environment. Check out their event calendar for upcoming offerings and classes! 

Cooking at Millie's

KRM is a non-profit organization that provides a wide variety of services to refugees resettling in Louisville. When my family came to the United States as refugees, we were connected to many people from our home country because of KRM — and that was just one of the many services they provided us. I can't say enough about how impactful this organization is. Please consider donating/getting involved this winter to help refugees resettling to our Louisville community.

Kentucky Refugee Ministries

We're so lucky to have a bakery that makes some of the best bread in the country right here in Louisville. You can't go wrong by bringing someone fresh (Pugliese) bread as a gift. But, if that feels weird, grab an assortment of their pastries and maybe even a pint of the Louisville Cream x Blue Dog ice cream instead. AH.

Blue Dog Bakery & Café

All the skincare lovers out there need Green Eclipse.

This facial scrub will make your skin look and feel fresh, hydrated, and glowy. In my opinion, it's hard to find a soothing exfoliant — but this one does it for me. Plus, you're supporting an eco-conscious and vegan-operated brand. Grab a 4oz jar for less than $20!

Green Eclipse

Best tumbler I have ever used. It keeps my coffee hot all day, my other one keeps my water cold all day. They won't spill if knocked over as long as the sliding lid is closed. 10/10 would recommend.


YETI Rambler 20oz Tumbler

Air Maxes are my all-time favorite type of sneakers. Comfortable, sporty, stylish. With a wide variety of styles and colorways, these sneakers work with just about any outfit or occasion and are sure to get you compliments.


Nike Air Max Sneakers

My favorite local record shop. The perfect gift for any music lover or audiophile in your life. 


Guestroom Records Gift Cards/Merch

Whether you're someone who grew up reading comics or who just wants to know how it came to be that every other movie that comes out is an increasingly obscure superhero, this madman's journey through reading (nearly) everything Marvel has ever published is an enlightening and entertaining work of criticism. 

All of the Marvels: A Journey to the Ends of the Biggest Story Ever Told

Full disclosure: my partner owns this business, but I don't think any of your friends and family members with little ones will mind when they finally have a place to relax and let their kids run around when it's too cold for the park or they just want to drink some coffee. Check out the gift cards and gift someone a set of play sessions!

Glow Worm Play Cafe 

Georgia's Sweet Potato Pie Co.

A clothing store from an artist who does handmade garments and accessories like mufflers, hats, ties, bags, scrunchies, and masks. The designs are pretty and are a nice gift for gifting something playful and quirky.

Steff & The Playground

Open Spaces has products that help with organization and storage. I got some of the bins and baskets during the shift from college to full-time work when I was doing a complete overhaul of my room and they’ve been really nice and sturdy so far.

Open Spaces

Maí Accents has a whimsical vibe with products ranging from jewelry, pottery, and clothes — but mainly crafts that are created for a variety of things. Since it’s hand-crafted, items are very limited, but the designs are one-of-a-kind for each craft she makes.

Maí Accents 

This book takes a deep dive into the code and hardware behind the classic 3D first-person shooter.


Game Engine Black Book: DOOM Edition

Looking to take your kayaking (or other small watercraft) to the next level (eg, the OCEAN)? You're gonna want one of these!


Waterproof Handheld 2-Way VHF Marine Radio

Tame the rat's nest of cables on your desk with this cheap-but-useful cable organizer.


Heaviest Cable Organizer

Anything from anywhere in Westport Village — they have over 40 locally-owned boutiques, restaurants, fitness studios, and services.  If you get a chance, be sure to attend any of their live events while grabbing dinner on a patio or browsing the shops. So much fun!

Westport Village

If you are a family of tweens, teens, and young adults, portable chargers have a tendency to disappear. Having more than one on hand is a necessity.

Portable Chargers

As someone with a few hobbies that involve gear that I'd rather not lose, I had the idea this year to get some stickers printed to put on said gear. This is a way to be funny, but also to not confuse ownership if I let someone borrow something. Sticker Mule regularly runs specials (50 stickers for $29!), so get on their mailing list and wait for the deals. 

Sticker Mule Stickers

Any guitarist or synth geek in your life would appreciate this amazing distortion pedal. You're playing a lightning bolt! 🤘 Their other products are equally as interesting and innovative.

Gamechanger Audio Plasma Distortion (Pedal or Eurorack)

As my career evolves, I look for professional development opportunities through outside organizations. The Bureau of Digital is for leaders in our industry. I'm happy to say I've developed more through this organization than pretty much any other I've been involved with. If you or someone you love is advancing in their role and would value a resource to help them achieve their goals, the Bureau is it.



Bureau of Digital Membership

"Superior LED Christmas bulbs that look just like vintage incandescent". For those of us who get our holiday stuff out in September and don't stop until the new year, these high-quality, low-energy-use lights shine. Every aspect from the plug to the shine is amazing. Also, their branding, marketing, and packaging are ✨ lit ✨. The box smells like pine when you open it! 

Tru-Tone Christmas Lights

For the film lover in your life. Criterion is "dedicated to publishing important classic and contemporary films from around the world in editions that offer the highest technical quality and award-winning, original supplements." Streaming is all well and good, but nothing beats the incredibly immersive experience that is the Blu-Ray, 4K Criterion treatment of a favorite film. My first? Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove. Find a favorite film for a friend in their ever-growing collection.


The Criterion Collection

Yousician and a Casio SA-76 Keyboard. Get back to the analog and make some music this winter. I never learned to properly read music or play songs when I was young, but I've had great success as an old man with "Yousician" - an app that teaches you how to read and play music on a number of instruments. I've used it with guitar and keyboard, but the cheapest (and most fun) option is the workhorse Casio SA-76 keyboard.

Yousician 

Might get made fun of for this one but I am tired of buying ferns to hang on the front porch every year and then them dying... I do not have a green thumb, I can admit that. A one-time purchase, bust it back out in the spring, and let her hang sounds IDEAL.


Hanging Fake Fern 

An intro to stained glass class at Preston Art's "leads students through the creation of the example project. Students will cut, trim, shape, and solder their own stained glass! All supplies included!" 


Stained Glass Class  

I took the intro to meditation course at Earth & Spirit Center and loved it. I've since let it slip, but I would really like to bring mindfulness and meditation practices back into my daily routine. This class sounds perfect — "In this class we will explore the science of stress, resilience, & mindfulness as it supports our personal wellbeing by understanding and practicing the Pause for our Resilience."

Embracing Resilience Meditation Course

These past two years, time has felt even less real than usual, and I love that I can let everyone around me know just how real time feels with these socks. (Gaudmother is a textile experiment led by Britt Rodriguez that challenges the idea of work under capitalist standards.)

Gaudmother Time Isn't Real // Enjoy Yourself Socks

I'd buy pretty much anything Isa Beniston (the artist behind Gentle Thrills) makes, but this tea towel is a top pick for sure.


Gentle Thrills Cowgirl Boot Tea Towel

I've had my eye on this whimsically wonderful piece by Jadie Hanley for way too long! It's the perfect gift for all the witchy art lovers on your list, but you really can't go wrong with anything Jadie makes!


Ecclesia Sleeping Moon Necklace

Learn something new together! Payne Street offers introductory "Try-It" classes that walk you through the basics of pottery throwing before letting you go wild on the wheel. They're even BYOB, if you'd like to make it a fun holiday date night.  

Payne Street Pottery Classes 

Who wouldn't love a whole growing season's worth of fresh, local fruits and veggies? Some farms allow you to split your own share with another household, making it a great gift that will keep on giving. Local options with awesome missions include Black Market or Hope Community Farm, or check out options all across the state at KY Proud.  

CSA Share 

Another gift to keep the spirit of the holidays alive well into 2022! Der Bauernhof is a local flower farm that will deliver beautiful, locally-grown seasonal bouquets every month during the growing season. 

Monthly Hand-Delivered Flowers 

House of Tulip works to provide zero-barrier housing to trans and gender-nonconforming people in New Orleans.

House of Tulip 

Bvlbancha is a collective that works to support Indigenous populations in a variety of ways - including a shop.

Bvlbancha

Imagine Waterworks is a powerhouse Mutual Aid network.

Imagine Waterworks

I have been a hot yoga practitioner for 20+ years and can honestly say it has made a huge impact on my life - physically, mentally, and spiritually. I love this studio and the yoga instructors are fantastic!

Bend & Zen Yoga

Love this local store that has something for everyone, especially that hard-to-buy-for person on your holiday list!

Work The Metal 

The cure for blood cancer is in the hands of ordinary people. Be The Match is a global leader in bone marrow transplantation. Learn how you can donate, either financially or be a stem cell donor. 

Be The Match

Pick up a pack of cheap, wifi-enabled light bulbs that don't need any sort of additional hardware - just the bulb and the app. You can control the color of the bulb from your phone.


Wyze Color Bulbs

This device grills, air crisps, bakes, roasts, boils, and dehydrates all in one device. We've used it a ton since getting it and it has made dinner an easier time.


Indoor Grill & Air Fryer

If you are into gaming and have either a PC or Xbox, you need to check out Game Pass. It gives you access to a ton of games, like Halo and the new Age of Empire, for one monthly cost.


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Holiday Gift Guide 2022

Holiday Gift Guide 2021