6 Gifts That Brought Us Joy Recently
In this edition of The Gift, we’re sharing the best gifts we’ve received lately, including watercolors, garlicky chili oil, and a Mr. Met.
I will turn 30 tomorrow. I thought I would be celebrating this milestone birthday by throwing a big party, or treating myself to something fancy, like this grammed locket necklace.
But instead I found myself feeling reflective and longing for my quality time. So, I just wandered through the Orchid exhibit at the New York Botanical Garden and the recently reopened Studio Museum in Harlem. Then dinner at my favorite local Mexican restaurant.
Oh, and I get a nice new pen and a new copy of my favorite notebook, of course – essential tools for the new decade’s expression.
Our partners seem to be on the same wavelength – many of the best gifts they’ve recently given themselves, as a way to celebrate small moments of reflection or self-care. Even if it’s not your birthday tomorrow, you probably deserve a little something special, too. Here are some inspirations from our newsroom:
- Editorial director Lauren Sullivan, inspired by our recent taste test, gave her family “a bazillion packets of ramen” to get through the end of winter. So far this spicy one is a home favorite. “This is not a grocery store when you tell your kids that ramen is a gift.” Wise words, Lauren.
- Speaking of spices: Our gift editor’s friend Hannah Morrill recently sent her a jar of this garlic clove oil. After it unexpectedly arrived in a sad envelope from Amazon, it quickly became the most prized possession in her home. It’s nutritious, crispy, not too spicy, and you’ve already bought yourself another jar. “It was a welcome, random pick-me-up in the middle of winter,” Hannah said. Maybe you know someone who can use it?
- Hannah, inspired by our stylists’ favorite bra, recently got herself a gift, too: this red cotton bra — and has sent the link to “everyone she’s ever met.” Hannah says: “I’ve been amazed at how wearing a cute, comfy little bra under my uniform shirt has lifted me up every day!”
- When newspaper editor Brittney Ho sent her sister a link to this beautiful, cropped sweater, she also received a text from her older sister: “Don’t buy this, I can make it for you.” Brittney’s sister, using yarn from Wool and the Gang – one of our favorite fiber craft brands – made good on her promise, and gave her a bright red handmade sweater, just in time for the Lunar New Year.
- Gift writer Samantha Schoech has become something of an artist. For her recent birthday, a friend gave her this amazingly compact travel set of watercolors. “I love it the way I loved all the little pictures when I was a kid,” said Sam. “Very small and perfect.”
- And on a very different note, maybe someone you know would appreciate this Mr. Met as lead editor Rory Evans? “I admit I’m not a Mets fan,” Rory said. “But I’m a fan of all mascots, especially jaunty and tough ones like Queens football favourites.” A little team spirit during opening day.
