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I was in college when I first read A Moveable Feast, Ernest Hemingway’s memoir about Paris in the 1920s, and it instantly became my fantasy of adulthood. There could be nothing freer, more sophisticated, than being an American artist abroad, living in a shivery apartment in a dodgy neighborhood, visiting Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas at home, and scribbling for hours in a notebook while sipping café crème. But Lesley M. M. Blume, a journalist and Hemingway biographer, saw that this thrilling expat world was not so much a blueprint for adulthood, but the perfect setting for a children’s book.
Alice Atherton’s Grand Tour (Random House), a charming chapter book for young readers, isn’t set in Paris, but rather in the decidedly unshivery south of France. Alice, a 10-year-old American, is sent to live with Gerald and Sara Murphy in their house on the French Riviera, Villa America. The Murphys, who were the real-life inspiration for the protagonists of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tender Is The Night, were rich and beautiful Americans whose friends included the Fitzgeralds, Hemingway, John Dos Passos, Jean Cocteau, Pablo Picasso, Fernand Léger, and many others. They were also devoted parents to three children, who spent formative years in this bohemian paradise.
In each chapter of the book, Alice spends time with a visiting friend of the Murphys — Picasso, Igor Stravinsky, and Coco Chanel included — and learns a lesson about life. For Blume, it was a respite from the kind of books she has been writing for adults. Her most recent was Fallout, about the U.S. coverup of the effects of the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Before that, it was Everyone Behaves Badly, about Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises and the decidedly R-rated adventures of his friends in the “Lost Generation.” (It wasn’t, however, her first children’s book; Blume has previously written six of those.)
I recently sat down with Blume over Zoom to ask her about bringing these legendary artists to young readers and what we can all learn from the parenting style of America’s most glamorous bohemians.
What made you think this was a good topic for a children’s book?
I was working on a book about Hemingway in the ’20s and the Murphys were a really big part of it. And their world was so intoxicating, creative — it was like taking a warm bath, the most beautiful bath, and you never wanted to get out of it. And there was a real sweetness to it also, because they were a highly dedicated family. They were extremely wealthy parents, and back in the day, you would have a legion of help to raise your kids, but they were really hands-on. They made life into an art form and they made family life into an art form. There was all this material that was really not relevant to my nonfiction adult book but I just thought could make an incredibly sweet children’s book.
How did you end up settling on a way to tell the story of the Murphys?
Well, you can’t just give a description of the Murphys’ life. Sara and Gerald Murphy, they were a young American couple who were living at this beautiful villa in the south of France when it still wasn’t a very popular tourist destination. And they created their dream home called the Villa America. They had three beautiful, brilliant, creative children, and they even had a pet monkey. So, how do we tell the story of them that doesn’t sound like just a biography? So I dreamed up a young American girl, a family friend whose mother has died in the aftermath of the 1918 flu. She’s sent over by her father to live with the Murphys for a summer to kind of recuperate and learn how to live life again. And who better than to teach a young girl how to live in the moment and appreciate life’s pleasures and beauties than Sara and Gerald Murphy and their family?
And then another thing that’s extraordinary about the Murphys was that they were friends with some of the most important creative figures of the 20th century. So, Picasso was a regular guest, and Hemingway was a regular guest and the Fitzgeralds. And Coco Chanel overlaps, Stravinsky. Diaghilev and the Ballets Russe. I mean, you name it, they were at the Villa America or overlapped with the Murphys in Paris at some point. And so I just came up with the idea that these luminaries would visit over the summer, and each of them would give the children a life lesson.
For example, Picasso takes the children to a junkyard and they gather all sorts of objects to create art from, and it completely changes their worldview about what is art and how we find beauty in the everyday, how you can find beauty and potential in even cast-off objects.
Romper: It’s not often you find a children’s book with a chapter about Picasso and Diaghilev.
Lesley Blume: No. I mean, all of these creatives, they were striking chords. They were not only reinventing ballet and visual art and writing, but people did have violent reactions to them. And that was compelling to me when I was writing about them in nonfiction. But even in this children’s book format, they’re not easy figures. I’m certainly not whitewashing their flaws and their less savory characteristics.
But it was just so damn nice to be with them again after writing about nukes for five years.
Romper: Of all the periods in history, this is the one that feels kind of like sipping a glass of champagne. Just this idea of these people who are able to throw themselves completely into the creation of art and take themselves so seriously as artists — it feels like a fantasy to me. And I know there were many dark parts of it for many of them, too.
Lesley Blume: I mean, the Murphys invented the fantasy. They knew it was fantastical. And one thing that resonates with me is that it was a period of extreme opportunity. I mean, as you were saying, yes, they were all licking their wounds from a ghastly war and also a pandemic, but it was a really extraordinary time of promise and there was a capacity to appreciate beauty, to push boundaries and art in a way that was kind of noble in a way.
I don’t gloss over the scars of the war in Alice Atherton. In fact, it comes through quite frequently in the artists with whom the Murphy children and Alice spend time. They have been war-scarred, and there’s a lot of apprehension on behalf of the adults for the future of the children. Is the future going to bring more for them of what the past dished up? I believe that difficult history needs to be approached in a very specific way with young readers, but I certainly don’t think it should be ignored. And so that was important to me, that this book be laced with those themes and events.
Romper: So obviously you drew on all this history to write this book, but what did you draw on from having a little girl?
Lesley Blume: The first six books that I wrote for young readers [were] before I had a child of my own. I drew on my own rather distant memories of childhood and childhood sensibilities to write all of those books. And all of a sudden when I was writing Alice, I had a 9-year-old girl. Once in a while, I would run dialogue with her. I would be one of the characters, and I would have Oona be Alice. And I put whole chunks of that dialogue in the book.
I have a photo of her reading the manuscript, and nobody could come near her. She was a bloody critic. She would say, “This is a little boring, Mommy. I think you really needed my help with this dialogue. Let’s work on this.” I knew if I could hold her attention with it, then I had something to work with, and if I wasn’t holding her attention, then I was on the wrong path.
Being pregnant during the winter has its perks — you won’t sweat nonstop like you would during the summer, and the cold weather is perfect for bundling up on the couch and taking it easy. It also has its downsides, like having to sit out during the ice skating or snow tubing fun. If you live in a snowy area, this kind of begs the question: can you shovel snow while pregnant? There isn’t any research or special guidelines about whether or not shoveling snow is safe for expectant parents, so experts encourage you to err on the side of caution (or rather, asking someone else to clear the driveway for you).
Can you shovel snow while pregnant?
The short answer is, probably not. There are no studies or official guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) about whether or not it’s safe to shovel snow while you’re pregnant. The closest information available is about lifting heavy objects while pregnant.
“Repetitive lifting — which is involved with shoveling snow — has not been looked into. However, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published clinical guidelines for occupational lifting in uncomplicated pregnancies and recommends weight limits by gestational age,” says Dr. Monique De Four Jones, M.D., MBA, OB-GYN and associate chief of Labor and Delivery at Long Island Jewish Medical Center.
— Alison JB Bents/Moment Open/Getty Images
Those repetitive lifting guidelines, she says, state that pregnant people should not lift more than 18 pounds repeatedly in the first half of pregnancy, and no more than 13 pounds in the second half. These limits apply to people who would be lifting these amounts repetitively for an hour or more while working their job. For an hour or less of lifting, folks in the first half of pregnancy shouldn’t lift more than 30 pounds, and those in their second half shouldn’t lift more than 22 pounds.
A 2014 study of the NIOSH guidelines found that pregnant women should not lift items from the ground or anywhere “below mid-shin,” which is obviously where snow would be. A 2013 study done in Denmark also showed an elevated risk of miscarriage associated with extensive lifting in the workplace setting, De Four Jones pointed out. ACOG also references the study in their guidelines about work safety during pregnancy.
Ultimately, there’s no solid research about shoveling snow while pregnant, and even the studies available about heavy lifting at work during pregnancy are limited, according to De Four Jones. “The takeaway is, call your provider before attempting to shovel snow,” she says.
On the off chance you just love shoveling snow, this is probably a bit of a bummer. But chances are you’ll be glad to know that you can now hand off this chore to your partner for this winter (or pay a neighbor kid to handle it).
Studies referenced:
Waters, T. R., MacDonald, L. A., Hudock, S. D., & Goddard, D. E. (2013, August 21). Provisional Recommended Weight Limits for Manual Lifting During Pregnancy. Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 56(1), 203–214. https://doi.org/10.1177/0018720813502223
Juhl, M., Strandberg-Larsen, K., Larsen, P. S., Andersen, P. K., Svendsen, S. W., Bonde, J. P., & Nybo Andersen, A. M. (2012, December 3). Occupational lifting during pregnancy and risk of fetal death in a large national cohort study. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health, 39(4), 335–342. https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.3335
Expert:
Dr. Monique De Four Jones, M.D., MBA, OB-GYN and associate chief of Labor and Delivery at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, and associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Zucker School of Medicine
I don’t have a favorite kid, but if I did, it would be either of my children at age two. Two year olds suffer from some of the worst marketing in the children’s department; there is nothing whatsoever terrible about them. Sure, you’ve left the relative passivity of babyhood in the dust, and now you have a walking, talking hurricane of movement and will in your home. But terrible? No way.
My first time through the infamous twos, I was braced for the “terrible.” Even as I relished my kid and his growth, part of me was waiting — as I had been told to do — for a shoe to drop. I genuinely liked the age, but I was always looking over my shoulder.
Now, my younger kid, Nellie, is in the midst of two, and the joy I take in her is anything but hesitant. I take fewer videos of her (sorry, second children) but boy, do I ever breathe her in. This is the last time in my life I’ll have my very own two-year-old on my hip and in my lap and I am enjoying her with abandon.
Sure, she’s often wild and stormy; two year olds are nothing if not madly passionate beings. It’s all the emotional beats of a classic opera poured into 27 pounds of tiny human. Lately, it is her habit to scream “I. NO. LIKE. YOU.” at my spouse (very rude), when what she means is she’d prefer that I do her bedtime.
But her loves are likewise vehement and generously sized. Her devotion to a local children’s musician is ardent. She runs head first to her grandparents and snuggles them tight every time she sees them. She is known in our circle for her weirdly long, super squeeze-y hugs. She lives for the thrill of giving her big brother’s teacher an elbow bump at drop off. She scoops up neighborhood cats with outsized affection and (possibly problematic) fearlessness.
The intensity of her presence in each moment is dizzying. When I’m with her and my attention wanders, she plops her sticky hands on my cheeks and yanks me back. Time moves differently for her, and when I let her pull me into her superior chronology — a gloriously handless clock of immediacy — we’re both better for it.
What is terrible about two is the way our grown-up schedules — or more precisely “sense of crushing time pressure” — clashes with our kids’ emerging desire and ability to explore the world, deeply and completely, with every sense.
It’s this clash that makes walking around the block with a toddler feel excruciating. But I’ve learned, as many of us do, that the excruciating pace was only painful because of my initial resistance to it. The natural world and its rhythms are in harmony with two year olds. With our perpetual “Hurry,” we parents are the problem. On a walk, my kid and a crow (or cat or squirrel) meet eyes and pulse together in a shared experience of earth and wind and light in the sky. Embodied presence — the thing that I chase with 90-minute yoga classes and heart rate-tracking jogs or app-led mediation practice — is a default for her. When I lean into her pace, and let her set mine, I can see that it’s an invitation to everything I truly want: Time, awareness, joy.
Our toddlers, no longer content to be pushed in a stroller at our quick pace, demand the freedom to which their humanity entitles them. They are spiritual beings having a human experience — at least that’s what one of my favorite teachers would tell me to remember. They are here to investigate, to absorb, to stop and stare at a leaf like they’ve never seen one before. Their eyes are new, after all.
My two year old is not angelic. Even better; she’s intensely, relentlessly human.
My two year old is not angelic. Even better; she’s intensely, relentlessly human. She is devastated beyond repair if I present a sandwich cut in half instead of whole (or whole instead of cut in half, depending on her mood).
Some people love the baby days, but I’m not really a baby person. Getting to Nellie’s second birthday was mostly a relief. She’s stronger, she’s more capable, and she understands so much. Lots of things that used to feel like emergencies when she was a baby are much less alarming now. A runny nose, a fever, skipped nap? No biggie.
As my own stress has receded, my capacity to savor her has increased. The ups and downs of her moods don’t ruffle me like they did with her brother because I’ve done this before and I know they will pass. Simple tricks like repeating her words back to her when she’s upset seem to pop into my head when I need them — a sort of toddler management muscle memory.
This time around — my last, I know — I am taking all of my two year olds’ storms and passions in stride. Sometimes I even delight in them. I know this passes fast, and I know I will miss her when she’s grown into the next wonderful thing. I know I will revisit this tender, explosive, hilarious version of my daughter often over the years, in whatever ways I can. She’ll be in memories and videos, and her funny made up words will linger in our family lexicon. But for now, she is here and I am here, wide open and ready to experience her in all her spectacular, inflorescent twoness.
There are few things that impress people like good homemade cornbread. While there is zero wrong with a box of Jiffy cornbread mix (that box also makes for great pancakes), there’s just something about the homemade southern staple. And while you don’t have to be from the south to appreciate good cornbread, you kind of need a southern recipe to make good cornbread. (Don’t worry, this isn’t one made with pork rinds or anything.) Whether you want a cornbread recipe for making holiday dressing, to go with your chili, or to impress your friends at your next potluck, I have the perfect, easiest cornbread recipe for you — courtesy of my own southern granny.
You will have to refer to this recipe as Granny Jo’s Buttermilk Cornbread because if you met my granny, she would insist that you call her Granny Jo, too. And when I tell you this recipe for cornbread could not be any simpler, I mean it. You need one bowl, a few pantry staples, and a bag of self-rising cornmeal mix to make the absolute best cornbread. You don’t have to do it in a cast iron pan (it is a nice touch), and you can even choose to do it in a muffin tin for individual servings or one big cake pan for easy slicing. It’s up to you on how to serve it, and you can also swap in regular milk for the buttermilk if you don’t have it (or don’t want to do that hack of mixing in vinegar).
At least once a week I make this cornbread, and then my 5-year-old insists on taking the leftover slices to school for lunch. A hunk of cornbread, a side of grapes, and a cheese stick? Lunch of champions. This cornbread recipe is just perfect for every situation, and when you take it out of the oven and throw a big glob of butter right on top, well lord have mercy. You’ll be talking in a southern accent after the first bite and yelling “y’all quit!” at your bickering children.
Granny Jo’s Buttermilk Cornbread
Ingredients
2 cups self-rising buttermilk cornmeal mix
1 1/4 to 1 1/12 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 to 2 tablespoons sugar
Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees and grease your pan
Blend all ingredients, pour into pan
Bake 20 to 25 minutes
Serve hot and garnish with butter
I know Ina says it a lot, but truly — how simple is that? You can double or triple this cornbread recipe with zero problems, and when I tell you it comes out perfectly every single time, I mean it. My only suggestion? Use butter and a paper towel to grease your pan rather than a cooking spray — it helps with the golden color on the outside and packs in some extra flavor. It stores well, too. Just let it fully cool and pop it in some bags. Reheat wrapped in a paper towel for just a few seconds in the microwave.
And don’t forget: my Granny Jo loves you. This recipe is proof.
November babies are special. They come into this world during a season focused on family, gratitude, and togetherness. Their literal arrival on this earth is forever marked by fiery red-orange trees, rich comfort foods, and cozy sweaters, and what could be better than that? These names for November babies pay tribute to the remarkable season in which they arrived and will do your sweet bundle of joy justice... well, if that's even possible.
Whether you carefully planned for a November baby or their due date is a delightful surprise, you'll be happy to know that they're the best of the best. I mean, all babies are great, but ones born on the eleventh month of the year are seriously exceptional. An article in Good Housekeeping reported that November-born people generally make friends easily, and that "Overall, their nature is appealing." Additionally, they are less likely to suffer from health problems like multiple sclerosis, heart problems, or lung cancer, according to the article. A study in the International Journal of Sports Medicine concluded, "Autumn-born babies, especially those born in October and November, are faster, fitter, and stronger than their counterparts."
Now that you're thoroughly excited for the new family member joining your crew, let's give you some moniker inspiration.
Archer
If your baby is born on November 22 or later, they'll officially be a Sagittarius. Because the sign of the Sagittarius is the archer, Archer is a perfect name. The meaning of Archer means “bowman,” which is no surprise, and it has a bit of a vintage fall vibe.
Ivy
If you're a fan of plant or nature names, consider the name Ivy. This evergreen plant that grows on buildings gives distinctly fall vibes, and the short name is perfect for a spunky little girl.
Griffin
The name Griffin means "strong lord," which is fitting for a little boy born in a month notorious for producing strong people.
Alexandra
If your November babe is born within the first 21 days of the month, they'll be a Scorpio. This Zodiac sign is known for being strong-willed, passionate, and loyal. The name Alexandra, which means "defender of mankind," is appropriate for a little November warrior.
Gunnar
Similar to the feminine name Alexandra, Gunnar means "bold warrior.” Your November baby is sure to be a fierce little one with a name like that.
Seraphina
The name Seraphina, which means "fiery," is perfect for a fall baby born in the season of red-orange foliage, bonfires, and blazing sunsets. She’s sure to have an equally fiery personality!
Sage
The unisex name Sage means "wise and knowing," but it also has another connection to November. The spice sage is commonly used in Thanksgiving stuffing, and its scent alone can bring up memories of big meals and family time.
Ruby
One of the best qualities of autumn is the rich, warm colors seen everywhere this season. Ruby, a deep red color, is a precious moniker for a fall baby.
Another name inspired by the colors that surround you during the month of Thanksgiving, Sienna means "reddish brown." Though it's grown in popularity thanks to actress Sienna Miller, the name is far outside of the top 100, and your child likely won't share their name with their classmates.
Nico
The name Nico means "victorious," which is a goal most parents have for their children. It's also a fantastic name for a Scorpio baby, who will most likely be competitive and passionate in their pursuits.
Odelia
November, the month of American Thanksgiving, is a time for showing gratitude and giving thanks. The name Odelia, which means "thankful," is the perfect tribute to this special month.
Sawyer
The unisex name Sawyer is downright adorable, and it's also got a special connection to the month of November. Arguably the most famous Sawyer in literature is Tom Sawyer, the famous character created by November-born author Mark Twain.
Louisa
Literature fans looking for name inspiration should consider the classic name Louisa. Louisa May Alcott, the famous author of the classic novel Little Women, was born in November, and is a brilliant namesake for your own little woman.
Grace
Thanksgiving is all about gratefulness and the baby name Grace gives a lot of those vibes. This is such a classic, but still spunky, name for your little one, and it’s not often that you meet a whole lot of Graces. The nickname Gracie is also too cute.
Leif
The name Leif means "beloved," which your baby will certainly be. It's particularly nice for a November baby, whose birthday will always be celebrated during a season of falling leaves.
Goldie
Names from the past are making a comeback, and I think it's time for Goldie to have its turn. The name, which means “made of gold,” makes sense for a sweet baby born in the month of yellow-gold leaves.
Hunter
The month of November is a big hunting season, making the increasingly gender-neutral name Hunter an excellent choice for a baby born this month. This name is darling, even if you aren't a family of hunters.
Autumn
This one is pretty straight-forward. The name Autumn is lovely for a baby born anytime, but particularly adorable for one born during this season.
Finn
The name Finn has jumped in popularity a bit, but it’s still a spunky and unique choice for your little one. Finn pays tribute to a mythical Irish warrior who was known for being brave and courageous, and something about all that magic gives major November vibes.
Nova
The name Nova, which is also the word for "a star that suddenly releases a huge burst of energy," has exploded in recent years, pun intended. However, it's the similarity to the word "November" that makes it so perfect for your baby.
Jude
Praising the cooks, praising your family — praising is a huge part of November. Honor that tradition of the month with the baby name Jude, which means “praised.” It’s just so sweet, and I think it can be a gender-neutral option, too.
Anna
An incredibly classic name, Anna is such a perfect choice for your November baby. Not only does it connect to a lot of literature and give off those cozy, fall vibes, the name Anna means “favor” or “grace” which is great for Thanksgiving.
Scarlett
November has all of those fiery red leaves, remember? Pay homage to that with the baby name Scarlett. It’s so sweet and a great fall choice for your little November babe.
Rosemary
Whether you rub your turkey with butter and rosemary or not, it’s pretty impossible to avoid the herb in November. I love the name Rosemary for a little girl — it means “dew of the sea” — and I really love the connection it has to this month with cooking. It doesn’t get much cozier than that.
Whether you’re looking for a subtle nod to November or something more obvious, these November baby names are perfect for your tiny little turkey.
Back away from the bath bomb gift set on that end cap at the mall, and close out of the 25 tabs you left open while deliberating over a new vacuum. Choosing a gift for your wife or partner can be hard — how could you ever repay the last year’s worth of love, care, and general bad*ssery she brought to your life? If you’re struggling to find a gift worthy of that perfect, utterly incredible woman, you’ll find it here, in this list of dreamy, thoughtful gifts your wife or partner will love.
Each item here comes straight from the wish list of a real life wife on Romper’s editorial team, who sees, tests, and tries countless products each year. Some of us enjoy knitting, hosting, or exercising, and others are deep into fashion and jewelry. Whatever your lover obsesses over, there’s someone here who shares her passion — and can clue you in on exactly what she might like for Christmas this year. So, happy holiday shopping, hubbies. You’re welcome in advance for her elated reaction.
—The Romper editorial team: April Daniels Hussar, Elizabeth Angell, Anne Vorrasi, Samantha Darby, Jamie Kenney, Kaitlin Kimont, Meaghan O’Connell, Miranda Rake, Alexa Thompson, and Katie McPherson
You may recognize Jessicia Miller’s work from the cover of Ann Napolitano’s novel Hello Beautiful. Now your lucky better half can have a portrait of herself in the same style. Starting at $250 for a 7x5” “half-hour” portrait, prices go up to $6,800 for a 30x40” piece. Portraits can be created from a photo you supply, or if you’re in the NYC area, contact Miller for a 30-minute in-person session. To commission a portrait, email Miller at jessica@jessicamillerpaintings.com or reach out through her website.
Are you married to a big bow girl? She will absolutely swoon over this glassware collection inspired by wildflowers. Each shape — wine glass, coupes, flutes, cordial glasses, and apertif glasses — is sold in a set of four, ranging in price from $135 to $150.
Begone, boring beige trenches. This half-and-half plaid coat from Lala absolutely oozes cool. It’s neutral enough to match just about any outfit, but visually interesting enough to feel fresh and unique.
When it comes to jewelry, classic, high-end pieces are oftentimes better than colorful costume jewelry (which is usually more affordable), no matter how plain they might seem. If you want something that will be treasured forever, consider a locket with photos of her top VIPs nestled inside. The beauties from Monica Rich Kosann range from extremely minimalist to more decorated — all are stunning and special.
Curated by Karni Arieli, Eye Mama: Poetic Truths of Home and Motherhood, is an incredible collection of photographs from mothers all around the world. Each one captures something specific, personal, and universal, and will speak volumes to how much you recognize and honor her as a mother.
If she’s constantly juggling work bags, totes, and spare clothes between the office and the gym, this wine red duffle would be a wonderful surprise. It’s designed to function as a gym bag and a weekender, with water-repellent fabric, padded laptop pocket, suitcase sleeve on the back, and a special compartment to keep sweaty clothes away from everything else inside.
Perfect for people who can’t sleep in regular post earrings, or for those among us who have found ourselves with cartilage piercings as we approach our fourth and fifth decades. The nap may be a pipe dream, but the gorgeous earrings will be ready. They’re also available in Pink Quartz and White Topaz and Pearl and White Topaz .
This delicately beautiful vase looks just as pretty empty on a shelf as it will with the flowers you will remember to bring her every now and then in the new year, just because.
This planner from Papier is sure to delight the type A person you love. It’s covered in upcycled leather (there are four color options) and can be embossed in gold, rose gold, or silver, then monogrammed if you’d like. It includes yearly, monthly, and weekly views for 2024, as well as dotted, gridded, and more pages for notes and goal-setting. Bonus points: it comes in a fancy box so it’s ready to wrap and gift.
Morning coffee and evening tea are precious rituals in life, and for those who partake, chances are they have a favorite mug or two. Wolf Ceramics mugs are just splurge-y enough that she might never buy them for herself. The mug club subscription gets a new cup delivered to her every three months. Paired with some fancy herbal teas, she’ll look forward to her evening cup a little extra each night.
Ooolala! The limited edition Pink Champagne Kit from Jones Road includes Mini Miracle Balm in Pink Champagne, Best Pencil in Onyx, Sparkle Wash in Gilded for a touch of shimmer, and Lip And Cheek Stick in Rosy Brown. Everything is bundled in a limited edition Gold Jones Road Tyvek Bag, which is itself a great little gift. (Also available in a “platinum pink” version.)
Have you somehow become people who always have a stick of butter on a random, old plate you found at Goodwill? You’d both love a real, grown-up butter dish. This cheery color from Le Creuset is so good, and you know their stuff lasts.
If your lady loves a well-made wardrobe staple, this mini dress would make a super versatile addition to any closet. You can dress it up or down easily — the outfit options are truly endless. It’s made with a fine-gauge recycled cashmere blend that will feel as good as it looks.
A sweep of your partner’s part of the bathroom counter should tell you what she uses most often, and you could find the priciest item of the bunch to replenish. Or, you could opt for something high-end with lots of great reviews, like the Dr. Loretta Intense Replenishing Serum, if she’s a dry-skinned gal. (You do not have to ask her about her skin type and blow your cover. Glean that info from the labels of her other products.)
If many meals these days seem to consist of leftover mac & cheese, half-eaten bananas, and a handful of goldfish crackers, nothing will be more surprising and delightful than an invitation to join you for a splurgy and decadent treat. Pair your caviar with a bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte Reserve Exclusive Brut and you got yourself a hot date night. No kids invited!
We had an opportunity there, about two years ago, to rebrand the fanny pack, and we let that precious chance slip through our fingers. Oh well. For those still on the fanny pack train, it can’t hurt to upgrade to something cool and leather for her fancier, hands-free, multitasking-mom-about-town days.
If your gal considers herself an alt mom — as in, her wardrobe is mainly black and features a lot of denim and band tees — then these Converse would make the perfect addition. The embroidered hearts add a little fun and femininity to a classic sneaker that looks right at home with literally any outfit.
This subscription is a great way to try out a wide variety of boutique and designer scents on a regular basis without committing to a full (expensive) bottle. Each sample lasts about 120 sprays, which keeps you fragrant until your next order arrives.
If you’ve ever felt a baby’s muslin swaddle, you’ve probably wished for one of your own. If your wife is the same, she’ll love this gift for naps — warm but at the same time cooling, with plenty of room to sprawl underneath.
A beautiful mew tablecloth is the perfect invitation for planning a dinner party. And having dinner parties to look forward to is one of the best ways to get through winter. With this one, you can match flowers and candles to the different shades — and mismatched platters and serving pieces would suit the eclectic vibe.
A gal can never have enough tops in her life like this: Goes with jeans or a skirt, can be worn over a thin sweater in winter or with shorts in summer. A dash of instant cool. Get her another one.
You know she would use this on everything, from notes in the kids’ lunch boxes to thank you cards and grocery lists. If her dog’s face brings her joy, she will appreciate this very much.
The right bag makes any boring outfit feel like a showcase for the perfect accessory. Imagine this with jeans and running shoes and a T-shirt? Instantly more interesting, right?
If your boo is on makeup Tik Tok, she has probably seen the trending Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Hydrating Lip Balm. The color Garconne is having a mini viral moment, and for good reason. It’s a flattering mauve-y gloss that’s perfect for a winter lip look.
Expensive bubble bath is not always on the regular shopping list, but what a treat it is. This foaming delight from L’Occitane creates the most luxurious and relaxing bath for some me-time that is well deserved.
For the stationary lovers, a fountain pen is the dreamy sort of writing accessory they’d never splurge on for themselves. Will she imagine herself as a fancy historical lady, penning letters and longing for her love who has sailed far across the sea? Perhaps. Just be sure to get her some ink refills while you’re at it.
A clothing subscription service that she will truly love
With many, many options and many, many sizes, a Nuuly subscription is the perfect gift for someone who could use a wardrobe pick-me-up and the fun of trying some new trends and statement pieces without needing to make a permanent commitment (or investment). In one order, she can try some chic sweaters to wear on the daily, a great faux fur to warm up winter days, and a sparkly outfit for New Year’s Eve — just for starters.
There is nothing more “fancy grown up lady” than diamond earrings, but these are too small to be stuffy. Their delicate little glint is kind of sexy. They also come in a pearl version.
The OUF! Ring Pop Ring is a major upgrade from — but just as fun as — those ring pops of yesteryear. It’s on the splurgy side, but if you’re looking for an extra special present guaranteed to make a splash, one of these gorgeous 14-carat gold cocktail rings will be a recurring bright spot for years to come. Available in blue topaz (shown here), kunzite, and amethyst (for pinky rings) — or email OUF! for a custom request.
A gift certificate to an art class
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Has your partner ever expressed interest in trying her hand at pottery? Photography? Watercolors? Research art classes in your area and get her enrolled. Doing the work of finding the perfect class, signing her up, and presenting it to her paid for and booked will feel like such a treat.
A leather jacket never goes out of style, but a buying quality one is a tough purchase to justify for yourself. Having a perfect, multipurpose jacket you can wear to a nice restaurant, to run a few errands, or to a brewery with friends is the gift that keeps on giving.
A Le Creuset saucepan, with a top that doubles as a skillet? The cook in your life will absolutely love unwrapping this bad boy. And if they’ve never cooked with this brand before, well, you’re about to unlock a whole new world of gifts to give them for every holiday to come.
Does your wife knit? If so, a kit with elevated yarn (this one has silk mohair) is the perfect gift for someone who finds joy in using her hands to create soft, beautiful pieces, and let’s be honest, is usually not knitting something for herself.
Maybe it’s The Bear season 2, or maybe it’s the dawning realization that she’s constantly staining her clothes when she cooks, but you can’t go wrong getting your partner a sweet apron. In just the right shade of denim apron, she’ll look like a recently laid off Bon Appétit staffer who is trying to establish her personal brand (aspirational).
It's time to embrace a deranged balaclava — a navy or tasteful oatmeal one is a copout, plain and simple. Go neon (and multicolored) or go home. Verloop’s selection nails it in every way, and is sold at a price point she might not be willing to pay for herself. That’s how you know it’s the perfect gift.
A facial appointment, paid for & scheduled
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Just tell her when and where. Paying for a spa day as a holiday gift is one (very generous) thing, but going the extra mile and booking the actual appointment and making sure her schedule is cleared for the day so she can fully relax will earn you major brownie points.
If getting herself to a weekly yoga class is how your wife takes care of herself, it’d be nice to have something new to wear. The Beyond Yoga racerback tanks come in so many colors, boast UPF 50+ fabric, and they have a built-in, medium support bra. The straps are designed never to dig in for the most comfortable chaturangas she’s ever done. Package them with a Class Pass gift card (or one to her favorite local studio).
If your wife lives for a statement shoe, she needs these Jessica Butrich mules. The designer specializes in fun, bold footwear, and these are a more wearable take on her usual flair. They’re enough to level up an entire outfit without being too much.
Is this a replica of the dressing gown worn by foppish gentleman pirate Stede Bonnet on Our Flag Means Death? Yes. Is that its very best feature? No, but it’s a plus for sure. There’s just nothing more luxurious or necessary than lounging around in this baby during the holiday break.
A sensory deprivation float
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Motherhood is overstimulating. For moms who recharge best with a little quiet time alone, a sensory deprivation float might be just what she needs. It’s hard to carve out time to try something like this, so getting a gift card to a floating spa in your area will be just the little “Go do it!” she needs.
