Here are Susannah’s favorite things: All the hot holiday finds for foodies, cocktail fiends, pet owners, plant parents and travel lovers are here in the annual Feast + West holiday gift guide!
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Susannah’s Favorite Things: Holiday Gift Ideas
Ahhh, it’s the holiday season again! It came around quicker than usual, didn’t it? I swear, the months seem like they’re getting shorter every year.
This means it’s time for the Feast + West Holiday Gift Guide! Yesss! I love to put together different gift guides for various groups and interests, but below are some of my favorite things I’ve bought and loved this year.
Keep reading for tips on what to get my fellow mixologists, foodies, plant lovers, bookworms, pet parents and travel fiends on your list this year! I even added a few of my beauty must-haves and things I love for working-from-home.
There’s something here for everyone on your list, but if you’d rather make your gifts, try a homemade popcorn tin, a DIY airplane cocktail kit or a bottle of homemade liqueur. The last couple years I have made these cocktail infusion kits for friends — I love an easy mason jar gift!
Which gift are you most excited about? Tell me in the comments!
explore more gift guides
Whether they’re a baker or a cocktail maker, I’ve got a guide for every kind of drinker and foodie :
Cocktail gift ideas
This is a cocktail blog, so let’s start with some of my favorite things I have used and loved this year!
Basic bar set
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If you’re like me and love mixing up cocktails, a basic bartending set * is essential. I finally treated myself to this more expensive set this year, and it has everything you need to shake, stir and pour drinks like a pro — perfect for entertaining or a night in.
Table lights
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I fell in love with these lights at a restaurant last year and was delighted to find out you could enjoy them at home. They are great for dining outside, but they also come in handy for power outages or anything you could use a little portable light!
Acacia salt rimmer
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After seeing these online for years, I finally bought myself this pretty acacia rimmer. It is a stylish and functional addition to any bar, perfect for rimming glasses with salt or sugar. Give this one to your favorite margarita lover!
Foodie gift ideas
For my fellow cooks and restaurant-goers, here are some of my faves:
Food huggers
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Food Huggers * are a must in my kitchen. I use these every single day! They can help you save half of a tomato, cucumber or kiwi, or you can cover an open cat food can.
Chemex coffee maker
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This year I packed up our giant drip coffee maker to hang in the garage until we have guests, all because we fell in love with our Chemex *. The coffee is top-notch but my husband and I adore the slow pace of actually making the coffee. It’s so relaxing yet invigorating — and it takes up less countertop space!
Reversible dishwasher magnet
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This little thing saves us in the kitchen every day. I flip the reversible dishwasher magnet * constantly and it still makes me laugh every time. The “come in we’re clean” and “sorry we’re dirty” sides keep our routine smooth but add a bit of charm to an everyday task.
Plastic wrap dispenser
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We have had this plastic wrap dispenser * for years and I still can’t believe how much easier this makes my kitchen routine! The dispenser doesn’t move while you pull out the plastic wrap and cuts it cleanly. This keeps it from getting tangled so I can cover leftovers in a snap! Plus the wrap itself is higher quality than what you’d usually get at the store. I love giving these as gifts — they have aluminum foil and parchment paper * ones too!
Electric salt & pepper grinders
electric salt & pepper grinders
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We absolutely love cooking with these electric salt & pepper grinders * because they make it such an easy and fun activity. Just press a button, and you get freshly ground salt or pepper with no effort — perfect for when your hands are full while cooking! Even better, the grinders light up so you can more easily see what you are doing.
Fire blanket
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A fire blanket * is a must-have for anyone, honestly — not just foodies! This summer, my husband and I saved our house and ourselves from burning down from a kitchen fire that flared up so, so, fast! My parents gave us one for Christmas one year, and it literally saved our lives. Get yourself one (or more), too!
Sourdough Dutch oven
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This year I got more into sourdough baking that I ever have. We treated ourselves to this sourdough dutch oven * designed especially for baking bread, and it’s been a game changer!
Measuring cup with lid
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Every few years, we have had to replace our measuring cups because the letters wear off. I finally got tired of eyeballing the ¼-cup line based on *vibes* and ordered a set of these measuring cups. They’re by OXO, a brand I love for a lot of kitchen gadgets, but it’s not the same brands I’ve always used for measuring cups. TBD on if they will last longer than the others, but for now I am digging the lids for fridge storage!
Wellness gift ideas
Oura Ring
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Hands down my No. 1 purchase this year, my Oura Ring * gives me a quiet sense of grounding. It tracks my sleep, activity and other daily metrics. You can “tag” events in the app each day, like drinking alcohol or spending time outside, to see how those things affect your overall health. I love seeing how subtle shifts in my routine affect me over time. It may be FSA/HSA eligible, so do check that out if you have some $$ left this year!
If you are considering one: I thought it would be too big for my female hands, but I actually really like the size of it. The gold finish has scratched some on the palm side from daily wear, but it doesn’t bother me. But if it would bother you, you may consider silver or another finish where scratches would be less noticeable.
Owala freesip water bottle
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After I fell in love with my first Owala Freesip water bottle * this year, I bought two more. I love taking one on the road and having another at my desk. They are a fantastic quality, and by far the best water bottle I’ve ever used. (And I’ve used a lot.)
The 32-ounce size is great for having at home and at my desk, but the 24-ounce bottle fits better in my car’s cupholder. For both sizes, I bought silicone Owala bottle boots in coordinating colors to help save them if I dropped them.
Silk sleep masks
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There’s nothing better for a restful night’s sleep than these smooth silk sleep masks *. They are super soft on my skin, block out light completely and don’t mess up my curly hair by morning. Plus, it feels like a little luxury every night and I always sleep better. I always pack one if I head out of town or on an airplane.
Travel gift ideas
Iridescent organizer bag
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I carry an irridescent organizer bag * like this in my purse everywhere I go, and it helps to keep it organized! I love that it is clear so I can see what is in there at a glance.
Airplane window drink holder
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The Bevledge is my new favorite travel companion! This airplane window drink holder * turns cramped tray tables into first-class comfort. It slots into the window shade, giving flyers a steady perch for their gin and tonic or wine. A clever stocking stuffer for frequent travelers who like a civilized sip at 30,000 feet.
Pocket knife
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Ladies need pocket knives too! I always used to carry one, then unfortunately lost it and never replaced it. I finally purchased a new one recently and it’s been so handy! It has just about everything you could need, and it fits neatly in my purse. It is one of my most used items (but be sure to take it out before you go anywhere that doesn’t allow them!).
Bracelet flasks
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I brought these for a dressy event I went to this year and it was the best! If you want an inconspicuous flask for anything a little elevated, these are perfect. No one will know they are holding your favorite booze! (Warning: Smaller wrists only.)
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Beauty gift ideas
I know this is a food blog, but this gift guide is the one time each year in which I get to tell you about things I love outside of food! These are my favorite things in beauty right now.
Ilia limitless lash mascara
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Ilia Limitless Lash mascara * is my go-to, clean-beauty mascara that I’ve been using for years. This year I switched away and immediately regretted it and ordered another one. I used to always be looking for a forever mascara I loved, but I think I’ve finally found it.
Tinted lip balm
clinique tinted lip balm in “black honey”
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Lipstick that dries your lips out? No thank you! The Clinique tinted lip balm in “black honey” * is my newfound favorite. It adds subtle color and moisturizes at once.
Spiral hair ties
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Where are my fellow curly-haired girls? These spiral hair ties * are so good! Made with phone cord material, they don’t leave a crease in your hair like other hair ties.
Plant parent gift ideas
If you didn’t know, I’m kind-of a plant lady! The inside of my house is practically covered in plants! Here are some of my plant parenthood faves right now:
Continuous spray bottle
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This spray bottle is my favorite for keeping plants misted and hydrated. It gives a fine, even mist that is like a mini spa treatment for your plant babies every time you use it.
Cocktail herb garden kit
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This year I got very into gardening. I’ve long enjoyed having a hydroponic garden * inside my house, but this year I built a raised bed and did a lot more! My cocktail herb garden is my pride and joy though, and I love using my own herbs for making syrups and cocktails.
Plant propagation station
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I’ve been a plant lady since before it was cool, and I am obsessed with my plant propagation station * like this. You can easily re-grow cuttings from your plants in this beautiful centerpiece, then re-pot them to grow your collection or share with friends. This station is my usual dining table centerpiece (until we got a curious kitten!) and I always get questions about it when we have friends over.
Bookworm gift ideas
A few years ago, I fell back in love with reading like I did when I was a kid. These are some of my favorite books and book-themed gifts for my fellow readers. If anyone on your list loves to read or is in a book club, these are worth checking out.
“Royally Yours” book
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The debut book, “Royally Yours” by Jules Kyle *, came out in November 2025 and it’s a must-have for anyone who loves a good holiday romance book or movie. One of my best friends, Stephie Predmore, is one half of the duo behind the pen name and I’m so proud of her. I love the book and I think you will too!
Amazon Kindle
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I have an older model of the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite * and it is the best for reading anytime, especially on the go or late nights staying up reading in the dark! This is the newest model with a glare-free display and “weeks of battery life,” and I might just have to upgrade.
“Great Big Beautiful Life” book
“great big beautiful life” by emily henry
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“Great Big Beautiful Life” by Emily Henry * was one of my favorite reads in 2025. I looked forward to this book for weeks and devoured it in a weekend. Maybe it’s our shared last name, but I really love Emily Henry and her bookish romance novels. I find myself thinking about these characters all the time.
Pet gift ideas
It wouldn’t be a gift guide from me without some pet recommendations! Here are our tried-and-true faves from our cats, Julep and Mojito, and our pup, Rey.
Catnip fish cat toys
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Mojito’s favorite thing: Our kitty Momo loves toy and these catnip fish toys were an instant hit. They are the perfect size for bucking, and they must smell really amazing to a cat. I even sent one to my sister’s cat on my mom’s last visit, and her cat dug them out of the suitcase!
Self warming cat bed
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Julep’s favorite thing: Our girl loves to be warm and she sleeps on this puffy, self warming cat bed * every single day.
Puzzle ball dog toy
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Rey’s favorite thing: When we put a treat or smaller toy inside this puzzle ball dog toy * and throw it, Rey goes nuts to chase it and try to get the object out.
Dog waste bag holder
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My favorite thing for Rey: We bought a new leash for our pup for our camping trip to Maine last year, and needed a new dog waste bag holder *. I am obsessed with this find and it has held up really well. It may be such a tiny, everyday thing to care about, but we literally use it every day. It is so easy to use and even it has a convenient hook for hanging a full bag to keep your hands free.
Freelancer & work-from-home gift ideas
As a self-employed food blogger (yay!) and freelance graphic designer, I’ve worked from home for more than a decade, and these are my fabulous finds for my home office and working on the go.
Adjustable ear plugs
loop switch 2 adjustable ear plugs
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As I get older, my ears are more sensitive. I’m in love with thee Loop Switch 2 adjustable ear plugs *. They work to block out noisy neighbors, but still let me talk to (and hear) my husband, blast Amazon music or play an Audible audiobook. Game-changing! Plus, they also work in noisy environments like concerts and airplanes.
Standing desk converter
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I use this standing desk converter * every single day. It’s a great way to upgrade your desk without having to invest in all-new furniture. I am able to fit dual monitors on mine, too.
Portable label maker
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If anyone you know could use a little boost of organization, let me recommend this favorite portable label maker *. I use it to label our file folders, storage boxes and even spaces in the house like cabinets. It’s so handy and has lasted me years.
Fluffy slippers
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Everyone who works from home needs a pair of comfy slippers, and these are my latest find. They are airy, fluffy and so very soft. Perfect for chilly days!
Waterproof portable speaker
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This rechargeable waterproof portable speaker * lives in my shower and it is one of my most-used items! It is great to play a podcast or tunes on Amazon music, or even play an Audible audiobook, while I get ready for the day.
How I chose gifts for this guide
When I put together a gift guide, I’m pulling from a mix of personal favorites, things I’ve actually used and loved, and products I’d happily buy for people in my own life. I browse trusted retailers, check reviews, revisit brands I know well and keep an eye out for small businesses with thoughtful, well-made items. I sometimes hear about products directly from brands or receive samples, but I only include pieces that genuinely fit the theme and feel right for you. I skip anything gimmicky or low quality, and I try to include a range of price points so there’s something for every budget.
My goal is always to make choosing the right gift feel easy and inspired — no matter who you’re shopping for or what the occasion might be. I want you to feel supported and excited as you discover new favorites. Some links may be affiliate links, as noted in my disclosure policy and at the top of the post, but every recommendation is chosen independently with you in mind.
Don’t forget to explore my other gift guides for even more ideas across every interest and personality.
explore more gift guides
Whether they’re a baker or a cocktail maker, I’ve got a guide for every kind of drinker and foodie :
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