The last-minute, still-thoughtful gift guide
For procrastinators who won't pay for express shipping (me).
Christmas Eve is an incredible time to work retail. When I worked at a bookstore in high school, the flurry of people grabbing everything, whatever was still on the shelves, was partly festive but mostly frenzied. The moment for thoughtfully selecting a gift every person on customers’ lists had passed—except it hadn’t.
There are plenty of gifts you can still pick out even the night before that will not seem random or like you waited until the last minute. They will not arrive late and they will still be personal. I know because this is my own “oh shit, gifts, right now” list.
Personalized Crossword Puzzle
Recently made custom crossword puzzles for two birthday girls who turned 30 and 96. Like cooking dinner for friends coming over, crafting memories into tricky clues that only they can answer is full of anticipatory warm and fuzzies.
Subscription to 40 Ingredients Forever
I’m a little biased, but this is the gift for college kids, new parents, retirees, non-cooks, and generally busy people. But don’t take it from me. Hear from some subscribers about why they’ve welcomed this newsletter into their homes.
For something personal to give the recipient, you can download this certificate to print or email.
Indoor Time
Winter is long and cold so give a membership to a fun place to hibernate. Museums and science centers are open and warm; so is your couch with a season pass to the Criterion collection.
Donation
This has been my client gift since I started freelancing (thanks to 40 Ingredients Forever’s recipe tester and editor Caroline Lange for starting me on the tradition). What’s something the recipient cares about and what organization supports it? I only know people who eat food, so I typically donate to World Central Kitchen or God’s Love We Deliver.
Bacon of the Month
Or another monthly food delivery subscription, like butter, olive oil, or Asian-American snacks. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, and because you can typically schedule when the subscription starts, you can schedule it for next year and cover your procrastination tracks.
Preorder a Cookbook
Which has no choice but to arrive next year. It’s still early to get information about all the spring cookbooks, but these are some I want to see:
Islas: A Celebration of Tropical Cooking by Von Diaz
Around Our Table: Wholesome Recipes to Feed Your Family and Friends by Sprouted Kitchen’s Sara Forte
Flavorama: A Guide to Unlocking the Art and Science of Flavor by Arielle Johnson
Roots, Heart, Soul: The Story, Celebration, and Recipes of Afro Cuisine in America by Todd Richards with Amy Paige Condon
Pizza Night: Deliciously Doable Recipes for Pizza and Salad by