Studio Guide: Holiday Gifts for Creatives
This year, the holidays feel more important to cherish than ever before – although many of us (like myself) won’t be seeing family in-person, this time of year serves as a timely reminder to check in with loved ones to reconnect on a deeper level.
I’ve started thoughtfully shopping for holiday gifts for friends, family and myself (hello, self-love), so thought that I’d compile a gift guide courtesy of the studio for you to enjoy, too.
Before we get started, here are a few things to know:
• There is only one affiliate link in this guide – all items shared are ones that I’ve researched or purchased myself and simply enjoy. If you do purchase an item from ABLE using my personal link with the discount codes shared below, I will receive a small commission. November and December commissions will be donated to The Loveland Foundation.
• All gift ideas shared here are from smaller, woman-owned, BIPOC-owned or locally owned St. Louis businesses. I encourage you to become acquainted with each brand shared here to learn more about their story.
• I acknowledge that being able to shop small(er) is a privilege, especially this holiday season. As such, this guide was intentionally compiled with price point in mind – 28 out of our 40 gift suggestions are $30 or under. Big box stores or small makers – there is no shame in how or who you choose to shop with.
Now that we’ve covered those details...keep reading for the studio’s holiday gift guide for creatives!
For the Home
• TERRA Peppermint Mocha Candle
The Peppermint Mocha candle from TERRA’s holiday collection features rich notes of coconut milk, peppermint and chocolate. All candles are hand-poured with soy wax in St. Louis. $22
• LoKey Designs Fiddle Fig Bush
Give us all of the houseplants, especially when they’re as adorable as this mini 4-inch fiddle leaf bush. All plants ship from LoKey’s St. Louis-based plant studio. Looking for a ready-made gift? LoKey’s Plant Lady Club Kit just launched and is perfect for plant moms. $15
• Morgan Harper Nichols ‘No One Has Taken Your Place’ Art Print
Following Morgan Harper Nichols’ soulful work on Instagram has been a gift in and of itself. Frame this art print and hang it as a timely reminder: there is still space for you. $10
• Two Days Off Recycled Cotton Mexican Blanket
Two Days Off is an independently woman-owned lifestyle brand selling beautiful clothing and goods for the home. This recycled cotton blanket is the perfect couch throw for a touch of natural texture. $50
• East Olivia Autumn Bud Vase
Having fresh flowers around the house is an expense that can add up, but East Olivia’s Forever Florals offer a solution: these dried arrangements are designed to last. $55
For the Office
• ABLE Let’s Lift Each Other Up Print
As creatives, we all need a little encouragement sometimes. Hang this print in your office as a reminder that there is room for everyone – so let’s lift each other up. 10% of print sales are donated to the Loveland Foundation. $18
• Wilde House Paper 2021 Wall Calendar
Part art print, part calendar, Wild House Paper’s wall calendar is printed on recycled paper and brings the minimalist design vibes to perfectly complement a creative office space. $30
• Morgan Harper Nichols 2021 Day by Day Planner
...did we mention we love MHN? This 12-month planner is the perfect gift to help your loved ones stay inspired and organized walking into the new year. $30
• Golden Gems You’ve Got What It Takes Notepad
St. Louis-based Golden Gems says it like it is – and you’ve got what it takes. This notepad is the go-to gift for the go-getter on your shopping list. $10
• Kenna Sato Abstract Wall Decals
These decals adorn the walls of the studio and have livened up the space so much. Grab a set of these removable abstract decals for the creative in your life who would appreciate them. Starting at $45
For the Closet
• Wasi Clothing Shape Your Best Life Tee
We initially became acquainted with Wasi Clothing on TikTok (yes, seriously!) and fell in love with their line of artful apparel. The Shape Your Best Life tee is a personal favorite. $38
• ABLE Elvia Belt Bag
We like to think of belt bags as the fannypack’s more grown-up, sophisticated cousin – and ABLE’s Elvia doesn’t disappoint. It’s the perfect size to hold a phone, mask, ID, credit cards and lip balm for a day on the go. Use code INTHEBAG25 for 25% off the Elvia and all other ABLE leather through 11/23. $108
• ABLE Rose Relaxed Sweater Tunic
An oversized, cozy sweater just feels like winter, and ABLE’s Rose Relaxed Sweater Tunic is our go-to. It’s ethically made with 100% organic cotton. Use code LINDSAY20 for 20% off. $148
• Descendant Knit Hat in Pecan
Simple, timeless and in our all-time favorite color – rusty, warm pecan. St. Louis-based Descendant’s knit hat makes for a great stocking stuffer for the tastemakers we love. $28
• Girlfriend Collective Moon R&R Joggers
These joggers are a splurge, but they are so much more than sweatpants: they’re made with 91% recycled polyester sourced from certified recycled post-consumer plastic bottles, and offer extended sizing options. $68
For the Kitchen
• Dharma + Dwell Grapefruit Ginger Dish Soap and Agave Scrubber
Dharma + Dwell opened their St. Louis brick-and-mortar just in time for the holidays (we also designed their brand!) and we can’t get enough. This refillable dish soap and agave scrubber is a great pair for the eco-concious consumer in your life. $24
• Chillology Hojicha Powder
Giving up coffee is hard, but Chillology’s Hojicha Powder makes it a little easier. We’ve tried this powder made of roasted Japanese green tea leaves and it’s amazing – a little bit goes a long way when mixed into a latte, so a jar will last a while. On sale for $12.80 through 12/15.
• Two Days Off Striped Linen Apron
A simple, classic apron just adds a little something special to a home chef’s cooking experience. We love this beautiful apron from Two Days Off in a minimal stripe print that ties at the back. $40
• Boda Clay Ceramic Colander
St. Louis-based Boda Clay makes one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces, and this colander is equal parts unexpected and stunning. It’s a great alternative to an everyday stainless steel colander with a subtle natural glaze. $54
• DRAM Sparkling Water Sampler
For the sparkling water lover in your life, with a twist: DRAM’s sampler pack features unique flavor profiles like Cardamom & Black Tea and Lavender & Lemon Balm, plus they have cool packaging. $22
For the Bookshelf
Please note that all of the following book suggestions are linked to locally owned, women-owned or Black-owned bookstores in St. Louis.
• It’s About Damn Time
Arlan Hamilton’s story of resilience, grit and determination to excel in the world of venture capital is an inspiring one – especially seeing as she started the journey to entrepreneurship only five years ago. This is a great read for the go-getter who needs a real-life story to lean into. $27
• Modern Love
An anthology of authentic, sometimes-sappy, sometimes-heartbreaking love stories pulled from The New York Times? Say no more – sign us up. $17
• The Sun and Her Flowers
Rupi Kaur’s free-flowing, soul-touching poetry and prose is something that we find ourselves turning back to time and time again. For those on your shopping list who lean into introspection, The Sun and Her Flowers won’t disappoint. $17
• Disrupt-Her: A Manifesto for the Modern Woman
Miki Agrawal is the serial entrepreneur behind forward-thinking brands like THINX, and this is her manifesto full of motivating, no-B.S. advice for the modern woman. Yes, please and thank you. $18
• Kamala & Maya’s Big Idea
Whether you have children or not, it’s safe to say that Kamala & Maya’s Big Idea is going to be a must-read this holiday season. Grab a copy for your little ones (or for yourself!). $19
For the Body
• O.M.G. Seal & Moisturizing Oil
We love a good multi-use product, and Heritage1933’s O.M.G. Seal & Moisturizing Oil delivers – it can be used on dry skin and on hair to retain moisture in the cold months. Plus, it’s made of 100% non-toxic ingredients. $24
• Butter Love by L.C. Rosemary & Mint Body Butter
Butter Love by L.C.’s line of thick, luxurious body butters are the perfect gift for those in your life who deserve a little extra TLC this year. With scents like Rosemary & Mint and Vanilla Almond, it’s hard to resist. $20
• LARK Skin Co. Gotu Kola & Silver Spot Treatment
It’s seems like we’ve all dealt with maskne at one point or another this year, and St. Louis-based LARK’s spot treatment is the timely answer. In a convenient roller for application, the clean beauty lover in your life will love having this on their skincare shelf. $28
• Flora Lee Naturals Gardener’s Beauty Oil
Flora Lee Naturals’ range of garden-inspired skincare includes amazing plant-based ingredients, and the Gardener’s Beauty Oil is a great place to start. It’s packed with ingredients like watermelon seed oil and grapeseed oil for a hydrated, healthy glow. $28
• Saie Glowy Super Gel
We recently discovered Saie’s Glowy Super Gel and are completely hooked. This easy-to-apply gel is great to mix with tinted moisturizer for a natural sheen and comes in two different shades (we love Sunglow), is made with all natural ingredients and comes in recyclable packaging. $25
For Friends
• We’re Not Really Strangers Self-Reflection Cards
You may be familiar with @werenotreallystrangers on Instagram, and they recently released a set of self-reflection cards that ask the hard, deep questions we need to consider. This is a great gift for the friend who journals and may be in need of a few new prompts. $12
• The Comfort We Find in Food Cookbook
Our friend Amanda Wilens recently published The Comfort We Find in Food E-Cookbook in collaboration with nearly 40 creatives, and it’s amazing (yes, we’ve already tested a few recipes!). All cookbook proceeds go to the ACLU, so grab a digital copy for yourself and for a friend. Pay what you can
• Whiled Ladies Who Lounge Puzzle
We’re never too old to enjoy a good puzzle, and Whiled’s artful collection of puzzles feature the work of independent artists and are equal parts beautiful and challenging (this one is 1,000 pieces!). $37
• Morgan Harper Nichols “Be Still” Pouch
Whether they use it as a makeup bag, a pencil pouch or a carryall, the Be Still pouch is a beautiful, timely reminder to your loved ones that there is no need to rush – it’s the time to just be. $16
• Big Heart Tea Cozy Gift Set
St. Louis-based Big Heart Tea is a favorite for two reasons: not only are their herbal teas amazing, but their packaging? It’s stunning. This cozy gift set is a great way to gift the warm beverage lover with a sampling of seasonal flavors to unwind with. $30
For Yourself
Let’s be real – you deserve a little something special, too. Here are a few of our personal picks for feel-good holiday gifts.
• Nova Vita Squiggle Hoop in Gold
St. Louis-based Nova Vita is our go-to for unique and eyecatching earrings, and these squiggle hoops are so much fun. Dress them up, dress them down – but never settle for average hoops. $20
• Phenomenal Woman Sweatshirt
Founded by Meena Harris (that’s Kamala’s niece!), the Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign is a female-led organization that brings awareness to social causes. So wear this super-soft sweatshirt proudly, Phenomenal Woman. $59
• HEALER 3rd Ritual Moon Botanical Hand + Body Cream
We love HEALER’s collection of dark and moody lifestyle goods, and this hand and body cream is designed to naturally moisturize with essential oils and smells amazing with notes of bergamot, chamomile, lavender and more. $32
• Girlfriend Collective Please Recycle Crew Sock
Cold weather just calls for cozy, thick socks – right? The Please Recycle Crew Sock from Girlfriend Collective are made from recycled materials and are recyclable, too. $14
• We’re Not Really Strangers Self-Reflection Kit
If any year has called for deep self-examination and reflection, it’s 2020. We’re Not Really Strangers’ Self-Reflection Kit includes reflection prompt cards, a notebook and pen to help you thoughtfully process your thoughts and emotions while focusing on self-healing. $25
Happy holidays from our studio to you and your family! Please stay safe and well this holiday season, and keep in touch with us on Instagram.