Planning & Inspiration
2020 Holiday Gift Guide For Couples
These are uncertain times and the couple planning a wedding over the course of this past year has had to make hard decisions like never before. As the holiday season kicks into full swing, it has become apparent that the celebrations and gatherings we look forward to are going to be much different. With this in mind, we put together a holiday gift guide for couples that focuses on love, connection, and lifting the spirit. From yummy, heart-warming treats to beautiful accessories for the home, these gifts are meant to be enjoyed together and are sure to create new and lasting memories. And similar to our Holiday Gift Guide For The Brides, the list highlights NYC small businesses, designers, and cultural institutions.
Eskayel, www.eskayel.com
Shanan Campanaro, founder of New York-based design studio, Eskayal, has turned her organic, dreamy artwork into breathtaking hand-tied rugs, wall coverings, home linens, prints, accessories, and more. Shannon’s love of nature and travel is sensed in each of her collections – Playland looks like a kaleidoscope on the ocean’s surface while Tropic gives the impression of lush tropical foliage under a blanket of mist. Eskayel’s one-of-a-kind goods are a perfect gift for the couple keen on interior design.
Cheeky Cocktails, www.cheekycocktails.co
Have you ever thought while watching the bartender make your drink, “I would love to make that at home, but just don’t know how to go about getting all the right ingredients?” Cheeky has solved your problem with its essentials line of bar-quality, specially prepared syrups and juices. Whether perfecting the classics or inventing new concoctions, Cheeky’s Bottle Kits have all that is needed to elevate the at-home cocktailing experience.
The Truffleist, www.truffleist.com
Many couples are making the most of this extra time at home together by experimenting in the kitchen. With the handcrafted, small-batch truffle products from The Truffleist, your friends will be able to create exciting, flavorful dishes usually reserved for the menu at a Michelin star restaurant. The pantry will be fully stocked and ready for new culinary frontiers with the Truffleist Oil & Balsamic Trio and Wooden Gift Crate, which includes truffle oil, truffle honey, truffle mustard, and truffle salt.
Squish Marshmallows, www.squishmarshmallows.com
Squish Marshmallows has given our favorite childhood treat a sophisticated foodie makeover. Hand cut and made in small batch, these marshmallows exceed our sweetest dreams with mouthwatering flavors such as peanut butter jelly time, pumpkin spice latte, and rocky road. We suggest the comfort kit, which includes Squish marshmallows of choice, hot chocolate, Squish marshmallow donuts, and Squish marshmallow fluff.
Monopoly: The Met Edition, www.metmuseum.org
Monopoly: The Met Edition puts an artistic spin on the classic board game. Modeled after Dega’s ballerina and an ionic column from ancient Greece, pieces represent the Met’s various curatorial collections and players can add new galleries and wings as they collect new properties. A great present for the couple that misses their weekend visits to NYC’s cultural institutions.
New York Distilling Company, www.nydistilling.com
Established in 2011, the New York Distilling Company makes high-quality gin and rye-whiskies on site at its Williamsburg, Brooklyn location. America’s craft spirits tradition informs the company’s passionate and thoughtful approach to cocktailing. Specialty spirits include Dorothy Parker Gin, Perry’s Tot Navy Strength Gin, Gowanus Chief Gin, Mr. Katz’s Rock & Rye, and Ragtime Rye. Wrap a bottle for the holidays, gift cards are also available.
Wilcoxson Brooklyn Ceramics, www.wilcoxsonbrooklynceramics
Modern, serene, functional – these are the words that come to mind when looking at the handcrafted porcelain ware by Wilcoxson Brooklyn Ceramics. The studio offers a diverse collection, both functional and decorative, that includes minimalist shaped bowls, cups, and plates, vases, planters. Ranging in neutral tones to bright colors, Wilcoxson Brooklyn Ceramics porcelain pieces for the home are just what is needed to calm the mind and soul.
New York City-Themed Puzzle, www.mcny.org
What better way to pass a blustery winter afternoon together than snuggled up over a puzzle while sipping hot cocoa? The Museum of the City of New York offers an assortment of NYC-themed puzzles that celebrate the Big Apple in all her glory. Michael Storrings Cityscape Puzzle captures NYC’s energy in a charming illustration panoramic. Puzzles inspired by iconic New Yorker covers are also available.
Oil & Vinegar Babuska Cruet, www.moma.org
The Oil & Vinegar Babuska Cruet looks more like modern work of art than a functional dining accessory. Sleek, efficient, and modeled after nesting dolls, the glass cruet is by Czech designer and architect Jiri Pelcl whose work is featured in MoMA’s collection. An ideal gift for the couple who desires a minimalist aesthetic in all areas of life at home.
Kettle Corn NYC, www.kettlecornnyc.com
Netflix n’ Chill just got a whole lot tastier thanks to Kettle Corn NYC. Established in 2004, the popcorn makers have been serving up their version of the classic snack made ‘the old-fashioned way’ – each batch is hand stirred, immediately cooled, and bagged for the freshest taste. Munch on Kettle Corn NYC original along with gourmet flavors such as caramel, chocolate, and spicy chili lime at home by ordering bags, care packages, and gift tins online.
It is our hope that during the holidays, we are able to put aside all the bad feelings about the past year and find light and joy in the spirit of the season. With any of these gifts, couples who have been dealing with the stress of planning their wedding during a pandemic will finally be able to relax, laugh, and find happiness in the present moment together.