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As you’ll see below, my gifting philosophy – both for giving and receiving – closely mirrors Material Kitchen’s mantra of ‘substance over stuff.’ I’ve long enjoyed collecting fewer, better products over indulging in a multitude of semi-decent things.
I also love hosting a meal with those closest to me, and a birthday is the ideal occasion to collect items I can use and wear to do so! I’ve had my eye on these ten items for quite some time – and I’m hopeful that after this birthday I can finally consider them mine!
Quality olive oil makes all the difference when it comes to cooking a delicious deal, and Brightland’s is the best I’ve tried. This duo includes two of the brand’s best-selling blends: AWAKE (designed for roasting, sauteing, soups, stews, and bread) and ALIVE (ideal for salads, hummus, baked goods, and fresh greens).
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I can’t get over the rich burgundy color of this vest. It’s both timeless and versatile, making it a pick I’ll wear for years to come. I can imagine wearing it as a set (of course I’ll take the pants, too!) or solo, for meetings, dinners, and mom duty. Tens across the board.
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Sure I might be a little biased here, but I know a really good product! These ultra-thin (and ultra-strong) borosilicate glass cups are amazing for everything from water to wine and cocktails, and I could absolutely use another set of four for my cupboard.
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I’m proud to say that this set was featured in Good Housekeeping's 2023 Best Kitchen Gear Awards! The knives are made from Japanese stainless steel, and their stand is both gorgeous and practical. I haven’t yet snagged the (limited edition!) Sage colorway, and now feels like the ideal time to do so.
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I’ll file this gift under ‘things I want but wouldn’t buy for myself.’ $120 for a candle is admittedly a lot – but it’s totally worth it for both this scent and vessel. Especially when I’m not the one buying it!
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I’m told any good birthday registry has a range of gifts at different prices, and this savory-and-sweet sauce is both giftable and affordable. Made in South Korea, this pantry staple immediately anything it’s paired with (grilled meats, raw veggies, bibimbap, dumplings). It lasts a while but I’m finally due for a new jar.
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How gorgeous is this?! Big Night sources perfectly-mismatched vintage silver-plated flatware and sends it to you as a set. I’m obsessed – I’m envisioning my next tablescape with a gorgeous set of vintage silverware already!
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Caviar is having a moment and I couldn’t be happier about it. This freshly-harvested caviar is some of the most delicious I’ve tried, and what birthday party would be complete without it?
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Emi Jay is known for its wide array of patterns and colors, and I love that this pop-of-color clip is both adorable and durable. There’s nothing better than a gift that reminds you of the gifter every time you use it, and this pick is exactly that.
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This loafer? With the LouLou Studio vest? A match made in birthday registry heaven! I love a shoe that carries me from event to event, and I feel confident that this loafer would do so in style. Handmade in Spain and designed for both work and play, it’s a need not a want!
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Quality olive oil makes all the difference when it comes to cooking a delicious deal, and Brightland’s is the best I’ve tried. This duo includes two of the brand’s best-selling blends: AWAKE (designed for roasting, sauteing, soups, stews, and bread) and ALIVE (ideal for salads, hummus, baked goods, and fresh greens).
We like
We don't like
I can’t get over the rich burgundy color of this vest. It’s both timeless and versatile, making it a pick I’ll wear for years to come. I can imagine wearing it as a set (of course I’ll take the pants, too!) or solo, for meetings, dinners, and mom duty. Tens across the board.
We like
We don't like
Sure I might be a little biased here, but I know a really good product! These ultra-thin (and ultra-strong) borosilicate glass cups are amazing for everything from water to wine and cocktails, and I could absolutely use another set of four for my cupboard.
We like
We don't like
I’m proud to say that this set was featured in Good Housekeeping's 2023 Best Kitchen Gear Awards! The knives are made from Japanese stainless steel, and their stand is both gorgeous and practical. I haven’t yet snagged the (limited edition!) Sage colorway, and now feels like the ideal time to do so.
We like
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I’ll file this gift under ‘things I want but wouldn’t buy for myself.’ $120 for a candle is admittedly a lot – but it’s totally worth it for both this scent and vessel. Especially when I’m not the one buying it!
We like
We don't like
I’m told any good birthday registry has a range of gifts at different prices, and this savory-and-sweet sauce is both giftable and affordable. Made in South Korea, this pantry staple immediately anything it’s paired with (grilled meats, raw veggies, bibimbap, dumplings). It lasts a while but I’m finally due for a new jar.
We like
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How gorgeous is this?! Big Night sources perfectly-mismatched vintage silver-plated flatware and sends it to you as a set. I’m obsessed – I’m envisioning my next tablescape with a gorgeous set of vintage silverware already!
We like
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Caviar is having a moment and I couldn’t be happier about it. This freshly-harvested caviar is some of the most delicious I’ve tried, and what birthday party would be complete without it?
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Emi Jay is known for its wide array of patterns and colors, and I love that this pop-of-color clip is both adorable and durable. There’s nothing better than a gift that reminds you of the gifter every time you use it, and this pick is exactly that.
We like
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This loafer? With the LouLou Studio vest? A match made in birthday registry heaven! I love a shoe that carries me from event to event, and I feel confident that this loafer would do so in style. Handmade in Spain and designed for both work and play, it’s a need not a want!
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Looking forward to the year ahead is so much more fun when I imagine it with these amazing products in tow. Happy birthday to me!