The Official Low Effort, High Impact Gift Guide
Give a lot without giving yourself a headache
I’ve been operating a bit of a gifting hotline on my Instagram stories for the past week or so. It’s been an interesting experiment and greatly informed this gift guide. The TLDR; father in laws are impossible, the most common gift budget is $75, and a lot of your husbands “have everything.” Because of this, you can expect a very robust range in prices, size, and theme from my recon. But let’s cut straight to the chase and not waste any more time. Enjoy the last Long Live gift guide of 2026.
Let’s start things off with shell-shaped place card holders for the dinner party of your dreams. (Expensive, Less Expensive)
Give the gift of cozy—something we could all use a little more of—with Brooklinen. I love gifting striped sheets for all-white-bedding purists. Upgrading your bed, or the bed of someone you love, is 15% if it’s your first purchase. No code necessary.
As a new mom, continuing to take a high-quality prenatal is one small habit with a huge payoff. My functional doctor recommended Needed, because it packs twice the nutrients of most prenatals, and I’ve been consistently taking it throughout pregnancy and now postpartum. All Needed products are clean, research-backed, and recommended by over 10,000 women’s health practitioners. Their Stress Support sold out with thousands on the waitlist (relatable), and their Collagen is an easy way to actually take care of yourself—healthier skin, hair, nails, plus gut support heading into 2026. Use code ERIKA20 for an extra 20% off your first purchase, including one-time orders and subscriptions. I love the idea of giving someone you love who’s prioritizing their health a subscription for one less thing to think about in the year to come.
I have a stepfather who doesn’t really do carbs. That rules out a lot of festive holiday food options, but never fear, there’s one thing everyone, despite dietary restrictions, can always use more of in their life and that’s very good olive oil. Enter: Brightland. I love how easy it is to ship a gift set, knowing it’ll show up beautifully packaged. Plus, I know it’s going to be used, which isn’t always the case with fancy tinned fish or chocolate-covered items. Bonus: I love bringing a bottle over as a hostess gift for friends who also don’t drink! Use my code ERIKAVEURINK for 20% off orders (no minimum). Some exclusions apply across the site.
I’m in a constant pursuit of simplifying skincare without compromising on results. And so are some key players on my holiday list. That’s why The Outset’s gift sets (15% off without a code until 12/14), particularly, The Hero Edit, makes an excellent choice. The Rescue Balm is in every purse I pack as a go-to multi-purpose savior. Its ultra-rich blend delivers instant hydration, which is essential for the dry winter months ahead.
I’m just as surprised as you are that this John Derian for Target mistletoe is $20.
Both my sister and Ruby's Recs have received toolboxes to much delight. I like that this one comes in a darling chocolate color. I’d store my pens and some stationery.
No one needs another water bottle, but maybe they’d like a mini version.
Can’t recommend Amish Baskets enough. This laundry basket is as elevated as they come. Plus, they sell liners.
Trust me when I say it would take a VERY good ornament for me to consider adding it to this list…
Monogram some very cute toiletry bags for a new mom in your life!
Well this leans toward the pragmatic, but damn is it beautiful.
Colorful matting + frames is a love language for a certain kind of person.
Enjoy a treat from my local hot chocolate destination of choice. Add this for the full package.
Ruby's Recs assures me this is the ultimate pepper grinder. Perhaps another alternative to a dopp kit for your brother?
I’ve gotten some of my favorite pups this Fren collar embroidered with their name. Another VIP dog gift: Flamingo Estate toys for the discerning canine.
Get this sterling silver vintage $75 frame polished and add a photo that means a lot.
People are calling it sexy! Unexpected! Deeply Midwestern with flawed/lovable leads!
These Crown Affair clips are best in class. Just trust me.
Do you know how many variations of this coffee table book I own? Do you know how delighted I would be to receive this book?
Glass Microwave Popper of your dreams! Pair this with my favorite popcorn (it’s been in every gift guide I’ve written for good reason) and it’s a home run.
Not just ANY electric tea kettle.
I for one am always thrilled to be given a sheet mask, which feels like a mini trip to my facialist at home.
For your little sister moving into her first place on her own! Thr Gia Minimalist 20 Piece Flatware Set feels way more expensive than it is.
I love pairing a piece of jewelry with a vintage box, like this one! Anyone proposing in 2026, this is such a simple, thoughtful gesture to pair with an engagement ring.
The book I recommend once a week. This is a universal hit. Mother in laws particularly love Curtis Sittenfeld.
This is one of those moments I’m really trying to channel my husband. He would be delighted to unwrap chile oil on Christmas morning.
This chateau-style key situation feels like a very elegant housewarming gift. It’s only $65!
My advice? Sub the cashmere beanie you were considering for one of these.
Stainless steel + $30. This might be the answer to the father in law conundrum I keep being presented with in my DMs!
There’s something childlike about being able to test out a whole bunch of fab perfumes. And it’s a great conversation starter for when the questions about when you’re having another kid get stale. (ERIKA15 for 15% off)
Hear me out: this terracotta pots plus amaryllis bulbs.
Little snacky bowls on eBay! It’s $40 for the set.
The play here is to tie these beeswax taper candles with some velvet ribbon and boom—it’s a stocking stuffer anyone would be delighted to receive.
Four iconic wool coasters is a refined way to gift under $30.
Surprise and delight with an artichoke version vs. the more classic lettuce! If you’re in NY, the Porta store on Atlantic is worth a visit, too.
Another stocking stuffer home run—the chicest washi tape you’ve ever seen! It’s $7 and I’d load up on the excellent selection Sarah Writes In Ink offers.
Speaking of…how about a French girl stocking stuffer?
A charming indoor rattan table lamp if I ever saw one!
St. Frank makes some stunning throw pillows. For a more affordable route, check out these.
What if I DIDN’T mention Brick? Wouldn’t be me. Plus, it’s 20% off!
Losing your keys is a thing of the past with this extremely refined key leash.
Thank you to our friends at Brooklinen, The Outset, Brightland, and Needed for supporting this letter. If you’re interested in partnering, email evan@erikaveurink.com x
Honorable Mentions
Thank you for reading Long Live. It means so much to me. You can order my romance novel, Exit Lane, on Amazon and Bookshop. Follow along on Instagram + Tiktok. Shop all my favs here. Get matched at EV Salon.
My husband is obsessed with popcorn and he has a December birthday so I have to find 2x the gifts this time of year! Thanks for the Cheerie Lane recommendation! 🍿
I bought that John Derian mistletoe this year…what a great addition to my holiday decor.