What #TeamMotherly is buying this holiday season

For the traveler whose toiletry bag needs a serious upgrade, Cadence is the gift they never knew they needed. The perfectly-sized honeycomb shaped containers are designed to make transporting all your lotions, potions and baubles simple, stylish and totally sustainable. Each capsule features a wide mouth that makes it easy to fill with all the products you use daily (identifiable by the swappable label on top) and to minimize chaos in your bag, they click together with hidden magnets. It’s the little things, right?

Sara Goldstein, Commerce Editor

Now that my daughter is hitting the tween stage I find myself picking out gifts I kind of want to steal for myself. Case in point, these cozy slipper sandals from Koolaburra by Ugg. Are they practical? Nope. Are they exactly what we need as we head into junior year of Pandemic Times? You betcha.

Sara Goldstein, Commerce Editor

A couple years ago I became a robe person and never looked back. IMO, wrapping up in something soft and cozy after a shower is the kind of everyday luxury everyone should afford themselves (which makes it a great gift for anyone who needs some of that.) There are so, so many to choose from these days, but I have to say, Parachute’s Cotton Cloud Robe is the absolute cream of the crop. It’s made from a premium 2-ply Turkish cotton gauze that’s absorbent, breathable and perfect in every season. And with a gorgeous palette of muted colors, there’s literally one for every person on your list.

Sara Goldstein, Commerce Editor

The thing with Rothy’s is that once you buy one thing, you want everything. So gift this carefully, ok? You’re signing the recipient up for a lifetime of Rothy’s fandom and well, it can get become an expensive (but worthy) habit. Their signature fabric is not only made from 100% recycled materials–it’s also completely machine-washable making it 100% #momlife approved. Right now I’ve got a serious crush on their Belt Bags which carry just the necessities and look stylish as all get out. And bonus! Their packaging is always simple, beautiful and feels as special as the gift itself.

Sara Goldstein, Commerce Editor

There’s sweatshirts and then there’s the Lifeproof Pullover. This odor-proof, water-proof and stain-proof game-changer can be worn plenty of times without washing making it the perfect garment for camping, hiking and well, just life in general. Given the fact my husband is our family’s Senior Laundry Manager, I think he’ll appreciate one piece that doesn’t have to hit the pile after every single wear (or twenty.)

Sara Goldstein, Commerce Editor

This is embarrassing to admit, but I am still using my parent’s pots and pans they gifted me when I first moved out of their house (10 years ago – yikes.) I need some quality cookware! I’ve seen The Always Pan all over social media, but after researching on my own and seeing all its features, I am so unashamedly excited to gift myself this pan. Maybe making dinner will be more enjoyable now!

Hayli Craig, Editorial Operations Coordinator

My sister is going to kill me, but I bought my 4-year-old niece these ADORABLE rollerblades for Christmas. As a unicorn lover, she won’t be able to resist skating all over the place Christmas morning. Please note: her other gifts include a helmet, elbow pads and knee pads. I’m a fun, yet safe, aunt!

Hayli Craig, Editorial Operations Coordinator

Getting these super cute handmade cocktail napkins for mom/sister stocking stuffers.  Love that they are eco-friendly (vs. a paper napkin) and class up an afternoon/evening cocktail hour!

Liz Walsh, Director, Brand Partnerships

I probably wouldn’t have believed you if you told me my favorite bag to carry one day would be a fanny pack, and yet here we are. As a member of Fanny Pack Hive, the petite hands-free style is ideal for mom life, but there’s no reason to actually sacrifice style, as Clare V.’s cool leather versions prove. It’s a splurge-y purchase for a fellow mom in your life, but she’ll be psyched to jump on this bandwagon.

Shannon Vestal Robson, Editorial Director 

In an effort to ditch Teflon in my cooking, I discovered that my favorite hip DTC cookware brand, Great Jones, has its own little pan, the Small Fry. With a ceramic coating to ensure nothing sticks, this little guy makes eggs, omelets, and other delicious dishes while looking super cute on the stove. At this decent of a price point, I’ll be gifting this thoughtful piece to the other foodies in my family. 

Shannon Vestal Robson, Editorial Director 

My morning plight used to be rushing around getting everyone else fed and ready for the day while my own cup of coffee slowly got colder on the counter. I honestly don’t know how I managed before my husband gifted me this self-heating mug. It allows you to set an exact drinking temperature for your coffee/latte/matcha via an app on your phone, and then the mug keeps your drink *piping hot* for a full 1.5 hours. Is it totally unnecessary? Absolutely. Can I live without it now? Nope, never going back. I can’t wait to gift this to my own mom and MIL. 

Jessica D’Argenio Waller, Health + Wellness Senior Editor

This decadent and mood-altering adaptogenic hot chocolate makes a stellar mom-friend gift. It’s kinda fancy but also functional—for one, everyone likes hot cocoa, and two, this one is chock-full of energy-boosting mushrooms, stress-relieving herbs and skin-protecting collagen. Blended with oat milk, it’s pure bliss. 

Jessica D’Argenio Waller, Health + Wellness Senior Editor

I adore Mochi Kids, an AAPI- and mom-owned business and their super-soft tees and sweatshirts that are all gender neutral and produced in small batches. Their printed tees come in fun designs like sushi, kimchi, beehives and mountaintops. And, they even have apparel for adults. I hope to snag a few new tees for my family this year and may even splurge on the Mom sweatshirt for myself. (Prices start at $12)

Erin Lem, VP Content Strategy + Operations 

My toddler has decided to take our softest throw blanket and make it his (I can’t really complain since he’s finally sleeping 12 hours a night—knock on wood it continues). This means I’m in the market for a new cozy couch blanket. I’ve had my eye on the organic throws from Coyuchi, a Bay Area brand that creates oh-so-soft textiles and is mindful about the impact of their production on the environment. So if you need me this winter, I’ll be curled up under one of these blankets, hopefully enjoying a quiet house with kids who are still sleeping through the night. 

Erin Lem, VP Content Strategy + Operations 

My husband and I met at a bar called The Page in the Lower Haight neighborhood of San Francisco. Thankfully, the beloved neighborhood bar survived the pandemic and still holds a special place in our hearts. I found a local artist who sells prints of her custom illustrations, mostly notable San Francisco storefronts. She created a rendering of The Page, so while we don’t live in the ‘hood anymore, I wanted to gift my husband a fond reminder of our past—or as my toddler calls, “the olden days.” 

Erin Lem, VP Content Strategy + Operations

This has become my go-to gift for everyone in my life (and myself). LANEIGE’s lip sleeping mask is the only constant in my nighttime routine and it’s saved me from chapped lips for years now. I love the cute packaging and the yummy flavors, and their holiday sets are perfect presents. And I never hesitate about buying them for other people because I don’t have to worry so much about whether they use a certain type of beauty product.

Kathryn Little, Senior Manager, Sales Marketing

Like many people, I spent the pandemic stress-baking and freezing my wares. Problem is, I hate leftovers–they just aren’t the same! That’s why this toaster is at the top of my wish list. It uses steam technology to heat bread, baked goods, and more to perfection. Plus, it might be the most beautiful kitchen appliance I will ever own.

Allie Litwak, Senior Director, Brand Partnerships

As we crank into year two of pandemic living, I’m obsessed with ways to make this at-home lifestyle a bit more refined. That’s why gorgeous loungewear and PJs that help me feel like the queen of my castle are high on my Christmas list. Similar to the super-popular Nap Dress, Sleeper’s Loungewear Dress is super versatile, chic and can accommodate a baby bump and breastfeeding access for a nursing mother. With nearly a dozen colors and patterns to choose from, we’d love to gift (and get!) them all

Liz Tenety, co-founder of Motherly and host, The Motherly Podcast

When is a bean bag so much more than a bean bag? When it’s LoveSac’s The Big One. OK, so this chair is definitely a splurge, but you’ve been very good this year! Lovesac’s massive, memory-foam stuffed bean bag chair is nothing like ordinary, sinky bean bags. It’s an uber-supportive, absolutely oversized throne made for movie night, book reading, or cuddling with the cutest members of your family. We’ve tried cheaper options and nothing compares to the support of this ‘sac.’  

Liz Tenety, co-founder of Motherly and host, The Motherly Podcast