"Office Hours" #5: The Official JBC Gift Guide™
Hi everyone,
It’s that time again! As we embark on the 2022 holiday season, we’d like to philosophize about holiday gifting for a moment.
clears throat
Though many may view the exchange of physical goods as a burdensome, capitalistic tradition, we believe that if executed thoughtfully, gifting can be a powerful practice that can strengthen any loving relationship. Now, that’s not to say you need to be out here inexplicably flushing your entire paycheck at, like, Cartier, but there’s just something to be said about going out of your way to obtain — or potentially, make! — this thing that you then conceal in cute wrappings for someone you love. Especially if that thing comes courtesy of a mission-driven business creating goods and services that are really, truly making a difference in the world.
Thankfully, we at JBC work with an entire roster of mission-driven business creating goods and services that are really, truly making a difference in the world, so we tapped our team to ask them what goodies they’ll be gifting their loved ones this year, from perfume made from air to non-alcoholic bubbly.
As always, we’re grateful for the opportunity to tell their stories on a constant basis throughout the year — not just for a few weeks in November and December when you really, really want to impress your Friendsgiving host or mother-in-law.
Of course, a charitable donation to a worthwhile cause (especially one about which your loved one is passionate) is a powerful gift in and of itself. Here are a handful of our go-tos:
For even more ways to give that don’t cost a thing, read our giving-season guide.
Happy shopping!
Jenny & Melissa
Photo by Caley Dimmock on Unsplash
1. Mother Denim x I am a voter. Baby Steps Socks
“Everyone needs a good pair of socks — and these socks are not only cozy, but also remind everyone who sees your feet to vote. Mandana Dayani and I am a voter. do such amazing work encouraging Americans to vote while providing resources for all potential voters, so these socks are an awesome, dual-purpose holiday treat.” —Jenny Meyer, Founder
2. Petite Plume Children’s Knightsbridge Floral Delphine Nightgown
“There’s nothing I love more than snuggling up with my kids over holiday break. So why not snuggle up in style? Petite Plume’s PJs are soft and dreamy with matching styles for the whole family. My six- and four-year-olds also love their matching monogrammed eye masks!” —Libbey Baumgarten, Executive Vice President, Social Impact, Health & Wellness + Head of Growth
3. Primary Baby Sweatshirt Romper in Rainbow Star
“When it comes to baby basics, nobody offers a better selection than Primary. For both of my boys, I’ve collected a range of colorful items from the brand and they’ve quickly become some of our favorites, especially for my eldest. One of the best things about Primary is its rainbow selection, which, for growing infants and toddlers, helps them identify colors from an early age and begin to form their own opinions.” —Ilana Dvir, Senior Vice President, Lifestyle
4. Fashionphile Gift Card
“Give the gift of luxury this holiday season (at a discount!). Shop the largest collection of pre-owned, vintage, rare and limited-edition designer handbags and accessories, including jewelry, shoes, watches and one-of-kind objects. Don’t know what to purchase? Fashionphile’s personal shoppers will help you find the perfect gift, or opt for a gift card.” —Jenna Toder, Vice President, Thought Leadership
5. Thuma The Bed
“ There’s nothing better than a good bed, and since you spend a large portion of your life in one, you want to make it count. This bed frame is both built to last and easy to transport, which makes it perfect for NYC living and making sure people don’t just toss furniture when they move!” —Alice Dolton, Associate Director, Fashion
6. July Carry On + Pet Personalization
“An actually-useful gift that’s personalized and incorporates the likeness of your pet? That’s the trifecta of gifting to me. Plus, I’m all about spreading the good word of a light-weight carry on.” —Blair Dawson, Associate Vice President, Food & Beverage
7. Kosterina Extra Virgin Sweatshirt
“As an avid olive-oil and vinegar lover, Kosterina is one of my favorite go-to brands. This sweatshirt is the perfect gift for any foodie with cheeky lettering. Add in one of the custom sets or their favorite vinegars for cooking, cocktails and more, and your gifting is complete!” —Amanda Gibson, PR Manager, Home & Design
8. Air Company AIR Eau de Parfum
“I’m a sucker for fragrance in all forms, be they for the home (i.e., candles, room sprays, simmer pots!) or in the form of a perfume. I need a new bottle of perfume on my vanity like I need a hole in my head, but I can’t resist Air Company’s new AIR Eau de Parfum, the world’s first fragrance made from carbon emissions. It’s unisex, which I love (and which also make for a great gift for just about anybody); notes like orange peel, fig leaf and powdery musk make this scent a universal crowdpleaser.” —Maura Brannigan, Head of Content
9. Dutch Unlimited Virtual Care
“The perfect gift for any four-legged family member or busy pet-loving friend, Dutch’s unlimited virtual care makes taking care of your pet easy and affordable. The telemedicine offering allows you to connect with a vet quickly from the comfort of your home — perfect for getting timely health questions answered without the hassle of an appointment.” —Amanda Gibson, PR Manager, Home & Design
10. Revea Monthly Membership
“Do I need to say more than ‘the most advanced skincare in the world?!’ My sister and I are both obsessed with skin-cycling, but keeping track of our daily calendars is hard enough, let alone remembering what day we moisturized. Revea does all the work for you: It uses astrophysics-level technology to create a skin-care routine personalized just for you, and the app tells you exactly what your skin needs as it changes throughout the seasons. I’m buying one for myself and for my sister. Radiant skin is the ultimate gift that keeps on giving.” —Ali Chetkof, Senior Director, Fashion
11. CUUP Lurex Collection
“As much as we all try to stick to gift buying for others in our lives this time of year, it’s hard to pass up buying an assortment of these adorably soft and sparkly undergarments from CUUP for yourself! Do I have a different matching set to go underneath each of my holiday party outfits? Duh!” —Ellie McGarvey, Manager, Thought Leadership
12. Sloomoo Institute Lavender Coconut Macaron Slime
“I’m gifting my nieces these little macarons that are filled with slime for endless hours of sensory play. The slime doesn’t stain and comes out of clothes and upholstery easily, so my siblings and in-laws won’t hate me. I’m also a sucker for adorable packaging! It’s a great gift under $15 that will guarantee smiles all around.” —Charlotte Hohorst, Associate Vice President, Design & Sustainability
13. Mo’s Crib Medium Karula Grass Woven Tray
“I’ll be gifting this beautiful handmade tray to my sister who just moved into her first apartment. Knowing her passion for the environment, I wanted to be sure to select something that reflected her values, and I know she’ll love that all of Mo’s Crib’s products are made with sustainable local materials.” —Ella Conte, Associate Manager, Food & Beverage
14. Grove Collaborative Astura Sleep Routine Minis Set
“I’ve been obsessed with creating a nighttime routine that gives me the best night’s sleep — and want to gift the beauty of a good night’s sleep to my loved ones this year! This set has magnesium oil, lotion, sleep spray and bath salts, mimicking a starter kit for those in need of rest. Sweet dreams!” —Chloe Gillespie, Associate Manager, Food & Beverage
15. Studs Mini Pavé Huggie Earrings
“I’ll be gifting my cousin Studs’ Mini Pavé Huggie Earrings. The Huggie is so classic and beautiful, and it’s perfect for everyday wear. I personally love the way it looks on the ear, alone or paired with lots of other pieces. My cousin loves a good earscape, so I’m excited to surprise her!” —Lisa Guastella, Senior Director
16. Ring Concierge Chain Dusters
“To say I’m obsessed with Ring Concierge would be an understatement! All of their pieces are absolutely stunning. However, these chain dusters are at the top of my gifting list this year. They’re dainty enough to wear every day, but also the perfect accessory to jazz up an outfit. I know my best friend is going to love them!” —Samantha Briggs, Associate Manager, Beauty & Wellness
17. The Windmill AC
“Dealing with NYC heating isn’t easy. From freezing temperatures without the heat on to it then blaring, feeling like a sauna and waking up extremely warm, my friends are always complaining about the need to keep their ACs on throughout the winter! I love that my Windmill is quiet, eco-friendly, and can be controlled by your phone, making it so easy to use and perfect for those quick moments where you need a cool breeze!” —Daniela DiLeo, Manager, Food & Beverage
18. BetterUp Monthly Subscription
“One of the most life-changing things I ever did was see a career coach. In a past life, I had been struggling with seeing eye-to-eye with a manager and understanding what truly made me feel passionate about my job. My first-ever session was one of the most eye-opening experiences I’ve had in life. It felt much more targeted to my needs than traditional therapy, but was still an opportunity to dig deep into my behaviors and unlock what really turns me on creatively at work. I encourage anyone who has not yet had the opportunity to meet with a career coach to try out at least one month of weekly sessions and see the difference it can make!” —Emily Tschirhart, Vice President, Social Impact, Health & Wellness
19. Three Wishes Cocoa Cereal
“Cocoa lovers, cross off that ultimate wishlist item this holiday season…and everyday. Three Wishes’ Cocoa Cereal is the better-for-you dessert perfect for any time of the day (not just breakfast!), packed with nutrients and protein — only without all the sugar, gluten and dairy you might find in that alternative piping hot cup of cocoa-deliciousness topped with marshmallows. As a mindful chocolate lover myself, I know I’ll be indulging in this naturally divine breakfast/snack all winter long. Pro tip: You might want to invest in more than one box.” —Faye Piscopo, PR Coordinator, Fashion
20. Litter-Robot 4
“Doubling as a gift for my mom and two cats, Litter-Robot 4 takes the hassle out of keeping the kitty litter clean. Litter-Robot 4 is WiFi-enabled and joined with their companion app, letting pet parents go at least a week without having to think about the litter. It also tracks all movement and important health insights like weight and frequency of us, making pet parenting as easy as Instagram!” —Catie Currie, PR Coordinator, Design & Sustainability
21. Waterdrop Advent Calendar Set
“What a fun way to show your best friend how much they mean to you this holiday season by getting them on the hydrated track to start the the New Year! I can’t wait for us to hold each other accountable for staying hydrated in a fun way.” —Bella Nickel, Office Manager
22. Perelel Women’s Vitamin Trio
“Perelel Women’s Vitamin Trio daily packs were formulated by a panel of leading obstetricians, nutritionists, naturopathic doctors and endocrinologists, and every ingredient is backed by female-specific research along with the company’s founding doctors’ clinical insights! Not only does it fill common nutritional gaps, but it also offers mood and stress support with ingredients like omegas and L-Theanine. The Trio also includes a biotin-collagen Beauty Blend to promote healthy hair, skin and nails.” —Katie Traina, Associate Manager, Social Impact, Health & Wellness
23. Nuuly Monthly Subscription
“The holiday gift that continues to give to your sustainable, fashion-forward bestie! Nuuly offers a variety of clothing styles for any occasion to rent on a monthly basis, and if you fall in love with a piece, you can purchase the item at a discounted price. I love receiving my Nuuly each month! It saves time browsing for the perfect outfit, and saves me time deciding what I want to wear to certain events.” —Katie Samuels, Director of Affiliate Marketing
24. Cabinet Health Personalized Bundle
“Between cold season, several bottles of medicine and loose tablets, organization can quickly get out of hand in a medicine cabinet. I made the seamless switch to Cabinet, not only to optimize my storage, but so I can also open the doors and enjoy looking at an enticing array of high-quality products that are both sustainable and cost-effective. It really makes getting better, better!” —Daria Martorana, Associate Director, Social Impact, Health & Wellness
25. Wile Hormonal Sweatshirt
“Not only is this sweatshirt comfy, oversized, the perfect shade of blue and worn by Judy Greer (‘America’s Best Friend’), it’s also incredibly versatile and endlessly versatile. Wear it with jeans, leggings or your WFH pajamas (we all have them!), and feel like the confident person you truly are. I can’t stop wearing mine and may soon have to expand my wardrobe to the Hormonal Beanie!” —Kara Riehl, PR Coordinator, Social Impact, Health & Wellness
26. Act+Acre Essentials Set
“I’m gifting my best friend who is obsessed with hair health some of Act+Acre’s Essentials products! I love giving people things they’ll use in their everyday lives and will enhance their routines, and Act+Acre is the perfect brand for just that!” —Andrea Baule, PR Coordinator, Design & Sustainability
27. Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib
“When I think of one product that needs to be on every parent’s registry, it’s the Guava Family Lotus Travel Crib. It’s compatible (it comes with a backpack travel bag), durable and cozy for babies. We’ve had ours for 5-plus years, used it with two kids and don’t leave home for trips without it. I buy it for every new parent. It’s my go-to and must-have, and it even opens from the side for easy nursing access.” —Michelle Aselta, Senior Vice President, Beauty & Wellness
28. Dorsey Damas Single Stone Strand Necklace in Gold
“I love gifting my sister something special that she’ll not only get everyday use out of, but that she selflessly wouldn’t buy for herself, but would love! This necklace is a timeless piece like everything Dorsey has to offer. Simple yet elegant, it’ll never go out of style.” —Almira Metović, Executive Assistant
29. Immi Variety Pack
“Once the weather has dropped to a cool 60 degrees, I immediately reach for a cup of soup. So what could be better than gifting Immi’s instant ramen to a loved one so they too can enjoy this quick and easy, protein-packed meal?” —Alex Jacobson, PR Coordinator, Social Content & Thought Leadership
30. Parachute Organic Cotton Robe
“I love giving the gift of cozy during the winter — something well-made that can be loved for years to come. These soft robes will make several people on my shopping list warm and happy, and ready for a warm mug of tea and holiday movie marathon.” —Haley Otman, Senior Director, Social Impact, Health & Wellness
31. The HoneyPot Fragrance-Free Bath Bombs
“With self-care being the ultimate gift, The HoneyPot offers a myriad of ways to show love to your friends by giving them something that will help them take care of themselves this holiday season. The bath bombs are a personal favorite because I love the comfort and luxury of a bath, and I want to feel good about what I’m putting in them — which is why these all-natural, plant-derived bath bombs are where it’s at.” —Yasmeen Ahmed, Senior Director, Broadcast & Thought Leadership
32. LOOPS Variety Loop
“LOOPS’s $35 Variety Loop pack is the perfect gift for a friend or family member, and their individual sheet masks are great stocking stuffers, too. My family is Korean, so I grew up taking skincare seriously. LOOPS uses Korean hydrogel technology for superior hydration, brightness and overall glow.” —Christina Song, Associate Vice President, Social Impact, Health & Wellness
33. Sèchey Prima Pavé Rosé Brut
“Sèchey provides great options for non-alcoholic beverages that will satisfy any taste bud. From beers to bubblies, they got you covered! During the holidays, I love giving friends and family something to help with self-care. I personally take long and relaxing bubble baths after a long day at work, and this bubbly rosé is the perfect addition to any mid-week self-care routine to make you feel fancy and have a great-tasting drink, all without the fear of a hangover!” —Katherine Chavez, PR Coordinator, Fashion
34. Recess Blood Orange
“I’m a big fan of sparkling water, but even more so when it’s flavored and infused with adaptogens that truly ease the day. I swear I bring a can of Recess to every occasion and keep them stocked at home for when I need something comforting and calming. This flavor, though, is my favorite! It tastes like a beautiful and fun summer afternoon and is the perfect gift for friends and family when they’re looking for a better alternative to alcohol. “ Manuela Uscher, PR Coordinator, Fashion
35. theSkimm Loyalty Program
“theSkimm is the perfect place for everything from news to pop culture, where you can read about topics like election results, get tips on how to bulk up your savings account, learn more about the new fashion trends and shop the newest beauty products. theSkimm and its Loyalty Program is the best place to stay in the know about the world around you.” —Dana Burkett, HR Manager
36. Doña Vega Espadín
“I love to gift Doña Vega’s Espadín to my Friendsgiving hosts. The bottle itself is beautiful enough to display on a bar cart, and since the mezcal recipe is light on the smokiness factor, it makes for a more interesting yet balanced cocktail. Personally, I love to sub it in for tequila in a super-simple margarita.” —Amanda Reuben, PR Director, Fashion
37. west~bourne Harvest Savory Pie Set
“My favorite part of the holidays is gathering in the kitchen and baking with my family and friends. west-bourne’s Harvest Savory Pie Set gives you the perfect ingredients to bake a pie to share with your loved ones, all packaged in the cutest reusable wooden gift box!” —Katie Strickland, PR Coordinator, Social Impact, Health & Wellness
38. La Vette Social Club Membership
“ La Vette is the most creative way to date online that I’ve ever seen. For all of my single friends who are really serious about looking for love, I’m gifting memberships to La Vette. (The extra bonus is that memberships are free for the first few months for founding members!) There’s a background-checking system that prevents catfishing, and my favorite part is that there’s plenty of self-development tools that help you work on yourself while actually having great conversations on a virtual date.” —Emily Tschirhart, Vice President, Social Impact, Health & Wellness
Looking for more personal picks from the JBC team? Check out our fall favorites.