Jenn's Favorite Things - Holidays 2024

This is a really hard blog post to write because I have the unique opportunity to literally buy ALL of my favorite things each holiday season to fill Paper Luxe. I don’t buy things that I don’t like, so in a sense, the entire Paper Luxe shop IS my favorite’s thing list. 🙂 But, if I needed to narrow it down to some of my absolute favorites, this is the list. 

We all know I have a (slight) obsession with all things Rifle Paper Co., so yes, you’ll find a couple beautiful goodies from their holiday collection included. For years, customers have asked me for “pretty” or “holiday-themed” envelope sealing labels for their greeting cards. Well, look no further. Rifle Paper Co.’s Holiday Envelope Seals are both gorgeous and holiday-themed. You get an assortment of 4 styles for a total of 250 labels. They come on a handy roll and are only $12.

My other Rifle Paper Co. pick is their Holiday Essentials Card Box ($42). It includes two each of eight of their classic holiday cards, giving you a wonderful assortment for less than $3 per card (normally $6 each). It also comes in a fantastically whimsical keepsake box that can be reused for years to come.

I also love, love to carry local PNW brands and am thrilled to include tasty treats by long-time local fan favorites Old Town Caramels and Seattle Chocolate. Old Town’s Delights Sea Salt Caramels 6oz Bag ($12.99) is filled with six giant, freshly made, parchment wrapped caramels with a hint of sea salt. The best. And they are made by the best people literally just down the road from us. 

It’s really hard to choose a favorite from Seattle Chocolate because their truffle bars are all to die for. But my favorite this season is definitely their Peanut Buddy Crisp Bar ($5.95) made with milk chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy rice crunch. The artwork (by Bodil Jane) is on point with adorable bows and fun colors. Seattle Chocolate is also one of our favorite women-run, charity-focused brands that does so much good for the world.

Also from the Pacific Northwest, are two new beverage brands to the Paper Luxe family, Flying Bird Botanicals (out of Bellingham) and Moonstruck Chocolate (out of Portland). If you’re looking for a high-quality small batch tea to try yourself or to gift, I highly recommend grabbing one of the many flavors of Flying Bird Botanical we carry, all conveniently packaged in slim tins containing 6 tea bags. My personal fav is the seasonal Winter Cheer ($12.99). It is “chocolaty minty spicy goodness to warm your soul.” Yes, please!

And then when I’m more in the mood for a creamier chocolaty minty treat (can you tell I’m mint-obsessed??), I’ve fallen in love with Moonstruck Chocolate’s Milk Chocolate Mint Cocoa ($15.99). It is also in a beautiful tin vessel and contains about 8 servings.

If you want to your desk or small corner of your home to feel festive without an actual Christmas tree, I highly suggest you grab yourself a 6” Norfolk Island Pine (and maybe a cute pot from the shop too!). They’re technically a tropical plant and can be kept alive all year round which sure beats a fake tree or tossing a real one each year.

For the little one in your life (or soon to be), I’m in love with these new Chenille Blankets from Lou Lou. So have our customers, we’re down to just one of this beautiful Ocean Blue color (pink and white also available!) They are sweet and as soft as they come, tied in a ribbon, ready to gift to that new squishy baby!

For the slightly older kids (and let’s be honest, adults of all ages too!), I had to include Fahlo’s brand new plush trackers, particularly, the Journey Plush Turtle ($29.99). This is a 3-in-1 gift that keeps on giving. You not only get the delightful sea turtle plush, be they come with a special tracking code that allows you to track a real life sea turtle on their journey around the world on your smart phone. And the icing on the cake is that a portion of the proceeds go to help endangered sea turtles. (There are several other animals available as well like an elephant, shark, and polar bear.) 

You all know how much I adore Hobo leather bags and wallets. The quality is amazing and the styles are trendy but classic, giving you years and years of use. This new Fern Slim Belt Bag in Midnight Teal ($138) is both festive and functional…helps keep you hands free if you’re out and about. (I don’t think Hobo has made a “Fern” style I haven’t instantly fell in love with! And I normally stick to blacks and browns, but this green is gooood.)

Be the Light Necklace ($52) - Becoming Jewelry makes my favorite gold-fill (hello, never turning green) and sterling silver necklaces ever. They also come on sweet cards that remind you of an old library card with a sentimental quote and the author’s name. I love the message and quote of this necklace, especially for the times we’re currently living in.

Bookstore Pigeon Packs ($12) - These magically little packs contain 6 sheets inside that double both as the paper and the envelope! Just write your note, fold up, add a stamp…and away it goes! This is a new design featuring bookstore shelves which is simply charming. (Also available in many other colors/patterns!)

Unscented Tree Shaped Taper Candles - Set of 2 ($14.99) - These went viral last holiday season and they are just as darling this year. Taper candles in general are very popular, but then add the charming twist of the tree shape and you’ve got a set of candles you’ll never want to actually burn!

Sugarfina Hello Kitty Advent Calendar ($69) - Who wouldn't want to celebrate Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary with 24 days of delicious Sugarfina gummy candies?? I can’t think of a sweeter way to countdown till Christmas! We only have a couple left of these, don't hesitate to grab one!

And last, but definitely not least, is the Winter Watercolor Workbook ($22) by local Gig Harbor artist Emily Lex. Emily’s collection of watercolor workbooks have gone viral all over the world this past year. I have shopkeeper friends in far off remote locations and even THEY have Emily’s watercolor workbooks in their shops! The simple instructions and ease of use make these a fun creative outlet for all ages. We’ve literally sold thousands of these workbooks and they don’t disappoint! Pair with her custom watercolor paint palette ($17.99) for the perfect gift.

Whew! That's it. That's my list. All of my favorites. Hope you like them as much as I do! And if not, no worries, we have thousands of other gift items waiting for you online and in-store. 

xoxo