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The Ultimate Home and Kitchen Gift Guide

Home and Kitchen Gift Guide

Updated: November 2022

Happy holidays, folks! When we moved from South Africa to our first home in San Diego, we essentially had to start from scratch. Fortunately, it didn’t take long to make our house feel like a home.

For this gift guide, I’ve included a number of things we use around our house and absolutely love and would make wonderful gifts.

No matter if you’ve just moved in or are looking for things to automate your house (I’m a sucker for smart home gadgets!) or make it cozier, I’ve rounded up some of the best home and kitchen gifts for this year.

Without further ado, here’s the ultimate home and kitchen gift guide!

P.S. Find the rest of my holiday gift guides here!

Watering Can

Haws

This is such a lovely gift for a gardener and those that love greenery! This polished brass watering can is such a classic style and makes a wonderful gift.

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Olive Tree

Clay Pot

Complete with moss and soil, this olive tree prefers to be in a bright spot with indirect sunlight.

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Almond Cow “Milk” Maker

I purchased my Almond Cow last year to cut down on waste in my house (all that waste and plastic used in milk packaging)—and it’s been a huge saving grace during this time—but it’s a fantastic product for those that are into alternative milks.

You can use any nut, seed, or grain to make homemade plant-based milk — it makes 5-6 cups of fresh milk at the touch of a button and with no icky preservatives, chemicals or waste!

Use discount code ‘KIERSTEN’ for $15 off an Almond Cow.

Accent Chair

Threshold with Studio McGee

An accent chair is such a sweet touch—and imagine this one layered with a lovely throw blanket!

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Pour-Over Coffee Maker

Chemex

This pour-over coffee maker is perfect for brewing flavorful coffee. And I think the polished wood collar looks pretty cute. When we first moved into our house and didn’t have any vases, this was momentarily used as a vase for fresh flowers. 😉

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Honeycomb Cake Pan

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I just got this and made cornbread—and it turned out so cute!!

Want to complete the look? Snag these Honey Bee Cookie Stamps, too!

Le Creuset

Enameled Cast Iron Pan

To be perfectly honest, anything by Le Creuset would make a fabulous gift as they are pieces meant to last a lifetime and they’re pretty darn beautiful, too.

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Anthropologie

Finlay Mug Set

How darling is this speckled mug? I love that it’s a set of four!

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SHOP

Le Creuset Cast-Iron Dutch Oven

SHOP

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

Olive Wood Cheese Board

Anthropologie

Crafted from olive wood, this is the perfect serving tray for all sorts of charcuterie boards!

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Solid Herringbone Throw Blanket

Anthropologie

Available in a soft denim chambray hue, camel, and a rusty red, this super-soft throw is the perfect accent for a couch or a bed!

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Roborock Robot Vacuum and Mop

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The Roborock Robot Vacuum and Mop is one of my favorite pieces of technology in our house! It’s a bit of a pricey gift, but it is so worth it.

If you can have someone else vacuum and mop your floors every day — what’s not to love?

Click here for more info on the Roborock and my honest review of all our Smart Home gadgets!

Stasher Bags

They are dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe and come in a variety of colors and sizes. Such a great gift for those that are trying to be more eco-friendly…or just a lovely gift in general! And they come in so many fun colorways!

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Handwritten Recipe Plate

Pass down a family recipe with this handwritten plate! Honor the baker in your family by sending this Etsy artist a photo of your recipe and they will transfer the recipe into the dish, glaze it, and make it food safe!

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BRAND: Amazon

NAME: Echo Dot

Echo Dot

This is a speaker, alarm clock, a way to check the news, weather, and control other devices within your home. It does it all. 🙂

Read my review about the Echo Dot and the rest of my Smart Home gadgets here!

Live Edge Walnut Board

Farmhouse Pottery

This cutting board is available in a couple different sizes…and they’re all stunning! Perfect for presentation or preparing your meal.

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Pura Smart Diffuser

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Cut Glass Candle

Voluspa

Santal 26 Classic Candle

Le Labo

What home or kitchen gifts are you eying this year? Let me know in the comments below!

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    1. Adele

      This is such a fabulous blog post, some interesting ideas!!

      December 28, 2020 at 3:08 pm · Reply
      • The Blonde Abroad

        I’m glad you think so, Adele!

        January 6, 2021 at 2:22 pm · Reply

    Instagram

    Welcome to day 8 and the finale of my Autumn New England Road Trip (with a toddler) series autumn 🍂🍁 🚗

    Be sure to save this post for all the best Boston has to offer!
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    After a leisurely breakfast and 2 hour drive from @trappfamilylodge, we concluded our 10-day road trip with a couple of days in the historic town of Boston—staying at the @fsboston!

    This hotel treats kids like royalty, with lots of luxury for adults too (full review coming soon)!

    If you find yourself visiting Boston in the Fall with a little one, here are some must-sees:

    - @bostonducktours
    - @museumofscience
    - @campstores x Bluey (ending soon)
    - Public Garden
    - Beacon Hill
    - Tadpole Playground
    - @bplboston
    - Childrens Wharf Harborwalk
    - @bostonteapartyships
    - @rosekennedygreenway
    - Commonwealth Avenue Mall
    - Esplanade Playground
    - Charles River Esplanade

    And for the foodies, you know I got you covered!

    - @tattebakery
    - @saltiegirl
    - @faneuilhallmarketplace
    - @maproom_lounge
    - @bovasbakery
    - @bostonpublicmarket
    - @parishcafe
    - Quincy Market
    - Legal Sea Foods - Burlington Mall

    After traveling around New Hampshire and Vermont, it was nice to get a glimpse of this bustling and historic city.

    If you’ve made it this far, thanks for joining us on our epic autumn road trip! Be sure to follow along for more adventures! There’s plenty of tips and tricks to come this Fall season!
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    @meetbostonusa @visitma
    #visitmassachusetts #boston #newengland #fallroadtrip

    541 16
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    Welcome to day 8 and the finale of my Autumn New England Road Trip (with a toddler) series autumn 🍂🍁 🚗 Be sure to save this post for all the best Boston has to offer! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• After a leisurely breakfast and 2 hour drive from @trappfamilylodge, we concluded our 10-day road trip with a couple of days in the historic town of Boston—staying at the @fsboston! This hotel treats kids like royalty, with lots of luxury for adults too (full review coming soon)! If you find yourself visiting Boston in the Fall with a little one, here are some must-sees: - @bostonducktours - @museumofscience - @campstores x Bluey (ending soon) - Public Garden - Beacon Hill - Tadpole Playground - @bplboston - Childrens Wharf Harborwalk - @bostonteapartyships - @rosekennedygreenway - Commonwealth Avenue Mall - Esplanade Playground - Charles River Esplanade And for the foodies, you know I got you covered! - @tattebakery - @saltiegirl - @faneuilhallmarketplace - @maproom_lounge - @bovasbakery - @bostonpublicmarket - @parishcafe - Quincy Market - Legal Sea Foods - Burlington Mall After traveling around New Hampshire and Vermont, it was nice to get a glimpse of this bustling and historic city. If you’ve made it this far, thanks for joining us on our epic autumn road trip! Be sure to follow along for more adventures! There’s plenty of tips and tricks to come this Fall season! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• @meetbostonusa @visitma #visitmassachusetts #boston #newengland #fallroadtrip

    🎶 The hills are alive with the sound of music 🎶
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    Love the Sound of Music? What if I told you that you can visit the real Von Trapp family’s lodge from the famed musical starring Julie Andrews in the quiet town of Stowe, Vermont?

    Day 7 of my Autumn New England Road Trip (with a toddler) started the day by driving through Smuggler’s Notch—it’s a short and super windy drive through a mountain pass that’s seriously beautiful.

    Helpful Tip: Get started on the drive as easy as possible. Traffic is notorious during foliage season so we hit the road at 7am and had it to ourselves!

    We then spent the entire day exploring nature trails and hanging with animals at @trappfamilylodge, an Austrian-inspired mountain lodge with 300 acres of farmland in the middle of Stowe.

    The Von Trapps, made famous from the movie The Sound of Music, fled Austria during WWII and ultimately landed in Stowe, VT where their hospitality lives on today. Did you know the Sound of Music is one of the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time??

    Had we had a little more time, we also would have added:

    🥾 Moss Glen Falls
    ⛪️ Stowe Community Church
    🍻 @alch3mistb33r
    ☕️ @blackcapvermont
    🥞 @butlers_pantry_stowe

    We did manage to catch a glimpse of the famed Stowe Community Church from afar, but any closer meant fighting traffic and huge crowds.

    Come back for day 8 and the final video of the series as we explore the beautiful and family-friendly parts of Boston!
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    @vermonttourism @visitnew_england
    #vermont #newenglandroadtrip #stowevermont

    727 11
    Open
    🎶 The hills are alive with the sound of music 🎶 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Love the Sound of Music? What if I told you that you can visit the real Von Trapp family’s lodge from the famed musical starring Julie Andrews in the quiet town of Stowe, Vermont? Day 7 of my Autumn New England Road Trip (with a toddler) started the day by driving through Smuggler’s Notch—it’s a short and super windy drive through a mountain pass that’s seriously beautiful. Helpful Tip: Get started on the drive as easy as possible. Traffic is notorious during foliage season so we hit the road at 7am and had it to ourselves! We then spent the entire day exploring nature trails and hanging with animals at @trappfamilylodge, an Austrian-inspired mountain lodge with 300 acres of farmland in the middle of Stowe. The Von Trapps, made famous from the movie The Sound of Music, fled Austria during WWII and ultimately landed in Stowe, VT where their hospitality lives on today. Did you know the Sound of Music is one of the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time?? Had we had a little more time, we also would have added: 🥾 Moss Glen Falls ⛪️ Stowe Community Church 🍻 @alch3mistb33r ☕️ @blackcapvermont 🥞 @butlers_pantry_stowe We did manage to catch a glimpse of the famed Stowe Community Church from afar, but any closer meant fighting traffic and huge crowds. Come back for day 8 and the final video of the series as we explore the beautiful and family-friendly parts of Boston! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• @vermonttourism @visitnew_england #vermont #newenglandroadtrip #stowevermont

    Arguably the MOST “autumnal” day of the trip: 🍎 🍂 🍩
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    Welcome back to my Autumn New England Road Trip (with a toddler) series! We’re over halfway through our road trip on Day 6 and this was the perfect day of all things autumn.

    After a slow morning leaving @woodstock.inn, we were on our way to the famous town of Stowe, Vermont!

    I had originally created a jam-packed itinerary, but traveling with a toddler can definitely call for some readjusting and going with the flow. We made 2 of the stops I had planned:

    🍎🌳 Hunger Mountain Orchard
    🍎🍩 @coldhollowcidermillvt

    If we had a little more time, a lot of people add the 🍦 @benandjerrys factory tour on this day.

    We ended our day by checking into the @trappfamilylodge —owned by the real family from the Sound of Music where we enjoyed the lodge and property before dinner and bedtime.

    Be sure to come back for Day 7 with more on this amazing property and all the furry friends that live here!
    •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    @vermonttourism @visitnew_england
    #vermont #newenglandroadtrip #stowevermont

    572 22
    Open
    Arguably the MOST “autumnal” day of the trip: 🍎 🍂 🍩 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Welcome back to my Autumn New England Road Trip (with a toddler) series! We’re over halfway through our road trip on Day 6 and this was the perfect day of all things autumn. After a slow morning leaving @woodstock.inn, we were on our way to the famous town of Stowe, Vermont! I had originally created a jam-packed itinerary, but traveling with a toddler can definitely call for some readjusting and going with the flow. We made 2 of the stops I had planned: 🍎🌳 Hunger Mountain Orchard 🍎🍩 @coldhollowcidermillvt If we had a little more time, a lot of people add the 🍦 @benandjerrys factory tour on this day. We ended our day by checking into the @trappfamilylodge —owned by the real family from the Sound of Music where we enjoyed the lodge and property before dinner and bedtime. Be sure to come back for Day 7 with more on this amazing property and all the furry friends that live here! ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• @vermonttourism @visitnew_england #vermont #newenglandroadtrip #stowevermont

    Fall fashion is my favorite! What about you? 🍁
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    My recent trip to New England was the perfect opportunity to pack my @meet.nex bags with some cute new styles perfect for any trip!

    Nex luggage is super high-quality and will hold up on any adventure. Their Million Mile Care program is also one-of-a-kind. You can trade in your used luggage towards credit for new luggage!

    I get so much use out of the Nex crossbody and backpack in Lanikai Amber—they’re my go-to for camera gear and toddler essentials. And you can style them with just about every outfit!
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    Click my link in bio for my luggage and favorite fall styles! #ad

    704 16
    Open
    Fall fashion is my favorite! What about you? 🍁 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• My recent trip to New England was the perfect opportunity to pack my @meet.nex bags with some cute new styles perfect for any trip! Nex luggage is super high-quality and will hold up on any adventure. Their Million Mile Care program is also one-of-a-kind. You can trade in your used luggage towards credit for new luggage! I get so much use out of the Nex crossbody and backpack in Lanikai Amber—they’re my go-to for camera gear and toddler essentials. And you can style them with just about every outfit! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Click my link in bio for my luggage and favorite fall styles! #ad

    Bienvenidos a Oaxaca! 🇲🇽
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    I recently visited this vibrant, colorful city just in time for some of the Dia de los Muertos celebrations and it did not disappoint! From walking the cobblestone streets lined with colorful murals to witnessing centuries’ old architectural marvels, this entire city is an UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful sites around every corner.

    There are tons of epic @vrbo vacation homes in Oaxaca—perfect for a group trip!

    One of the major highlights of Oaxaca is the FOOD 🤤 Traditional cuisine like mole, mezcal, tlayuda, quesillo, and even… chapulines (aka fried grasshoppers! 😱) are a must. Foodies and adventurous diners alike will find themselves with more than a few delicious options here in Oaxaca.

    Add these highlights to your Oaxaca bucket list:

    🇲🇽 Shop at the artisan markets
    🇲🇽 Get down on some delicious street food
    🇲🇽 Try a traditional cooking class
    🇲🇽 Take a day trip to Hierve el Agua
    🇲🇽 Experience a temazcal ceremony
    🇲🇽 Discover the countless murals
    🇲🇽 Visit during Dia de Los Muertos

    Did you know you can also book activities with some of the best local, hidden gems, through @expedia?

    Try a traditional cooking class, book a local photographer, or enjoy a mezcal and mole tasting with a certified sommelier through the @Expedia app!

    Have you been to Oaxaca? What time of year did you go and what was your favorite part??
    ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
    #mexico #oaxaca #diadelosmuertos

    1181 35
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    Bienvenidos a Oaxaca! 🇲🇽 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I recently visited this vibrant, colorful city just in time for some of the Dia de los Muertos celebrations and it did not disappoint! From walking the cobblestone streets lined with colorful murals to witnessing centuries’ old architectural marvels, this entire city is an UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful sites around every corner. There are tons of epic @vrbo vacation homes in Oaxaca—perfect for a group trip! One of the major highlights of Oaxaca is the FOOD 🤤 Traditional cuisine like mole, mezcal, tlayuda, quesillo, and even… chapulines (aka fried grasshoppers! 😱) are a must. Foodies and adventurous diners alike will find themselves with more than a few delicious options here in Oaxaca. Add these highlights to your Oaxaca bucket list: 🇲🇽 Shop at the artisan markets 🇲🇽 Get down on some delicious street food 🇲🇽 Try a traditional cooking class 🇲🇽 Take a day trip to Hierve el Agua 🇲🇽 Experience a temazcal ceremony 🇲🇽 Discover the countless murals 🇲🇽 Visit during Dia de Los Muertos Did you know you can also book activities with some of the best local, hidden gems, through @expedia? Try a traditional cooking class, book a local photographer, or enjoy a mezcal and mole tasting with a certified sommelier through the @Expedia app! Have you been to Oaxaca? What time of year did you go and what was your favorite part?? •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #mexico #oaxaca #diadelosmuertos
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