Jessie’s very niche, very unhinged, very specific gift guide
The guide no one asked for.
Dearest Readers,
Two weeks ago, I visited a new friend at Whale Beach—a friend I’d only met a handful of times. In the days leading up to the weekend, I was in full panic mode trying to figure out the perfect thank-you gift. Not knowing much about her interests made it a challenge, but after spending time together, I now have a much better sense of what she’d love in the future.
This got me thinking: what do you buy for people you don’t know well at Christmas? Gift guides often feel repetitive, and there’s nothing worse than giving someone something they already have.
So, I present to you: Jessie’s Very Niche, Very Unhinged, Very Specific Gift Guide. It includes treasures from my shop and beyond (because that’s more fun), with a focus on local WA businesses—because we love to keep it close to home.
Let’s kick it off with the first category of people…
NON DESCRIPT MALE WHO YOU BARELY KNOW
Dare I say it, this might be the toughest of categories. This is the bloke on the periphery of your everyday life, an Uncle or father-in-law or boss who you don’t pass the line of ‘small talk’ with.
Sure, you may have picked up on a few of his random interests with each interaction but nothing is *clear* about what this man actually likes. You can’t be POLITICAL.
It’s gotta be neutral, beige and entertaining.
I saw these on instagram the other day and thought they were ABSOLUTELY genius.
They are stubby / wine bottle coolers. Perfect for beach evenings and fishing down south over Summer.
In terms of books you literally can’t go wrong with celebrity bios and so may I suggest either the new Stanley Tucci or John Farnham memoirs.
What I Ate In One Year And Related Thoughts by Stanley Tucci
John Farnham : The Voice Inside by John Farnham
I am OBSESSED with this flask in a ‘Good Book’ from Monde in Claremont.
FRIEND WHO HAS A NEW HOUSE BUT IS FUSSY WITH WHAT THEY WANT IN IT
I have a love/hate relationship with these friends. I admire their taste and commitment to feng shui, but gifting for them is stressful—you don’t want to give them “stuff” they’ll just toss to avoid clutter. Instead, you want something they’ll proudly display on their coffee table, bedside, or vanity.
** These gifts might be a bit more exxy. I can’t help it.
I am obsessed with these scalloped bowls from Alexandra & Trahanas.
Shamshiri Interiors Coffee Table Book
I sent this screenshot from Tik Tok to my boyfriend and he thought it was hysterical that I could dream of owning such a thinly stemmed glass.
Why? Because he knows I’d break it within the week.
***Sure enough I smashed a champagne glass just last Saturday.
Doesn't make them any less SEXY !
THE FRIEND WHO IS ‘GOING THROUGH IT’
This friend has had a really bad year. They are at the finish line of a rotten couple of months and you want to try and cheer them up but not bring attention to the fact that they are struggling. Nothing overtly ‘self help’ or critical, nothing sad or triggering.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
I remember my godmother got me this incense set when I was ‘going through it’ and the smell always calms me. It is so beautiful.
Heartwood Indian Sandalwood Incense White Marble
If your friend has lost someone special may I suggest you get a photo frame with a photo of them and their loved one? I did this with an old picture of me and my friend Abbey and it lives in my kitchen. Aretae Gifting offers photo uploads that go straight into these super chic frames.
THE FRIEND WHO HAS THEIR BIRTHDAY IN DECEMBER
My best friend has her birthday on the 22nd December and each and every year I find myself banging my head against the wall because I don’t know what to get her.
**Catherine, if you are reading this these are NOT the gifts I have chosen for you.
My friend Nancy has a BEAUTIFUL line of homewares and I now own a few things. Everything on her site is stunning. She is also a Perth girl so… #local #business
Robert Doiseneau : The Vogue Years
YOUR COUSIN WHO IS GOING ON THEIR GAP YEAR
I love these cute film cameras that look pretty light to carry around.
I know that a lot of kids going through their gap year pass through the UK so when I saw this in the shop the word ‘achievable’ really sold me.
From our neighbors at Darling & Domain I saw this VERY CUTE little card holder that I thought was perfect to clip onto other bags or to hide somewhere. It’s light and chic.
YOUR KID’S SCHOOL TEACHER
Listen, if I could give my son’s teachers a big kiss…. I would. These ANGELS take care of our children every.single.day. And not just my children but 25 other kids. Quite frankly they are nothing short of heroes.
I once went in to volunteer for reading groups and by the end of the hour I was DONE.
The House That Joy Built by Holly Ringland
An uplifting, powerful and inspiring book about breaking through fear and finding joy through creativity, from bestselling author, Holly Ringland.
Good Words: A Trivia Game for Word Lovers
You Don’t Have To Dream: Advice for the Incrementally Ambitious
A book for the science-loving reality-romantic in all of us, You Don't Have to Have a Dreamoffers Tim Minchin's inimitable thoughts and advice on life, art, success, kindness, love, and thriving in a meaningless universe.
Moth Party Mug from Darling & Domain
BAD SANTA
Poppy Lissiman Bread Roll Keychain
I want and detest this keychain all at once.
My sister sent me this card two weeks ago and I am STILL removing glitter from my dining room table. It has a 3 hour battery that you can’t deactivate and it plays a really annoying song. If you try and rip it up? It explodes into a puddle of glitter.
If you hate someone I highly recommend you buy them this. It makes fart noises and is impossible to switch off.
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I hope this gift guide has given you some sort of inspiration. Substack won’t let me write anymore because I have reached my space limit!!!!!
As always, Happy Reading (and shopping)
Jessie
x
ordered the xmas card straight away! gold
Or instead of buying someone a gift they probably don't want, you could give the gift of something to eat to someone with nothing. Lots of Palestinians are desperate to feed their children - and if we're concerned about the price of groceries, try $73 for a dozen eggs, or $82 for a kg of meat when you no longer have an income. Give the gift of kindness. The world needs more of it. Search 'Palestine' at Gofundme or give to a registered aid organisation (and hope they can get the food in.)