The 2024 Pretty/Ugly Gift Guide
Including The Perfect-Drape Sweater AND A Boring Kitchen Storage Miracle
When I wrote about these 5 Ugly Things that have made my life immeasurably better two years ago, I had no grand plans to create an annual tradition. But it was such a hit (and I loved writing it so much) that I MADE it an annual tradition. Because gift guides are typically full of aspirational stuff and sometimes we just need ugly shit that’s been field tested by a trusted source (it’s me, hi, I’m the trusted source!) and that actually works. To solve a problem or to just make life a little softer.
And listen, as much as I love waxing poetic about earplugs, I’m an aesthetically minded girlie. I adore pretty shit, so last year, I combined my useful yet decidedly unsexy gifts with some beloved beautiful stuff. And you better believe I’ve been compiling this years’s Pretty/Ugly gift guide since, like, publishing the 2023 Pretty/Ugly gift guide (which you can find here and which includes a magical cleaning cloth and a welcome mat that will outlive us all!)
I’m unreasonably excited to share the products I’ve loved and used again and again - some of which are hideous, some of which are aesthetically neutral, and some of which are gorgeous. Most of which should be on sale. Enjoy!
2024 Pretty/Ugly Gift Guide
I have never reordered another face cream more than this one. It’s a powerhouse that is great for sensitive skin (my kids can use it) and it’s deeply moisturizing. Plus, compared to other super emollient moisturizers I’ve tried, you get a lot more bang for your buck.
If you’re hanging something (like a calendar or a garland or whatever) and it’s something that will reveal the hanging apparatus, might I suggest these perfect nails, which are strong and somehow chic? Yes, I’m referring to hardware as chic.
Status sweaters are my sartorial kryptonite. I’ll never not lust after the coziest, most luxurious 400 dollar sweater. HOWEVER, I found a sweater for under $50 that instantly converts my outfit to “cool girl who doesn’t put effort into being cool.” It has the BEST drape and I bought a size bigger than usual for even more drape.