The Good Manners Gift Guides (2021) Full Collection
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The holidays are here again! It’s time to make your list, check it twice and pick the perfect gifts for loved ones.
This year, I’m introducing The Good Manners Gift Guides. These gift guides have been thoughtfully curated and designed to inspire good manners, kindness and connection. Of course, there are a few things for you, too.
So, let’s get shopping!
Good Manners Gift Guide: For Her - Little Luxuries
The Good Manners Gift Guide for Her: Little Luxuries
These gifts are sure to delight the classic, sophisticated woman in your life (or perhaps yourself!). These little luxuries made for beautiful gifts and stocking stuffers and are suitable for both friends and family.
Nordstrom Bliss Blanket: ($39.50) A classic plush throw that’s perfect to cuddle up and relax with and refined and stylish enough for a prime place in any room of the house.
Diptyque Miniature Candle Gift Set: ($85) This limited edition gift set features five of diptyque’s most timeless fragrances. Favored by celebrities and the Duchess of Sussex, these candles will add a warm and luxurious touch to her home.
Rifle Paper Co. Hydrangea Tumbler: ($35) RPCo + Corkcicle is a dream come true. From soccer games to errands, this 16 oz tumbler will have her feeling chic and hydrated as the innovative, triple-insulated drinkware keep drinks chilled for up to 9 hours and warm for up to 3 hours!
Wedgwood Teapot Ornament ($35): New for 2021, the Iconic Teapot ornament from Wedgwood is sure to inspire smiles along with new family traditions. These collectible ornaments are crafted from porcelain in signature Wedgwood blue and white and designed to become family heirlooms.
Hill House Home Nesli Nap Dress ($88): HHH is currently having their semi-Annual Sale, so now is the time to shop! These beautiful dresses have a cult-like following and are designed to bring beauty and joy to everyday rituals. Shop items up to 50% and click the link for a referral code and extra savings!
Chanel Hydrating Lip Gloss ($32): This nonstick, ultralight lip gloss leaves lips visibly smooth and plump. Enriched with coconut oil, peptides and vitamin E along with an exclusive Hydraboost Complex, this lip gloss not only looks luxe but will give the wearer hours of comfort and moisture. Try “Icing” for a shade that looks great on every skin tone.
Boden Lydia Woven Frill Sweater ($104): Cotton broderie frills peeking out from the collar and sleeves add a elegant and feminine touch to this luxurious sweater - with major Princess Diana vibes to match. The merino-wool blend also has a hint of cashmere for a luxurious feel, making this a timeless piece that will be right at home in any classic closet.
Mary Caroline Spano Ginger Jar Lariat ($58.50): If the leading lady in your life is a self-described “grandmillennial”, loves thrifting and has a penchant for collecting fine china - this is the perfect gift for her! This beautiful necklace is designed by artist Mary Caroline Spano in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Not My Circus Needlepoint Pillow: ($108) This pillow has been at the top of my personal wishlist for AGES! This darling needlepoint pillow adds just the right amount of cheekiness to any room. “Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys” is a Polish proverb and way of saying “don’t drag me into the drama - I’m not getting involved!” Let this pillow speak for itself, as every polished lady knows to avoid gossip and drama!
Dior Nail Glow Nail Enhancer ($28): A personal favorite of mine, this unique nail lacquer is designed to enhance the color of your natural nails and flatter every skin tone. This is a must-have for every woman who loves to keep a polished appearance.
Good Manners Gift Guide: The Intentional Hostess
The Good Manners Gift Guide: The Intentional Hostess
These gifts have been thoughtfully curated with the intentional hostess in mind. These gifts are for the friend who always has an open door and an open heart. Her love language is coffee, charcuterie boards and deep conversation. You feel instantly comfortable when you walk into your home and you want a gift that will reflect your appreciation of her thoughtful attention to detail.
Hand-painted Watercolor Note Card Set ($28): Always prepared for anything, the intentional hostess will appreciate this beautiful selection of note cards fit for any occasion. These cards are hand-painted by a Detroit based artist Katie Stein and will make a unique and useful gift.
Birdies SWAN Slippers ($140): These elegant - and comfortable - slippers are perfect to slip into when an unexpected guest knocks on the door. The vegan flocked velvet adds a gorgeous seasonal flair to the classic silhouette while the no-slip rubber sole allow for indoor/outdoor use. This brand is well loved by the Duchess of Sussex who has often been seen wearing their signature styles.
So Much to Celebrate Book ($29.99): This beautiful book inspires one to create memories for family and friends - a must-have for the everyday hostess. Katie Jacobs, a stylist for Reese Witherspoon’s lifestyle brand Draper James, walks you through this essential guide to entertaining and reveals her secrets to throwing fantastic parties!
Draper James Magnolia Apron ($35): This cute, preppy floral apron is adorned with Draper James’ signature floral pattern and is sure to brighten up any kitchen! Your favorite hostess will look and feel divine as she preps for her next party in signature Southern style.
Capri Blue Spiced Cider Candle ($34): This classic candle will instantly add a cozy vibe to any room. The indulgent spiced cider scent is a must-have for the holiday and winter season. Capri Blue’s iconic vessels and fragrances are proudly designed in Mississippi and enjoy a cult-like following.
Northanger Soapworks Hand-Crafted Soaps & Sundries ($11/bar of soap - prices vary): Beautiful, hand-crafted soaps make an excellent gift and add a touch of luxury to the primary and guest bath. These indulgent soaps are handcrafted in Wisconsin and are inspired by the works of Jane Austen. Buy these in bulk and add one to every gift on your list! Use code COE10 at checkout for 10% savings.
The Hygge Game ($20): Your favorite hostess will love receiving a go-to game for creating deep and meaningful conversations with her guests. This Amazon Best Seller is all about bringing people together by encouraging family and friends to share their stories and bond over discussions of the big and small things in life.
GATHER Hospitality Academie Annual Membership ($100 for a LIMITED TIME): This is truly the gift that keeps on giving! Purchase an annual membership to the Hospitality Acadamie and let your favorite everyday hostess delight in homing in on her craft through pre-recorded and live classes with the nation’s top hospitality experts. Read more about my partnership with GATHER here and use code COURTNEY to take advantage of exclusive Black Friday Savings.
Home by GATHER ‘Elegance’ Charcuterie Board ($24.99): This silver and white marble-style platter is the perfect serving piece for a small charcuterie board or appetizer. The elegant appearance makes itself at home in casual and formal environments alike, making it the go-to piece she’ll use everyday.
Home by GATHER Charcuterie Shopping List ($9.99): Never miss a brie! This Charcuterie shopping list makes hosting and entertaining a breeze. Your favorite hostess will love that she can just grab a list and go! Checking off the items on the list to effortlessly create a stunning board for guests to enjoy.
The Good Manners Gift Guide: Royal Enthusiast
The Good Manners Gift Guide: Royal Enthusiast
Do you have a friend who often refers to her friend “Kate”? Did you notice she picked up a preference for oat milk lattes despite being totally tolerant of dairy? She’s like a Royal Enthusiast - and these Duchess-approved gifts are destined to make her feel like the most important princess of all.
Manners Begin at Breakfast by Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece ($24.95): This beautiful hardcover guide to modern manners for families is among my personal collection. Princess of Greece and mother of 4, Princess Marie-Chantal provides practical advice on modern etiquette for every topic from play dates to handling tech at the table.
Fulton Birdcage Umbrella ($35 plus shipping): This style has long been favored by Queen Elizabeth II as it provides protection from GB’s often inclement weather while also allowing the adoring crowds to easily see her face. This chic umbrella is an absolute must-have for any elegant woman and she’ll love that it has the Queen’s stamp of approval. Shop a similar version here.
Lele Sadoughi Toile Knotted Headband ($65): The Duchess of Cambridge has been seen sporting Lele Sadoughi’s iconic knotted headbands, a hair accessory heavily favored in her stylish working uniforms. This gorgeous blue and white toile will add interest to any outfit and leave her feeling like the Duchess herself.
Buckingham Palace Polish Glass Christmas Ornament ($38): This stunning ornament will find pride of place on the Royal Enthusiast’s Christmas tree. Made in Poland, this mouth blown and hand painted glass ornament is the perfect way to remember - or perhaps suggest - that dream trip to London. Just add airfare ;)
British Afternoon Tea Food Gift Basket ($49.99): This gift box includes a variety of imported UK favorites including everything one needs to enjoy afternoon tea - aside from the company of the Queen herself. Delight in hard-to-find treats like double-Devon cream and the same Darvilles of Windsor tea that Her Majesty enjoys each afternoon.
Fortnum & Mason Royal Blend ($17.37): First blended for King Edward VII in the summer of 1902, this classic blend has been popular ever since for its smooth, almost honey-like flavor. Having served 12 monarchs over its 300+ year heritage, F&M holds two royal warrants - one from Her Majesty the Queen and one from HRH The Prince of Wales, making it the perfect option for her home, too.
Wedgwood Wonderlust Sapphire Garden 2 Piece Teacup Saucer Set ($80): Inspired by a grand tour of Asia, this stunning tea cup and saucer set will leave her feeling transported to a faraway land filled with majestic florals and fauna. Presented in a keepsake box, this fine bone china tea cup features vibrant shades of blue and gold banding.
Royal Gardens of the World ($45): This book is a stunning exploration of 21 of the world’s most celebrated royal gardens. This book is at the top of my personal wishlist as it would be a gorgeous coffee table book, its vibrant pages sure to inspire and thrill. For each featured garden, the history, plantings and design plans are highlighted to further inspire the creation of your own royal garden at home.
Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream ($30): Rumoured to be favored by HM QEII, this emollient-rich treatment is what every elegant woman needs to protect against chapped, irritated skin so common in the winter months.
Royal Bingo Game ($29.99): Your favorite Royal Enthusiast doesn’t collect all that trivia for nothing! Let her shine and show off her carefully curated knowledge with this charming Royal Bingo Game. Featuring portraits of 64 royal icons, representing all the European Royal Families, this game will undoubtedly enchant any royal fan!
The Good Manners Gift Guide: Well-Mannered Kids
The Good Manners Gift Guide: For Well-Mannered Kids
These classic toys and books make learning manners fun. Thoughtfully curated to encourage social-emotional learning and development, these beautiful gifts will keep kids off the screens and instead immerse them in imaginative play, self-reflection and open their eyes to a world of possibilities.
The 3 Minute Gratitude Journal for Kids ($6.99): This #1 Amazon Best Seller is designed to empower children ages 5-9 to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Encourage your child to start the new year with a new routine of self-reflection and appreciation for everything these is to be thankful for in their life.
Little Passports World Edition (~ $27/month): We are coming to the close of our second year of a Little Passports subscription and it is one of the best gifts my son has ever received! I highly recommend this unique subscription service which inspires children to explore one country at a time with hands-on activities and “souvenirs”. This is a great jumping off point to discuss the manners and etiquette important to cultures different from your own.
Little Kitchen Helper Knife Set ($49): Encourage independence, strength and coordination, and healthy relationships with food with this child-friendly starter kitchen knife set. This beautiful set is crafted from stainless steel (no maintenance needed) and 95% of the handle wood comes from sustainably managed French forests. Recommended for ages 7-11.
The Kindness Mission Box ($24.99): This secret-agent themed activity box puts the focus on spreading kindness to make the world a brighter place! All materials are included and designed to provide hours of endless fun while encouraging kindness and compassion for nature, family, friends, themselves and the community. Ages 4+
Say Please Little Pig! ($14.21): This fun cooperative board game encourages team building, manners and communication skills. Perfect for a family game night, this game is suited for 2-4 players age 4+. The family will work together to help 2 pigs on the farm learn their manners as they make their way to the county fair - but watch out! Naughty piglets will do their best to throw off even the best laid plans.
Teamson Kids Little Chef Chelsea Modern Play Kitchen ($199.99): An heirloom-quality play kitchen is the perfect centerpiece for a gorgeous child’s play room. A play kitchen is a great way to encourage stronger social skills and a larger vocabulary, while building creative problem solving skills, independence and confidence.
Personalized Stationery from Minted ($Varies): Create beautiful customized note cards and tuck them into their stockings with care! Classic stationery is a wonderful way to introduce the art of writing thank you notes to your child - and what better time of year to do that than the holidays! Ages 5+
Construction Tea Set ($26): Little boys love to have tea parties, too! Encourage good table manners with a tea party filled with special treats, lemonade, and this darling construction tea set. Ages 3+
Table Manners for Tigers ($19): A favorite in our house, this delightfully illustrated book introduces basic table manners to children in an entertaining way, with three naughty Tigers disrupting an otherwise perfectly proper tea party. Will they ever learn? Ages 2-5.
Moulin Roty Les Parisiennes Tea Set: This darling tea set is sure to delight and inspire good table manners and social skills. (Currently out of stock - Shop a similar set here). Ages 3+
The Good Manners Gift Guide: Thoughtful Teens
The Good Manners Gift Guide for Thoughtful Teens
Remind your teens that there is life beyond the screen and encourage them to connect to themselves and others. These unique gifts are designed to encourage conversation, connection and self-care - important aspects to the healthy development of adolescents.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens ($8.88): This classic Best-Seller provides teens with a step-by-step roadmap to get from where they are today to where they WANT to be in the future. The timeless principles of the 7 habits are thoughtfully applied to tough issues and life-changing decisions all teens face while Covey’s simple approach helps teens improve self-image, build friendships and achieve their goals. (Ages 13+)
How To Cookbook for Teens ($13.99): This Amazon Best-Seller provides an introduction to cooking for ages 12+. This all-encompassing book guides teens through setting up their workspace, accurately measuring ingredients, proper knife skills and simple recipes bound to increase their confidence and provide a foundation for a healthy relationship for food.
Adventure Challenge and Camera Bundle ($147.99): Let your teen lead the family on 50 fun surprise adventures and charge them documenting the special memories you’re sure to make with the included camera. Your teen won’t even realize their creating deeper connections with their families while building leadership skills and learning from new experiences.
Amborella Organics Garden Essentials Lollipop Set ($27): Bridge the gap from child to adult with this set of gorgeous organic lollipops in an array of delicious flavors like Vanilla & Hibiscus, Lavender Lemongrass, Rosemary & Mint, Sage & Marshmallow and Lemon & Thyme. Even better, your kind, stylish and eco-conscious teen will love that the sticks are 100% biodegradable and can actually be planted to GROW herbs and flowers!
Let’s Mingle! ($12.95): This fun conversation starter game is the perfect way to connect with teens. Whether at the dinner table or on the road, these fun questions will break the ice and inspiring family bonding while supporting better conversation and social skills in your teen.
Mindfulness Dice ($18.95): Introduce new mindfulness practices and encourage your teen to create a new morning habit with these fun color-coded blocks containing 36 practices and thousands of combinations to perform. From calming meditations and positive mantras, to soothing movements, breath-work and mind-boosting journalings, these therapeutic self-care prompts will empower your teen to start their day off on the right foot.
Mental Health Embroidery Kit ($38): Introduce a new craft to your anxious teen and watch the stress melt away and their confidence grow as they master a new, self-soothing skill. This DIY kit comes with everything they’ll need to get started.
Geode Puzzle ($68): This puzzle is a far cry from the simple wood stamped games of their youth! Challenge your teen to complete this intricate and unique laser-cut birch plywood puzzle in a dazzling geode design. Puzzles naturally encourage problem solving, collaboration and teamwork while improving memory. This is a puzzle with purpose!
The Good Manners Gift Guide: Magical Family Meals
The Good Manners Gift Guide for Magical Family Meals
The importance of sharing regular family meals has been well-researched and documented. Some of those benefits include better academic performance, higher self-esteem, lower risk of substance abuse in teens and healthier long-term relationships with food - not to mention better communication skills and deeper family bonds. But just because we know sitting down and sharing a meal together is good for us, doesn’t mean it’s easy to do. This thoughtfully curated collection of gifts is designed to empower, inspire and encourage Magical Family Meals so you can easily build intentional connection into your everyday meals.
What’s Cooking at 10 Garden Street? ($11.89): This beautifully illustrated cookbook highlights simple recipes from an array of cultures, inspiring adventurous eaters and budding cooks alike. Use this book to create monthly Theme Nights where you learn and explore new cultures through food, etiquette and compassion for the community.
Universal YUMS Subscription ($ Varies): Having received a 6 month subscription last Christmas, I can tell you what a fun and unique gift this can make. Our family loved exploring a new country and culture each month through a variety of authentic snacks sent straight to our door. With added history and trivia, and even playlists, this is a great way to bring the family together for an evening of good (usually!) food and connection.
Family Memories Jar ($12.99): This darling jar includes 50 cards for writing down weekly memories with the family. Begin a new tradition and each week, sit down for a proper meal together and reflect on the memories made that week. Write one down and revisit the jar next New Year’s Day.
Rifle Paper Co. Weekly Meal Planner ($15): This beautifully designed weekly meal planner is the perfect centerpiece for family-led meals. Let everyone in the family take responsibility for planning, organizing and prepping a meal. Children and teens will gain confidence while learning important life skills and building a healthy relationship with food and eating.
Snowy Day Personalized Family Puzzle ($129): This heirloom quality puzzle is the perfect way to end a snowy evening after enjoying a warm meal together. Customized to feature YOUR family, this laser cut puzzle is both challenging and engaging - encouraging team building and connection within the family.
Wondershop Plates & Placemats ($2/each): These darling plates and placemats are the perfect way to extend the fun of the holiday season throughout the winter. The vibrant colors and happy prints are sure to draw little ones to the table. Have fun with simple table settings and let your kids set the table themselves - there’s no need to worry about these plates breaking!
The Original LCR Game ($7.95): This fun, simple game is sure to capture the attention of everyone at the table! This fast-paced game is perfect for Friday game nights and holiday meals as it can accommodate 3+ players ages 5-105.
Do You Really Know Your Family? ($24.95): This fun family game is filled with conversation starters and challenges designed to see who really knows each other best. This game is designed to build deeper connections and create lasting memories as each member of the family answers interesting questions and performs silly challenges - together.
I hope you enjoyed this year’s Good Manners Gift Guides and find the perfect gift for someone special. My wish for you is to have a holiday season full of intentional time spent together creating deeper connections and building new memories.
Happy Holidays and Merry Everything,
Courtney