How We're Doing Holiday Differently This Year

A note from our founders, Amanda & Merrill.

This year we're doing things a little differently. We'll still go all out for Thanksgiving, and deck our mantels with the darkest, piniest greenery we can find. There will be cookies, candles, hot toddies, and a countdown on New Year's Eve. And our fingers are double-crossed for snow.

But when we thought about the gifts we'll all be giving this year—and how, exactly we're going to package them up to be their brightest-shining selves—we agreed it was time to change things up. Today marks the start of our 30 Days of Thoughtful Giving. Each day, we'll feature our favorite ideas—big and small—for making the most important people in our lives feel loved during the holidays (and beyond).

Here's a sneak peek at some of what's in store:

• Getaways and expedition ideas: Book an Airbnb and have all the groceries for dinner waiting on arrival, or plan a weekend road trip (well plan some of it, and plan on getting a little bit lost) and let them know by dropping a playlist in their inbox.
• 50 ways to help out around the house: Untangle the tree lights, be the one who warms up the bed every night that week (hero!), or volunteer for three snow-shoveling duties.
• Inexpensive gifts to personalize: A journal makes a lovely gift—and if you write a note on the first page, the person you give it to will think of you whenever they use it.
• All the best wrapping ideas: How to package up the funny-shaped gifts, ways to boost your bow (a fluffy sprig of rosemary is nice, an ornament is nicer!), and more.

And that's just a few of the suggestions we've got up our sleeves.

—Amanda & Merrill

Tell us in the comments if you have other ideas about how we can all give more thoughtful gifts this season—the more, the merrier!