Cheryl Shops

Grab some hot chocolate and crank up "All I Want for Christmas Is You," because the Cheryl Shops Holiday Gift Guide 2021 is here! You may notice that this is the earliest I've ever posted a holiday gift guide; I had actually been planning to do that since so many of the items I had wanted to feature last year had already sold out by December. But now perhaps you've heard of the global supply chain crisis, which has been impacting retail inventory since the summer, and has every news outlet urging people to do their holiday shopping early, lest our economy (and the retail industry) suffer! If you are a last-minute shopper, fret not, I'm sure there will still be presents out there. But if you're a get-'er-done-early shopper like I am, it may be wise to take advantage of all the Singles' Day, early Black Friday, and various other sales hitting your inbox. Because once you're done shopping for other people, you get to shop for yourself! So without further ado, here are my favorite gifts for 2021. 

Now that you've shopped all of the Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and even Giving Tuesday sales, time to tackle gifts for other people. While I focused on major retailers offering ridiculously good discounts in my sale post last week, for my annual holiday gift guide, I really wanted to highlight small, local, sustainable, woman- and/or POC-owned businesses, because they're the ones who really need (and deserve!) our dollars at the moment. And speaking of money, I know it's been a rough year for a lot of people, and not everyone is in a position to spend a ton on gifts. And that's ok—for me, the most important thing is knowing that my family and friends are happy, healthy, and safe. But if you are in a gifting mood, read on, be thankful, and spend mindfully. (And if you're Sean, feel free to scroll straight to the splurge section. Kidding! Sort of.)

1. You don't have to be a millennial to love avocados—and hate how they turn brown, even when you wrap them tightly. This BPA-free silicone cover (in two sizes) should prevent any spots.
Avocado huggers $7.95
2. This handy kit will transform your airplane vodka-and-soda into a Moscow mule—all you're missing is the copper mug. Also available for old-fashioned and gin & tonic.
Carry-on cocktail kit $24

3. Who doesn't love sheet masks? They're Instagrammable, even if you're an Instagram husband. Oh, and they make your skin look amazing.
Sephora Face Mask Magic! $25

4. If you see my #OOTD Instagram stories, you may have noticed one of these on my phone. It is pretty much the handiest thing—literally. I hold it while taking photos and scrolling through my apps, and you can also use it with a hook in your car. Seriously life transforming!
PopSocket $9.99

5. Labor Day weekend in San Francisco broke record heat temperatures...and also introduced me to this wonder, a fan that plugs into your iPhone and blows a surprisingly strong breeze.
iPhone fan $4.99
6. These are technically men's socks, but I'd gladly wear Han and Chewy on my feet (or, if you prefer, C-3PO and R2-D2).
Stance Star Wars Socks $20

7. Drinking your daily 64 oz. of water will be just a little more fun in a glitter-covered water bottle (that, god willing, should not spread its sparkle on others).
Ban.Do glitter bomb $24

8. This would be a fairly hilarious gift for coworkers with good senses of humor. "Replied all" may need to get reused several times; hopefully "Mediocre boss" won't.
Worst coworker ribbons $20

9. Apparently coloring books for adults are a thing. This one has 80 pages of New York scenes, the thought of which makes me just a little bit homesick—in a good way.
Seasons of New York coloring book $22.50


Up next week: my dream wish list, i.e. splurges for girls who've been very, very good this year.