For the holiday season, I polled the Office of Ordinary team on the gifts they recommend—or hope to find under their tree this year. Don’t call this a gift guide; think of it as a festive personality test for our team. We hope you find it helpful, or at least entertaining.
Ciera’s list confirms that she is, in fact, our most organized and colorful member. The Baggu Go Pouch set is perfect for travel or everyday organization, with three sizes that let you sort to your heart’s content and fun colors and patterns that are a visual delight. This stylish cork bowl will corral all sorts of things but is especially ideal for separating fruits and vegetable in a compact kitchen. You’ll also find her inspiring the next generation of artists with non-toxic Crayon Rocks, which come in a handy travel pouch and are perfect for little hands.
Todd’s list proves that he’s lived in the Northwest for a long time: his wish list is all about surviving our dark rainy winter. It includes the classic Birkenstock Prescott Slip On Boot and the Rains Rolltop Tucksack for hauling gear in any weather. To top it all off, he’s wishing for a private sauna rental for up to 15 friends on one of Tacoma’s beautiful beaches—what better way to celebrate the big dark?
Daniel’s list is much like his aesthetic: black, white, and minimal. He’s eyeing a classy 100% recycled alpaca and wool blanket perfect for winter snuggling. Next up is the Marset FollowMe lamp. We’ve had this little rechargeable lamp for over a decade and it’s great for countless uses, though our daughter has now claimed it as her dedicated blanket-fort lighting. And finally: Boy Smells makes fantastic candles, but the woodphoria candle scent truly sets the mood in winter.
Patrick may be our most enigmatic team member, as his one and only selection is the singular Issey Miyake–Apple collaboration: the iPhone Pocket. We think he's joking but sometimes it's hard to tell. Either way, you’ll have to be very dedicated to get your hands on one—they appear to be fully sold out online. There’s always time to start knitting your own.
For my list, I’m focused on small, local businesses. A cookie assortment from Pinckney Cookie Company makes a great host gift or a perfect treat to send out-of-town relatives. Looking for something for an ornament exchange or to finish off a wrapped present? These custom-knitted ornaments by my good friend and fiber artist, Ever the Moon, are adorable and priced for buying multiples. To round out my picks, I’m always eyeing beautiful pottery, and this wavy bowl from the Waight, in a very OOA blue, is at the top of my list.
Last but not least, this newsletter is going out on Giving Tuesday. It’s a great time to check whether the organizations you support have special matching opportunities today to make your dollars go even further. Here are a few of OOA’s favorites: Sightline Institute, Washington Women’s Foundation, Peer Washington, Planned Parenthood, and the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project.
As this is our last newsletter of the year I'd also like to say thanks for supporting OOA over the last year and beyond. We are grateful to all of you for collaborating with us or just reading this newsletter on occasion. Wishing you lots of holiday joy.
Finding the beauty in the holidays,
Sandy & the OOA Team
