Gift Guide #5: Your Outdoorsy Twin Sister Who Seems Wise Beyond Her Years (Even Though She’s Two Minutes Younger).

I was wondering the same thing about the beauty blender. Joanna, does it soak up all your foundation though? I find when I apply makeup with a sponge (rather than my fingers) my foundation gets used up too quickly.

I love my Beauty Blender. But you really have to get it wet before you use it or it will soak up your foundation. I run it under the sink, squeeze out the excess. I apply dots of foundation on my face (nose, each cheek, and chin) with my finger, and then use it to apply foundation by bouncing it against my face.

Hahahaha the specificity of this make me chuckle out loud!!
I recommend very nice tea/ coffee and biscuits, and perhaps a beautiful edition of a classic book?

Obscure custom gifts! Recreate a favorite candy (like butter mints or salted caramels), but go pro grade on the packaging. Gorgeous slippers from Birdie so she do don’t have to pack a pair between homes. A portrait of her yappy little dog as a grand lady (Coat and Tails does this). Something to store whatever her favorite treasures are (a mirrored jewelry box, a cool tray). Something from a brand she’s never heard of that matches her taste, like Les Lunes jersey trousers, or an Alberta Ferretti necklace. Small batch spirits, like the Orleans Cider from Eden ciders.

The more time you spend with her, the more weirdly specific you can be. I discovered recently that my father in law has always wanted an orrery, a clockwork solar system model, so that’s what he’s getting. Curiosities can be picked up for a song at The Evolution Store, and I find people are often delighted by cool shells or sea fans.

I have a 99 year old grandmother who is not rich but hates new stuff because she is concerned about everything outliving her (“this is the last white thread I’ll ever need to buy!” We’ve been doing this for thirty years.) I give her alcohol because she does use it and knows if she passes before finishing a bottle that my parents will finish it!

To upscale it maybe include all the fixings for a specific, obscure cocktail you think she might like along with the recipe.

YES! I need this gift guide too!