By Erica and Karen

The pandemic changed our spending habits. We aren’t spending money on travel, on lovely meals in lovely restaurants, or on theatre or concerts. We aren’t spending on clothes for occasions and just being out and about. But, we are still spending. On ourselves and, especially now for the holidays, on others.

1. Gift certificates in response to the cry for survival help from the iconic Strand bookstore in NYC.

 

 

2. Renewal of Heywood Hill subscriptions, both for ourselves and for holiday gifts. Serendipity in a beautifully wrapped package.

 

 

3. Jenni Kayne. Monochromatic comfortable clothes that are helping us wean ourselves from pandemic wear. Some beautiful blankets and home enhancements too.

 

 

4. New bedding. Need we say more. We tried one of those heavy blankets to help us sleep (or nap), but frankly it didn’t work. And it’s heavy!! We’re sticking with the Frette outlet store.

5. New tall coffee mugs from Sara Japanese Pottery on Lexington Avenue. They ship too.

 

 

6. Schwartz chocolate marshmallows. Vanilla is a favorite, s’mores is too. A tradition started by Erica’s sweets-loving Grandmother. Morsels of delight.

 

 

7. LLBean flannel shirts, particularly the scotch plain one. Better and softer with every wash.

 

 

8. Treasures for home from vintage and consignments stores. In the Attic Too is also great. Definitely help make your home more personal.

 

 

9. Allbirds wool pipers. Slightly, but only slightly, more elegant -- and warm.

 

 

We will keep reporting as we keep spending. Let’s keep our spirits up and our favorite stores and sellers in business!