Good evening. Tonight, we’re sharing a few lovely gifts we’ve given (and received!) lately. Plus:  | | Jin Ramen, Kingart, Timex; Michael Hession for NYT Wirecutter, illustrations by Con McHugh for NYT Wirecutter. |
Small gifts have brought us some outsized joy lately |
 | By Isoke Samuel Isoke is a newsletters editor. She’s giving herself a day off for her birthday tomorrow. | |
I’m turning 30 tomorrow. I thought I’d be ringing in this milestone birthday by throwing a big party, or treating myself to something extravagant, like this monogrammed lock necklace. But instead I’ve found myself feeling a bit more contemplative and yearning for some quality me time. So, I’m taking myself on a stroll through the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden and to the recently reopened Studio Museum in Harlem. Then dinner at a Mexican restaurant I love in my neighborhood. Oh, and I’m getting a fancy new pen and a fresh copy of my favorite notebook, of course — essential tools for new-decade manifestations. My colleagues seem to be on similar wavelengths — many of the best gifts they’ve received lately they’ve given to themselves, as a way of celebrating smaller moments of reflection or self-care. Even if it’s not your birthday tomorrow, you probably deserve a little something special, too. Here’s some inspiration from around our newsroom: - Editorial director Lauren Sullivan, inspired by our recent taste test, gifted her family “a bazillion packs of ramen” to get them through the end of winter. So far this spicy one is the household favorite. “This is not a grocery item if you tell your kids ramen is a gift.” Wise words, Lauren.
- Speaking of spice: A friend of our gifts editor Hannah Morrill recently sent her a jar of this crunchy garlic chili oil. After arriving unceremoniously in a sad Amazon envelope, it quickly became the most treasured item in her home. It’s savory, crispy, not-too-spicy, and she has already bought herself another jar. “It was just such a welcome, random mid-winter pick-me-up,” says Hannah. Perhaps you know someone who could use one?
- Hannah, inspired by our style expert’s favorite mesh bra, recently got herself a gift, too: this red cotton bra — and has since sent the link to “everyone she’s ever met.” Says Hannah: “I’ve been surprised how wearing a sexy, comfy little bra under my sweatshirt uniform has given every day a lift, so to speak!”
- When newsletter editor Brittney Ho sent her sister a link to this cute, cropped sweater, she got a classic older sister text back: “Don’t buy this, I can make it for you.” Brittney’s sister, using yarn from Wool and the Gang — one of the fiber craft brands we love — made good on her promise, and gifted her a handmade bright red sweater, just in time for Lunar New Year.
- Gifts writer Samantha Schoech has become something of a painter. For her recent birthday, a friend gave her this wonderfully compact travel set of watercolors. “I love it the way I loved all miniatures as a child,” says Sam. “It’s just so small and perfect.”
- And on a very different note, perhaps someone you know would be as delighted by this Mr. Met watch as lead editor Rory Evans is? “I admit I am not a diehard Mets fan,” says Rory. “But I am a fan of all mascots, especially jaunty and resilient ones like Queens’ favorite ballhead.” A little team spirit just in time for opening day.
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|  | Gift of the week: A premier toiletry bagThis durable, multi-chambered bag is compact and lightweight, but can hold a ton. It’s the perfect toiletry bag for wherever spring break takes you or your giftee. | |
One last gift (for you): An iconic hand-beaded shoulder bag that our experts love is on sale today.
You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can’t always respond, but we do love to hear from you. Was this email kindly forwarded to you? Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox. |
