Living in the Bay Area, I’m lucky enough to have easy access to some wonderful housewares boutiques. Thankfully for people living outside the region – or who are just too swamped right now to stop by in-person – some of them offer next-day shipping. Here’s a roundup of my top local picks that can still deliver your gift in time for Christmas:
Shipping: Order by 10am PT on Friday, December 21, and choose UPS Next-Day Air for delivery on Monday, December 24.
Toronto-based Coe & Wait makes such fantastic porcelain pieces – like these twig with acorns. A pair of acorns is $106, while a trio is $163. Sure, it’s a bit of a splurge, but look at the detail and artistry involved in these!
Order these just in time to set the holiday table: Julia Rothman’s hand-silkscreened “Bavaria” placemats ($22 each).
I have been coveting Loyal Loot’s log bowls for quite some time now. I love the contrast being the rustic exterior and the smooth, glossy interior. They come in a variety of sizes and heights, starting at $72.
A gift that will continue to give: Rose and Radish’s bloom kits come in two sizes ($35, $80). The narcissus bulbs and soil are packaged with burlap, ribbon and an adorable acorn.
Wow. I just had to add this one to the list because it’s the coolest-looking knife sharpener ($173) I have ever seen!
Peek Keep
Shipping: Please email or phone before placing your order to confirm expedited delivery options.
Okay, Peek Keep doesn’t have an actual storefront, but it is a locally operated business. And, like Rose and Radish, it stocks lots of products that are a bit harder to find.
I would keep Lotta Jansdotter’s calendar kitchen towel ($24) around long after 2008 passes.
Ivana Helsinki is a tough designer to track down in the U.S. Which is why it’s even more fantastic that Peek Keep carries any of the collection. The printed case with metal clasp ($26) is so versatile – to store knick-knacks, craft tools, lunch, the TV remote. Whatever you want to tuck away.
For the tea or hot chocolate drinker on your list: Give them the Bodum chocolate jug ($29.95) or the Yo-Yo double-wall glass with tea infuser ($19.95).
Give someone special a set of glasses with which to toast the new year. The etched berry collection ($9-12) includes a champagne option.
Shipping: UPS Next-Day Air is offered at checkout.
There is too much good stuff at this store – which is like a mini-department store because there’s a little bit of everything. But I’ll try to narrow down some my faves.
Okay, this may be the one and only clothing item I put in the Last-Minute Guide. Wouldn’t Black Label’s “Soiree” dress ($246) be perfect for a New Year’s Eve celebration?
I like the idea of presenting this sake set ($38) with a good bottle of sake.
Lorena Siminovich’s “Three Birds” print is so vibrant, and I love the detail on the wings. It’s a limited-edition of 30 and comes framed ($40) or unframed ($25).
Bring some nature and whimsy to the table with these stag salt and pepper shakers ($27). Or the ceramic mushrooms that are painted gunmetal ($50).