The Fifth Annual 5+8 Gift Guide
We are proud to introduce you to The Fifth Annual 5+8 Gift Guide and the wonderful people who swear by them.
The Giving Keys
RECOMMENDED BY LISA
The Giving Keys is a pay it forward company that hand-stamps jewelry products with inspirational words like Believe, Love, Strength, or a personalized word of your choice that serves as a reminder for yourself. You're encouraged to embrace your word then pass it on, "paying it forward" to someone you feel needs the message more than you.
They donate a portion of their profits to longtime nonprofit partner Chrysalis, which provides employment resources and support for those transitioning out of homelessness (they've already created 130+ jobs!) Their products are very wearable, affordable, and promote better connections/mental health. The mini key choker is my favorite 🔑
$45
Massage Gun
RECOMMENDED BY ANA
Having a massage gun is a life savor. Especially for those days were you have neck and/or shoulder pain. Besides relieving any muscle pains, a massage gun can also improve lymphatic flow. This helps to rid your body of toxins.
$36
Meat Chopper
RECOMMENDED BY RHI
Umm, do you cook ground protein, potatoes, or anything that needs to be mashed? Then you need this. Seriously, just buy it. I got these as stuffing stockers for my family and friends one year, and they still thank me for it! Works great for breaking down ground meats and helps with cooking evenly. The silicon edge does a good job protecting the pan and makes for easy clean-up!
$15
Coffee Warmer
RECOMMENDED BY SHARON
This is for the slow warm beverage drinker like myself. If your coffee gets cold before you get a chance to push a pixel on your computer, this is for you. It turns on once you place your mug on top and automatically shuts off when the mug is off. Now slow sippers can be even slower. It's on Amazon for $23 but don't get it full price because I've seen it go on discount twice in the past month!
$26
Good Art
RECOMMENDED BY ADAM
When you're married to an art consultant, it's kind of hard to feel like you know anything about art. But, she's always told me the value of art is up to the viewer. Essentially, if you like- it's good. I finally have my own favorite artist. His name is Bret Shirley and he makes beautiful pieces that are both minimal and rich at the same time. He's also funny and doesn't take himself too seriously. The first time I went to one of his shows, one of his pieces was a 4 inch piece of spaghetti tied into the shape of a noose. Art is also an investment. It may or may not go up in value, but unlike Dogecoin, you can love it regardless of what it's "worth." Plus, I'd rather give him my money than Jeff Bezos.
$500
The Farm Stand
RECOMMENDED BY ZACH
The Farmstand, a garden for people without room for a garden. This self-watering, self-fertilizing tower of vegetation puts the joys of gardening within your reach; regardless of how much land you do or do not have. This was one of our favorite purchases during the height of the pandemic, keeping us well fed and moderately entertained all while confined to a 600sq/ft downtown apartment. It's expensive, and especially expensive with the indoor grow lights, but it probably pays for itself at some point. Maybe.
$420
Ford Bronco
RECOMMENDED BY JEFF
In years past, the customary gift during the Holidays has been a Lexus sedan or SUV, but this year I'm thinking a Ford Bronco (Sasquatch Edition) is a bit better. There are a few main factors that are making this my gift of choice for my friends, family and loved ones.
The Lexus sedan has none of this, and that's ok, it is what it is. That's why this year I'm thinking bigger.
If you want to give your loved ones a true December to Remember then break away from giving them the typical Lexus like I've always done, and give the gift of a Bronco.
I promise everyone will love it.
$45,000
La Madeleine Tomato Basil Soup
RECOMMENDED BY BRENNA
I recently tried tomato soup for the first time in my life (fr fr). I needed something warm for a case of swollen tonsils and got this rec from Rachel and Gabriel. SO, I walked down to pick up some tomato basil from La Madeleine. It's the most based soup on planet earth and there's no room for debate 🌎 (I now have three of these in my fridge)
$12
Consumer Reports Gift Membership
RECOMMENDED BY SARAH
I've recently been staying at my in-laws while our house gets fumigated (RIP termites) and my father-in-law is a big fan of Consumer Reports...and now I'm a big fan of Consumer Reports. I spent my whole night going through their magazine and looking at the top products. Did you know Trader Joe's has the best sunscreen? Go figure. The All Access is only $59 and includes one year of Consumer Report Magazines and one year of digital access to 9,000+ ratings and reviews. This is the perfect gift for any parents, in-laws, or an elder-at-heart like myself. Show your friends and family the way to shop smart, save money, and stay safe with a gift membership to Consumer Reports. 🤓
$59
De'Longhi Stilosa Espresso Machine
RECOMMENDED BY RACHEL
Ok yes.... another coffee maker. But ACTUALLY, its an espresso machine! I received this as a birthday gift this past year and I was skeptical that it would sit on my countertop collecting dust as I am passionate about my iced shaken espressos from Starbucks. But, now, I can confidently say that I would rather have a homemade coffee than buy one at Starbucks (crazy!). Yes, it is intimidating at first, and you may get steamed milk all over you the first time, but this is a very beginner-friendly machine and you'll get the hang of it in no time. $120 is a bit of an investment for coffee, but think about the $$$$ you'll be saving each year from not buying Starbucks.
$120
Random Objects
RECOMMENDED BY ADE
Random Objects is a really cool brand all about inspiring and making you feel good. The quote-inspired designs are great conversation starters and the clothing options are made with high quality material that will last you a long time. They also sell other products like stickers, pins, posters and more. So, if you're looking for a great gift for yourself or someone else. I highly recommend checking them out.
$30
Lil man bag
RECOMMENDED BY GABE
Curious infants that aren't sure what to give their parents, consider sleeping through the entire night. It's free, which is great since most of you don't work, and it will put your parents in such a great mood.
On a more tangible level, the waist bag is a trendy and game-changing accessory for people in my age group that maybe missed their initial glory. This simple bag has become an unforeseen hero in my lifelong quest to conquer my gift for misplacing shit.
My sister gifted it to me last year and it's become an everyday carry. Here's what I tote around in case you aren't sure what to fill your bag with: knife wallet, headphones, keys, mask, headband, foot massage ball, charger, phone, Andretti's game cards
$30
Baggies
RECOMMENDED BY ALEX
There's a reason Patagonia Baggies are adored by frat guys everywhere. They come in your favorite color, they come in your favorite length, and they make them for your baby too! Good luck trying to find a more comfy pair of shorts, and don't get me started on the functional pockets. They've been making these since the 80's and some folks are probably still out there wearing their first pair. Baggies are made out of durable, 100% recycled nylon or a hemp and organic cotton blend, so they're tough enough for the adventure seekers and chill enough for the couch surfer. Get yourself a pair and see which one fits you best. I'd say they're well worth the $60-$65 and bonus points if you run into a pair that's on sale. Note: Don't let anyone borrow these, it's likely you may never get them back.
$59
Estelle Wine Glasses
RECOMMENDED BY AUDREY
At some point, you’re like, “Wow, I could die tomorrow.” I don’t know about you, but I hate the thought of wasting years of my life drinking out of really lame wine glasses, so I requested these wildly impractical and fun wine glasses for my birthday—and I love them. Are they, like, $42 each? Yes. But look at them. They’re pink! And they come in other colors, too. They’re nice and light (which means I will soon break one, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there), and they make any evening in feel a little fancier. They’re a perfect gift, because there’s no reality where you drop $85 on two wine glasses for yourself, regardless of how delightful they are. Or maybe there is such a reality. I don't know. You do you. Treat yourself. And have a lovely and relaxing holiday season!!
$85
Masterclass
RECOMMENDED BY DAVID
I got this as birthday present from the team and to be honest one of the best things I've gotten just because of the sheer volume of masters from all fields and industries I can learn from. I personally hate reading or listening to business books, but this has been so refreshing and honest.
If I want to learn how more about Storytelling from Neil Gaiman or Leadership, Business Strategy from Bob Iger or how to properly make a Brisket from Aaron Franklin all I have to do is open app. I usually run early in the morning and the app gives you the option for just audio or video which is a major plus. I'm planning on renewing my subscription when my plan expires which shows how much I've gotten from it.
$180
I hope everyone gets everything they want this year. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year to all our friends and family!
