Holiday Gift Guide: Coastal Grandmother
📍 Rowayton, Connecticut

Oversized Blanket || Fresh Scented Perfume || Large Festive Candle || Dutch Oven || Ginger Jar || Cable Knit Sweater || Wine Glass Set || Monogrammed Bath Towels || Needlepoint Pillow || Rattan Tote Bag || Cozy House Slippers || Maine Cookbook & Hamptons Cookbook

Oversized Sweater || White Jeans || Chelsea Boots || Wool Topcoat || Beanie || Similar Handbag || Earrings || Lip Color

Is being a Coastal Grandmother still a thing? Since I think it’s more of a lifestyle than a quickly cyclical trend, it’s a style that I’ve brought to the end of 2022 and beyond. If you have a like-minded loved one who loves cozy sweaters, hosting dinner parties, and relaxing days at the beach, this is the gift guide for you. Here are 12 gift ideas for the Coastal Grandmother: a girl who strives to channel their inner Martha Stewart, Ina Garten, or Nancy Myer protagonist.

Oversized Blanket

The need to snuggle with an oversized blanket gets stronger and stronger as the weather gets cooler. Add a fun movie and a big bowl of popcorn, and I’m in heaven! Chappy Wrap is a woman-owned, New England-based company that I have long admired. They have a rainbow of cozy blankets to match countless design styles. Gift a blanket that matches the holiday season, like Carly Riordan’s collection, or pick an option that matches their personality.

Fresh Scented Perfume

Since the Hamptons seem like the epi-center for the Coastal Grandmother movement, it only makes sense to highly the women who call that slice of the coastal home. Aerin Lauder is one of those women, and I can’t help but love her AERIN perfume collection. Each scent is unique, and I often swap them to match my mood or event. A current favorite is Ikat Jasmine. With a combination of tuberose and honeysuckle, it will become an instant classic. 

Large Festive Candle

I think candles always make for the perfect last-minute gift idea. They’re truly a crowd-pleaser and come at any price point. If you go this route, make it a tiny splurge and pick a high-quality candle, preferably made from all-natural ingredients. NEST is one of my favorite brands, plus you can use the glass jar long after the candle is gone. 

Dutch Oven

With the colder season here, I have a long list of soup and stew recipes that I’m dying to try. Many of them recommend having a Dutch oven in your kitchen just for the task. This enameled French/Dutch oven by Le Creuset is dishwasher safe, meaning it moves from prep to cooking to cleanup without a hitch. They come in a rainbow of colors and are seriously a work of art. You’ll want to keep it out on display long after the dishes have been put away.

Ginger Jar

It’s just a fact. Every Coastal Grandmother has an ever-growing collection of blue and white ginger jars. As I write this, I have at least five pieces at my desk. Help add to the chinoiserie shelf by gifting a memorable piece this holiday season. You can find many options via Etsy, but don’t be afraid to do some thrifting in your town.

Cable Knit Sweater

A cozy cable knit sweater, especially in a cream color, seems like the ultimate Coastal Grandmother piece. I mean, I can totally see Diane Keaton wearing it in Something’s Gotta Give. Year-round, this a piece that belongs in their closet, from breezy summer days at the beach to evenings gathered around a warm fire. This particular sweater from J. Crew is absolutely stunning and will be an instant crowd-pleaser.

Wine Glass Set

Founder and owner of Estelle Colored Glasses, Stephanie, is inspired by her grandma, who loved antiquing throughout South Carolina. From stemware to cake stands, her glass pieces are absolutely stunning and come in a rainbow of colors. It seems like a loving nod to dinner parties from years ago when the tablescape was everything. I can’t decide between the wine glasses or the champagne coupes.

Monogrammed Bath Towels

Thoughtfully monogrammed pieces don’t have to blow your budget. Weezie Towels is one of my favorite women-founded companies to work with. While I practically live in my Short Robe, a set of Bath Towels is a perfect gift. Whether it’s the newly engaged friend, college students, or anyone in between, this customized gift is sure to delight the Coastal Grandmother.

Needlepoint Pillow

Needlepointing has taken the Coastal Grandmother world by storm and has seen the greatest resurgence. My grandma taught me how to crochet and cross-stitch, but in 2023 I hope to give needlepointing a try. If time isn’t on your side, but you still love the tongue-in-cheek sayings, gift a pre-made needlepoint pillow to freshen up your loved one’s home.

Rattan Tote Bag

You all probably know my penchant for straw bags. I think they are the perfect summertime accessory and make for an even better gift. Breck and Grier was created by two Connecticut-based sisters to bring Moroccan straw bags to the masses. They can be personalized to match the style of your mom, friend, sister, or any woman in your life. This Large Becky Tote is perfect for a day at the farmers market or the beach. AKA, a Coastal Grandmother’s best friend!

Cozy House Slippers

After a night of hosting, everyone deserves to kick up their feet and relax. Especially if you live in a colder climate, these classic house slippers from Sarah Flint would be such a thoughtful and often used gift. There are a few different color options: girly pink, neutral navy, or versatile black. Make your best guess on size, but a gift card is always a great backup plan if you aren’t very confident.

Maine Cookbook & Hamptons Cookbook

As someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen, cookbooks are one of my favorite gifts to send and receive. After all, food is love! With cookbooks, you can help a novice refine their cooking skills or add something new to someone’s already impressive repertoire. As I was shopping, so many new editions caught my idea! The Hamptons Kitchen is on the list because it has so many crowd-pleasing recipes. This book is even prettier in person, allowing the recipient to display it proudly in the kitchen. 

I know in my heart that the Coastal Grandmother style isn’t a trend, but more so a lifestyle! I promise you it’s here to stay. Shopping for the traditional set in your life couldn’t be easier. Who knows, you’ll probably end up loving something for yourself! Happy gifting!

Love from New York,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.