So much comes with springtime. Closet cleaning and purging. Playing outside in the sunshine. And enough parties, showers, and events to make your head spin.
Invitations may be arriving in thick stacks in your mailbox right about now—graduations, baby showers, weddings and housewarming parties—the list goes on. Not only does your calendar fill up but it feels like every which way you turn, you need to buy another gift.
I’m taking a turn with this week’s post to share some of my favorite gifts and shops for any springtime festivities. I’m excited to offer information on many local Memphis businesses for our favorite gift-giving suggestions.
Today’s lists are for the most common spring events—graduations, baby showers, and housewarmings—hopefully solving any gifting questions that may arise. Sometimes there’s a registry for events, but other times, you may choose to go a different route.
Take a look below and see if these suggestions might work for you!
Eight Winning Ideas for Graduation Gifts
Since communal living is more than likely the future for the graduate, giving a towel wrap is always a useful suggestion. The Company Cotton wrap from The Company Store or The Spa Comfort wrap (1) from Bed, Bath and Beyond are great possibilities. Both of these could be monogrammed for a thoughtful touch.
For the young lady who needs a great organization system for both her hair products and makeup, we like this system (3) from The Container Store. It’s functional, sturdy, and well designed. For a makeup bag, we love the Pack It All Bag from Sephora and this NiceEBag (6) from Amazon because it’s organized by compartments.
Gift cards (4) are always a safe bet. You can never go wrong with letting your graduate pick out an item that fits them best. We suggest The Container Store, Target or any of your favorite local stores as possibilities. Gifting money is always a timeless option, as well.
If you decide to treat the graduate to some high quality, beautiful makeup, visit Oak Hall and check out the Trish McEvoy (5) line.
Towels are a great, functional gift. If you have a favorite set in mind, you could always get them monogrammed. We love Nicole Taylor Monograms (7) for this. She is also happy to ship her monogrammed goods!
Finally, we love to give MZ Wallace bags. These are exceedingly well made, super functional, and stylish. The bags have a timeless, classic feel to them so the person who receives it will be sure to carry it for quite some time. Locally, you can buy an MZ Wallace bag at Oak Hall.
How to Spoil New Homeowners
For local Memphians, we recommend giving gifts from or Social (1) or Babcock Gifts (2). These stores offer well curated options for nearly every gifting occasion. Gifts from these stores are unique and thoughtful. Two of my favorites from these spots are their fun cups and tea towels.
Flowers and gardening pieces are always hits for new homeowners and we love supporting Garden District (5) and Millstone Nursery (4). Their arrangements and selections are unique, intricate and stunning. You can never go wrong with flowers or greenery for a new home.
Our favorite towels are from Peacock Alley (6). This brand can come with a hefty price tag, but Tuesday Morning carries the line and offers a significant price cut.
And for gift cards for housewarmings, we would recommend these options:
Blue Pencil Home! Everyone who has been gifted with Blue Pencil Home assistance has been grateful to the gift giver and so happily relieved with what a difference a few hours of help can make!
Gift cards to local restaurants or the nail salon for delicious food or a few hours of pampering.
Gift cards to Nicole Taylor Monograms (3) to put the finishing touches on towels or linens.
When You Want to Put a Personal Touch on Baby Gifts
Fortunately, Memphis has some excellent options for beautiful gifts for new babies. Some of our favorite locations include:
Novel (1) is an excellent independent bookstore carrying a smart selection of both books and fun bath toys.
Babcock Gifts (2) also carries a beautiful selection of classic options for baby gifts, such as silver frames, which never go out of style.
Cotton Tails (3) is a lovey shop for children’s clothes and accessories for the baby’s room. They have everything you need to help start a beautiful collection for the new baby.
The Woman’s Exchange of Memphis (4) carries all sorts of great gifts including baptismal gowns, handmade clothes and toys and lovies.
If you are interested in monogramming a hooded bath towel for the new arrival, Nicole Taylor Monograms (5) is again a great choice. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a gift card for the new mom to your favorite local nail salon, offering her a chance to spend some much-needed time pampering herself.
Hopefully this gift guide gives you an example of a few thoughtful gifts for those loved ones on your list during this busy springtime season. Good luck getting through that list!
What are some of your favorite items you gift each year? Or what was the favorite item you received?
Until next week,
Katie
P.S. Our favorite Amazon closet organization products right now and our top organization pieces overall.
Lead picture of Katie’s daughter, Millie, with her senior, Martha Kay Williams, at graduation last spring at St. Mary’s Episcopal School in Memphis.