5 of my favorite little luxuries

Small gifts perfect for anyone on your "thank you" list (and you!)

I’m famous for my holiday no-gift guide. I haven’t exchanged Christmas presents with friends or family in well over a decade. But I’m not anti-gift! I love buying presents when I see things that remind me of people I love. And there are some gifts I buy every year, for the people who do so much for me and my family.

I asked my team, “To whom do you gift as a way of saying thank you?” The list was expansive:

• Teachers

• Dog sitters

• Babysitters

• Housekeeper

• Hair stylist or nail tech

• Sports coaches

• Party hosts

You’re also likely to have visitors during the holidays. I love surprising and delighting guests with treats left in their bedroom or bathroom, from shampoos to lotions to eye masks and bath mitts.

Some of my favorites from LATHER’s 2025 holiday gift sets

Small, thoughtful, supportive

In so many instances, cash is a meaningful and welcomed gift. It shows your appreciation and allows the recipient to put it towards what is most meaningful for them. Still, cash isn’t always appropriate, and in some cases, may feel impersonal.

This is where LATHER comes in. It started with an accidental discovery at a hotel and spa in Wyoming, leading to the Jackson Shower Hair™ series in 2022:

It progressed to me creating a full skincare routine using LATHER in 2023 (a routine I still maintain to this day). Now, I turn to LATHER first for skincare, haircare, body care, and gift sets. Last year, I gifted their Cranberry Orange body and hand products. This year, their catalog has expanded even more. Here are some of my favorites, for all of these small gifting occasions.

Hinoki Cypress & Fir candle

Last year, we bought a Christmas tree-scented candle from a famous candle brand. It was overwhelming, to the point where it gave me a headache. LATHER’s Hinoki Cypress & Fir candle nails the vibe without the cloying, artificial scent. The cypress is warm and woody, not pine-needle-y. It’s not even Halloween and I’m already burning it. This would make the perfect housewarming, host, or teacher gift.

Winter Wonders Soap Set

I’ve become a superfan of small-batch, delicious-smelling soap. This LATHER set contains four scents perfect for winter: Cranberry Orange, Clove, Hinoki Cypress & Fir, and Rosemary & Peppermint. One bar is the perfect guest bedroom accessory for holiday visitors, or gift one (or the whole set) to your hostess, hair stylist, or kids’ teacher. They come beautifully packaged, and the gentle ingredients are perfect for those with sensitive skin. (The Hinoki Cypress & Fir soap pairs beautifully with the candle!)

Bamboo Lemongrass Travel Kit

This is the scent I fell in love with (I still use this shampoo), and I travel with this set myself. It contains body scrub, body wash, body moisturizer, and a super-soft bath mitt. Use it during your own travels (Airbnbs never provide the right kind of toiletries), gift a set, or leave them in the bathroom for your holiday visitors.

Aloe & Coconut Hand Care Duo

The Desert Aloe & Agave Hand Wash is lightly scented, so it’s not overwhelming, and it’s refreshing all year. The Coastal Coconut & Sea Moss Hand Lotion is the perfect complement, with coconut oil for added moisture without greasiness. We’re all obsessed with washing our hands during cold and flu season—you might as well do it with a natural duo that smells great. I have one of these in my guest bathroom right now; my mom (who is sensitive to scents) complimented me on it.

Lip Conditioning Balm & Hand Therapy Creme

This is a DIY set that I’ve gifted twice last year, and mentioned it last year in my travel necessities article. The Lip Conditioning Balm is my favorite lip balm ever, and I keep one in my car, purse, and bathroom. The Hand Crème is rich and thick, perfect for dry, chapped hands. This is a thoughtful gift for anyone in winter, but they’re also perfect for your handbag or car.

Some products from my LATHER skincare routine

I’ve stuck with LATHER for years because their products are natural, using no sulfites, parabens, or synthetic fragrances. They’re also affordable. I expected my fancy hotel shampoo would be at least $30 (I’ve spent more on shampoos I liked less), but it’s only $20, less than some of the “premium” brands you see at Target.

Despite its high-end ingredients and presence in luxury hotels, LATHER is a small business, and it’s woman-owned. When I do gift, I like doing so from individual artisans, local businesses, and small businesses. That’s another reason I continue to feel good sharing LATHER with you.

Most of all, their products work. My hair stylist has started recommending LATHER to all of her clients, after feeling how much healthier my hair is. My makeup artist in NYC told me, “Whatever you’re doing with your skin, keep doing it!” And those of you who are LATHER converts love it just as much for their natural scents, moisturizing ingredients, and extensive selection of travel sizes.

A gift for you

Explore my favorite LATHER products, and use the code URBAN20 for 20% off through December 31st.

The discount is good on the website and in LATHER retail stores. Also, I’d certainly cheer you on if you keep some of these gifts for yourself. You deserve little luxuries as much as anyone.

XO, MU