Something to Share

This final guide is more abstract in concept, but centered around things best enjoyed together - whether family gatherings or friend dinners, or sharing memories, experiences and love more broadly.

Firstly - for the love of game night, the best night of all. Some new ideas and old classics: Bones Dominoes, For All Mankind, Drawing from Memory or Chicken!

For making sure little ones can join in on the fun. A handy card holder (good for older hands as well) available on Amazon.

For puzzling when learning a new game seems a step too far. Topographical puzzles of favorite locales from Topopuzzle on Etsy, a seasonal oversized floor puzzle for small builders from Design Life Kids, or something 3D made for creative coloring - DIY Color Squid from JCR Work.

For inspiring future moments to share. A guide to entertaining in the most fabulous way imaginable from the owner of wishlist worthy store, Houses & Parties, Rebecca Gardner. A Screaming Blast available on Bookshop.

For candlelight - which makes every gathering better - why not pull together an assortment? Fantastically colorful tapers from The Paper Canopy or sculptural spindle legs from Minted, decorative matchbooks from vintage art covers and bookshops (and florists & greenhouses) to monogrammed brass and Automatic Candle Snuffers from Etsy.

For spreading love and joy from afar. A booklet of foldable envelope notes for kids from Fair Play and classically chic Italian stationary by Rossi from Boston General Store.

For creative conversation starters and better bathroom reading. An encyclopedic reference on insider lingo from professions ranging from New York’s diamond district to London cabbies. Schott’s Significa available on Bookshop.

For documenting their travels and time spent together. A series of destination matchbox ornaments to trim their tree. Ornaments from Furbish.

For old school landline chats that run on more modern tech. Wifi-enabled, free to connect with each other and a broader approved contact list, just see how far the cord will stretch. Tin Can - also available in a truly retro form.

For turning digital to analog at the touch of a button. A printer that spits out cute polaroids while your phone sits on top. Something the whole party will want to get in on - Polaroid Originals Lab Printer available on Amazon.

For a different method of documenting time together designed specifically for junior photographers - Kids Digital Camera from Uncommon Goods.

For displaying those memories. A really cool printed mat designed for retro photo booth strips from Sarah Goodwin, a charming set of magnetic frames for the fridge from St. Bingo, or the best in class digital photo frame in a larger 10” size from Aura.

For visions of their futures informed by favorite foods. An avant-garde take on tarot for foodies. Cacio e Pepe Tarot Deck.

For plugging away at throughout the year. A book of crosswords for your favorite cinephile - 99 Movie Crosswords from A24 (also a TV version for those so inclined).

For making music the whole family can enjoy. A beautifully painted steel drum learning set. Animambo Metal Drum available at Barnes and Noble and a piano for learners of all ages from Loog.

For nightly readings. Seasonal selections from Leif, musings on friendship from Clove and Creek, or daily pages specifically for reading aloud available on Bookshop.

For a summer full of bouquets indoors and out. A specially curated assortment of flowers intended to be cut and shared. Cut Flower Garden in a Box from Plantgem.

For a charmingly traditional way to display clusters of blooms throughout their home - Julep Cup Vase from Pottery Barn.

For guaranteed laughs and maintaining your cool aunt or uncle status. Fossilized poop from Coepernicus Toys on Tantrum.

Finally, for movie nights wherever the mood strikes. A small but mighty folding projector, pocket sized but packed with features including built-in speakers. Zip Tri-Fold Mini Projector from Aurzen.