It’s time! The ‘holidays’ are finally upon us. The weather in New Orleans has been a beautifully moody, wonderfully wet sort of affair, and I’ve been drinking tea and snuggling under blankets. Okay, yeah, it’s still 74 outside, but if you get the AC just right … anyways.

This year, instead of my annual gift guide of actual items, I thought I’d make a roundup of the totally-awesome, lesser-known entire retail sites. I’ve discovered the majority of these over years of wandering Pinterest.

Pinterest is a miracle. Or, a disaster, depending on how you look at it.

It’s my absolute favorite way to kill an hour after work. I grab a glass of wine, put on a podcast, and dive down Rabbit Holes. I price giant slabs of ancient, Arabesque marble for my non-existent dream kitchen and then wander pages of colorful loafers or cool photography coffee-table books.

I like how it’s still sort of mindless web surfing, but at the same time, it can be educational. I like that I look up from 30 minutes of Pinterest and laugh. How did I go from kitchen marble to pure-bred ferrets?

Pinterest is how I discovered DeVol Kitchens (again, for the someday, dream digs), and it’s how I discovered The Plum Guide––a more soulful, luxe alternative to Airbnb, where you can rent chic apartments in Prague or entire Italian villas. Check both companies out, as they are very gorgeous and very fun.

Pinterest is also really great at getting me to independent retail web sites that I’ve never seen.

I can buy candlesticks that I don’t need. Or, the sequin Mary Janes that I don’t need. Or the table runners (definitely do.not.need) that pair perfectly with the softest linen napkins (already have tons … but, oh, look … green!).

After a post-work, second glass of wine, my trigger finger can get itchy, and, a few days later, Chris is yelling, “What are all these boxes?!”

I reply, “Oh, just things we totally needed. Don’t you worry about it. Here let’s put on some sports ball so you stop bothering me.”

Pinterest is a miracle, or a disaster. And, thank god for sports ball.

Without further blathering, here are some fun sites for all your holiday needs, or just a breather after a long day.

MAISON FLANEUR

This site has a LOT going on. It’s a blog. It’s an art shop. There’s a magazine component, and, to add more to this craziness, you can also shop each item based upon the destination where it was made. Mostly, though, it’s home decor and fun for digging. Grab a vase from Sicily or some plates from Paros, Greece. Or, just armchair travel.

LOST & FOUND

Lost & Found has cool, colorful options that will likely address everyone on your list, because they stock, oh, about 500 premium brands from kids clothing to hand lotions to Syrian blown-glass chandeliers. I also love that while they cover all the basics in categories, their offerings are slightly whimsical and off-beat. Like, these watercolor-styled napkins. Or, this really cute kid’s sweater that I wish they made in an adult size.

WOLF & BADGER

I didn’t discover Wolf & Badger on my Pinterest haunts. This store in NYC once stocked my Golden Dinosaur air plant holders. You know … back when I had a side hustle making air plant holders out of toy dinosaurs, which I spray painted gold. It’s not even my wackiest side hustle, either. That’s Silk Gremlin Scarf tale for another day.

Wolf & Badger is where I send people who say they have nothing to wear to a wedding. Or, to a fancy Mardi Gras Ball. This is the site for that weirdo in your life who seemingly has everything. The company is focused around supporting independent makers/artists/tailors, with ethical and sustainable practices.

ATRIO

I found Atrio only a few days ago, but I love the dark, masculine, minimalist feel of the site. I like that they have a section of pantry items for sale, and they also have custom gift boxes, too.

Buyer (or looker) beware, though. Some of the stuff on here is pretty stupid. No matter who you are, where you are or what you do, you do NOT need a marble butter dish, shaped like a bird, that costs $450. However, you might have someone in your life, like my dad, who would love getting some Cranberry Applesauce in a cute jar, to spread on his Christmas toast. Dad’s love jam.

PORTA NYC

Porta has a lot of bright, eclectic, interesting housewares. I really love the art on these little house soaps. They would make an excellent stocking stuffer. Also, these tablecloths are amazing, but only as a jumping off point for finding more affordable, stripped tablecloths. These are far too expensive, but they sure are pretty.

Now … Storytime.

I was in Marbella, Spain a few weeks back, on assignment. And, I got to dine in Leña, this ultra-fancy steakhouse by 3-Michelin-Star-Chef Dani Garcia. They brought a knife box over, and I selected this knife.

As I ate, I became so enamored with it that at the end of my steak, I summoned the waiter, who summoned the sous chef, who told me it was by a company called Florentine Knives. I then googled Florentine and realized that these knives are pretty pricey. I’m going to stick with my slightly less artisan brand, which I sourced from Bed, Bath & Beyond.

But … oh, when I win the lottery … there are gonna be some Striped Steak Knives in my life. Turns out, they sell them at Porta! Small world.

I wish you all the happiest of upcoming holiday seasons, and the very true wish that every day is a reminder we don’t need anything at all––except the love of those around us, a working body, a safe bed, a warm meal and a whole lot of gratitude for all the little things.

If you’ve got all that, you’re doing just fine.