If you’re anything like me, you’re looking at all of the “stuff” and thinking … no … let’s do EXPERIENCES this year instead. I’m also always looking for new ideas for gifts that create the WOW. As our girls get older, my hope is to make more memories. My dear friends, well, we need to laugh more and have excuses to hang out. For the older family, let’s slow down and find some whimsey or take a great adventure. With those thoughts in mind … I bring you the 2023 RÊVE gift guide. Some links will take you websites that we have affiliate links. Others are just ideas we love.
Let’s chat. Stocking stuffer or small “add on gift” - about 6 years ago one of our daughters brought home a craft made up of a jar with papers in it. Each paper had a question we could ask each other while sitting around the table (or whenever). During Covid, we made up our own and handed them out with take out meals. People loved them. Our family loves them (most of the time). One of our guests now uses it at his business meetings. It gets people talking. You find out some stuff that will make you say, humm. The pic below will take you to one of the versions we use at home, but there are all different kinds for adults, smaller kids etc. The key is to let the person talk, and NO correction, leading, criticizing (yes, that means big sisters can’t roll their eyes).
Let’s learn - more coming from RÊVE in 2024 in this category so stay tuned!! For the person who “has everything” and loves learning anything and everything. Paul and I built RÊVE on his mastery of cooking and my passion for service and years of working in restaurants in the front of the house and for Ritz Carlton. But the “owning a business” part? We had to learn. I’m obsessed. One FUN way I love to learn is through Master Class. No affiliate link. I just think it’s the coolest thing ever. I mean take 14 minutes and learn to properly scramble eggs from Thomas Keller or spend 11 minutes and learn Steph Curry’s game prep routine. From make-up tutorials to how to do stand up comedy - they’ve got you covered. One year of learning starts at just $87 & they run specials all of the time. Here’s the link
Let’s hang out - take some time, slow down and just hang out with that special person. Support small family businesses too! Lafayette is the perfect place to make that happen. Start your day with coffee and croissant at La Châtagne in La Fiesta Square. Head over to Diablo Foods and make up a picnic basket filled with delicious items from their deli. From there, you’ll enjoy a stroll around Lafayette reservoir or rent the paddle boats. No afternoon would be complete without a massage at Lafayette Park hotel’s spa. Finish your evening with dinner at RÊVE.
Across the miles - My extended family is now spread across the US and many are not able to travel during the holidays. Paul’s family is all in France. Covid showed us the beauty of Zoom and connecting however we can. Are you longing to see those crazy cousins with 6 kids or grandma who can no longer travel? Celebrate across the miles with a zoom party. Local Food Adventures can help. Founded by Lafayette resident, Lauren McCabe Herpich, they host virtual parties from ice cream socials to charcuterie making classes. It’s a lot of fun, interactive and you get to see those crazy kids & hear the laughter.
Date night gift for parents of small kids - They can’t take off and go to Paris for a week, but you can give them a small escape to feel like they’re away. Make a gift basket with a certificate for a night of babysitting (bonus if you keep the kids overnight!!), movie tickets and gift certificate for RÊVE.
Gifts for the champagne lover
For those who love to read:
On the more serious side of Champagne, for those who love all of the little details and facts. The boxed set Champagne The Essential Guide to the Wines, Producers, and Terroirs of the Iconic Region is a must have.
Veuve Cliquot is one of the most recognizable and popular Champagnes in the world. It was started by a widow, who against all odds changed the world of Champagne (and marketing!) forever. This biography, The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It, is a great read for all. Looking for a book about female empowerment that changed the face of not only sparkling wine but marketing forever! Makes a great book club book - and an excuse to drink Champagne at your book club night.
For those who love to sip:
Gift basket idea!! Give them permission to curl up with a glass of bubbles, some buttery & salty popcorn and a movie. Triple threat, perfect pairing. But wait - they don’t want to drink a WHOLE BOTTLE of Champagne, just a glass. (Hey, it’s only Tuesday). Easy. Enter the Corovin CHAMPAGNE preservation system. We use it at RÊVE, for our Cristal by the glass program and I use it at home for … well, I love Champagne. Splurge on a delicious bottle (wines are 20% off at RÊVE to go!), get the Corovin and a bag of popcorn and your gift basket is complete!
A closing note. Let’s remember not to get so caught up in THINGS and GIFTS that we forget connection. May this season fill you with joy and finding fun and whimsy in the every day. Even when circumstances may not be as we planned, our hope is that you can find something to celebrate that makes you smile.