Saturday, December 2, 2023

The Soubrette Brunette's 2023 Holiday Gift Guides

It's finally that time of year again: my 2023 holiday gift guides are finally here! I've had a lot of fun putting together the best holiday gift guides I can for the last several seasons (check out my 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 gift guides, as well as my HSP gift guide, for even more unique gift ideas). And this year was no exception.

For my holiday gift guide 2023 post, I've embraced some very niche aesthetics, as well as some more general favorites. If you're shopping around for Christmas gift ideas, scroll through my curated collections and get some great inspo for everyone on your list. You might even find something to ask Santa for this year!

The Soubrette Brunette's Holiday Gift Guide 2023

best holiday gift guide for unique gifts

Without further ado, check out my holiday gift guides below and let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Please note that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may earn a small commission (which helps to run my blog and social media channels) at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette! Now, let's get shopping.

American Girl Doll Gifts for the Historical at Heart

Ever since Halloween, I've been really leaning into fashion inspired by American Girl. Since so many other women hold Samantha, Molly, Kirsten, Felicity, Addy, Josefina, and the others so close to their hearts, I decided to put together a guide filled with American Girl gifts that any grown-up would love. Some of these American Girl doll gifts are obviously paying homage to the brand, while others just reminded me of these characters' iconic fashions. Take a look at my ideas for American Girl gifts below.
american girl doll gifts ideas
1. Samantha doll-inspired t-shirt dress
2. The Care and Keeping of You earrings
3. Taylor Swift/Samantha doll sweatshirt
4. Red velvet hair bow clip
5. Addy Walker throwback bundle
6. Dolls of Our Lives book
7. Plaid Mary Jane heels
8. Josefina illustration
9. Taylor Swift/Kirsten doll sweatshirt
10. American Girls tote bag
11. Samantha "Rich Bitch" sticker
12. American Girl notecards
13. Gold heart locket necklace
14. Red striped pajama set
15. American Girl transit print
16. American Girl winter outfit illustration print 

Marie Antoinette Gifts for Rococo Connoisseurs

I've always loved Marie Antoinette (who else had her Royal Diaries book growing up?), but I actually didn't watch the Sophia Coppala film version until more recently. Of course, it's become one of my cinematic go-tos. I put together this really fun list of Marie Antoinette gifts for those who love pastels, patisseries, and Parisian references. These Marie Antoinette inspired gifts include both the romantic and the tongue-in-cheek.
marie antoinette inspired gifts
a. Designed by Shea print
b. cake slice hair claw
c. cake wine goblet
d. old Versailles map print
e. gleaming primrose hand mirror
f. Marie Antoinette cat oven mitt
g. Rose ribbon choker necklace
h. "The Swing" Rococo pin
i. Rococo fashion stickers
j. Marie Antoinette's Head book
k. Marie Antoinette tote bag
l. Marie Antoinette scented candle
m. Marie Antoinette heels
n. Versailles treats mug
o. let them eat cake sweatshirt
p. Selkie confection muff purse

Pickle Gifts for a Big Dill BFF

This one may be a bit niche, but pickles are having a much-deserved moment. I know I'm not the only pickle girl around, so I had to curate a list of pickle gifts for your big dill BFFs. These gifts for pickle lovers include both edible and wearable options, so your loved ones can savor and style their love of gherkins, cukes, and cornichons with ease. Check out these pickle gifts (some of which can double as gag gifts!) and watch your recipient relish them for years to come.
gifts for pickle lovers
1. pickle brands sweatshirt
2. big dill pickle candle
3. pickle chip earrings
4. dill pickle lip balm
5. pickle tea towel
6. pickle grabber
7. dill pickle popcorn seasoning
8. pickle socks
9. pickle hair claw
10. spicy dill pickle almonds
11. pickle jar Christmas ornament
12. Tatty Devine "In a Pickle" Necklace
13. pickle bandages
14. lift-and-drain pickle jar
15. pickles of the month subscription
16. pickle jar earrings

Literary Gifts for Book Lovers

I've put compiled a list of gifts ideas for book lovers before, but there are so many great literary gifts now that it made sense to include an updated version in this year's holiday gift guides post. These gifts for book lovers, bookworms, and wordsmiths will be sure to delight – whether your recipient has an affinity for classic literature or they want to add some new reads to their shelf.
gifts for book lovers
a. novel-tea literary blends
b. Little Women t-shirt
c. Owl Crate book box subscription
d. book shelf tote bag
e. books barrette
f. greatest first lines of literature mug
g. fictional characters long-sleeve tee
h. book stack sweatshirt
i. The Secret Garden book vase
j. no shelf control book socks
k. book lover's hair clip
l. Jane Eyre wallet
m. Merry Bookmas sweatshirt
n. reading valet
o. custom birth flower bookmark
p. collectible book scented candles
q. romance novels tumbler

90s Nostalgic Gifts for Sentimental Millennials 

Us millennials get a lot of flack from both sides, so what better way to celebrate your favorite late-20s-to-late-30s loved one than with some nostalgic gifts that evoke fond memories of our childhoods? These nostalgic gift ideas play on pop culture icons and sentimental experiences that just scream "1990s." I'd argue that these are some of the best gifts for millennials on your holiday list.
90s nostalgic gifts
1. Boy Meets World embroidered sweatshirt
2. Hook "Bang-a-Rang" enamel pin
3. Clueless VHS memories crossbody bag
4. create-your-own reel viewer
5. Pee-wee Herman ornament
6. One in a Millennial book
7. Ms. Frizzle sticker
8. Reading Rainbow earrings
9. Whatever! An Activity Book for 90s Kids
10. Kate Gabrielle "Ella" bag in sparkle
11. Our Universe Barbie heart bag
12. "Now That's What I Call Anxiety" sticker
13. Clarissa mug
14. Hook "Bad Form" enamel pin
15. Friends trifle salt & pepper shakers

Murder Mystery Gifts for Armchair Detectives

I've included true crime gifts in previous gift guides, but I love a good (fictional) mystery just as much, if not more. These murder mystery gifts are perfect for Hercule Poirot and Phryne Fisher fans alike. Whether your recipient has Opinions™ on Sherlock Holmes or they're really into Only Murders in the Building, these gifts for murder mystery lovers will provide the best kind of plot twist this holiday.
murder mystery gifts
a. Christmas Nightmare: At-Home Murder Mystery
b. Poirot bookmark
c. Lady detective role models t-shirt
d. murdle detective puzzle book
e. Sherlock Holmes book purse
f. "I'd rather be solving crime" keychain
g. miniature detective agency building kit
h. Arconia sweatshirt
i. Murder on the Orient Express wallet
j. Agatha Christie book weekender tote
k. Phryne Fisher enamel pin
l. Sherlock Holmes book teapot
m. The Great Bake-Down murder mystery
n. Only Murders Pickwick triplets hat
o. Clue movie poster t-shirt
p. magnifying glass necklace

Feminist Gifts for Your Favorite Badass

Searching the best gifts for feminist friends on your list? Look no further. I tried to steer clear of anything too cringe in favor of intersectional gifts for feminists across all walks of life. Whether a funny meme will always do the trick or you want to bond over your girl power, I hope you'll find something among this guide of great gifts for feminists when it comes time to present a present to your favorite badass.

Best Secret Santa Gifts, White Elephant Gift Ideas, and Gifts For People Who Are Hard to Shop For

What do you get for that new coworker, friend-of-a-friend, or loved one who has everything? I put together a "miscellaneous" holiday guide this year that's full of great Secret Santa gift ideas, white elephant gift ideas for adults, and gifts for people who are hard to shop for. Before you grab a generic gift card or take a total shot in the dark, check out what I think are some of the best Secret Santa gifts and unique presents for when you're stuck on what to give.
best secret santa gift ideas
a. The Music Memory Game
b. adulting merit badge mug
c. white elephant candle
d. The Thrifty Baker book
e. lavender heat wrap
f. corgi hair claw
g. slipper socks
h. hangry oven mitt
i. mini golf club bag
j. cozy tea bookmark
k. lavender sleep mist
l. yodeling pickle
m. condiments tote
n. gingerbread sipper
o. breakfast food apron
p. world's smallest Bop It
q. It's So You Kate Spade book

Happy holiday shopping!

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

The Soubrette Brunette's 2022 Holiday Gift Guides

2022 holiday gift guide

The Soubrette Brunette's Holiday Gift Guides 2022

It's official: my holiday gift guides are back this year! I've scoured the internet looking for fun gift ideas and have created The Soubrette Brunette's Holiday Gift Guides: 2022 Edition with all my finds! Be sure to check out my previous holiday gift guides (from 2019, 2020, and 2021, as well as my HSP gift guide) for even more gifting inspo.

holiday gift guide 2022

Without further ado, onto the holiday gift guides for this year – where you'll find plenty of Jane Austen gift ideas, lots of coffee lover gifts and gifts for foodies, gifts for sensitive people and people pleasers, plenty of kitschy gifts and gifts for bakers, and fun coworker gift ideas!

Please note that this post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may earn a small commission (which helps to run my blog and social media channels) at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette! Now, let's get shopping!


Gifts For Jane Austen Fans

As someone who has fully immersed herself in the world of Pride and Prejudice this season, I had to put together a list of Jane Austen gifts for others who are just as Mr. Darcy-obsessed. Check out my Jane Austen gift ideas for any classic literary fiend, romantic feminist, or Regency era history buff in your life.

Jane Austen gifts

a.  Jane Austen's Table recipe book
b.  Pemberly lapel pin
c.  Jane Austen's finest lip balm
d.  Jane Austen quote pouch
e.  Heat-changing Jane Austen finery mug 
f.  Austenite tea bundle
g.  I heart Mr. Darcy keychain
h.  Marrying Mr. Darcy card game
i.  Jane Austen socks
j.  Sense and Sensibility purse (+ other book purses)
k.  Jane Austen novel coasters
l.  Color Me Jane coloring book for adults
m.  Polite Society: The Jane Austen Board Game
n.  Paddywax Jane Austen candle
o.  Society of Obstinate Headstrong Girls tote


Gift Ideas For Coffee Lovers, Tea Drinkers, and Full-Blown Foodies

Seeking great gifts for a foodie? Need some highly caffeinated coffee lover gifts or gifts for tea drinkers on your list? Look no further than this next gift guide, which includes Christmas gifts for foodies, gifts for tea lovers to savor, and gifts for any coffee lover who needs a midday pick-me-up. 

Great gifts for a foodie

1.  Honey bear apron

Cottagecore Gifts for the Coziest Homesteader

While true rural life is no picnic, I'm definitely drawn to the style of these cottagecore gifts! Whether you've got an animal lover in the family, a friend who loves antiques and thrift finds, or a coworker who'd love to live off the grid and homestead full-time, check out these cottagecore gift ideas for something with a bit of whimsy and wonder. (I may or may not need to add some of these cottagecore Christmas gifts to my own wish list this year!)

Cottagecore gift ideas

Gifts for Sensitive People, Givers, and Recovering People Pleasers

I know firsthand how hard it can be to stop people pleasing. But once you start putting your own needs first and setting boundaries, it feels good to keep going. Refer to this guide when looking for self care gifts for loved ones who need to stop people pleasing or who chronically over-give in their relationships. I've even included a people pleaser book or two that I'd love to receive myself! These can also make great gifts for sensitive people, codependent folks, or loved ones who could use a reminder that they are worthy.

People pleaser book and other gift ideas


Gifts for Kitschy Queens

To me, there's nothing more satisfying than kitschy gifts. While these gifts might considered by some to be in poor taste or otherwise tacky, kitschy Christmas gifts are the perfect way to appeal to a specific sense of humor. If your loved one tends to gravitate towards kitschy gift ideas for others, use this gift guide to return the favor and give them something they'll adore (ironically or sincerely!). 

Kitschy Christmas gifts

a.  Ugly sweater plates

Gift Ideas for Aspiring Star Bakers

Do you know someone who never misses an episode of Bake Off? Or is someone you love in the running for Star Baker in your heart? I've put together some of the best gifts for bakers, as well as a handful Great British Baking Show gifts for those who'd rather watch the show than present their own show-stopper. 

Gifts for bakers

1.  Joyeux Noel t-shirt
2.  Cactus measuring spoons
3.  Whisk necklace
4.  Apple pie dish
5.  Rolling pin
6.  Pie bird
7.  100 Cookies baking book
8.  Star Baker apron
9.  The Great British Baking Show game
10.  Martha Stewart glass cake stand
11.  Baking socks
12.  Recipe tin
13.  Henrietta Hedgehog baking pin
14.  Mixer earrings
15.  Bake Off tent print

Favorite Coworker Gift Ideas

Whether you work remotely or you're back in the office, a good coworker is worth their weight in gold. I've compiled these Christmas gifts for coworkers who are always there for a gossip session, to lend a hand on a big project, or to be a sounding board when you're on the clock. These coworker gift ideas will bring a smile to their face while expressing your appreciation.

Gifts for coworkers


I hope my Jane Austen gift ideas, Christmas gifts for foodies, cottagecore gifts, gifts for sensitive people, kitschy gift ideas, Great British Baking Show gifts, and coworker gift ideas will help you find the perfect presents for the loved ones on your list this year! Happy shopping!

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY: Let's Get This Gingerbread

holiday giveaway: let's get this gingerbread

The holiday season is upon us, so I thought it would be fun to celebrate with a festive little giveaway! Keep reading to find out how you can win this sweet gingerbread bundle for yours-elf. :)

gingerbread giveaway

  • Dash gingerbread man mini waffle maker
  • adorable gingerbread mug
  • mini gingerbread house kit
  • assortment of holiday treats

christmas holiday giveaway

This prize package would be perfect for Christmas morning! Here's how to make sure you're eligible to win.


This giveaway is open worldwide and will run from now until 11:59 PM (EST) on Saturday, December 11, 2021. Enter the giveaway through the Rafflecopter widget below. Be sure to complete all mandatory entries (yes, I will be checking!). One (1) winner will be chosen at random through the widget and contacted via email to claim their prizes, so be sure to include a valid email address in your blog post comment! I will never contact giveaway winners via direct message on social media or through any other account. The winner must respond to my email within 48 hours of being contacted or a new winner will be chosen. Once the winner is confirmed, their name will be displayed via the widget. This giveaway is not sponsored by any other brand or organization (including Target, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok). 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for entering and best of luck, my (rein)dears!

Friday, December 11, 2020

The Soubrette Brunette's 2020 Holiday Gift Guides


Have you started your holiday shopping yet? I'm pretty close to being done with mine, but I know you might still be looking for the perfect present for someone on your list. I've really enjoyed putting together gift guides over the past couple of years (like my gift guide for HSPs, introverts, and empaths, as well as my selection of fun gift guides from 2019!)... so I knew I had to do it again this year! 

This took me a lot longer than I anticipated, but I hope you'll find these guides to be helpful. In particular, I wanted to highlight some of my favorite small businesses, local makers, and budget-friendly picks – but I think there's something here for everyone! Although everything pictured here was in stock when I created these gift guides, products are selling quickly (and some shops are closing up for the holidays), so act quickly! Without further ado... here are my selections for this year!

Please note that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you!) that helps to run my blog. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!


Your Holiday Gift Guide For Parents 2020

Mom and Dad can be difficult to shop for, but this holiday gift guide for parents has some best-sellers, some memory-makers, and some time-passers that are sure to delight. 

gift guide for parents



Your Enneagram Gift Guide

Are you (or are your loved ones) obsessed with enneagram types? That's true for my circle! If you've been looking for gifts by enneagram type, I've compiled a few presents for each one in this enneagram gift guide. Let me know how accurate you think my selections are!

ennegram gift guide

type 1

type 2

type 3

type 4

type 5

type 6

type 7

type 8

type 9



Gift Guide Under $25
If you're shopping on a budget or you've set a spending limit with your besties, this holiday gift guide under 25 will help you find a great gift for less.

under 25 gift guide



Small Business Gift Guide
Looking to shop small this holiday? I've compiled some of my personal favorites for this year's small business gift guide.

small business gift guide

1.  Steve Kornacki tee by Kate Gabrielle 
2.  snowflake wire headband by Mane Message 
3.  roller perfume oil by Firebird Bath and Body
4.  total babe earrings by Midge Blitz 
5.  witch ghost enamel pin by Little Spooky Studio
6.  gelato truck bag by Vendula London
7.  reindeer mischief sweater by Mischief Made 
8.  "my size doesn't determine my worth" print by Fabulously Feminist 
9.  snowcat brooch by I Love Crafty  
10.  "nobody likes a soggy bottom" lapel pin by The Clever Clove  
11.  "which brew are you?" print by Water of Whimsy  
12.  wildflower chalk art print by Lily and Val 
13.  social media print by Girl Party Shop
14.  "swiss rolls not gender roles" pin from Bow Bow by Kyle
15.  clear confetti party clutch by Julie Mollo  


Secret Santa Gift Guide + White Elephant Gift Guide
If you're stumped on what to get your Secret Santa recipient or you're planning ahead for your annual white elephant gift exchange, this gift guide has all the novelty you need.

secret santa white elephant gift guide

a.  The Golden Girls mini magnet set

Local Love: Rochester NY Gifts

For my local followers (or those who just want a piece of the Flower City for themselves), check out this local gift guide featuring Rochester NY gifts from upstate makers.

rochester ny gifts
1.  Weggies run t-shirt from Loco Love 
2.  floral guts wood-burned cheeseboard from Unstrung Studios  
3.  Rochester Flower City logo earrings from May and Birch  
4.  Rochester symbols cosmetic bag from Wolf and Honey 
5.  to the moon and back enamel pin from House of Roushey 
6.  "ROC is grim" mug from Shop Peppermint  
7.  Rochester sticker bundle from Ink & Pine Design
8.  The Little Theatre art print from Retro Sorrento 
9.  "home" camp mug from Anna Parade  
10.  "be merry" wood slice ornament from Salty Lemon Studio 
11.  york earrings from Charlie Blu   
12.  mini oval sunburst platter from Ritual Clay Company
13.  "protect your magic" print from Bless the Messy 
14.  Roc Love print from PS Enjoy Your Life  
15.  tea towel from Lisa Jane Smith 


Black Owned Business Gift Guide

Show your support with these incredible gifts from Black owned businesses this year. 

gifts from black owned businesses

a.  abstract woman art print by Nonily Studio  
b.  Black Lives Matter mug by ATOU   
c.  half-moon dangle earrings by Talk Unique Designs  
d.  read and grow bookmark by K Ligg Co.  
e.  ginger and sandalwood candle by Natural Annie Essentials 
f.  yoga pose sweatshirt by The Trini Gee 
g.  triple body butter by Charmed Bath and Body
h.  "you will survive this" print from By Chenelle
i.  fried egg earrings by Crafty Little Dreams
j.  retro ladies face mask by ModMasks   
k.  "sounds of love" print by Lovely Earthlings  
l.  Black Lives Matter face mask by Bailey Ava Accessories  
m.  floral square scarf by Emma Make Studio  
n.  kitchen print by Godly Gorgeous 
o.  tomato leaf and basil candle by Paige's Candle Co.   


Broadway Gifts and Disney Gift Guide

For the Broadway fanatic or Disney fiend in your life, refer to this gift guide for the musically-inclined and the young-at-heart.

disney broadway gifts

1.  favorite mansion tee 
2.  movie poster cookie jar 
3.  curtain call Broadway costume poster
4.  Waitress pie pin
5.  Madame Leota earrings
6.  Hamilton face mask
7.  Geek Out Disney trivia game
8.  Hamilton Minnie ears
9.  Pirate's Revenge candle
10.  Heathers enamel pin
11.  Company welcome mat
12.  Disneyland 65th anniversary backpack
13.  The Disney Princess book
14.  Broadway Theater District map print 
15.  "Let's Travel the World" face mask 


2020 Quarantine Gift Ideas

This year has been a total dumpster fire... but at least these quarantine gift ideas, work from home gifts, and political gifts will help us end 2020 with a laugh (and a long-distance hug).

quarantine work from home 2020 gift guide

a.  The Comfy 
b.  long-distance touch bracelet set 
c.  Cuomo Christmas ornament
d.  social distancing mug 
e.  Working From Home With a Cat
f.  good neighbor face mask  
g.  Zoom meeting ornament
h.  faux fur slippers  
i.  Camp Quarantine sweatshirt
j.  The Great British Baking Show: Love to Bake  
k.  2020 review candle
l.  hand sanitizer ornament
m.  foldaway seat cushion 
n.  44 and 46 button set  
o.  work from home survival kit


Did you find some gift inspiration for the holidays? Let me know what you'd like to see for future gift guides and happy shopping!

Friday, December 4, 2020

[CLOSED] GIVEAWAY: Oh, Christmas Treats!

Now that December is here, it's time to start the holiday season festivities! Although our celebrations will look different this year, there's no reason why we can't enjoy treasured memories at home. I wanted to start off the season with something sweet – so I'm hosting a giveaway for a few holiday treats!

The Soubrette Brunette Giveaway Oh Christmas Treats

One (1) winner will receive the three prizes pictured above, which are:

- A cute Christmas mug

- Double chocolate hot cocoa mix

- Peppermint chocolate marshmallow dunkers

Giveaway Rules

Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. This giveaway is open to the USA only and will run from now until 11:59 PM EST on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. You must follow all entry requirements to be eligible. The winner will be chosen at random through the widget and contacted via email (so please make sure to include a valid email address and name so that I can match your blog post comment with your other entries). The winner must respond within 48 hours of being contacted to claim their prizes and coordinate receipt. If no response is received, a new winner will be chosen. Once confirmed, the winner will be announced via the widget. Best of luck and Happy Holidays!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Let it Snow

bernie dexter winter wonderland dress
All images by Emma Rizzo Photo

It's exactly one week until Christmas, so I thought it was high time to post at least one holiday outfit here on my blog. I've been posting more frequently on Instagram than on my blog lately, but I still love this space and think it's important to document things here... especially during one of my favorite times of the year!

bernie dexter
bernie dexter dress
christmas dress
vintage christmas dress
bettie bangs

This dress is an old one – I actually styled it five(!) years ago in this blog post. But it's probably my favorite dress that I've ever owned and I can finally fit into it again, which is a thrill. I convinced Emma to venture out to a Christmas tree farm with me to take some photos on a freezing-cold and icy day. She worked her magic like always, though!

bernie dexter clothing
christmas the soubrette brunette
christmas tree farm rochester ny
Outfit Details
Dress: Bernie Dexter (other styles here)
Necklace: similar  ||  Hair flower: Stardust Dames
emma rizzo photo

Things have been really busy this season, but they've been generally good. My life has changed a lot in the last year and I feel grateful to be where I am now. I'm looking forward to having a relaxing and special Christmas with my parents. We'll be doing our traditional hors-d'oeuvres-and-present-opening on Christmas Eve and we'll be seeing a movie and going out for Chinese on Christmas Day. What are your annual holiday traditions?


Make sure to follow me on Instagram so you don't miss any of my other holiday outfits that I don't end up posting here! And if I don't get a chance to update again before the 25th, have a very happy holiday!

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