BOO BASKET HALLOWEEN GIVEAWAY

Just popping in to say that I'm hosting an Instagram giveaway for a fun and festive "boo basket" filled with seasonal goodies (including Trader Joe's treats, Halloween hair clips, and a jack-o'-lantern purse)! Head over to Instagram to enter the Halloween giveaway!

Where to Have Afternoon Tea in Rochester NY

I've loved tea parties for as long as I can remember. Early on, my mom instilled a love of dressing up, setting a beautiful table, and eating delicious treats. It's a tradition that continues to bring me joy... but tea parties aren't quite as common once you reach adulthood.

I think that's quite silly – and so do many other ladies I know! So I've dedicated my time to finding all of the best places for afternoon tea Rochester NY has to offer! I've put together this guide so that local friends and Western NY visitors alike can enjoy a sophisticated spot of tea at virtually any time.

But before I share my favorite Rochester tea rooms and high tea destinations, let's go over everything you need to know about these special events and how to prepare for high tea in New York state.

What is High Tea, Anyway?

Technically speaking, afternoon tea and high tea are actually two different things. High tea typically refers to a full meal (like an early supper), while afternoon tea traditionally involves just a quick snack or treat to fill the gap between lunch and dinner. The "high" in high tea refers to the high-back dining chairs used by the upper class, in contrast to the garden or parlor chairs utilized by the working class for afternoon teas.

However, most of us in the U.S. use these phrases interchangeably! For the purposes of this guide, you'll find both mentions of afternoon tea and high tea. You can safely assume that all of the places listed here will have more than just a biscuit or scone alongside your cuppa.

What's on a Typical High Tea Menu?

So with that in mind, what's usually included when you go for afternoon tea in Rochester and elsewhere? High tea menus will certainly vary depending on the occasion and venue, but you can usually expect your afternoon tea to include:

• Scones (often served with jam, preserves, and/or clotted cream)
• Assorted finger sandwiches (popular fillings include egg salad, tuna salad, chicken salad, cucumber and cream cheese, salmon salad or smoked salmon, or ham and cheese)
• Savory and sweet baked goods (mini quiches, tarts, cookies, cream puffs, petit fours, cakes, etc.)
• Fresh and/or chocolate-covered fruit
• Assorted hot teas and other beverages
  

I've also attended high teas with special soup, salad, or cheese courses! It's always a lot of fun to see what kinds of dishes are being served and it's a great excuse to try new things. 

That being said, most tea houses are incredibly accommodating of allergies and dietary restrictions if you let them know in advance. It's a lot harder to make those changes on the fly with high tea, so take it upon yourself to find out what's being served beforehand or get in touch with the host to ensure you can thoroughly enjoy your meal!

What is Appropriate High Tea Attire? 

In all honesty, there are no hard and fast rules for high tea outfits. I use these events as an excuse to dress to the nines, but I've also seen attendees wear some pretty casual ensembles. That said, I'd steer clear of wearing jeans and a t-shirt to high tea! A day dress or skirt and blouse are more appropriate. And if you really want to go all out, bring along a hat or fascinator! 

I'll usually stick to light neutrals, pretty pastels, or bright hues rather than jewel tones and dark neutrals, since these events take place in the afternoon. A cardigan or shawl is usually a good touch for events like these, too. As for shoes, a ballet flat, low heel, or wedge heel are great options. 

If you're looking for high tea outfit inspiration, be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok for ideas!

Where Can I Experience Afternoon Tea in Rochester?

Now that you know what you might eat and what you might wear to a high tea party, it's time to plan your visit! I've compiled the finest places for high tea Rochester can provide, as well as some tea rooms 1-2 hours from the Rochester area. While I've visited several of these myself, there are a bunch on my to-try list that I'm including! Learn more about each Rochester tea room and Upstate NY teahouse below. Please note: all included dates are for 2024 unless otherwise noted.

Best High Tea Near Me (Rochester, NY Area)

Mad Hatter Restaurant and Bakery – Rochester, NY

Mad Hatter, located right off of Park Avenue in the city, has been one of my favorite breakfast spots in Rochester for years, but they also have a lovely high tea experience. They serve high tea at 1 PM Thurs–Fri. every week, but their weekend tea services are limited to the second Saturday of each month at 3 PM. Note that you must make a high tea reservation via phone or their website. Saturday tea services do sell out regularly, so plan ahead if you're looking for a weekend afternoon tea experience!

For $30 per person, you'll get a personal pot of tea (from their vast selection of organic loose leaf blends), petite scones with clotted cream and local preserves, a variety of tea sandwiches, and petite pastries. Gluten-free and vegan options are available upon request. 

Red Bird Café & Gift Shop – Brockport, NY

Red Bird Café has become one of my favorite spots for afternoon tea Rochester has to offer. It's located on the quaint main street of Brockport (which has some really cute shops!). Not only do they serve a delightful tea in their back dining room – on Saturdays at 2 PM only – but they have a ton of beautifully curated gifts right when you enter the store. 

Enjoy scones, finger sandwiches, quiches, tarts, fresh fruit, a large assortment of teas, and more for $39 per person. This is a truly lovely and serene experience, with delicious food and excellent service.

Geneva On the Lake – Geneva, NY

Best known as a historic wedding venue and boutique hotel, Geneva On the Lake sits on 10 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in the heart of the Finger Lakes wine region. But a local follower on Instagram let me know that they actually host high tea in Geneva, NY as well! Available on Fridays and Saturdays from 2-4 PM year-round, as well as select dates throughout the holiday season, their afternoon tea looks to be a lovely (if not slightly unconventional) affair.

Unfortunately, high tea pricing is not spelled out on the hotel's website, but the menu indicates that their afternoon tea experience may feature three different types of sandwiches, a flatbread, a yogurt parfait, scones, and several different sweet offerings (including crêpes, éclairs, and cookies), as well as two glasses of Cava and your choice of loose leaf organic tea. It's unclear from the menu whether all of the selections are included, or whether guests are required to pick and choose – but my follower had only good things to say about their tea experience there!

Genesee Country Village & Museum – Mumford, NY (Seasonal)

As a member of Genesee Country Village and Museum, I'm always delighted to see the creative events they come up with – and their seasonal teas are no exception! Typically offered sporadically throughout the spring, summer, and fall, GCVM's teas are always beautifully themed with an educational bent. This summer, their remaining garden teas are scheduled for July 10th and 11th (1 PM-3PM) and include a brief history of croquet, with a game played by their costumed interpreters, as well as a best-dressed contest.

Tickets to this summer's garden teas are $50 per person ($45 for museum members) and include a menu of hot and iced summer teas, savory tea sandwiches, cold strawberry soup, and baked goods from the museum's confectionary. Admission to the museum is also included in your experience! This is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.

Sonnenberg Gardens – Canandaigua, NY (Seasonal)

Sonnenberg Gardens is a 50-acre public garden and historic mansion estate located close to Canandaigua Lake. It's a treat to tour their themed gardens and the mansion, but their rare seasonal teas actually allow you to experience the property in a whole new way. This year's teas will take place on August 20 and 21 (with a 12:15PM check-in) on the mansion's veranda!

Pre-paid reservations are required for this event. For $65 per person ($60 for museum members), you'll savor a selection of loose leaf teas – including Sonnenberg's exclusive themed blend – along with scones, savories, sweets, and a complimentary glass of wine. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are available. You'll also receive free and exclusive admission to Sonnenberg Gardens from 10AM to 4PMwith your reservation; only high tea guests will be permitted on the property during the weekend. Additionally, you can enter a local raffle or take a guided tram tour of the property during your visit.

Hurd Orchards – Holley, NY (Seasonal)

Hurd Orchards offers a full schedule of beautiful themed luncheons throughout the spring, summer, and fall. If you're a fan of afternoon teas, I'd highly recommend attending one of these luncheons; it's a very similar experience (only heartier!). Of note, afternoon tea lovers might enjoy the "Classic Gooseberry Fool – An English Garden Party Luncheon" on July 17th, the Midsummer Night's Tasting on August 2nd and 3rd, "A Taste of Tart – Sweet and Savory Luncheon" on August 9th, or the Historic Hurd Orchards Luncheon on August 16th, among others.

Hurd Orchards has also been known to host a few formal teas throughout the season. Their Mother's Day tea was held back in May, and while I'm not currently seeing any others on their event schedule, I attended a scrumptious Christmas tea one year – so keep an eye out for new additions as the year progresses. They also offer u-pick fruit and have a stunning store with fresh produce, housewares, and locally made items.

The DeLand House on Main – Fairport, NY (Seasonal)

The historic DeLand House on Main in the village of Fairport is now a private event venue that also houses a secret hideaway called The Blind Pig. They host a number of events, including seasonal teas; while I have yet to experience their high teas for myself, I plan to change that this year! They host both indoor and outdoor teas throughout the year, with upcoming afternoon teas scheduled to take place on July 13th, July 27th, August 10th, September 7th, and September 21st.

For $35 per person, you'll enjoy delicious savory tea sandwiches, a variety of scones, sweet house-made desserts, and great service featuring teas from local vendor Happy Earth. Mimosas, beer, and wine are also available for purchase, with kid-friendly and dietary restriction accommodations also available upon request.

High Tea in New York State (<2 Hrs From ROC)

In doing research for this blog, I found that there are a number of promising places for high tea New York State residents and visitors can enjoy just 1-2 hours from Rochester! While I've yet to visit any of these locations myself, these spots come highly rated – and I can't wait to take a day trip to experience them myself! Here are four places to experience high tea in NY state just a short drive away.

McFarland House Tea Room – Niagara-on-the-Lake

One of two spots for high tea in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the McFarland House Tea Room is a beautiful, glass-enclosed space located on a historic 1800s property. This experience looks like it combines two of my favorite things – delicious treats and historic homes! – so I'm eager to see it for myself. The tea room is open Wednesday–Sunday from 12-5PM (last seating at 3PM), while the property itself is open for tours from 11:30AM to 5PM.

For $40 per person, the menu includes your choice of beverage, finger sandwiches, house-made scones with accompaniments, and house-made desserts. You can reserve a table on their website or by calling the tea room directly. *Both of these Niagara-on-the-Lake tea rooms are must-visits if you're seeing a Shaw Festival show!*

The Drawing Room (Prince of Wales Hotel) – Niagara-on-the-Lake

Located inside the Prince of Wales Hotel, The Drawing Room looks to provide an upscale-yet-whimsical twist on high tea. They offer both a traditional tea service each day from 11AM to 5PM, as well as an intriguing candlelight Highland tea on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5PM to 8PM (which has slightly heavier fare). The stunning hotel also features a spa and two other dining options on-site.

Traditional tea costs $55 per person and includes a section of premium tea, finger sandwiches and croissant sandwiches, assorted pastries, and scones; you can also upgrade to include a local cheese selection, and/or sparkling alcoholic beverages. There are also kid-friendly options, as well as a charcuterie-centered menu. For $65 per person, the evening Highland tea includes a choice of teas, finger sandwiches, scones, a savory steak pie served with Branson Pickle, and a cocktail.

Asa Ransom House – Clarence, NY

Asa Ransom House in Clarence (close to Buffalo, about 1 hour from Rochester) is a bed & breakfast and restaurant that looks to be perfectly quaint. The inn has three levels and also boasts an event space. While they offer dining at Adelaide's, their on-site restaurant, and offer breakfast exclusively for overnight guests, they also host afternoon tea by reservation only on Thursday and Saturday afternoons from 12–2:30PM. (They offer extended seatings for Saturday teas in December from 11:30AM–4PM.)

For $35 per person, tea room guests can enjoy a selection of tea or coffee, finger sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream and curd (or butter and jam), and a selection of desserts. Offerings change seasonally, but there's a sample menu on their site that sounds just delectable – and I imagine it would be at any time of year!

Lana's The Little House  – Forestville, NY

If you're planning a trip to Lily Dale, Fredonia, or Jamestown, you might want to make a stop in Forestville to have high tea at Lana's The Little House. (Bonus: you can actually rent a room in this storybook cottage and stay overnight – what a dream!) 

Open daily for their Tea & Tour program, you can learn about the 21-acre property, tour its rambling gardens, and enjoy your tea in the dining room for $50 per person. The service includes an unlimited selection of more than 80 blends of tea, as well as homemade scones, butter tarts, and tea sandwiches – plus live music on a baby grand piano!

Alternatives to Tea Rooms in Rochester

While there aren't an overwhelming number of options for afternoon tea in Rochester proper, there are several tea-adjacent alternatives that will wet your whistle. If you're a fan of Rochester tea experiences, you'll want to check out the other businesses on this list.

• Crumpets: A small café on Monroe Ave. specializing in English crumpets with special toppings (you can order full pots of tea, too!)
  
  
• Happy Earth Tea: A local loose tea shop in the South Wedge offering over 60 organic teas and herbal blends available for in-person or online orders
  
  
• Good Life Tea: A Canandaigua-based loose leaf tea and tea ware shop with an online storefront
  
  
• The English Rose Tea Shoppe: Take a short drive to Medina for a beautifully curated store dedicated to loose leaf tea, teabags, and tea accessories
  
  
• The Chai Guy: With locations on Park Ave. and at the Public Market, this customizable chai shop lets you choose your tea base, sweetness level, milk, and flavorings for the perfect cuppa
  
  
• Mochinut: This chain does donuts and drinks right, with unique pastry toppings and options for milk tea, matcha, thai tea, and more – for an afternoon tea experience on-the-go
  
  
• White Rabbit Dessert Experience: While technically not a tearoom Rochester purists will accept, this family-friendly local chain will satisfy your sweet tooth while providing a nice selection of loose leaf teas and hot beverages

Where's a Spot For Afternoon Tea Rochester NY Tea Lovers Should Know About?

Sadly, many places for high tea in NY and tea rooms in Rochester close after just a few years. (RIP, La-Tea-Da!) While researching for this blog post, I came across a number of Rochester tea rooms and high tea locations throughout NY state that have since closed their doors. I plan to update this post on a yearly basis, at the very least, with additional dates and need-to-know info relating to high tea Rochester NY locations. 

That being said, if I forgot your favorite spot for afternoon tea in Rochester and the surrounding areas, please leave a comment and let me know! Or if you'd like more local guides like this, reach out so I can add it to my content list. And if you go to any of these Rochester tea rooms, let me know about your experience! I love taking you along with me when I have high tea, so I hope you'll report back if you visit.

Have a tea-riffic day!

The Soubrette Brunette's 2024 Mother's Day Gift Guide

It's hard to believe, but Mother's Day is just around the corner. And since I've found myself with a bit more free time these days, I was able to put together a Mother's Day gift guide for this year! If you're looking for some last minute Mother's Day gifts or are racking your brain trying to come up with unique Mother's Day gift ideas, I've got you covered. Check out my 2024 Mother's Day gift guide below (or take a look at my previous Mother's Day gift guides for even more inspo!) to find the perfect present for the awesome mama in your life.

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. I link only to items I truly love! Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette.

Ideas for Mother's Day Gifts 2024

My Gift Guide for Mother's Day

a.  Le Creuset enameled cast iron petal braiser
b.  Kate Spade strawberry garden satchel
c.  Roar! A Collection of Mighty Women book
d.  Betsey Johnson floral pearl drop earrings
e.  Floral ceramic berry basket
f.  Earl grey tea caddy
g.  Sunflower butterfly feeder
h.  Fir + grapefruit bath bomb
i.  Flower garden vintage puzzle
j.  Colette round porcelain box
k.  Gua sha + face roller set
l.  Enamel hydrangea necklace
m.  Spring garden serving platter
n.  MacKenzie-Childs Rosy Check tea kettle
o.  MacKenzie-Childs honeycomb planter
p.  Chantilly fruit cake stand
q.  Lavender + balsam candle
r.  Bee spoon rest
s.  Glass plant mister
t.  Estee porcelain vase

I hope these Mother's Day gift ideas will get your wheels turning and help you find something your recipient will love. 

Happy shopping!

The Soubrette Brunette's 11th Blogiversary Giveaway: Garden Party Time!

It's hard to believe that another year of blogging has gone by! While I'm not nearly as active on here as I once was (working full-time, owning a home, and having several creative projects on the side will do that to you), I still cherish this space – the outfits I've shared, the friends I've made, and the opportunities that have fallen in my dressed-up lap. 

When I started this blog 11 years ago, I didn't have any idea I'd still be publishing posts more than a decade later... or that I'd be writing for a living... or that I'd be interviewed in several publications... all as a direct result of starting The Soubrette Brunette! I'm thankful I took the leap all those years ago – and that there are still folks who take time to follow along and feel inspired by my personal fashion philosophy.

Every February, I host a big "blogiversary" giveaway to commemorate the start of The Soubrette Brunette and to thank you all for your support along the way. This year is a fun and flowery one! So without further ado... it's (garden) party time!

With help from my friend Val at Sungrove Blossoms, I've really leaned into the floral theme for this year's giveaway and curated a prize package that feels like a garden party in a box! My 11th blogiversary giveaway winner will receive a beautiful, blooming bounty. Keep reading to learn what's up for grabs and how to enter the blog giveaway. 

One (1) winner will receive:

• $50 Ivy City Co. gift card (for the perfect garden party dress!)
• a dried bouquet, artisanal crackers, and Katie Daisy sticker from Sungrove Blossoms
• Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers
• vintage floral veil hat and vintage decoupaged floral purse
• lady head vase brooch by Lipstick & Chrome
• Colourpop "Heavy Petal" eyeshadow palette
• Rifle Paper Co. floral stationery set
• The Secret Garden book vase
• forget-me-not necklace
• pink tulle gloves
  
• assorted teas + other goodies

But if you want to win, you must follow all the giveaway rules below!

All giveaway participants must enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. (If you have trouble getting the widget to load, please try on desktop instead of your mobile device!)

** You MUST complete ALL REQUIRED ENTRIES EXACTLY AS WRITTEN to be eligible to win. I do and will disqualify folks who fail to follow directions, so triple-check to make sure you've completed all necessary entries! **

This giveaway is open worldwide and will close on 11:59 PM (EST) on Sunday, February 11th, 2024. One (1) giveaway winner will be chosen at random through the widget and contacted via email; no other platforms will be used to contact winners for this giveaway. Remember to include a valid email address in your blog post comment (btw, I'll never use your email address for any other purpose!). Anonymous commenters must identify themselves clearly so I can contact them. The contacted winner must respond to my email within 48 hours of message receipt or a new winner will be chosen. Once confirmed, the winner will be displayed via the widget. 

This giveaway is hosted and sponsored by The Soubrette Brunette, with generous contributions from Sungrove Blossoms. No other brands or businesses represented in this giveaway's prize selection are associated with or have contributed to the giveaway. Note that in the event of stock or availability issues, comparable prize selections may be made.

Now that you've read the rules, you can enter the giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway Thank you for ALL your support and best of luck!

My Favorite Puff Sleeve Cottagecore Dress: The Abercrombie & Fitch Emerson Dress

In case you're not following me on Instagram or TikTok, you might not know that my go-to dress these days is the Emerson puff sleeve midi dress from Abercrombie & Fitch. If you're a fellow millennial, you may bristle at the mention of A&F... but they've done a massive overhaul in recent years (both in terms of style AND sizing). While there are still some styles that don't really fit my aesthetic, they've come out with some beautiful items within the last couple of years (which tend to sell out really quickly) – the Emerson dress among them.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links, but is NOT sponsored. 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. I link only to items I truly love! Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette.

Click to watch my latest Abercrombie try-on haul

This particular dress has become such a staple for me that I now own it in about 10 different colors and patterns. I wear it for everything from picnics to auditions; it really is that good. It looks great on EVERYONE I've seen wear it and it's pretty forgiving in terms of sizing. I actually wear a medium in this dress and it fits perfectly (so it does run a bit big!); it also comes in petite and tall versions, which is really nice. Abercrombie just came out with about 20 new colorways in this dress, so I went a little crazy with my most recent order and added 4 new versions to my already overflowing closet. I posted a new Emerson dress try-on haul video on both IG and TT so you can see my choices IRL (so to speak), but you can also check out my picks below. 

Lemon print Emerson dress   |   Strawberry print Emerson dress   |   
Black and white polka dot puff sleeve dress   |   Striped puff sleeve Emerson dress

FYI, sizes in this popular dress are already selling or sold out, so don't wait to order if you've got your eye on one! I wanted to put all the links to this dress in one accessible place so they're easy to find. They're actually 15% off as I'm writing this, too!! Here are a few more patterns and colors that I love:

1    |   2   |   3   |   4

Shop all of Abercrombie's Emerson dresses here

Comment and tell me: Where's your favorite place to find cottagecore dresses?

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1. fundamental rights ornament
2. mediocre white man mug
3. don't tell me to smile sticker
4. 365 days of women-spiration calendar
5. joy is an act of resistance print
6. all bodies are good bodies sweatshirt
7. boyfriends are a social construct candle
8. iconic women bookends
9. "never a dress" color changing mug
10. fragile masculinity pin
11. Mary Poppins "rather stupid" pin
12. Wordslut book
13. Girl dinner sweatshirt
14. powerful women affirmation deck
15. fuck the patriarchy keychain

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.

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!

Black Friday 2023: What's in My Cart + Black Friday Coupon Codes!

Another Black Friday has arrived! Of course, I have to share some things I've been eyeing – and a HUGE list of Black Friday coupon codes for you to take advantage of. Take a look at what's in my Black Friday 2023 shopping cart and be sure to scroll down to find some great discounts before you place any orders! I'll be updating this post as more info comes in, so check back if you don't see your favorites listed.

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) at no cost to you. I link only to items and brands I genuinely love. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

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2023 Black Friday Deals and Discounts

Black Friday Coupon Codes for My Favorite Brands

Abercrombie & Fitch: 25% off everything
Aerie: 40% off the Aerie collection + new deals all week
Aerosoles: 25% off sitewide
Anthropologie: 30% off + an extra 40% off sale items
ASOS: up to 80% off almost everything
April Cornell: up to 50% off
Ava Gowns: 30% off with code BF2023
ban.do: 35% off everything with code GOBIG
Betsey Johnson: 35% off sitewide with code BABE
Box Lunch: 30% off sitewide + up to 50% off cyberbuster deals
British Retro: 15% off everything with code BLACK15
Buffbunny: up to 80% off sitewide
Chelsea Crew: 15% off orders $150+, 20% off orders $200+, 25% off orders $250+
Chronicle Books: 25% off with code CBFAM
Claire's: 50% off almost everything
Coach Outlet: up to 70% off + an extra 25% off everything
Collectif: up to 60% off hundreds of styles
Colourpop Cosmetics: 30% off sitewide + extra deals
Dolls Kill: 40% off everything with code PARTY
Erstwilder: 30% off 100s of designs + bonus gift with orders $100+ (AUD)
Girlfriend Collective: 30% off sitewide + up to 60% off select styles
GOODAFTERNINE: 25% off sitewide
Heart of Haute: 25% off sitewide
Hill House: 30% off with code EVERYTHING30
Hollister: 40% off everything
Hot Topic: 30-50% off sitewide
Irregular Choice: up to 40% off select styles
Ivy City Co: up to 75% off (+ get an extra 15% off with code SAMMI15)
J.Crew: 50% off almost everything
J.Crew Factory: 50-70% off sitewide
JessaKae: 40% off sitewide
Joanie Clothing: 40% off everything
Kate Gabrielle/Sweet and Lovely: 25% off all pins, patches, and ornaments with code PEPPERMINT
Kate Spade: up to 50% off select items + extra 25% off new markdowns with code BFPREVIEW
Kate Spade Outlet: up to 70% off + extra 25% off with code SAVE25
Katie Daisy/The Wheatfield: 20% off everything
Katy Perry Collections: 40% off sitewide
Kitten D'Amour: up to 70% off select items
La Femme en Noir: 35% off sitewide with code BACKTOBLACK
Lulu's: 20% off sitewide with code BFSALE
Lulu Guinness: 30% off almost everything + extra 10% off with code EXTRA10
Luxulite: 15% off orders £30+ with code SHOPSMALL
Madewell: 40% off your purchase with code LETSGO
Miss Candyfloss: 35% off almost everything with code BWMC35%
ModCloth: 30% off full-price styles with code FULL30 + 40% off sale items
Modern Millie: 15% off sitewide
Old Navy: 50% off everything
Out of Print: Buy 1 get 1 free t-shirts
Packed Party: 35% off everything with code SANTA35
Pigment: 20% off
Pippi Post: 30% off with code BLACKFRIDAY30
Pottery Barn: up to 50% off select items*
The Pretty Dress Company: 30% off with code BLACK30
Princess Highway: 20-60% off sitewide
Pusheen Shop: 15% off sitewide
Quirks!: BOGO all Erstwilder + Lipstick and Chrome with code BLACKFRIDAY
Red Dress Boutique: 30% off with code BF30 + doorbuster deals
Retrolicious: 30% off sitewide
Retrospec'd: 30% off almost everything
Rifle Paper Company: 30% off everything
Samantha Pleet: 25% off with code MAGIC
Selkie: 7 days of sales (sign up for emails for further info)
Sephora: up to 50% off Cyber Week deals
ShopDisney: up to 50% off sitewide with code GIFT
Silverwind: 40% off everything with code HAPPY40
Sister Jane: 30% off everything
Sourpuss Clothing: 30% off everything with code BLACK
Steady Clothing: 25% off sitewide with code HOLIDAY23
Tarte: 30% off everything + free shipping with code CYBERSZN
Tatyana: 55% off everything + free gift with code BF23
Timeless London: up to 50% off your order
Too Faced: 30% off sitewide + 50% off fan favorites
Torrid: 50% off everything + free shipping
Trashy Diva: 30% off sitewide
Trixie Cosmetics: 30% off sitewide
Ulta: get $10 off $40+ purchase with code THANKS23 plus up to 50% off Black Friday deals
Unique Vintage: 30% off everything sitewide + daily cyber deals
Vans: 30% off sitewide
Vendula London: up to 60% off select items
Vixen by Micheline Pitt: 35% off sitewide with code BACKTOBLACK
Wax Poetic Clothing: 35% off in-stock items and 15% off pre-orders with code PAINTITBLACK
World Market: 20-30% off Black Friday deals

Happy Shopping!