Mini-Holiday Gift Guide

The oft-repeated question throughout the year whether it be a birthday, anniversary or holiday gifting is - what on earth do you get the person (or yourself) who has everything materially or otherwise?

These recommendations seek to answer that question. No affiliate links. Enjoy the below.

1. A Hästens Mattress aka the “The Birkin Bag of Beds”

You may know this brand from Drake; he bought the mattress into mainstream knowledge by buying the Grand Vividus Mattress in 2020. (Forbes article link)

Earlier this year, my husband and I indulged in a “nap study” at the Hästens store in Chicago. We arrived & changed into our pajamas to take a nap to find our ideal mattress. We fell in love with the adjustable mattress, which is ideal for my husband’s asthma issues and for my back, as I have a spinal fusion (since 2003).

Hästens was founded in 1852 by Pehr Janson, a saddle-maker with a vision for the future of horsehair (the current CEO, Jan Ryde, is his great-great-grandson. Mattresses range from $10,000-$1,000,000.

Want to experience something longer than a nap before you invest? A couple of hotels that offer the Hästens sleep system are the Thompson Dallas, Cervo in Zermatt Switzerland, the Langham in London & others.

For a complete list - check out this link. 

Unable to gift someone a mattress? Check out the pillows + accessories instead

2. Svalinn Family Protection Dog (linked)

Whether at home in the suburbs, country, or city, Svalinn dogs are the ultimate protection dog trained to be family-friendly. Unheard of. The dogs are a mix of German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, and Belgian Malinois. Svalinn sells twenty adult dogs a year. Each dog costs $150,000, and they are custom-trained to adapt to you and your family. Another type of training is uniquely for executive protection—great for traveling to war-torn countries for work.

This is a separate operation from the German Shepherds that are trained by monks. 

3. 1 of 1 Menu at The Modern’s Kitchen Table Experience

If you are like me, you LOVE 1 of 1 experiences.

That’s why this experience from the Modern, a two-star Michelin restaurant in midtown Manhattan (in the Museum of Modern Art and around the corner from the University Club of New York) is on the list.

Why it’s unique - unlike other “chef tables” this experience has a unique menu (7-14 courses, if you are short on time you can further limit it) in that all the dishes except the first one are not on the dining room menu. The dishes you will experience are presented to you by senior and junior chefs alike and are in the final stages of being in “R&D.”

At the end of your meal you will get to have a photo with the chef team and a couple of unique take-home items.

If you have trouble securing a date, send me a note and I will likely be able to secure something for you even if on relatively short notice (less than two weeks)

Give the gift of the Modern

4. Spa Week Retreat at Solage Auberge in Calistoga

Many of you know that Hotel Bel Air is my all-time favorite hotel and spa in the United States.

However, The Solage Auberge exceeds that of Hotel Bel Air as the best hotel + spa + dining + experience vacation I’ve had in the United States.

I've been blessed to stay at Solage several times, and it's on my wishlist and recommendation for a vacation (instead of a work trip stay)—Solage is the "bee's knees."

Not only is there a Michelin restaurant on site, but the spa is truly exceptional with FIVE pools for post-treatment (magnesium, cold plunge, hot plunge, mineral, salt-water, and another one that I cannot recall).

There is also a Mud Bar & Bath House that takes you on a delightful sensory journey. As much as possible, go tech-free, connect with God, yourself, and your spouse (or significant other), and truly relax—your colleagues, LPs, and clients will thank you for taking a true break. Due to its location in Calistoga, it is very close to top wineries, vineyards, tasting rooms, and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Notable alternatives in the United States include Blackberry Farm and The Inn at Little Washington (an exceptional journey even with no spa).

Gift a retreat via these links. Solage - The Inn at Little Washington

5. Get fitted by Brunello Cucinelli’s personal tailor (ladies + gentlemen)

My husband experienced this earlier this year, he said it was akin to going to Savile row. They keep your measurements as well so no matter where in the world you go, you can get a suit for leisure or work on short notice.

Ladies can also get fitted for custom gowns or professional wear.

How to experience: Not something you can ask for - it was offered to me when I was shopping last year at Christmas and Brunello’s personal tailor was only there for one day. Long shot - ask the GM of the store if this is possible - you may have to fly to New York or Italy to experience this (my husband did it in Chicago) but you should ask.

Want to visit Solomeo (the HQ)? Check out this article for the details.

Keep Gratitude Near & Dear During the Holiday Season - Gratitude Exercise

Looking for a way to increase your gratitude? End each day with saying 10 things you are thankful for (even and especially if you do not feel like it)

examples: being thankful for a particular work call, waking up in the morning, a smooth commute, for obstacles that give you the opportunity to practice patience & family related moments.

Thank You

Thank you for reading! - If you loved this, please share with a friend or two via this shareable link

Other lists I plan on releasing next year are a top 15 list of spas, honey-moon experiences to gift, top 20 restaurants list, anniversary gifts & birthday gifts.

Remember to Dare Greatly, your Dream is Necessary - when you don’t dare greatly, you rob the world of your light.

I invite you to check out my podcast on Spotify and now available on Apple Podcasts (linked in bold).

Warmly,

Elena