Thinking Small
Make a big impact with three petite treasures sure to make anyone smile.
It’s the little things that make all the difference. The smaller gestures, victories and moments of connection with those we care about. The finer details that help us see the bigger picture and the beauty it holds. Sentimentality and consideration over grandeur and spectacle. Too often, the little things get overlooked, but they’re often the ones we remember most later on. We stress about the bigger things when it’s those smaller moments of joy in between that inspire and sustain us. Blink and you might miss them.
Whether they’re last-minute gifts or something to tuck inside a stocking, this week’s three picks prove good things do come in small packages. And if you still have more people to buy for, be sure to revisit my three main gift guides here: Beauty, Fashion and Home.
Hang in there—the holiday shopping finish line is in sight.
1. Saie Liquid Lip Balm (£14)
Ask anyone what their most common impulse purchase is and I bet it’s lip balm. Mine too, and this one from Saie is one of my favorites. At first, I thought referring to it as a “gloss/balm hybrid” was just some silly marketing, but the texture really is just that. You get the sheen of a gloss and the deep hydration of a balm without any stickiness. With a milky pink hue, it enhances your natural lip color and can be used on top of any lipstick. Launched in 2019, Saie was founded by Laney Crowell, a former beauty editor and executive who I bet has tried more than her fair share of lip balms.
2. Gorjana 14k Gold Alphabet Necklace ($195)
I like jewelry that’s delicate. I also like personalized gifts. This minimal necklace with a single block letter from Gorjana gets top marks in both areas. Available in 14k gold on a 15" chain with a 2" extender, it’s elegant on its own but also perfect for layering with other chains or a longer necklace with a pendant. Gorjana and Jason Griffin Reidel started the line in 2004 in Laguna Beach, California, creating elegant designs that feel luxurious but are suitable for daily wear. Charity is also a big part of their brand, which makes this a gift with extra heart behind it.
3. NEOM Wellbeing Pod Mini Diffuser (£50)
I enjoy the scent of essential oils, but traditional diffusers are a pain. They have to be constantly filled with water and get covered with gross buildup if you neglect them for too long. This bitty diffuser, however, from London-born NEOM Organics (founded by Nicola Elliott) is far more convenient. Pop a full bottle of your preferred essential oil into the diffuser and it uses cold diffusion technology to release a fine mist of fragrance without H2O. Compact and battery powered with a USB charger, it will feel right at home on a desk, in a car cup holder or set up in your hotel room.
Something to think about …
I talk about recycling old clothing a lot on MIDDI. I love to shop, but I want to be a more sustainable shopper, which is why I love companies like Thrift+. What sets them apart is that when you sell a used item through their platform, you can send your earnings to the charity of your choice. Two good deeds in one.