Let’s start with a little history. The tradition of gift giving has many origins and is believed to have started with our earliest ancestors.The history of holiday gifts is rooted in a combination of pagan and Christian traditions, and has evolved over time:
Pagan rituals
Gift-giving may have originated with pagan rituals that took place during the winter.
Cavemen
Early humans may have given gifts like animal teeth or unusual rocks to strengthen social connections.
Celtic Druids
The Druids would distribute mistletoe, which they considered magical, to people.
Romans
The Romans would exchange gifts during the Saturnalia holiday, which took place in December or early January. Gifts included candles, dolls, capons, cheese, fruits, oranges, lemons, and nutmegs.
Christianity
The tradition of gift-giving was associated with Christmas after Christianity incorporated pagan rituals into the holiday. The story of the Magi giving gifts to baby Jesus was used to justify the practice of gift-giving.
Saint Nicholas
The life of Saint Nicholas, a 4th century Christian bishop who was known for giving gifts, influenced the tradition of gift-giving. Saint Nicholas is the origin of the name "Santa Claus".
Omiyage
In Japan, the tradition of omiyage involves bringing back gifts for friends and family after a trip. The term translates to "local product" and the practice dates to when pilgrims would bring back religious tokens from Shinto shrines.
Gift guides are a retail tool that help customers choose gifts during the holidays. They are typically digital but can also be printed and mailed. The purpose of gift guides is to make the shopping experience easier and faster, which can increase sales.
As part of our goal in writing Momo’s List is to review products and recommend the products that make our ‘List’. Hopefully the products listed here are a gentle reminder of what we have shared before with some new items and hope this assist you with your gift purchases.
But for the first company setting the gold standard in gift giving category is the Christmas Book from Neiman Marcus. They have since renamed it Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gifts Ideas for 2024 – in pursuit of the extraordinary. Price ranges from $20,000 to $1.9 million. Great to at least view and dream.
‘Neiman Marcus has quietly removed the word “Christmas” from its iconic, 98-year-old annual gift catalog – and some company insiders gripe that the stealthy switch smacks of woke politics, The Post has learned. The swanky retailer didn't specifically discuss the pivot in a press release last week.’
Oct 24, 2024
Ginori 1735 – Fine Porcelain Experience for $90,000 from the Fantasy Catalog
Now for practical affordable items….
Oxygen Boost Oxygen Boost (4 lbs.) boosts the power of the Concentrate for tough cleaning jobs. It evens removes blood. I subscribe to a plan where a package of this is delivered monthly. You must clean your clothes and would be a welcome gift to anyone. Read their story and it will also win you over. They have starter sets as well.
Give the gift of cozy this holiday season. Cozy Earth started with the bamboo sheet collection that guarantees a restful night’s sleep. Their one-of-a-kind products help you finally find sanctuary and enhance your favorite times of day. Powered by purpose & quality you can really feel. Bamboo sheets plus other related items such as throws, PJ’s, robes and towels plus more.
In talking with the Founder and CEO, Tyler Howells, he is offering a 45% off coupon for the next 30 days.
Please use this coupon code: LUCY6181
Curated gifts and personalized products. For the list maker on your holiday ‘list’ notepads with a variety of headers. Here again they have an array of other unique products.
One of my favorite puzzles for several reasons. Each puzzle is made up of whimsy wood pieces, made in Boulder, artist supported, and they have puzzle a piece replacement program. The puzzle above is from Dr. Seuss, Every Who Down in Who-ville Liked Christmas a Lot.
Took one of the best cooking classes recently at the Rockport Art Center. Chef Steve McHugh of Cured taught the class. Cured which is a Contemporary American restaurant located in the vibrant Pearl District of San Antonio, TX. The restaurant's name honors Chef Steve McHugh’s triumphant battle against cancer and highlights the artisanal cured meats that form the basis of his menu. A six-time James Beard Award finalist, McHugh's culinary journey began on a small farm in Wisconsin and flourished during a lively decade in New Orleans. This path eventually brought him to San Antonio, where, inspired by his recovery from lymphoma, he opened Cured. His culinary philosophy emphasizes the use of pure, regional ingredients and hands-on, unprocessed techniques that reflect his healing journey. The result is a seasonally inspired menu featuring a variety of cured delights, from charcuterie to dry aged steaks. Gift card perhaps or a day trip adventure treat.
His cookbook is the best with cookbook critic Paula Forbes
Outstanding in the Field was founded by Jim Denevan in 1999 as a radical alternative to the conventional dining experience. Rather than source ingredients for a restaurant, they bring their restaurant to the source. They connect diners to the origins of their food while celebrating the hardworking hands that feed us: chefs, farmers, fisherpeople, cheesemakers, vintners, brewers and many more. They are honored to have welcomed some of the world’s most renowned chefs and culinary artisans to join us and cook in their field kitchen.
Their roving restaurant without walls is rebuilt every morning and disappears every night. It is a momentary experience and a joyful celebration of human connection. Together we gather at one long table to share the most fundamental and universal human conversation: a meal.
I have always wanted to join in on the fun. A fun trip with a friend!
PACKED WITH HORSERADISH – Made with fresh-ground horseradish root, the dazzling taste of this cocktail sauce is unlike any other. Balanced with a refreshing tomato paste and hints of lemon, the St. Elmo Cocktail Sauce shocks senses and delights the palate.
St Elmo Steak House Cocktail Sauce
ProKeeper+ Storage Containers - Set of 5 Organize that pantry! The best hands down.
Wrote about this a few weeks ago but it is a perfect gift item because it works. The Magic of Magnesium Restorative wellness for body and mind
“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more. H. Jackson Brown Jr.. The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.
Happy shopping!