111: Treasure trunks & memory boxes, cozy-chic athleisure to live in, a four-photo locket & themed journals for everyone on your list
Gifts they need & gifts they want—and much of it is still on sale tonight
Welcome to Two Truths, a bestselling newsletter & media brand exploring the many truths of motherhood from journalists & maternal health advocates Cassie Shortsleeve & Kelsey Haywood Lucas of Motherspeak. Two Truths is rooted in the healing & affirming principle that two (or more) things can be true. It’s a “best parenting Substack” per Motherly and The Skimm says you should subscribe; also seen in Today, Fast Company, Vox, The Bump, Popsugar & more.
When you’re a parent, the holidays quickly become all about the kids (hence why we kicked off our gift guide series with picks for children—see here for the toys, outfit essentials and accessories our kids love most right now; see here for heirloom-worthy pieces and books they’ll treasure forever).
But if it’s gifts for grown-ups you’re seeking—for friends, in-laws, teachers, or yes, yourself—these are some of the favorite things we’re eyeing, adding to cart, or gifting with joy.
In related news: If holiday cards are on your to-do list, we’re sending these again this year. There are many beautiful options to choose from, you have the ability to work with a designer to double-check your work (key), and they’re currently 50% off (sale ends tomorrow, btw). Give yourself the gift of not overthinking things, too: Pick a great design (this was Kelsey’s from last year) and drop in a shot from your favorites folder. Done! And while you’re at it, frame the photo for yourself and others (and there’s another gift checked off your list).
» By the way, we’re now on ShopMy—keep up with us, and all of your favorite links, there.
—Cassie & Kelsey
Something they want
Picking up this flask/tumbler set (which keeps drinks or spirits hot or cold for 24 hours) for anyone who likes to cocktail/firepit/toast on the go. —Cassie
For any creative soul: This instructional watercolor workbook—available in themes from gardening to florals to animals to camping—is a simple and beautiful gift with a focus for everyone on your list. Pairs perfectly with this palette.
I recently stayed at a hotel (Four Seasons Orlando) that had this hairdryer in its spa; it took my dry time from 45 minutes down to 15. —C
I gift an elegant, freestanding photo calendar to loved ones each year—and it’s always a hit. —Kelsey
The first time my husband ever commented on how great a set of sheets felt? It was because of this “hotel-style” set. —K
Bring back personalized stationery. Chic!
Something they need
This hair brand promises to perform for all hair types: This hair mask is a savior for frizzy or damaged hair (the same goes for this shampoo and conditioner, plus this detangler). They also sell mini sets perfect for gifting.
A utilitarian but lovely gift: My family appreciates looking at our weekly plans on this tabletop calendar, and I love the way it looks sitting on our kitchen windowsill. (Also love that it’ll become an instant keepsake of our lives once it’s all filled up.) —K
Another note on calendars: I’ve done quite a lot of research, and this is by far my favorite annual agenda for planning, plotting, and jotting of all kinds. (My analog planners are typically a mix of brainstorming, to-do lists, memories I want to archive, and a record of things that happened.) There are endless covers to choose from: the important part is that you choose a “spiral 2026 weekly planner” to get the format I love most, which has one spread per week plus monthly planning pages. —K
These toiletry bags are under $100, come in tons of colors and two different sizes, and will be a welcome upgrade for any traveler in your life.
One of those things you often don’t think about until it’s too late: Luggage so thoughtfully designed that it actually makes traveling easier and more enjoyable. (This 3-piece set will cover anyone for any kind of trip—I’m going with black for my husband, but eyeing the chocolate brown for myself.) —K
Helpful apps: A subscription to this comprehensive meditation and mindfulness hub is affordable, thoughtful, and easy to do at the last minute; this one is particularly helpful for sleep (see the company’s “sleep stories”).
Something to wear
Loving these comfy shearling navy slippers (that come in men’s and women’s!) for something cozy this season.
Speaking of shoes, who doesn’t love new sneakers? These have been my go-to as of late to get back into running; they’re lightweight yet supportive, and the brand (backed by Roger Federer) offers many styles (for men and women) for everything from walking and weights to tennis. —C
This new brand offers Italian luxury without the luxury markup: Each bag is crafted in Italy using the same high-performance nylon, supple leathers, and suedes found in iconic bags from Prada and other top heritage houses. This one is a new favorite for everyday use and could also be your new diaper bag. —C
For the guys in your life, this brand aces athleisure in all of its forms and has great everyday and workwear, too.
For something fancy: I’m wishlisting this fringed wool-blend coat from Dôen. —C
For someone who lives in leggings, these lined versions are an upgrade and buttery soft (they come with a matching top too). —C
Is it just me, or do guys look extra good in quarter-zip sweaters?! Give this to the husband, brother, dad, or friend who needs something polished but cozy and 100% cotton. —K
Two words: Luxurious. Pajamas.
Something to treasure
This holiday memory book provides a beautiful space to record family traditions and memories, store holiday cards, fill out journal prompts together, and more.
Need more space to stash special somethings? This 2-in-1 keepsake box with a built-in scalloped tray looks beautiful atop a dresser or side table; inside, you can store treasured items. This tray turns it into a jewelry box.
Display photos, ticket stubs, love notes, jewelry—and any other ephemera—in this gorgeous shadow box. (Love the idea of gifting this to a loved one with a bunch of special memories already inside and ready to hang.)
Presenting the locket of my dreams: It’s solid gold with a diamond star and holds not two but four photos. (This four-photo feature is available in other styles, too, including plated versions.) —K
You know that wonderful nostalgic feeling of getting something thoughtful and handwritten in the mail? You can gift that feeling to a loved one (again and again each month) with this ‘Poem Postcard Club’—a hand-addressed labor of love from one of my favorite poets. The vibes are so good. —K
“You get a journal! And you get a journal! And YOU get a journal!” —Me, in my Oprah voice, to my family members. Here’s one for recipes, one for travel memories, one for reading, one for gratitude, and one for wellness. —K
These sturdy trunks are gorgeous and customizable—with your name or initials, plus color and fabric of your choice. (Sizes range from petite to grand.) Inside, store your most treasured items for safekeeping: photo albums, cards and letters, baby memorabilia, and more.
Up next:
Our next gift guide is somewhat of an anti-gift guide: It’s dedicated to experiences that become memories, no rush shipping required. Subscribe here so you never miss an issue. ❍
Recent reads…
🎁 Gift guide #1: 37+ gift ideas approved by our kids
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⏰ Happier wake-ups, your soft new mom uniform & a viral spider saver
✨ Nostalgia in motherhood, plus: How to sleep better in every stage of parenthood
👶🏻 No more mom guilt, the push to breed super-babies & the gift of childfree friends
🧴 Easy kids’ snacks, $6 tees & the best sunscreen we’ve ever used
🤰🏽 The FDA met to discuss SSRIs in pregnancy; chaos & confusion ensued. Here’s what to know.
😴 “Sleep when the baby sleeps”: Maternal gaslighting or essential advice?
💭 Maternal desire: The missing element of mental health for mothers
😴 13 ways we’re making bedtime better
💯 How I read 100+ books in the last year as a work-from-home mom (part 2, free with no paywall!)
📚 18 brilliant books about motherhood & 25 questions to bring you closer to your mom
🤰🏽 70 affirmations to use in labor and birth
✨ Thanks for reading & thank you for supporting this work (done between naps, after bedtimes, and before school pickups). Hit the heart button to tell us you enjoyed this issue, share it on social media (don’t forget to tag @twotruthsmotherhood on IG), or forward it to a friend. We appreciate you. —Cassie and Kelsey
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Resources and Support For Maternal Mental Health
Emergency assistance is available 24/7 at 911
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA or 1-833-852-6262) provides access to a trained counselor 24/7 and is available in Spanish and English
Postpartum Support International provides educational resources on PMADs, free support groups, webinars, advanced trainings for providers, and more
Postpartum Support International’s provider directory includes a list of thousands of trained professionals organized by state
The Motherhood Center offers counseling, support groups, and webinars
The Postpartum Stress Center offers educational resources, counseling, a referral list of trained providers, and advanced training for providers
SUPPORT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH WITH POSTPARTUM SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL (PSI). PSI is a global champion for perinatal mental health that connects individuals and families to the resources and support needed to give them the strongest and healthiest start possible. Visit postpartum.net for information on perinatal mental health disorders, access to 30+ free, online support groups, an online provider directory, the PSI HelpLine, local support coordinators, a perinatal mental health discussion tool, specialized support resources, and more. Call the PSI HelpLine toll-free at 1-800-944-4773 for basic information, support, and resources. Support via text message is also available at 800-944-4773 (English) and 971-203-2773 (Español). Remember: You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.
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