2021 SMT Gift Guide
One of my favorite parts of giving a gift is after the recipient opens it. I wait a beat and, whenever possible, offer up whatever little extra thought is behind it. “This is the perfumer to the Queen!” or “Kate loves this lipstick!” or “Remember when Meghan wore these flats on her pre-royal Instagram days?” It feels like an inside secret and makes the gift feel so special.
I’ve done my best to bring that same energy to the 2021 SMT Gift Guide. I hope you enjoy perusing this list as as much as I enjoyed putting it together.
xx, Elizabeth
Note: Nothing in here is sponsored or a paid placement. Some of these links are affiliate links, which means that if you shop here I may get a small commission. Thank you for supporting SMT!
Dress Like a Duchess
Links to the exact items that your favorites swear by
These velvet Birdies are another of Meghan’s wardrobe staples. So lux and so comfortable, too. (Check out the glitter one!)
She pulled it out of her purse at Wimbledon and it’s been a cult-favorite ever since.
This California-based brand is small and sustainable. I have a bag of theirs and absolutely love it.
Both Meghan and Kate have sported Vejas on multiple occasions, proving these are a true favorite.
The sustainable style from Rothy’s (made from water bottles!) that Meghan has had in her closet for years.
Sovereign Souvenirs
Royal-inspired gifts, fit for a queen!
The Queen will mark 70 years on the throne next February. Start the celebrations early!
Jennifer Vallez makes the sweetest royal drawings, I love her desk calendar. Note: These are for pre-order.
Fortnum & Mason holds a royal warrant, making them the Queen’s official tea supplier. This blend goes back to King Edward VII!
Remember the romance (and swoon over all the dresses!) with this beautiful wall art from Etsy.
Lady Glencoe, is that you? Support the Scottish Highlands with a plot that gives you title, too.
Royal Reads
The books you want on your coffee table — if possible, find them at your local bookstore!
Small Business Shoutout
Brands founded and beloved by the SMT Instagram community
Nicole shared Modern Theory, an AAPI-owned California clean candle brand. “Current fav is Cinque Terre, which smells like fig trees.”
Anna recommends Odin Leather Goods, a BIPOC-owned brand near Fort Worth, Texas: “Excellent customer service and craftsmanship.” I love this belt bag!
Erin owns a small, boutique wine brand called Dogwood & Thistle with her husband. This set of four bottles is the perfect sampler!
Christina recommends the flour sack dish towels from Kei and Molly Textiles, which creates jobs for immigrants and refugees near Albuquerque .This assortment is beyond!
Meghan invested in this SoCal drink brand last year, and Oprah picked it as one of her favorite things.
Alice founded GoodSteps to help those who are food insecure, donating 20% of the price of every product to MANA Nutrition and the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
Order your fave letters and stick ‘em where you want ‘em (I’ve got mine on my phone case).
Elizabeth’s Picks
My tried and true (and talked about!) favorites, the things I wear and love everyday
Floris London holds the royal warrant to Her Majesty the Queen! Use code EH15 for 15% off your first purchase.
If you’ve held out this long, I admire your restraint! But if you’re tempted: the navy is a great starter shade.
The foundation (pun intended!) to my three-minute makeup routine. Dewy primer, tinted moisturizer, and SPF in one perfect package.
My friend Hitha Palepu wrote this incredible book that is one part biography and one part advice guide.
Size down and it’ll still be plenty roomy. It comes in six colors, I chose HRH blue.
This is lash-changing stuff! Separates, lengthens, and adds volume without clumps. And under $20.
My Wish List
What I’m asking for this holiday season.
I’ve heard amazing things about LAKE Pajamas, and gave been eyeing their new robes (in HRH blue!)
Remember this MOBama gem? It’s by a Black, female-owned LA jewelry maker! You can choose any letters.
Nothing gets me motivated like a new day planner! Emily Ley’s Simplified brand makes gorgeous ones.
Pearls will always remind me of the Queen (+ Kamala!). These climbers are subtle but interesting.
Lauren Bush Lauren’s FEED brand was a favorite of Meghan’s pre-royal days. This holiday, it’s aiming to provide one million meals to those in need.
Three special scents (with handpicked petals) by The Yukon Soaps Company, an Indigenous-owned brand
Ever since I tried Parachute sheets this summer, I’ve had my eye on this starter set. They are lovely!