For many of us,the way things are nowhas started to feel...somewhat normal. But for first responders, things are still very much not normal. There's no time for garden focaccia orbanana bread, no Dalgona coffee or scallions sprouting on the windowsill to share on Instagram.
There are a lot of doctors in my family—and during this pandemic, five of them are first responders. No amount of nice cookware or luxurious hand balm is going to be enough of a thank you to them, or anyone who is risking their health right now to take care of us. But that doesn't mean sending a great thank you gift hasn't been the endless topic of family text threads of late. Here are some of the small luxuries we considered as gifts, things the highly practical first responders we know wouldn't buy for themselves but would very much love to receive. Maybe the first responders among your friends and family will love them, too.
A Beautiful Baking Dish for the Eventual Day Off Baking Project
Staub Baking Dish
This charming turquoise baking dish is the perfect size for summer crumble.
A Refreshing Body Scrub For When Caffeine Alone Isn't Cutting It
Malin + Goetz Peppermint Scrub
When I asked a cousin who's been on the front lines at a San Francisco hospital throughout the outbreak what luxury gift she would want, she admitted that she's been splurging on luxe bath products. This refreshing scrub is a savior for anyone battling dry skin, thanks to both amino acids and gritty pumice. The bright minty smell is a great pick-me-up for sleep-deprived first responders.
Endless Coffee for Endless Shifts
Trade Coffee Co. Subscription
Compression Socks They'll Never Want to Take Off
Comrad Compression Socks, Set of 3
Yes, socks. Compression socks are beloved by anyone on their feet constantly: hospital workers, chefs, mail and delivery people, athletes. This knee high set from Comrad is functional without being ugly—something that seems to be nearly impossible in the compression world.
A Salad Bowl So Pretty They'll Want to Cook
Farmhouse Pottery Turned Beechwood Painted Wooden Bowl
A thin layer of purple-tinged slate takes this 15-inch salad bowl out of garden variety acacia territory.
A Low Maintenance Herb Garden For Very Busy People
The Smart Garden 3
One thing that I can say with confidence is not on the top of nearly any first responder's mind: tending to an herb garden. This unbelievably low maintenance herb garden means a sprinkle of fresh basil or mint is actually possible, even for the busiest amongst us.
A Tea Pot That Elevates the Morning Cuppa
Degrenne Salam Insulated Teapot
A Bougie Hot Sauce That's Worth the Money
Truff Hot Sauce
I thought a truffle hot sauce just wouldn't be worth it. Oh man, was I wrong. This umami-rich hot sauce is worth every penny…but, still, it sure is nicer to have someone else buy it for you.
A Winning Waffle Maker for the Rare Lazy Sunday
All-Clad Stainless-Steel 4-Square Belgian Waffle Maker
A Reusable Bag They'll Actually Carry
Standard Baggu Shopping Bag
A Baggu is the perfect reusable bag for busy people (especially busy city people). It’s small enough to fold into a pocket or the bottom of a purse, and weighs next to nothing—meaning no more forgetting both the grocery list and the grocery bags at home.
