Giving Meaningful Holiday Gifts
Is it just me, or are the people I really WANT to get gifts for — the friends and family that are so important to me — always the hardest to find? I know it’s the thought that counts, but I just want to give something I know they will love!! Over the years I’ve found a fool-proof formula for creating the perfect gift for my loved ones:
Tradition + Memory = Meaningful Holiday Gift
My Bubby started the tradition of giving MacKenzie-Childs over 30 years ago for my mom’s first ever Mother’s Day when I was born. Since my Bubby passed, I have carried on that tradition. This year for the holidays, I’m combining this long term family tradition with the gift of memories. Last summer I organized a photoshoot for my family when we were in Hood, Oregon (our favorite place in the whole world, IYKYK) and for Hanukkah this year I’ve printed out a few of our favorite shots from that day and framed them in these gorgeous hide frames from the MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Collection. The Courtly Check is my absolute favorite MacKenzie-Childs collection. It’s the coolest mix of classic and modern, which makes it easy to carry on a tradition for the last 30 years (and hopefully 30+ more!)
My Bubby also passed down her banana cake recipe, which has been a tradition in my family as long as anyone can remember. This cake is the epitome of home — any time I’m home for the holidays or anyone comes to visit, without fail, the smell of banana cake in the oven greets you before you even open the front door. To celebrate this tradition and the memories of generations baking together, I’m also giving my parents a Courtly Check baking set and matching tea kettle as a housewarming gift for their new home. After all, it’s not home until mom bakes banana cake! I’m sharing the recipe below - I hope you make your own memories with it!
The holiday season is chaotic enough without stressing about the perfect gift for loved ones. For me, giving gifts that celebrate memories and traditions helps to refocus my energy from the perfect gift to what matters most — the time I spend with the people that matter most to me.
The gifts + wrapping I chose for my fam is right below!
Whatever gifts you give this holiday, I hope the season is filled with traditions and memories that remind you of those you love. Sending love to you and yours!
xx Ali
Bubby’s Banana Cake
Ingredients
1¼ cup sugar
½ stick of butter (alternative: normal Smart Balance -- do not use light!)
2 eggs
3 bananas, mashed
1½ cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
⅓ cup water
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350F.
In large mixing bowl combine the sugar, flour, & baking soda. Stir to combine. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine your butter, eggs, bananas water, & vanilla. Stir to combine.
Combine wet & dry ingredients into large mixing bowl & whisk until smooth. Add in your chocolate chips & stir to combine.
Bake for 40 minutes (for a mushy center) or 44 minutes for a thoroughly cooked cake. Serve & enjoy!