The Alx&Co. Gift Guide: Tim and Meaghan's Picks

We're rounding out our Alx&Co. Gift Guide with top picks from our principal designers (and shop co-owners), Tim and Meaghan. Curious about what's on their list this year? See what they have in mind...

For Our Son

Meaghan - Nolan is five years old, so this year has been really fun because he is old enough to really grasp the excitement of the season without (hopefully) getting too overwhelmed. We're still being mindful to limit presents on Christmas Day because I find too much can just be...too much for a small child, but this year we are being mindful of building our holiday traditions through Advent calendars and weekly Advent candle lighting. I stocked up on sweet little pocket-sized gifts from Red Barn Mercantile (like this cute Santa spinner). I also bought him a copy of The Nutcracker from Old Town Books to build anticipation for our first visit to what will hopefully be an annual tradition at The Warner Theater.

Tim - Nolan rides his bike to school every day, and he has quickly grown out of his training bike that we bought from Conte's Bike Shop in Old Town. The kind staff there recommended we try Velocity Bike Coop in Del Ray for his next size up since he will likely grow out of that bike very quickly. I'm hoping to find a good option for the big "under the tree" gift this year.

For Our Parents

Meaghan - My family established a tradition a few years ago to donate to preferred charities for Christmas instead of shopping for gifts. I love this concept because it's easy to execute and means so much more than getting another set of tea towels. I'll be donating to my mom's pick, the Roseville, Illinois Community Fund, which benefits residents of her very tiny hometown in rural Illinois.

Tim - Meaghan's dad enjoys a good whiskey in the evenings, so I'll be bringing a bottle of Macallan to Christmas for us to enjoy together after Christmas dinner, along with this little book since he's a huge George Washington aficionado.

For Each Other

Meaghan - When I saw that Yellow Jacket is carrying Woolrich's classic flannels, I was thrilled. Tim tore his a year ago, and I've been meaning to get him a replacement - what a perfect gift!

Tim - I have learned from the past that it is best to get Meaghan's sign-off on pieces I make for her, so this year won't be a surprise for her when she opens a pair of diamond and pearl studs I'm making... because she designed them. I think it makes perfect sense to get exactly what your partner wants when you're talking about investment pieces like this, so I'm relieved to know she'll love what she opens on Christmas morning.

Wait...but what about the jewelry? We're posting our Top Picks at Alx&Co. next week, so stay tuned for our recommendations for all price points!