A Thing or Two with Claire and Erica

Karla Welch, celeb stylist and co-founder of The Period Company, is here to talk Thingies, from life-changing books to an L.A. bagel worth a one-hour wait. Also, we dig into distraction…and deleting social-media accounts.    Re: the impact of social media on our societies, ourselves: Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now by Jaron Lanier (and Zach Baron’s GQ profile of Jaron), Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport (and David Marchese's NYT Mag interview with Cal, and (what’s new?) Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman.    Get your Karla Welch fix via her MasterClass on personal style and by shopping The Period Company, which now available at Walmart.   Karla’s Thingies include Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Marie Brown (which made us think about Saving Time by Jenny Odell), Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, her client Sarah Polley (see also: Sarah’s film Women Talking and her New Yorker profile), Rhode peptide lip treatment, the NYT Cooking app (follow this IG account for the full commenter experience), Erewhon’s strawberry glaze smoothie, and Courage Bagels in L.A.    Share your Thingies (and dream Thingies guests) with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.   Get that protein and fiber with Hero Bread—10% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Go plant-crazy with Fast Growing Trees and get 15% off your entire order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Listen to Bad on Paper—if you like this podcast, you’ll like that one. YAY. Produced by Dear Media

If you’ve been asking “Why aren’t more podcasts talking about Magic Mike’s Last Dance and Girl Scouts?” you’ve come to the right place. Shall we??   What do the critics have to say about Magic Mike? Here’s Shirley Li at The Atlantic, Emma Specter at Vogue, A.O. Scott at the NYT, Richard Brody at The New Yorker, Bob Mondello at NPR, and Kyle Smith at the Wall Street Journal.    Channing’s look right now! Specifically this Met Gala pic and this Variety cover! He and Zoë Kravitz share a stylist, Andrew Mukamal (who was featured on Kell on Earth—see also: this Interview interview with Kelly Cutrone).     If you’re into the business side of Magic Mike, check out WSJ’s story “For Magic Mike, Channing Tatum Looked for Strippers Moms Could Love.” As for Channing’s other creative projects: Sparkella, Born & Bred Vodka (more from BonApp), and the much-hyped romance novel he’s writing with Roxane Gay. (Unrelated but also totally related, Tessa Bailey’s reverse-harem romance Happenstance.)     Oh, Girl Scouts, preparing girls to meet the world with courage, confidence, and character since 1912! We love the logo redesign by Collins, and if you need a cookie source, buy them from Troop 6000, a first-of-its-kind program designed to serve families living in temporary housing in the New York City shelter system, or from trans girls around the country.    Another scouting org we love: Radical Monarchs, which creates opportunities for girls and  gender-expansive youth of color—this doc is great.   Share your Magic Mike reviews with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode. Try out professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link. Help your hair with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO.   Get more out of your bread with Hero Bread—10% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Sleep well with Boll & Branch—get 15% off your first set of sheets when you use the promo code ATHINGORTWO. YAY. Produced by Dear Media

Our two new favorite terms and a bunch of thoughts on what to eat (such a conundrum, always, why?), coming at you on this week’s episode. Dig in!   Ok, food things: We’re big fans of the the Food52 Simply Genius cookbook (and Food52 Genius Desserts, too) by Kristen Miglore. To start, try the 5-minute tomato sauce from Heidi Swanson (which reminded Claire of this slightly more complicated sauce she had last summer) and Canal House’s chicken thighs.   Some other cooking wins: this polenta soup recipe from Christopher Kimball, oven-fried artichokes, Ali Slagle’s cheesy white bean tomato bake, and Toro Bravo's radicchio salad with manchego vinaigrette.     This Eater story by Jaya Saxena speaks to our love of tiny spoons and brought this amazing T-shirt to our attention.   Let us know your tiny spoon stance at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.  This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode. Level-up your bread with Hero Bread—10% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. Get that MBA with The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business. YAY. Produced by Dear Media

This week, we’re talking Thingies with Rachel Seville Tashjian Wise, fashion news director at Harper's Bazaar and creator of the coolest invite-only newsletter on the block, Opulent Tips. Also, we bring you more CRINGE.   To ride the cringe wave, check out this perfect Julie Houts post, Yasi Salek and the podcast Bandsplain (friends, the T-shirt), and the newsletter Club Leftist Tennis’s installment “Tennis is for Weirdos” by Kate Wagner. Also, NYT’s misread of cringe.   Rachel’s Thingies: hats (including ones from The Hat Shop, Amy Downs, and Gigi Burris), collections of strange objects (see also: Leanne Ford’s Feel Free mag), the weird Hitchcock movies like Vertigo (for more good blond wigs: Wong Kar Wai’s Chungking Express), designers who are creating wardrobes (including Toteme, Casey Casey, The Row, Sofie D'Hoore, Lauren Manoogian, 7115 by Szeki, Lafayette 148—read Rachel’s story for more on this!), and this profile of Judith Thurman along with her book, Isak Dinesen: The Life of a Storyteller.   Some other things discussed: the Isaac Mizrahi doc Unzipped, the brands Puppets and Puppets and Luar, the Lydia Tár Twitter account, Spur Jewelry’s usage of close friends, and Etéreo Vintage.    Have thingies you want to share? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.   Try our beloved ecomm platform, Shopify, and get a free 14-day trial with our link. Explore an MBA with The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business. Get more out of your bread with Hero Bread—10% off your first order with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear Media

Hello, this is she! Today we’re reaching into a grab bag filled with TVs, social omnivores, room dividers, and favorite internet follows.    For more on the social omnivore, check out this Bon Appétit article by Ali Francis.    Room dividers have come a long way—see: Lichen, The Inside, Sarah Ellison's for DWR, and Sight Unseen’s round up.   Delightful follow number one: Emily Sundberg and her newsletter Feed Me. She wrote "Whole Milk Mounts its Triumphant Comeback" and "Welcome to the Shoppy Shop" and recently surfaced this 2019 interview with Kevin Systrom by Stella Bugbee, too. (Related-ish newsletters: After School by Casey Lewis and Public Announcement c/o Chris Black and James Ellis.)   Number two: Delia Cai, whose debut novel Central Places is out now—*please* see also: her IG for the book, her Twitter account, and her interview on this pod. (Other v specific IG follows: @smallbizmemez and @dankartdirectormemes.)   Number three: the financial-literacy TikToker Seema Sheth aka Bobeema and her financial cleanse series. Speaking of $$ stuff, Carl Nassib’s compound interest lesson from Hard Knocks and Women and Money by Suze Orman.   Finally, this tweet (by Lily Marotta, co-host of the Celebrity Book Club podcast) transported us.    Where is the TV in your home? How you you answer the phone? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode. Look into getting an MBA with The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business. YAY.

Break out the headphones because have recommendations for those looking for audio-based catharsis, starring revenge songs and an insightful podcast about grief. Also: We’re redefining our relationship with restaurants and asking men to start paying more attention to the parenting discourse.   Some ideas for your next revenge playlist: “BZRP” by Shakira, “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus, “All Too Well” by Taylor Swift, “good 4 u” by Olivia Rodrigo, “Gaslighter” by The Chicks, “Love Yourself” by Justin Beiber, “Cherry” by Harry Styles, “Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé, “You Oughta Know” by Alainis Morrisette, “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood, “Kerosene” by Miranda Lambert, and “I Hope” by Gabby Barrett.    We also highly recommend you check out the discography of Beverly Glenn-Copeland.    More for your ears: Anderson Cooper’s podcast All There Is. Start with the "Anticipatory Grief" and "Molly Shannon’s Unspeakable Loss" episodes.    If you’re in NYC and looking to redefine your restaurant experience, try Gjelina for bfast, Wagamama for lunch, and Joe’s Shanghai—or your Michigan Stars—for dinner.    On the current state of social media: Kyle Chayka’s New Yorker piece “The Year in Apps I Gave Up On.”   We want/need your thoughts on vintage! Share them with us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And for more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give professional counseling a go with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link.   Support your hair with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO.   Explore an MBA with The Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business.   YAY.   Produced by Dear Media

We have some follow-ups, ok?? Let’s revisit induction stoves, slipping rib syndrome, living with longing, being in touch with your younger self, and, of course, jibbitz—specifically ones featuring a grandpa’s face.    Oooh, has that induction cooktop convo heated up! Read this from the Public Interest Research Group on the Inflation Reduction Act (and $$$), this Bloomberg article “US Safety Agency to Consider Ban on Gas Stoves Amid Health Fears,” an installment of Michael Thomas’s Distilled newsletter “I Measured the Pollution From My Gas Stove. It Was Bad,” Alison Roman’s Twitter AMA, and Remodelista’s guide to compact induction cooktops/ranges.    To learn more about zankha, Lina Mounzer's Twitter thread (and the related Reddit post).    Speaking of dishware, Heller Vignelli’s is back at MaMA Design Store! Read more about it here.   Kate’s Butter, a Thingies award winner, changed its packaging :( :( :( More on the flattening of design from a Business of Fashion op-ed by John Whelan "The Revolution Will Not Be Serifised: Why Every Luxury Brand’s Logo Looks the Same."    This Death, Sex & Money Podcast episode with The Daniels!! And Daniel Kwan's related IG post!!    Finally, how could we not to turn a corner on jibbitz after watching this TikTok of Liam Ryan presenting his grandchildren with Crocs and *jibbitz with his face on them*. Which reminded us of this WSJ story “When Grandma Is a TikTok Star and the Grandkids Are the Managers.”    Are there any topics from previous episodes you want us to revisit? Let us know at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! For a whole lot more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Download the free Zocdoc app and book that doctor’s appointment. Let’s do it. Get that good sleep with Boll & Branch—get 15% off your first set of sheets when you use the promo code ATHINGORTWO. YAY. Produced by Dear Media

We’re giving you the styling and Thingies scoop with our special guest Lakyn Carlton! Bonus scoop: the pros and cons of scooped-out foods.   Introducing the scooped-out pizza, ℅ Minnesota’s Hazelwood Food & Drink. And leave it to the New York Post to provide scooped-out bagel commentary in 2010 and 2016.   Get more Lakyn via her fantastic newsletter True Style and her virtual and in-person styling sessions.   Lakyn’s Thingies include Muddy Paw Coffee in L.A. for a dog-friendly coffee experience (and proximity to one of her go-to vintage shops, The Curatorial Department), her Bown of London robe (additional robe content: ones from Block Shop and Ulysses and the romance novel Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn), and a custom doormat from TheDoormatory on Etsy.   Share your take on pizza with salad and/or personal style at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! Try out a Secret Menu membership for more recommendations.   Do ecomm right with Shopify. Get a free 14-day trial with our link. YAY.   Produced by Dear Media

Buckle in, listeners, because we’re diving head-first down the rabbit hole of *cringe*. What does cringe look like these days? How do we embrace it—the good kind? How do cut everyone (ourselves included) some cringe slack?   If you’re not getting our newsletter!   Today’s prompt: Nell Diamond’s repost of a tweet from @isabelunraveled. (For more on Nell, founder of Hill House Home, dip into these profiles from New York Magazine and Harper’s Bazaar.)   The Justin Long post. Discuss!   For some cringe backstory: Kaitlyn Tiffany’s story “How Did We Get So ‘Cringe’?” for The Atlantic.   We had to revisit Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic—because avoiding cringe and chasing perfectionism are related…no? See also: Ninth Street Women by Mary Gabriel, David Brandon Geeting’s installment of the Perfectly Imperfect newsletter, and the edition of Kaelen Haworth’s Kael Mail newsletter about ins but no outs.    Check out Her Country by Marissa R. Moss. Among the themes: how Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, and Mickey Guyton gave up on wanting people to like them to find success.     On finding affection for your younger self: this Anne Helen Petersen newsletter, Jonah Hill’s doc Stutz, the podcast Mortified, Justin Cooley on his role in Kimberly Akimbo, and Mo Willems in the NYT.   A definition of post-cringe; an example of post-cringe: Kaitlin Phillips.   How are you embracing cringe? Who’s your cringe-spiration? We need your thoughts at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! For a whole lot more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   Download the free Zocdoc app and book that doctor’s appointment—now’s the time! Help out your hair with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY. Produced by Dear Media

We are rejuvenated-ish from our holiday breaks and are ready to fill you in on winter-wedding dress codes, the pegboard discourse, sexy high school, and, ope!, more Midwest updates.   Our discussion about wedding dress codes brings us back to Kayleen Schaefer’s story for The Cut “The Bride and Groom Formally Request That You Dress Up.” And for actual winter beach dressing, see this 2017 Vogue cover and Harrison Ford’s shorts with sweaters.    We loved this 2019 NYT story about how brand names become generic.      Re: pegboards, Julia Child’s is obv the ultimate, but for mini ones, look to Quark and Little Anana.    If you’re also disillusioned by movie trailers, read this Vox story by Alissa Wilkinson. (Also, we endorse She Said the movie…but She Said the book more.)   Next time you're in the Midwest, get kringle from O&H Danish Bakery or a *kringle single* from Racine Danish Kringles.   What foods are you sneaking into the movies? Let us know 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And try out a Secret Menu membership for a whole lot more recommendations. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode. Take care of your hair with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear Media

This week’s conversation knows no bounds! We’ve got key limes, medical answers via TikTok, makeup-buying IRL, a photo-minded Instagram follow, induction stoves, and a solution to the silicone storage bags issue (because there is one).   Have you made Alison Roman’s take on key lime pie? It involves yogurt/sour cream, a win if you ask us. Related-ish: Leaked Recipes: The Cookbook: A Collection of Over 50 Recipes Found in the World's Biggest Email Leaks and the Stories Behind Them, Neiman Marcus’s “leaked” cookie recipe, and Bill Smith's Atlantic Beach Pie.   Um, medical updates, coming through! Thanks to @roseytimestwo for bringing slipping rib syndrome to our attention. Also: Our pitch for Capsule for your prescription needs still stands (and check out Alto Pharmacy if Capsule doesn’t serve your city).    Shopping in-person brought the impressive Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops into Erica’s life (paired with a brush from Vapour).   If you’re over storage bags soaking up the scent of your dish soap, try HoldOn for compostable kitchen (and garbage!) bags.   For an incredible lens into imagery’s impact on society, Emily Keegin and her IG is blowing Claire away.    To learn more about induction stoves, dig into this Fast Company article and Melissa Clark’s NYT story and follow what Copper (thanks for sharing, Sofia!) and Impulse are up to.    Have thoughts on any and all of this to share? Reach out to us at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join ur Geneva! For a whole lot more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership.   This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode. Try professional counseling with BetterHelp—now’s the time!—and take 10% off your first month with our link. YAY.   Produced by Dear Media

The holidays can be *hard*, and if you need some guidance on figuring out how to show up for the people in your life, Nora McInerny knows what she’s talking about. Fire up this rerun from 2021, and crack open her latest book, Bad Vibes Only, which makes for an excellent way to kick of a strong year of reading.   In case of emergency gifts for grown-ups: consumables (candles, condiments, beauty products!). For babies: Lewis swaddles and Sophies. For kids: Twee chalk, Sunprint Kits, and Omy coloring posters.   Dig into everything Nora McInerny puts out into the world, including the tremendous podcast Terrible, Thanks for Asking and her books It's Okay to Laugh (Crying Is Cool Too), No Happy Endings, and Hot Young Widows Club (and created a Facebook grief support group of the same name).   The NYT piece on the sex educator Justine Ang Fonte and the platinum rule.   The Ring Theory, which we really buy into and talk about a lot!    A Kids Book about Empathy...that’s potentially useful for adults, too.   Friends, this TikTok series from Carly Aquilino on Y2K fashion.   Hit us with your guest noms—or anything else—at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq. Or join our Geneva! And try out a Secret Menu membership for a whole lot more recommendations. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode. Download the free Zocdoc app and book that doctor’s appointment. New year, healthy you? Care for your hair with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Produced by Dear Media

One of our most popular (winning??) episodes of 2021, coming at you!   The usefulness of the term bitch eating crackers (BEC) (for context: Someecards).   Celebrity memoirs as audiobooks: Inside Out by Demi Moore, Acid for the Children by Flea, and Yearbook by Seth Rogen (see also: this profile by Jonah Weiner for NYT Magazine). Next up: My Life So Far by Jane Fonda, Faithfull by Marianne Faithful,  The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish. Oh, and: the podcast Celebrity Book Club with Steven & Lily. Also: Please read Open by Andre Agassi and J.R. Moehringer!   Important breaking news: There is now Spelling Bee merch.      Let’s hear Claire’s QVC pitch for the Pattern mist spray bottle!! Somewhat related: Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater...as a hair product?   Erica’s 11 a.m. tea go-to: Soul Chai. Another (slightly sweetened rec): Dona.   A workspace-changing Philips Hue light strip. You may also like: Gorilla mounting tape, Storage Theory Power Perch, and the Pretty Handy Girl video for changing your doorknobs.   Jewelry renovation with Spur = talk about amazing. Have thoughts?? We want ‘em: 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And try out a Secret Menu membership for a whole lot more recommendations.   Produced by Dear Media

Get ready for an extra-magical grab bag episode—partly because we’re recording in person! Its stars: a question we loved so much, our conflicted boots, gossiping about toddlers, an impassioned pitch for Farmer's Fridge, setting calendar alerts for topics of conversation, and the most revelatory jeans that have ever crossed our fitting-room doors.   Movie we’re itching to see: Women Talking (thanks for the pitch, Fran.) based on this Miriam Toews book.   The winter boots we have mixed feelings about…but wear the crap out of: Claire’s No.6 clog ones (covered by The New Yorker *and* The New York Times) and Erica’s Doc Marten zip chelsea style.   Should you find yourself in an airport: Eat Farmer's Fridge! Try the baja bowl, green goddess salad, or pineapple coconut chia pudding.   Dr. Harvey Karp’s Happiest Toddler on the Block, source of toddler gossip advice.   Anne Helen Petersen on calendar culture.   For some WOW-inducing jeans, check out Ganni’s Figni style (and perhaps watch the vid of how they work?). For more on statement flies, see Tibi’s double-waisted Sam jean and this Vogue story. Another good denim source: Totême.   Have thoughts about jeans/winter boots/airport food? Let us know 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And try out a Secret Menu membership for a whole lot more recommendations. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.     Zip over to Noihsaf Bazaar to buy, sell, and even make new friends. Get that good ecomm experience with Shopify. Get a free 14-day trial with our link. Count on LifeMD to get the telehealthcare you need, when you need it. YAY.   Produced by Dear Media

Let’s talk Thingies with Monica Khemsurov & Jill Singer! They’re the masterminds behind Sight Unseen, our go-to design resource since 2009, and the authors of the new book How to Live with Objects that has helpful tips aplenty (along with ample inspiration). Plus: a hate-gift idea and a belated love letter to Normal People.    How about a donation to Moms for Moms, pitched to us as an A+ hate-gift by a listener?   Monica and Jill’s book How to Live with Objects is out now! Wow, is it great—and what an ideal present for the “person who has everything” type.   Their Thingies, coming through: oversize decor, miniature fountains (Monica’s is from Lily Clark.), only buying the best version of a consumable something (Jill loves the Marie Veronique Barrier Lipid Complex, rice from The Rice Factory New York, and Glaser Organic Farms Almond Butter.), microwaves (David Chang Cooking at Home and Anyday cookware fans unite!), and saved search terms when exploring vintage objects.    Are there entertainment-y things you’re SHOCKED we haven’t talked about on this show? Leave us a voicemail at 833-632-5463, email us at podcast@athingortwohq.com, DM us at @athingortwohq —or join our Geneva and share!    This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.   Care for your hair with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO. Check out Noihsaf Bazaar to buy, sell, and even make new friends. Download the free Zocdoc app and book that doctor’s appointment. YAY. Produced by Dear Media

Ope! We’re back with a grab bag of questions: What does “After Dark” mean to you? How does one explain what consulting is? Are you signed up for Dua Lipa’s newsletter? What does it mean to actually *build* a bear? All this and more in your ears now!   For some discomfitting Build-a-Bear products for adults, enter The Bear Cave. For other “but what does it MEAN?” After Dark content, check out National Parks After Dark and this edition of Emily Henry’s Book Lovers.    Check out this YouTube video from Charlie Berens for on ope usage and Midwest vs. Everybody’s great ope merch. Also: on the rise of the Midwestern vibe.   Takeaways re: "A ‘Landmark’ as Women Will Coach Against Each Other in Men’s Soccer," which also made us think about this episode of Throwing Fits.   Join us in subscribing to Dua Lipa’s newsletter Service95 and listening to her podcast At Your Service.    Share your thoughts on all of this at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq—or join our Geneva! And try out a Secret Menu membership for a whole lot more recommendations.    Get into professional counseling with BetterHelp and take 10% off your first month with our link. Visit Noihsaf Bazaar to buy, sell, and even make new friends. Feel great in Honeylove and get 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO. Dig into your business’s numbers with Netsuite. YAY.

For this glorious ep, we partnered with Noihsaf Bazaar, the Duluth, Minnesota–based resale site curated by real people with excellent taste. Wow, how excited we are to talk secondhand shopping and Thingies with the very in-the-know founder Kate Lindello…and we’ll also take this (any?) opportunity to go nuts for corn nuts.    Kate’s Thingies include Monastery Attar Concentrate (perhaps start with—or gift—the discovery kit), Tibi Style Class, the Dik-Dik from Matek (which makes us think of dickey situations from Nanamica and Mijeong Park), Better Things, Peter Witrak’s mobiles, the wool cloud from Scarf Shop, and, of course, Minnesota in general (and Grandma’s Marathon specifically).    Hit us up at at 833-632-5463, podcast@athingortwohq.com, or @athingortwohq to let us know your dream Thingies guests, and for even more recommendations, try out a Secret Menu membership and join our Geneva.  Join a super-cool community of buyers and sellers at Noihsaf Bazaar. So much awesomeness to be had! We dare you to find a more informative (and enticing) brands page anywhere, and don’t sleep on the kids and home finds, ok?   Produced by Dear Media

We’re wrapping up (heh) this year’s gift guides with ideas for siblings, kids, aunts and uncles, colleagues, and the randos in your life you wanna treat extra nice. Have holiday-shopping thoughts of your own you *need* to share? Join our shiny new Geneva and spread that intel!    For all our ideas, check out the archive of gift guides past—and keep those VMs and DMs coming at 833-632-5463 and @athingortwohq!   A quick thanks to our sponsors: Explore our favorite MoMA Design Store finds—a one-stop shop! Give your hair TLC with Nutrafol. Take $15 off your first month’s subscription with the code ATHINGORTWO. YAY.   Sisters!   For my sister and me because we both had/are having babies this year, and we are culturally christian literally only for the christmas cheer. Baby's first christmas holiday ornaments that aren't absolutely dreadful. So much cheesy stuff, doesn't have to be baby themed but looking for a cool way to commemorate. Custom porcelain charms from OKSFoxBlossomCo custom bent-wire ornament  Lizzie Fortunato Alphabet Soup charms  Celina Mancurti monogrammed Christmas stockings or one-of-a-kind ones from Pyschic Outlaw   Step-sister; 18 and just got engaged. Likes to hunt. We are quite different. Ranger Station perfumesYeti something! Various of the tumblers are customizable.Camber sweatshirtVuori Beis weekenderFlannery Beef   My sister who is a palliative care nurse with a broadway and true crime obsession Antipast compression socks Bonnie and Neil wave bath mat TodayTix gift cardBroadway Dance Center classes Salty Seattle Crocchi croissant-shaped gnocchiTickets to True Crime: The Musical at The Players Theatre in NYC Brothers!   25-year-old brother, aspirational and practicing writer/actor/director, v into self-improvement (Tim Ferriss vibes), not into receiving gifts, would rather just buy what he wants when he wants, the curveball is he did say I could make him some art or buy him some art as apartment decor. Artwise signed posters and lithographsArt from Kneeland Co. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art posters and prints Get Your Shit Together by David Shrigley Martin Scorsese MasterClass   Early 20s brothers who still live at home. A24 99 Movie CrosswordsRap Capital by Joe CoscarelliSolid Wiggles, which now ships on Gold BellyAthletic GreensDohm white noise machine Anyday microwave cookware   Sons! 25 year old son who buys the nicer things because they last, but who is also a minimalist. Something from Labour & Wait or PuebcoEttitude sheets. Toyo toolbox Bottega Veneta moneyclip   Kids and Teens!   5-year-old who bounces off the walls and loves telling stories and recapping movies. Hugimal weighted stuffed animalHaba doorway puppet theater or Wonder & Wise by Asweets playhouseCosmic Kids Yoga subscription P.S.- We Made This: Super Fun Crafts That Grow Smarter + Happier Kids! by Erica DomesekLittle PassportsKidamento cameraLego MiniFigs    4-year-old who loves twirly dresses but mom's aesthetic is minimalist Brooklyn hipster. Unwind Studio needlepoint kit for kidsKazoo magazine subscriptionOLODesigns costumesAll Small Co dress section (see: kiwi puff tutu dress and Lisa Says Gah x All Small Co puff sleeve dress)  La Réunion custom azure patchwork dress  Primary cozy plaid dress or tutu dressFollies playhouses: Casa Azul set, The Bauhaus set, and Canvas set   13year old girl who claims she discovered preppy fashion and also loves hair product Vintage Ralph Lauren shirts—use search terms Y2K, cropped Used copy of The Official Preppy HandbookMonogrammable mini backpack from ParavelRose and Co candle makers Pattern mist spray bottle + microfiber hair towel Shop Milk Teeth barrettesChunks hair accessoriesSome TikTok-adjacent cooking things: DIY fortune cookie kit, The Dough Club mochi pancake and waffle mix, Takashi Murakami flower pancake panLumber Club Marfa stool   Aunts and Uncles!   A generous aunt whose language is giving other people gifts, but hard to buy for herself. She's a real estate agent, into some woo-y self-help stuff, and buys anything she needs right away. Have tried gift certificates for experiential things, but she's a busy lady and these often don't get redeemed. An easy-to-redeem gift card for food that’s good for entertaining that comes to her. In NYC: Stocked by 3 Owls gift card. In LA: Lady & Larder. Nationwide: Beauty & the Board.Cultish by Amanda Montell A flower subscription from Flowerbx or BloomsyBox Moon Lists workbook / guided journal Amiacalva tote or monogrammed Clare V Tropezienne. Fancy, pretty makeup like Dries Van Noten lipstick or perfume discovery set or Hermès lipstick or blush brush.    Colleagues!   Beloved senior colleague retiring: works in a museum, fun dog, rocks a funky necklace.  Lux Eros personalized pet bowlKikkerland wooden ball launcherAmeico candle stacksRoxanne Assoulin necklace Susan Alexandra dog collar or leashSaint Olio aromatic dog refresher   Coworkers/direct reports - ideally one idea for all. We are remote so a digital gift is ideal.  A Thing or Two Secret Menu subscriptionSubstack subscription: To give a gift subscription, go to the homepage of the publication you’d like to give, then add “/gift” to the end of the URL.Libro.fm subscription Gjusta Goods herbed salt and Burlap & Barrel Zanzibar black peppercorns and Graza olive oilAllie’s banana bread Good-looking games like Wingspan, Azul, Lacorsa Grand Prix, and Casa Lopez Playing Cards.    My boss - owns a company that runs farmer markets. I’ve been with the company since may. He is currently starting a farm (he has been a farmer before). I am honestly not sure if he is a Christmas guy. He doesn't seem jazzed about it, idk. I know he cares enormously about sustainability, our food system, etc. but is also a business man. I have literally zero ideas for him. The additional piece is that we should get him a gift as a group (we are a pretty small team) but should I also get him a sep gift? No, right? Agh. I assume he's in his mid to late 40s. White. He has small kids that I haven't met. Chocolate! ℅ Fossa, andSons Chocolatiers, and JST Chocolate Alec’s Ice CreamSéka Hills olive oilAn Illustrated Catalog of American Fruits and NutsFlamingo Estate 9-pound bag of manure Donation to Black Farmer Fund paired with We Are Each Other's Harvest: Celebrating African American Farmers, Land, and Legacy by Natalie BaszileDonation to Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative at University of Arkansas   Friends!   Best friend (36 female) loves wine and who my 5 yo thinks has chosen being an aunt as her career.  Josephinen glassesSpecial bottle from Walker Wines or WinebidCote wine club (also has a gift box option)99 Bottles: A Black Sheep’s Guide to Life-Changing Wines by André Hueston MackAn American in Provence: Art, Life and Photography by Jamie Beck   Female friend. Preppy/classic style. Likes fancy crafts (i.e., embroidery). Vegan. ~$40 The LL Bean tote with an in joke, catchphrase, embroideredLoop Canvas needlepiontsStirCrazyCrafterUK embroidery journal kit Blockshop original block-printing kitVintage napkins with her initial or monogram on Etsy/eBayTypology tinted lip oilDonation to animal sanctuary, like Farm Sactuary: “adopt” a goat named Jennifer or a donkey named Albert!Brutus Bakeshop goodies   One of my best friends who has two boys under 4, is writing a thesis on how policing was formed out of military-imperialist activities, and is a great chef and baker (vegetarian and gluten-free). She did all our friends' wedding hair and makeup (me included) and took us to the Usher residency in Vegas for her 36th birthday. Lastly, and most importantly, her family is very wealthy (and generous - they have taken me on MANY incredible once-in-a-lifetime trips). Lastly, she is a BIG SHOPPER but still hunts for a deal. If you're wondering, I have already given her a custom Katie Kimmel pet vase. Vintage Usher teeTani Greenspan custom matchbook print The Last Course by Claudia Flemming (and Melissa Clark) + her new book Delectable (with Catherine Young)Chava studio shirt or a gift cert Alepel custom shoes or cardholder Memor phone case or vase. They also sell jibbitz…er, shoe charms.Arcana Books gift certificate Hermès passport holder   Recovering cool girl that doesn't want any more vinyl, just something useless + gorge.  Somthings2021 vase or candlestickEscentric Molecules gift setCasa Veronica wall hook or candle holder Isabel Halley wine cups Siafu Home beaded water carafeMolly J. CBD gummies advent calendar Kiosk48th advent calendar   Everyone Else! Brother's girlfriend who loves to read, has 2 cats, hates clutter, and many food allergies. Coway air purifierEvvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes Craighill perch bookmarkCat ruff collarMeyou Paris cat scratching post or bedA donation to a local cat rescue organization   Gymnastics moms who plan trips, organize fundraisers and figure out carpool. A bottle of something fun and a little surprising: Pipeno red ( with Papaya Reusables paper towels?),Forthave Spirits Red Aperitivo, non-alcoholic De Soi or Non or ProxiesStationery / office-supply grab bags with finds from Yoseka Stationery, St. Louis Art Supply, or your local art store Cheerie Lane kitchen gift set   Millennial who loves gardening and just started a high powered public job in the city. Leath at-home growing systemSoltech Solutions hanging grow light or bulbSneeboer garden toolsGarden clogs from GardenheirNatureking flower pressDonation to GrowNYCIchendorf Milano waterlife ball Produced by Dear Media

It’s that time of year: the unveiling of the best gift guide in the podcast multiverse (we like to think). Part 1 stars your most charming—and trickiest—partners, parents, and grandparents. Next week, tune in for part 2, and, in the meantime, dig into the ol’ present-paralysis back catalogue. For the full episode recap—with ALL THE LINKS!—head to the A Thing or Two site. Get the ecomm support you need with Shopify. Get a free 14-day trial with our link.Shop our favorite MoMA Design Store finds—so many holiday crowd-pleasers!Feel your best in Honeylove and get 20% off with the code ATHINGORTWO.Book that doctor’s appointment already by downloading the free Zocdoc app. Husbands and Boyfriends! 42-year-old male. Recently started dating. Lawyer. Dad. World traveler. Cyclist. Just bought a new house. Moved back to the area (Philly) from upstate new york. photographer. reader. avid home cook. knows a Parisian knot. loves a good meal out. linen shirt wearer. loafers/boat shoes with shorts kind of guy. Enjoys wine and cocktails. catholic raised. city dweller. nerdy and thoughtful. Linoto linen boxersArtemis loafersStranger’s Guide Fellow Travelers Club Arabica coffee plantPhotodom photography-themed Croc Jibbitz (Or really anything from Photodom—they have a cute gift guide on their site.)Ghiaia cashmere  La Salumina Amatriciana kit Rapha cycling backpack Tiptop cocktailsDepths of Wikipedia tickets—NYC live show on 12/14 or Pittsburgh show on 12/16—or mugDonation to TILT Institute for the Contemporary Image’s teen photo program in Philly   Husband who thinks he's outdoorsy but hasn't been camping in decades. Bluefeel Kruca camping fanGramicci gadget shorts or pants  Battenwear bouldering pants1733 duffleAn actual camping weekend for next summer for him—a lot of places book a year or 9 months in advance. Recs: Hither Hills State Park and Assateague Island.Getaway House gift certificateWildsam National Parks or Road Trip guidesDonation to a local preservation organization, like, say, Save the Boundary Waters in MN  REI outdoor skills classes   Husband who owns a ceramics company and has an eye for design. Courier mag subscription Dusen Dusen for MoMA Subu slippersQuark pegboard for his office or studio Carson Converse small-format quiltsGlass-blowing or leather-working classSight Unseen book How to Live With ObjectsDonation to People’s Pottery Project Wives and Girlfriends!   Chronically ill wife with long-covid 2.5 years, doesn't like surprises, and in bed most days. loves sports, her friends, sitting in the park, and a great deal. Nocs Provisions binoculars—they did a cool collab with the Native artist Amelia Winger-Bearskin that includes a strap Cliq portable chairs Vintage Masters golf gear, like this eighties ringer tee or this nineties hat)WNBA custom jerseyOffhours home coat   Grandparents! My 90-year-old grandma who refuses hearing aides because we don't visit enough and lives off of chipotle and chips. Liberty London 2-in-1 game set - ludo and backgammon Quilted Snakes & Ladders set Frontera Grill carnitas taco kitFancy chip clips + chips & salsa of the month club subscription   My mostly home-bound grandma. Loves her tomato plants, vitamins, and Bob Barker. Flamingo Estate roma heirloom tomato candle Nonna’s Grocer tomato famiglia candle setBordallo Pinheiro tomate apertifs plate—or lamp!If you have kids who she can share it with: Tomatoes for Neela by Padma Lakshmi1986 Price Is Right board game Come on Down sweatshirt Chronically Chic pill organizer for her vitamins   Moms, Stepmoms, and Mothers-In-Law!   My mom is my white whale: needs nothing, no guilt in buying herself things she wants. Hates Christmas but derives joy from getting to complain about it. Good cook with a global palette (has all the gadgets she approves of and a long list of gadgets she does not endorse), news junkie, reads a lot. 61, both of my parents are retired, lives in the Pacific Northwest. Has taste but no style, hates clutter. Buys her clothes at Costco. Drinks nice wine that she also buys at Costco. Thinks art is stupid (I am an artist). She's very funny but she really leans into her brand of "antisocial curmudgeon." Successful gifts in the past were an NYtimes subscription and a fancy amaryllis bulb that she can text me about and shame it for blooming the wrong time of year. I try to veer towards consumables. She can also appreciate a handmade ceramic (functional, not decorative). Masienda tortilla starter kit (with Dona Rosa tortilla press) and the companion Masa cookbook  Diaspora Co. chai kit Talbott and Arding cheese club subscription Yun Hai dried fruit—there’s a gift setOmsom IYKYK shaker set NYT Spelling Bee hat Hadley & Bennett apronRoz Chast books, like What I Hate from A to Z, or Roz Chast wall artRachael Pots functional ceramics  Ikebana bowl & bulb from Utility Objects (could pair with fancy Japanese floral scissors)   My mom: She always asks for electronics and then ends up not being able to figure them out - or just doesn't use them. Want to get her something meaningful she will use. 1Password membership Lomi composterM0de electric toothbrushAarke water purifier Stepmother-in-law who is a spiritual counselor in Colorado. Obviously vegan. Vegan JapanEasy by Tim Anderson, with Moromi soy saucesRebel Cheese club membership Yellow Leaf hammock Esalen Institute merch or gift cert Nora McInerny books Esker gift sets   Mother In Law - has more clothes than Nordstrom. Lives alone but her party line is always ringing. Bitossi set of 6 wineglasses Gohar World bottle apron Casa Velasquez bolero apron Gossamer Happy Hour hemp pre-rolls Conserva Culture tinned fish gift setSnacks for Dinner: Small Bites, Full Plates, Can't Lose by Lukas Volger McNally Jackson seminar Custom sweater mending from Repair Shop “Come Over” hat from Big Night Dress for Success donation   This one is for my five-foot-tall Italian American mother in law who has the thickest New York accent I've ever heard and could be described as "a tiny tank" in both stature and personality. she lives on Long Island and has access to everything; also tends to buy herself whatever she wants. so she's extremely hard to gift for. Whatever we give should probably be a physical gift vs. an experience. she is very judgmental and critical and not warm and fuzzy - but she has also had the difficult task of being a single parent to two kids, one of whom, my SIL, is living at home with significant physical and intellectual disabilities and who my MIL devotes all her time to - my SIL is so well taken care of. Looking for a gift that somehow recognizes/responds to all of this. Unspun gift kitIpsa, depending on part of Long IslandHouse cleaning from We Can Do It! – Si Se Puede Women's Cooperative (only operates in the five boroughs) Missoni Home blanketRoscioli Italian wine club Marcella’s favorites gift set from Gustiamo   Mom and her husband just bought a boat. So something nautical or for small space living. Year of Knots by Windy ChienMalaika hand-printed beach towels Personalized life saver buoy (U.S. Coast Guard-approved!)  Salty Home tide clockFramed nautical flags Haptic Lab sailing ship kite  Petit Kouraj x SVNR tote fishnet seashell tote Issimo inflatable mini terrycloth pillow Ingredients for a session dark ‘n stormyDonation to The Ocean Cleanup    Mother-in-law who is the solo living grandparent to our 4-year-old and Buddhist priest who wants nothing but time with us. However, she is always a generous and thoughtful gift-giver so I can't just give her time. She is a tea lover but you can imagine how much tea I've already given her. She has a dog, loves the color periwinkle, and spends a lot of time on Zoom with her Sangha. She's forever 'writing a book' and loves getting on board with a system (for writing, for organizing, whatever). Help! Joyoung soy milk machine Daruma doll holding a dog Dog ball launcherMQuan Bell Rice xax candles for meditation Mountain Valley Seed Company seed starter kit medicinal & herbal teaBooks to read with the grandkid: Jon J. Muth’s The Three Questions and Zen Shorts and Thich Nat Hanh’s Where is the Buddha? and A Handful of Quiet Lena Corwin peace towel + matching kid-size one for the grandkidScrivener subscription   Dads, Step-Dads, and Fathers-in-Law! My dad, who is a retired chef (he still has knives from 40 years ago that he painstakingly cares for and finds most home kitchens to be very pretentious), can build/fix anything, loves to read non-fiction, and was suspended from Twitter frequently for tweeting insults at Donald Trump The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity by David Graeber and David Wengrow Peeko oystersSitka Salmon ShareCabi original trioVintage RAADVAD bread slicer Manufacture de Digoin vinegar jar to make his own vinegar Milk Street Turkish közmatikDonation to his local food bank   Mid 60's Frenchman who lives in Alsace with his wife and they travel a lot in their RV. they are also coming to the states next spring on a cross-country RV trip so I really think it should revolve around that. but more about him- he doesn't drink or smoke (some Frenchman he is) when we would drive to Florida once a year he would always be so excited to get to put on Latin American music on the radio. last year we got him a record player and records that I am 100% sure he doesn't use. he loves scrabble and card games, and he builds these badass card holders out of wood that he then does wood-burning personalized deco on. he has everything he wants and he wears lee jeans. Neepa Hut food tentCamping chair from Cliq, Woods, or Blue Ridge Chair WorksPenco box totePapier travel journal National Parks pass Personalized leatherbound America: National Parks Atlas (from PBS shop)   Dad who enjoys perfecting logistics and explaining credit card point strategy. Scott’s Cheap Flights premium membershipTimeshifter app Solgaard carry-on closet suitcase (there’s a MoMA collab!) “Clipper Club” 1950 Pan Am membership lounge rocks glassBug-out bag from JudyPortable phone chargeriPad keyboard + Valerie Constance monogrammed keyboard case    Former CIA and green beret but loves appletinis and bubble baths. Straightaway Cocktails  Bathing Culture body wash Sophie Lou Jacobsen martini glassesEsker bath board Avec x Atelier Saucier bundle of cocktail napkins + drink mixers + garnishes + recipes   I need help finding a gift for my picky and hard-working lawyer Dad. He loves outdoor adventures, Neil Young, doing puzzles with my Mom, and reading. My parents recently became part-time New Yorkers and keep buying art museum memberships. He loves to do research before purchasing anything and tends to buy whatever he wants. My Mom is a chronic shopper, so he usually has multiples of whatever he confesses to liking - Ugg slippers, Jack Black face wash, William Henry knives. He is a big guy and doesn’t fit into standard S-L sizes. He also doesn’t drink alcohol or coffee. In the past, he has disliked gifts that involve more labor (i.e. a smoker, a drone). I am not opposed to making a donation in his name, but my family’s love language is gifts and I would need to accompany a donation with something for him to unwrap. Per Claire’s request for dental records, he lost his front teeth as a kid playing Pee Wee football. He broke his fake set in a fight the day of his junior prom and attended the dance sans front teeth. He is so fun and deserves a great gift. Last year, I got him a Storyworth membership and he loved it (thanks for the recommendation!) I am hoping for a repeat success. Also, he is a January birthday, so I could use multiple ideas. Please help! Birding Bob walk in Central Park, plus a donation or membership to Wild Bird FundTickets to a Happy Medium art class Day at the spa at Governor’s IslandJoyce Gold tourFancy pajamas from P. Le MoultTodd Snyder x New Era nubby Yankees cap (see also:Dodgers, Cubs, and Red Sox hats)MoMA Design Store has great puzzle selection. Also: this Neil Young jigsaw puzzle and Different Puzzles, which are fun and *challenging*   Wisconsin Father in Law who likes sports. End of list. Lambeau Field stadium toursDepending on his teams, gear from a previous stadium—signs and even seats that go up for saleChamberlainMade keyboard sticker Wisconsin hoodie ornament MLB Validation Pass-PortWisconsin tri logo tee/sweatshirtDonation to Special Olympics Wisconsin YAY. Produced by Dear Media