Bad On Paper Podcast: "A Holly Jolly Gift Guide" Summary

Released on November 20, 2024, "A Holly Jolly Gift Guide" episode of the Bad On Paper podcast hosted by Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter offers a delightful exploration of thoughtful and unique holiday gift ideas. The episode seamlessly blends personal anecdotes, practical suggestions, and engaging banter, making it a valuable listen for anyone seeking inspiration for their holiday shopping.

Personal Highs and Holiday Cheer (00:17 - 05:08)

The episode kicks off with Becca and Olivia sharing their personal highlights of the week, setting a warm and relatable tone.

• Becca Freeman recounts attending a Ben Folds concert, highlighting the nostalgic joy of reconnecting with past musical favorites. “It feels like, you know, there's something really wonderful about going to concerts for bands you liked when you were much younger.” (01:09)

• Olivia Muenter shares a heartwarming interaction with her younger brother, emphasizing the importance of meaningful conversations. “To have him call me and, like, have a conversation about it felt so nice. And, you know, just like this adult conversation with my adult brother, who I also consider my friend, is, like, a really cool thing.” (02:40)

Both hosts reflect on the significance of personal connections and moments of kindness amidst challenging times, reinforcing the episode's theme of spreading holiday cheer.

Navigating the News and Finding Balance (05:08 - 07:44)

Transitioning from personal highs, Becca and Olivia delve into the impact of negative news on their well-being.

• Olivia expresses her struggle with overwhelming news, particularly focusing on political updates. “I cannot decide whether to news or news. Not to news. Not sure whether I should just take a break from it all...” (05:08)

• Becca discusses her approach to moderating news consumption, opting for selective sources and manageable updates. “I'm between. I am reading a lot of takes on Substack... but just silence notifications relating to him outside of my morning news check-in.” (06:11)

The conversation highlights the importance of balancing staying informed with maintaining mental health during stressful periods.

Holiday Gift Guide Breakdown (07:51 - 44:37)

Becca and Olivia introduce their Holly Jolly Gift Guide, categorizing gifts by price ranges to cater to different budgets.

Under $25 (10:21 - 18:32)

1. Furbish Studios Christmas Ornaments ($28)

   • Becca praises the quirky, location-based matchbook ornaments, ideal as thoughtful tokens.

2. Framebridge Personalized Ornaments ($25)

   • Olivia highlights the sentimental value of photo ornaments, making them perfect for personal connections.

3. Bonbon Sour Candy Gift Boxes ($28)

   • Becca recommends these allergen-friendly candy boxes for office or casual gift exchanges.

4. Bandeau Book Person Mug ($15)

   • Becca suggests pairing the cheerful mug with a book for a delightful, bookish gift.

5. DIY Vintage Match Strips ($5)

   • Olivia proposes a creative, budget-friendly option by combining vintage dishes with matchstrips.

$25 to $50 (18:33 - 29:07)

1. Leuchtturm’s Five Year Journal ($33)

   • Becca recommends this journal for self-reflection, especially when paired with a quality pen.

2. Custom Pet Stamps by Pettimized ($33)

   • Becca finds these personalized ink stamps a fun and unique gift for pet lovers.

3. Anthropologie Confetti Champagne Flutes ($24)

   • Becca suggests these stylish flutes as elegant hostess gifts, especially when paired with champagne.

4. Grabby 100 Color Watercolor Paint Set ($29.99)

   • Becca encourages gifting this set along with a watercolor workbook for the creative individual.

$50 to $100 (29:08 - 44:37)

1. Fredericks Cutting Boards ($40 - $95)

   • Becca recommends stylish cutting boards from Fredericks, pairing them with cookbooks like Molly Boasts's Cook or Julia Tershen’s What Goes With What for culinary enthusiasts.

2. Free People Striped Crew Neck Sweatshirts ($98)

   • Becca and Olivia discuss the timeless appeal and comfortable fit of these popular sweatshirts, ideal for a wide range of recipients.

3. Essa Bagel Brunch Kit from Goldbelly ($99)

   • Becca suggests this gourmet bagel kit as a luxurious gift, perfect for bringing a taste of New York to loved ones.

4. Rooms of Their Own Coffee Table Book ($26)

   • Olivia shares her admiration for this book, which celebrates great writers and their creative spaces, making it a perfect gift for literary friends.

5. Necessaire Body Serum ($48)

   • Olivia praises this lightweight, moisturizing serum as a luxurious skincare gift that’s both practical and indulgent.

Over $100 (44:38 - 50:25)

1. Bose QuietComfort Headphones ($350)

   • Olivia passionately endorses these headphones for their life-changing comfort and functionality, especially for busy moms.

2. Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag ($495)

   • Olivia admires this stylish and durable bag as a high-end gift that combines practicality with timeless fashion.

3. Monaco Vinator Engraved Jewelry ($130 - $178)

   • Olivia recommends personalized lockets and jewelry from Monaco Vinator as thoughtful and elegant gifts for loved ones.

4. Cozy Earth Cuddle Blanket ($306, 40% off with code BOP)

   • Becca raves about this ultra-soft, weighted blanket, describing it as an unparalleled comfort experience, ideal for everyone seeking warmth and coziness.

Listener Recommendations and Final Thoughts (50:25 - End)

Post gift guide, Becca and Olivia engage in a brief promotion of their sponsors, seamlessly integrating relevant advertisements without disrupting the episode's flow.

They wrap up by sharing their current obsessions and reading experiences:

• Becca enjoys the "Pumpkin Spice Cafe" series by Lori Gilmore and is eagerly reading The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab.
• Olivia is captivated by Greta Gerwig’s Little Women film adaptation and currently reading Blue Sisters.

Both hosts encourage listeners to join their book club, discuss their favorite books, and share gift ideas through their social media channels and Facebook groups.

“If you're thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try... Therapy gives me the space to acknowledge that being human is just tough sometimes without it overwhelming me.” (30:57) – Olivia emphasizes the importance of mental well-being alongside the holiday spirit.

Notable Quotes

• Becca Freeman (01:09): “There’s something really wonderful about going to concerts for bands you liked when you were much younger.”

• Olivia Muenter (02:40): “To have him call me and, like, have a conversation about it felt so nice.”

• Olivia Muenter (42:10): “Single best item I have ever owned in my life. Like, has changed my life for the better.”

• Becca Freeman (48:24): “I cannot stop talking about it. I have posted about it on Instagram. It’s in my newsletter... this blanket is life-changing.”

Conclusion

"A Holly Jolly Gift Guide" episode successfully combines personal stories with practical gift suggestions, creating a warm and engaging listening experience. Becca and Olivia’s thoughtful categorization and genuine enthusiasm make this episode a comprehensive resource for holiday gifting, infused with the heartfelt connections that define the holiday season.