Bad On Paper Podcast
Episode: Our 2025 Gift Guide
Hosts: Becca Freeman & Olivia Muenter
Air Date: November 19, 2025
Episode Overview
This lively, holiday-spirited episode is the annual Bad On Paper gift guide, packed with thoughtful, quirky, and highly specific gift suggestions for 2025. Hosts Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter explore dozens of curated gift ideas, organized by personality type, hobby, and special interests, plus plenty of humor and personal stories along the way. The episode offers listeners inspiration whether they’re gifting to a friend, family member, or themselves, and is full of clever, practical, and sentimental ideas with the hosts’ signature banter and warmth.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Getting Into the Holiday Spirit – Highs & Lows
Timestamps: 00:23–08:25
- Olivia’s High: Enjoying a quiet week at home, diving into work, reading, and treating herself to holiday flavors (namely, one pump of peppermint mocha at Dunkin’), while resisting—but looking forward to—Christmas music. Snow finally clinched it’s the holiday season.
- Becca’s High: Hosting her third “Friendsgiving,” now an official tradition ("Three means it's officially a tradition. It's not a fluke anymore." [02:24]), delighting especially in her famous stuffing (her friends even bring their own Tupperware for leftovers!).
- Olivia’s Low: Accidentally left her fridge open overnight, wading through “fridge bankruptcy” stress, relieved by advice from Reddit minimizing the food loss. ("Thank god I hadn't gone shopping for Friendsgiving yet. I was like, I cannot believe I did this." [05:11])
- Becca’s Low: Terrible cramps, leading to a funny life hack suggestion from Olivia—a shot of pickle juice, per TikTok and Reels. ("I'm not suggesting like a shrine of some kind..." Olivia jokes about printing photos for gifts [21:14])
The 2025 Gift Guide Format
Timestamps: 10:25–11:37; throughout
- This year, gifts are organized by personality archetypes: "Becca-coded," "Olivia-coded," and "Bad On Paper-coded"—a playful nod to the highly-customized, algorithmic suggestions that now abound online.
"I was inspired by an email I keep getting repeatedly from Pinterest that just says, this is so Olivia coded. That's the subject line every single time." — Olivia [10:29]
Becca-Coded Gifts: For People Who Love New York (11:37–17:49)
Thoughtful City-Specific Gifts
- Katie Kime New York Toile Tea Towels ($58/2): Non-traditional toile designs with New York icons (the Natural History dino, bagels, skyline). Other cities available.
- 'Chef' NYC Embroidered Cocktail Napkins (Set of 4, $48): Features the Statue of Liberty, yellow cab, pigeon, and pizza (great for embroidery enthusiasts).
- John Donohue Restaurant Prints (5x7” $55): Artist attempts to draw all NYC restaurants; available for other cities too—thoughtful, personal moving or housewarming gift. Pair with an acrylic colored frame (Hudson & Mark, A5 size suggested).
- Memorable tangent: Becca muses on whether Olive Garden Times Square is included ("might be a copyright issue, might not be able to have one" [16:53]), and Olivia's surprising Beanie Feldstein sighting.
Olivia-Coded Gifts: For Thrifters & Sentimental Friends (17:54–24:13)
Gifts with Personal Touch and Vintage Flair
- Thrifted Antique Frames + Printed Photos: Suggests giving a cache of printed photos (childhood, friendship, family) plus thrifted frames for a mix-and-match experience. ("We just have them all in our phones. So if someone gifted me 200 printed photos... it would delight me to no end." — Olivia [19:05])
- Personalized Vintage Hunting: Search for hobby + “antique” or “vintage” for unique finds on Etsy/Ebay (e.g. old band T-shirts, sports team pennants, animal art, astrology trinkets).
- A Thrifting Day Itinerary: Plan out new thrift/antique stores with foodie stops—an experiential gift that’s “thrilling.”
Hobby-Forward Gifts: For the Creatively Inclined (24:23–30:45)
Watercolor, Pickleball, and Knitting Starter Kits
- Emily Lex Studio Watercolor Workbooks ($24/$42 with paints): Various themes; instructional coloring book format; praised for quality paper and accessible format for beginners.
- Mark & Graham Pickleball Tote ($79, on sale for $59): Monogrammed pickleball motif boat-and-tote for gear; Old World Christmas Pickleball Ornament ($25): A pickle with a paddle (“truly, I mean... I was delighted by this.” — Becca [28:52]).
- Anthropologie Pickleball Chip & Dip Platter ($58): Paddle-shaped serving platter, “delighted” Becca.
- We Are Knitters Knitting Kits ($39–$53): All-in-one beginner scarf kits; modern colorways; ideal intro for aspiring knitters.
Hyper-Personalized Gifts: Gifts for Pisces (30:51–34:45)
- Sentimental Gifts: Playlists of meaningful songs, notes, or “ephemera” (movie tickets, old cards). (“If one of my high school friends gifted me a link to a playlist that is all songs we listened to in high school, there’s nothing that could bring me more happiness and joy.” — Olivia [31:12])
- Miniature Oil Paintings of Water/Ocean: Tiny, charming, handmade pieces found on Etsy. Leads to the idea of a joint hobby in miniature painting and thrifted frames.
Travel Gifts (38:22–42:26)
- Dagny Dover Landon Carry-On Duffel ($180, reg. $240): Becca’s go-to, sturdy, smart for long trips.
- Calpak Luka Duffel: Olivia’s bag of choice, more squared-off.
- Etsy Watercolor City Prints: Choose a meaningful city or house; original or print, custom possible.
- Trtl Pillow ($44): Stabilizes neck for sleeping on flights; admired by Becca, lukewarm for Olivia (headphones-combo issues).
Gifts for Housewives Fans (42:26–46:22)
- Beaded Pouch Coin Purses (Etsy, $~30): Classic Real Housewives quotes beaded on small, tuckable bags. “You could just put like Advil in there… tampons… lip gloss… it’s just funny and cute." — Olivia [43:37]
- Housewives Ornaments ($20–30): Hallmark-style, quote-specific, e.g., "Receipts, proof, timeline, screenshots, fucking everything," (Heather, Salt Lake City) [44:27].
- Cameos from Bravo-lebrities: Specific shout: Britney Bateman of RHOSLC (“I can’t imagine anything more delightful, chaotic and unhinged…” — Olivia [45:11]).
Gifts for Hosts and Candle Lovers (46:22–52:27)
The Entertainer
- Dan Pelosi’s Let’s Party Cookbook: Practical, approachable, full of crowd-pleasing recipes.
- Anthropologie Stripe Snack/Nut Bowls ($18/2): Cute, quirky, ideal for snacks/bites.
- Big Night NYC Aperitivo Mini Spoon Set ($36): Adorable themed teaspoons (olive, tomato, lemon) for salts, caviar, dips.
Candle Devotees
- New Savant “Library in a Forest” Candle ($39): Woody, leathery, bookish, "just sounds divine."
- Antique French Match Strikers/Candle Snuffers: Etsy/Ebay finds lend style, functionality, and vintage panache.
- Unique Candlestick Holders + Bright Taper Candles: “I love a tabor candle... I am always looking for really unique candlestick holders" (Olivia [51:36]).
- Warning: doing this might tempt you to spend $150 on Etsy, as Olivia did.
Bad On Paper–Coded Gifts (52:27–59:01)
- Signed/First Edition Books: Modern classics often easily and affordably found; extra meaningful if you source a favorite author for your giftee.
- Bookish Mugs and Ornaments (Bandeau’s ‘Bookworm’ line): Playful and perfect for book clubs or white elephant exchanges.
- Personal Favorites: Becca recommends gifting your favorite book of the year; or curate a “book trip” (shopping together, coffee & book included).
- Writer-Focused Gifts: Le Pens multi-pack, pretty notebooks, and classic writing inspiration books like Save the Cat Writes a Novel or Story Genius.
- Kajoü Fabric Laptop Cases, Passport Holders, Pouches (with Monogram): Gorgeous, pricy, customizable. “They are really beautiful, and I just love them.” — Olivia [58:27]
Wild Card Picks (58:51–61:41)
- Beaded Bag Charms & Custom Hats (Etsy): Childlike, fun, customizable, great for all ages (especially teens).
- Bubble Bar Custom Makeup Pouches ($38): "Would be such a cute gift" for teens or anyone who loves personalized organization.
- Furbish Studios Buffalo Wing Ornament ($24): Glittery, hilarious, unique—perfect for white elephant, office swaps, or just delighting a friend who loves quirky ornaments.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On the tone of gifting:
"I can't suggest enough taking someone's hobby or interest and combining it with the word antique or vintage and then just searching on ebay or Etsy because you come up with the weirdest stuff." — Olivia [21:31]
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On personal gifts:
“If one of my high school friends gifted me a link to a playlist that is all songs we listened to in high school, there’s nothing that could bring me more happiness and joy.” — Olivia [31:12]
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On Friendsgiving stuffing:
“I really converted all my friends into stuffing enthusiasts. I have to make two pans so people can bring leftovers. People bring their own Tupperware because they want their stuffing due.” — Becca [03:07]
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On the value of printed photos:
"We just have them all in our phones. So if someone gifted me 200 printed photos... it would delight me to no end." — Olivia [19:05]
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On the experience gift:
“Just go to a bookstore, I’ll buy you a coffee and whatever book you want. That’s nice and expensive and an experience as well.” — Olivia [56:05]
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On quirky ornaments:
"Although, who wouldn't want to see a glittery buffalo chicken wing? Honestly, who wouldn’t?" — Becca [61:41]
Book & Media Recs (64:48–71:40)
- Sky Daddy by Kate Folk: Odd premise ("woman who is sexually attracted to planes") but surprisingly tender, funny, and memorable.
- A Good Person by Kirsten King: "Big Swiss meets Gone Girl"—features an unlikable, toxic narrator. Olivia “loved” the dark humor and twists.
- I Wrote This For Attention by Lucas Gage (Audiobook): Unflinchingly honest celebrity memoir, highly entertaining.
- Daddy Issues by Kate Goldbeck: Contemporary romance with a Gen Z slant, single dad love interest, Chili’s as a set piece—a bit polarizing but Becca enjoyed it.
- Correspondent by Virginia Evans (Book Club Pick): Told through letters and emails; about life, loss, and rebuilding relationships.
End-of-Episode Banter: Current Obsessions
Timestamps: 62:16–70:46
Olivia
- Bright Red, Round Warby Parker Glasses: Finally found the "wacky" pair she’d searched for years, feeling like the woman she's always wanted to be.
“God, they bring me so much happiness. I feel like it’s the woman I’ve always wanted to be in these glasses.” — Olivia [62:52]
Becca
- Audrey Hobert’s Album "Who’s the Clown": A fun pop discovery (friends with Gracie Abrams), already in-demand for live shows.
- Final Book Chat: Both hosts deep into interesting reads, from memoirs by actors to quirky new fiction.
Summary Table: Gift Guide Highlights
| Category | Top Gift Picks | Price Range | |-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------| | NY-Lovers | Katie Kime towels, Chef napkins, Donohue Restaurant prints | $48–$58+ | | Sentimental/Thrifters | Vintage frames w/ photos, personalized vintage finds, thrifting day experience | varies, low–mod | | Hobby Forward | Emily Lex watercolor books, Pickleball tote/ornament, We Are Knitters kits | $18–$59+ | | Pisces/Art Fans | Playlists, ephemera, miniature oil paintings | Free–$40+ | | Travelers | Dagny Dover/Calpak duffels, watercolor prints, Trtl pillow | $44–$240 | | Hosts | Dan Pelosi cookbook, Anthro nut bowls, Big Night Aperitivo spoons | $18–$36+ | | Candle Lovers | New Savant candle, antique match strikers, unique candlesticks | $39–$150 | | Bookish Types | Signed/first editions, mugs/ornaments, “Book trip” experience | $20–$100+ | | Writers | Le Pens, notebooks, craft books, Kajoü cases | $20–$80+ | | Wild Card | Bubble Bar custom pouch, beaded charms, quirky ornaments (Buffalo wing, etc.) | $24–$38+ | | Housewives Fans | Beaded coin purses (quotes), Housewives ornaments, Cameo from Bravo-lebrities | $20–Pricey |
Episode Flow & Tone
The conversation is witty, friendly, and full of banter. Both hosts riff off each other’s suggestions, interspersing gift ideas with funny personal anecdotes, tangents about celebrity sightings, and their own quirks (especially regarding hobbies and gifting style). They maintain a relaxed, inclusive tone, always mindful that the ideas can be flexibly adapted for many relationships, budgets, and personalities.
For Listeners Who Haven't Tuned In
This episode is a one-stop-shop for inspired, personal, and unusual gift ideas—perfect for anyone looking to up their gifting game with items that show real attention to detail, personality, and thoughtfulness. Olivia and Becca offer practical advice, specific links, and plenty of laughs. By the end, you’ll come away with not only a list of gifts, but a new perspective on how to delight your friends, family, and yourself (without falling back on the generic).
For book recs, music, and personal current obsessions—don’t miss the final segment, packed with even more ideas for your TBR and playlist!
For additional links and further details on the discussed gifts, visit the episode show notes or Bad On Paper’s Instagram: @badonpaperpodcast.