Issue #79: If we could only have one... (a giveaway!)

We're giving two of you a full set of all the stuff we love most.

Update 12/11: The giveaway is now closed! We’re reaching out to the winners to confirm acceptance. Thanks to everyone who entered; we loved your comments.

Hi, and happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate! To say a heartfelt “thank you” for being here, we’re doing a giveaway of the stuff we’d choose if we could only have one (t-shirt, piece of jewelry, etc.)

One winner will receive Aliza’s picks, while the other will get Aja’s. Each winner will also have $100 donated in their name to the non-profits we’ve chosen!

To get your first entry, leave a comment on this post sharing what you’re thankful for.

You can also increase your chances…

• Monthly paid subscribers get three entries.

• Yearly paid subscribers get five entries. 

• And founding members get ten entries. 

Here goes! We’ll announce the winners in two weeks…

If we could only have one…

Aliza: Buck Mason Slub Easy Crew

Buck Mason knows how to do cotton basics — their shirts feel perfectly worn-in right off the shelf. The easy crew, specifically, is structured but not boxy, making it incredibly flattering. I have this t-shirt in multiple colors (and a muscle tank), but I’m still always putting it on right out of the laundry. (Runners up: The Buck Mason Pima Box Crew or Imogene & Willie Graphic Tees) 

From Aja & Sam’s engagement photo-shoot by Liesl Claire — featuring her favorite tee

Aja: Cotton Citizen Standard Tee (currently 25% off with code HOLIDAY)

I’ve invested an embarrassing amount of time finding my essential t-shirt. The quest has ended at Cotton Citizen’s standard tee, which is the perfect length and softness. I love this shirt so much I wore it for my engagement photos — and, like Aliza, I’ve stocked up in multiple colors. (Runner up: Uniqlo Crew-Neck T-Shirt)

Aliza: Chantelle Soft Stretch Thong

I love this underwear so much that a few months ago I finally splurged and ordered eight pairs. This only cost about $100 but felt very adult — and now I’m happy every time I put on a fresh pair. (Runner up: I don’t have one; I only wear these underwear now.)

Aja: Negative Underwear Cotton Thong (currently 15% off with code VIP2024)

I’ve been a Negative fan since I was in college. Their underwear molds to your skin without being too tight and leaving marks; the high-rise cut makes your legs look longer (always nice, even if you’re the only one noticing it!); and they last for literal years. (Runner up: Hanes Boxer Briefs)

Aliza: Jenny Bird Capri Chain (currently 15% off)

A great stacking chain. I never take this one off; and every time I see it in the mirror, it makes me happy. (Runner up: Quince Gold Hoops)

Aja: Studs Core Huggies Set (currently 30% off)

I’m pretty much always wearing at least one small hoop — I think they’re so pretty and classic. This set mixes and matches well; you can sleep, shower, etc. in them; and they make a nice backdrop to statement pieces when you want to amp things up. (Runner up: Agmes Mini Simone Studs — currently $50 off)

Aliza: Shape Tape concealer

I know there are sexier beauty items out there, but this concealer gives me the biggest confidence boost. It covers up blemishes and under-eye circles without requiring too much product and lasts the entire day. (Runner up: Weleda Skin Food Moisturizer)

Aja: Surratt Beauty Relevee Eyelash Curler

I rarely leave the house without curling my lashes. This one works really well for both curling and lifting, so even though I don’t use mascara, I still feel like my eyes pop. (Runner up: Glowscreen Tinted Moisturizer With SPF 40)

Aliza: East Fork Pottery

You know how everything tastes better in a plate bowl? And coffee is more comforting in the perfect mug? Enter: East Fork. East Fork’s ceramic dinnerware is made with regional materials and a lot of integrity (they’re a B Corp!) in Asheville, North Carolina. Plus, 5% of all sales go to Hurricane Helene relief efforts. (Runner up: Ikea Counter Cutting Board)

Aja: Helen Levi pottery

Helen is an incredible ceramicist based in Queens (check out our feature of her beautiful studio) who makes everything in small batches and by hand. I regularly stalk her website and set alarms when special items drop. This beautiful snack plate is the perfect size for an after-dinner treat and looks so festive. (Runner up: Mepra Fantasia Flatware)

Aliza: What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking by Caroline Chambers

I rarely look forward to cooking (my husband Sam is definitely head chef in our house), so when we chatted with recipe developer and Substack bestseller

Caroline Chambers

back in August, I predicted her new cookbook would be one we went back to again and again. Well, I was right. Caroline’s cookbook has quickly taken a permanent spot on our kitchen counter and become a go-to birthday gift for my parent friends. (Runner up: Dessert Person)

Left to right: Friend / podcast host Ellie Rineck, cookbook author Caroline Chambers, and Aliza at Caro’s book launch in Boston this summer

Aja: Home Cooking by Laurie Colwin

I cook even less than Aliza does (in our household, my fiancé (also named Sam) is head, sous, and prep chef), so I’m picking this cookbook slash memoir based primarily on how much I LOVE Laurie Colwin. She’s an incredible writer — reminiscent of Nora Ephron and Ruth Reichl — and while I can’t speak to Home Cooking’s recipes, I can tell you it’s warm, funny, and delightfully bossy. (Runner up: I’ve had incredible meals prepared for me from Jerusalem by Ottolenghi)

Aliza: Jade Yoga Mat

These yoga mats are the best: They’re affordable, easy to clean, grippy (especially important if, like me, you love hot yoga), and — perhaps most importantly — last forever!! I’ve done yoga regularly since college, and I’ve only replaced my mat a few times. (Runner up: Apple Airpods Pro) 

Aja: Bombas Half-Calf Socks (currently 20% off)

If you’ve ever tried Bombas, you know: They’re super comfortable and perfectly thick, plus basically blister-proof. I love the length of these in particular (Gen Z will not be making fun of me… for my sock choices, at least.) (Runner up: North Face Touchscreen Running Gloves)

Aliza: Herschel Packing Cubes (currently 30% off)

It’s taken me time to figure out how to travel efficiently with “extra baggage” (my son Jude), but we’ve gotten into a good routine with a lot of help from packing cubes. All of our things are split between cubes (one for Jude’s sleep accessories, one for Jude’s clothes, one for my clothes, etc.), so that packing and unpacking are easy. (Runners up: Nuna TRVL Lightweight Stroller or Owala 24 oz. Water Bottle) 

Aja: Portable charger 

Here’s how game-changing this portable charger is: I’ve lost it several times, and each time — after kicking myself a bit — I’ve promptly repurchased. It can recharge your phone up to three times before needing to be charged itself, and it has multiple charger types, so whichever country you’re in, you can usually plug in. While getting the link for this giveaway, I saw it was on sale… so I bought three more. (Runner up: Away luggage tag)

Aliza: Mmoody Kids Children’s Pants

Mmoody Kids is a handmade kids’ clothing line sewn from vintage and scrap fabrics founded by mom of two and my childhood best friend, Justine Bronaugh. Mmoody’s been featured in The New York Times and The Strategist and partnered with dozens of other amazing mom-owned brands, like Parachute Brooklyn and Milk Teeth. You would not believe how many compliments Jude gets when he’s wearing his Mmoodies. (Runner up: Todd Parr Feelings Flashcards)

Aja: Scratch N’ Sniff Stickers

This is such a fun gift for a range of ages — five-year-olds find them just as fun as twelve-year-olds. (Parents who lived through the ‘80s will get a kick out of them, too.) I usually give a variety pack or a few funny flavors (Saturday Morning Cartoons, Banana Split, Pink Lemonade, etc.)

Aliza: Loftie Sunrise Alarm Clock (use code PLATONICLOVE20 for 20% off)

My final semester of college, I found myself in a 9:00 AM seminar and discovered… I’m a morning person! But I still find hauling myself out of bed in the mornings excruciating. A sunrise alarm clock with soothing sounds has been one of the only solutions that helps. (Runner up: Amazon Echo Show — currently 47% off) 

Aja: Portable projector (currently 20% off)

I bought this affordable projector for my upcoming birthday party (I’m going to project a loop of old home movies on the wall for the vibes). However, we’ve already found a bunch more uses for it: watching scary movies with friends, using it for events... It’s also lightweight and portable enough for camping, outdoor movie sessions, and more. (Runner up: Stagg Electric Kettle)

Each winner will have $100 donated in their name to these charities!

Aliza: Center of Reproductive Rights

The Center for Reproductive Rights is a key player in the fight to advance reproductive rights globally — which is, of course, at a critical juncture. Along with protecting access to safe abortions and contraceptives, the Center supports obstetrics, maternal, and natal care. I’ve chosen this organization, in particular, because it supports state-level ballot measures… which is where we can make the most impact on reproductive rights right now.

Aja: Everytown for Gun Safety

Everytown is an independent non-profit dedicated to understanding and reducing gun violence in America. It has a 94% on Charity Navigator, meaning it’s a trustworthy charity to donate to. I think it’s especially important to mobilize against gun violence given the incoming Trump administration. Everytown works to elect candidates who will govern with gun safety in mind and demands action from those in office.

We’re grateful for you. Thank you for being a Platonic Love reader, and good luck!!

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Dive into our archive:

• What we were most excited to give in 2023 (under $150 edition)

• Gifts for your best friend, lover, in-laws, kid & more

• How to start a great conversation no matter whom you’re with

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(Note: We reached out to Helen Levi, East Fork, Mmoody Kids, Caroline Chambers, Studs, Negative Underwear, and Loftie because they’re all small businesses and/or brands we love, and they kindly agreed to gift items for this giveaway. If you buy something through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. Our rule of thumb is: If we wouldn’t recommend a product to an IRL friend, we won’t recommend it to you!)