There’s something absolutely lovely about a holiday gift that looks beautiful, feels personal, and requires almost no effort for the recipient. That’s exactly why waxed amaryllis bulbs have earned a top spot in our Shookhill Secret holiday gift lineup. Simple, elegant, and wonderfully low-maintenance, they strike that perfect balance of thoughtful and effortless—an ideal combination during this very busy season. Every year, we try to find a few go-to gifts that check all the boxes: lovely to display, easy to give, and delightful to receive. And this year, these no-water-needed waxed amaryllis bulbs have completely won us over. They’re widely available—online, at local garden centers or Trader Joe’s has a beautiful selection—and each bulb arrives ready to bloom with absolutely no care required. Just place them on a tabletop, windowsill, or entry console, and wait for the magic. But what truly transforms these simple bulbs into something extraordinary is the presentation. We gently wrap each waxed bulb in a layer of natural burlap, letting just enough of the wax peek through. Then we tie it with a soft, luxurious velvet ribbon in rich holiday tones—rich red, bright apple green, or a deep navy blue. With one beautiful bow, a humble bulb becomes a thoughtfully wrapped treasure. To give them a special finishing touch, we attach one of our custom gift tags. These small details make the gift feel elevated while keeping the process beautifully simple. And because the bulbs require no water and no planter, they travel well and can easily be kept on hand for those last-minute gifting moments we all inevitably encounter during the holidays. What makes waxed amaryllis such a joy is not just their ease, but the experience they create. As the days pass, the bulb begins to awaken—slowly stretching, unfolding, and revealing a magnificent bloom. It’s like receiving a little moment of beauty each day. Whether you’re gifting one to a beloved friend, a teacher, a hostess, or a neighbor who could use a dose of holiday cheer, this sweet surprise feels personal and heartfelt. These gifts also shine in group settings:• Teacher gifts (effortless and always appreciated)• Hostess gifts that feel more thoughtful than a bottle of wine• Small office gifts or neighbor drop-offs• Place-setting favors for a holiday luncheon• Ready-to-go gifts to keep wrapped and waiting for last-minute cheer We often talk about “thoughtful gifts made simple,” and this idea embodies that perfectly. A waxed amaryllis bulb is beautiful on its own—but wrapped with a touch of care, it becomes something memorable and luxurious without the fuss. It’s a little gesture with a lot of heart. So as you ease into the final stretch of the season, consider adding these to your holiday gifting strategy. They’re quick to assemble, lovely to give, and guaranteed to bring a smile—one bloom at a time.
Projects
Refresh Your Laundry Room – Easy DIY Updates
Summer is the perfect season for tackling those light-but-lovely home projects that make daily life just a little more beautiful. One of our latest favorite refreshes? Updating the laundry room. It’s a space that often gets overlooked—but with just a few simple upgrades, it can become one of the most functional (and even fun-ish!) rooms in the house. Refresh your laundry room with our easy updates and beat the mid-day summer heat. Our recent laundry room update came together with a few well-chosen projects that made a big difference without requiring a major renovation. First, we gave the entire space a fresh coat of paint—walls, shelves, even the trim got a refresh. There’s something about crisp, fresh paint that immediately makes a space feel brighter and more open. Next, we installed fish scale peel-and-stick tile for a durable, good-looking backsplash behind the washer, dryer, and utility sink. This is a beautiful update that instantly elevates a room. Functionally, the backsplash helps protect the walls surrounding a sink and makes it easy to keep clean. There are so many peel-and-stick options available now, and installation is a breeze—no grout, no stress, and completely beginner-friendly. Our secret trick to make installation easy is to create a template for your wall(s) and use the template to lay out the tile before attaching to the wall. One of our favorite upgrades? A designated cabinet with a pretty marble top for our countertop ice maker. It’s a small luxury that we absolutely love, especially in the heat of summer. Whether we’re filling water bottles for a pool day or making iced coffee in the afternoon, that perfect pellet ice makes every sip better. Adding this cabinet to house all of our cocktail napkins, straws, plates, and accessories keeps the room tidy and makes it feel purposeful. We also rethought our storage and added new organization systems—baskets, hooks, and even hidden storage behind the door for ironing and drying clothes. And for a little dose of fun, we added a scalloped jute rug and made a custom light fixture using wooden clothespins. It’s charming, whimsical, and gives just the right amount of texture and warmth to this workroom. Projects like this are perfect for warm weather days when you want to stay cool indoors. And just like our recent bathroom refresh, it’s proof that you don’t have to do a full renovation to make a big impact. Of course, we’re all about pairing a project day with something simple and satisfying at mealtime. While you’re staying cool and productive indoors, whip up a market-fresh chopped salad with cilantro dressing (check out our latest farmers market meal planning post for ideas). Or grill outside to keep the kitchen cool and enjoy a breezy summer dinner al fresco. Small upgrades and small pleasures—that’s what summer living is all about. When we are not out on an adventure, we are working on small updates this summer.