Curated by Mel

SUMMER PICKS FOR EVERY OCCASION

By Melanie Carden

This month, a sunlit, summertime mélange helps usher in the many warm weather celebrations of summer. Whether I’m spoiling moms, dads, grads, or newlyweds, May tends to be my busiest gift-buying month, second only to December. But I’m also setting aside time for at-home movie nights with ultra gourmet popcorn and a fireplace mantle refresh; and I’m all in on splurge lounge sets and carrot-inspired cocktails.

SUSTAINABLE AND OH-SO SPECIAL
Launched in 2023, meet GreenRow: a portfolio brand of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. offering thoughtful eclectic home goods. It’s the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, but lucky for NYC, the brand recently opened its first brick and mortar store in SoHo. In a world of increasingly bland and cheaply made goods, GreenRow is a breath of fresh air—unique, gorgeous products with an eye on sustainability.
Info: greenrow.com

FRESH SPRING SQUEEZE
I absolutely adore Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company. These fresh-squeezed, minimally processed juices arrive on your doorstep, ice-cold. Choose from classics like orange, tangerine, and grapefruit juice or jazz it up with a smoothie-ready blend like pineapple-cucumber-celery. I’ve found they’re perfect for sipping, of course, but also for making fresh sorbets and stunning cocktails, like the Carrot Orange Fizz, featured on the brand’s recipe page.
Info: www.natalies.com

MOTHER’S DAY TRIUMPH
The search for mom’s ultimate athleisure ends at Softies, where fabrics and design reign supreme. I’ve stashed away the wintery Marshmallow loungewear in favor of the brand’s travel-ready spring favorite, DreamTech ¼ Zip Jogger Set—two of the brand’s signature offerings. The DreamTech fabric has a Modal-like feel, and the curved-opening, ¼-zip styling gives the set a finished look—perfect for errands or travel days alike. It’s available in 11 colors, from almond to indigo.
Info: www.softiespjs.com

FOR THE SPORTY DAD
With more than 10 unique waterproof headphone designs, H2O Audio has thought of everything. Father’s Day typically includes gifts like whiskey and golf gear in heavy rotation, but truly waterproof headphones are the gift that’ll wow him. Swimming? The brand has headphones for that, as well as running, watersports, and more—each designed with that sport’s nuanced needs. Check out PLAYLIST+, which stores downloaded music, so it’s accessible even during off-grid adventures.
Info: h2oaudio.com

MR. GOLDILOCKS
NOMATIC’s unisex Access Sling is the Goldilocks of crossbody bags; it’s not too big or too small. It’s the perfect size for a wallet, phone, and a few basics but it can also accommodate a packable raincoat. The strap is thick and the zipper is tamper-resistant, which deters theft. It’s a clean design and can be worn as a crossbody or waist-pack and has two internal mesh compartments. It’s a 12/10 for me: versatile, durable, clean aesthetic—available in five colors.
Info: www.nomatic.com

POP OF FLAVOR
I’ll always remember my first Chicago-style popcorn experience. It’s been twenty-plus years, but that unexpected blend of caramel corn and cheddar popcorn was a revelation. Double Good offers their version—Chi-Town Chow Down—plus other fun varieties like queso. If you’re looking for the perfect at-home movie night, grab a bag of Butter Believe It, which is a mind-blowing dupe for theater popcorn. Double Good specializes in group fundraising, but even individual online purchases support the brand’s Double Good Kids Foundation.
Info: www.doublegood.com

BOUQS FOR EVERYONE
By far my favorite go-to flower delivery service, Bouqs has that special “it factor.” The farm-to-vase brand offers bouquets ranging from ephemeral to classic and even quirky delights like the recent LEGO collaboration. Spoil moms, aunts, and mentors with Mother’s Day bouquets for under $60 or splurge on small-batch arrangements like Butterfly Ranunculus. Last minute sympathy or graduation arrangements are a breeze with over 30 next-day options.
Info: bouqs.com

GENIUS GREETING CARDS
This greeting card turns into a Swedish-style cleaning cloth! In its first “life,” these fanciful greeting cards help celebrate life’s important moments. But rather than being bin-bound and off to the garbage pile, it’s also a reusable cleaning cloth—genius, really. When it’s ultimately worn out, which takes a while, just toss it in with the compost. Founder and designer Carla Scholz offers both practical and whimsical designs, starting at $12.
Info: soakitup.shop

WEDDING WHITENING BOOST
Spring cleaning isn’t just for bathroom grout and the hidden corners of our homes. It’s also a time to refresh our styles—and smiles, especially as we head into celebration photo season. In other words, give your smile a whitening boost before all the season’s weddings, graduations, and family gatherings. The Original Mint Whitening Collection Kit from supersmile boasts extra-large tubes of whitening toothpaste and accelerator, plus a pre-rinse booster and a full travel set.
Info: www.supersmile.com

MUCK AROUND AND FIND OUT
For those impossible to shop for, may I not-so humbly suggest Muck Boots? Whether Dad is a practical do-it-yourself style yardman; a grad is heading off on a mega-adventure; or mom is obsessed with all things gardening, there’s a boot for that. My first introduction to the brand was on an Antarctica expedition, where I wore the Arctic line for ice exploration, but The Original Muck Boot Company has boots and shoes for activities as wide-ranging as farming, hunting, gardening, and beyond. Planned obsolescence? Far from it. These boots are built to last.
Info: muckbootcompany.com

SPRING POETRY
There’s a timelessness woven into this alpaca and Peruvian Pima-cotton cardigan. And in a time when stores are flooded with oversized sweatshirts, this gem is an ode to elegance. It hits just at the waist and is perfect with a camisole or long-sleeve shirt. The stitching detail adds texture and beauty, but it’s the gossamer glow of the fluffy fibers that truly sets it apart. Luckily, the same can be said of most pieces from Poetry—a brand that celebrates natural fabrics with a deep commitment to sustainability.
Info: www.poetryfashion.com

A WORTHY WINE GAMBLE
Is there anything better than al fresco sips at the end of a perfect spring day? The sun is setting, and there’s a light breeze—maybe a few songbirds nearby. Raise a glass imbued with crisp elegance like the 2024 Gamble Estates Yountville Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy orange blossom and floral notes, followed by bright stone fruit. It’s ready for gifting, brunching, and it’s decidedly lovely for beach and balcony sipping. Cheers to the warmer weather!
Info: gambleestates.com