Greetings, friends! And welcome to Caroline Finds It: my weekly newsletter where I reply to submissions from YOU for objects and products you need recommendations for.
This week, I’m helping out a friend who happens to be my very best friend. She’s looking for a specific gift, with a lot of weight.
Elke in Pittsburgh: “I am looking for a police academy graduation gift! The academy is no joke and I want to make this cadet feel extra proud and celebrated. Please help!”
Dear Elke,
Your partner will be the first police officer I have ever personally known! And I know that you, too, don’t have much experience with police officers, making this hunt even more difficult. Since I know him well, I can say that he’s exactly the kind of person who should be in law enforcement — an empathetic, kind, progressive, commanding change-maker who has a challenging road ahead that’s full of potential to do good. Let’s find him something thoughtful to lighten the load!
First of all, searching “gift for a new police officer” yields horrifyingly cliché results, which I won’t even discuss here. Since the recipient in question is anything but a typical law enforcement dude, we’re going to need to go a little deeper.
His department will have rules about what he wears and how he keeps his car, so let’s stay away from most things wearable or decor related. Instead, the best idea I have for you is a piece of jewelry — perhaps something that symbolizes protection. It could be something meaningful to him specifically, or something rooted in a spiritualism or a belief system. Here are some pendant ideas that will look nice on a chain that best suits his style:
As far as Catholic saints go, St. Christopher is the one that most turn to for protection, but St. Michael is considered the protector of police, and champion of justice. This particular St. Michael medal from Craftd London ($85) is cooler than most:
In Italian lore, it’s the Mano Cornuto that’s worn for protection, good luck and to ward off evil. This Etsy seller has 14k gold Mano Cornuto for less than $200.
Perhaps the most famous hand talisman is the Hamsa, which in used by both Jewish and Muslim religions as a protection icon. It’s said that the three fingers represent strength, protection and wisdom. There are thousands of traditional versions to be found online, and some slightly more modern ones like this one from Jewlr for $359:
And lastly, have you heard of a Winged Scarab? It’s a beetle that was placed at the heart after death as an amulet for rebirth in ancient Egypt. These days, they’re worn to represent renewal, safety and restoration. Awe Inspired has one that’s particularly nice ($90 for sterling silver):
He can wear it under his uniform, or off-duty, but no matter the place, he’ll always be reminded of you and the forces at work to protect him.
Less serious gifts
Okay, this is mostly for myself, and for other friends and family of future law enforcement officers. If you want to get something that’s a gesture but doesn’t hold too much meaning, here are some ideas for you:
A detective novel - How about something fun that he can read and maybe learn something from? I bet detective novels are especially enjoyable when you know the inside scoop on how the system works. At The Mysterious Bookshop, you can find the whole American Mystery Classics collection, which cover many points of interest.
A tactical pen - This is basically a type of pen that is a multi-tool with functions mostly for protection and safety while being able to write in all conditions. Nitecore makes the best-reviewed, best-looking ones with most models, like the NTP30 running around $100
A personalized coffee tumbler - Do cops actually drink coffee and eat donuts all day? Probably not, but a nifty personalized coffee tumbler is always a welcome gift. The Loft Engraving on Etsy has lots of options for different types of Yeti cups, with different engraved badge designs. And don’t forget to throw in a gift card for a local donut shop, just for fun :)
FAVORITE PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
This week, I took my book club to a botánica in Washington Heights to learn about Dominican Santeria, which was relevant to the book we just finished. While scouting out locations a few weekends ago, I discovered that the amazing multi-use product known as Florida Water is available in an aerosol can!! For those unfamiliar, Florida Water is a scented water that was original made in NYC over 200 years ago to be used for medicinal and spiritual purposes (you can learn more about the history here). It smells citrusy and spicy, and doesn’t linger for too long, making the aerosol version the perfect air freshener. Use can also use aerosol Florida Water ($7) while meditating, for energy cleansing, or simply because you like the smell of it.
Is there a product you’re looking for? Submit your request here. See you next week for a fresh recommendations. xo Caroline
these are so good!! ❤️❤️❤️