It's a Gift Guide Spectacular!

Seriously, there's over 70-something gift ideas here

The first step to success as a holiday gift-giver is to release the idea of there being such thing as a perfect gift. A person is a collection of nerves and humors and rapidly fluctuating whims and influences. What they are utterly desperate for on Thursday may be totally forgotten by Monday, let alone by the actual holiday. The best we can do is provide something that shows thought, that delights, that expands their world a little bit. Really, the idea here is to give them something they didn’t know they wanted yet.

I, for example, recently surprised myself when I realized I (lady birkenstock! Miss same-loafers-for-five-years!) was drawn towards a series of very ornate, very un-me shoes. A pump with a little pomp, shall we say. And I wish so much that I was a size 8 so I could snap up these deadstock 80s Chanel kitten heels, which would be so perfect with true blue vintage Levi’s and a little black jacket. I also eyed these Loewe numbers, which have something of a Louis XIV impracticality to their frippery that I admire and would wear with the same jeans and this perfect (on sale!) sweater by the wonderfully luxe Extreme Cashmere (that neckline! It’s like an arrow pointing straight to your beautiful face!). J.Crew has a (50% off) black satin party shoe with an optic white rosette on the toe that I would pair with perfect Swiss dotted sheer black tights and a faux leather miniskirt and white tee and cardigan like this iconic Comme des Garçons one from 2002 and just absolutely feel like a trillion American dollars at any holiday party I went to. And this all started with shoes! We’re all full of surprises, is what I’m getting at, this season or any other.

So here’s to beautiful happymaking things, carefully selected with the best of intentions for you and yours. I hope they delight and surprise.

Gifts For Everyone (Really, I Think I’ve Got Everyone) On Your List (Including Yourself)

Are you shopping for me? I would kill for this bathroom trash can. Not a joke. It makes me so happy. The can opener is also fabulous. I guess I need to learn how to weld?

Do you want to upgrade your home lighting situation and disguise it as an act of generosity for your significant other? I get it! Get this Project213A-crafted ceramic lamp, its shade looks like it would render a flattering glow: a gift to all! This HAY floor lamp is a classic, as is this paper lantern (also HAY, also a nice change from all the Noguchi knock-offs around). When I saw this punched metal table lamp by Muhly on a friend’s Instagram, though, like a Brutalist version of one of those galaxy projectors, it cruised straight to the top of my list.

Do they take the whole holiday hygge thing to another level? Give them a tin of everyone's favorite German gingerbread, the Only Good Fruitcake (trust me, I don’t even like fruitcake, this fruitcake is different), or the world’s best panettone, a bag of single-origin drinking chocolate (or a single malt, if that’s more their speed), a pair of celeb-endorsed cashmere socks (or step it up with Loro Piana’s slipper-socks, if you really want them to be in love with you) and tell them you can’t wait to get together when they emerge in the spring. Permission to avoid plans and hibernate guilt-free? The best gift of all.

Do they live in an apartment without space for a tree and/or object to trees on environmental grounds? Get them this Scandi tabletop “wishing tree” (and stand) instead.

Is their For You Page heavy on the “French girl style” inspo? They want this sweater. (It’s a Henley, it’s a marinière. It’s a Henley marinière!) Throw in a micro bucket bag in a delectably touchy velvet, a book you loved, and a box of beyond gorgeous bonbons. C’est parfait.

Are they so cool that they’re basically impossible to shop for? Bevza’s eye-catching short Spikelet earrings and flat-lying collar necklace are made of articulated pieces that move like the ends of the stalks of Ukranian wheat they’re inspired by. They’re a subtly chic way to show support for that beloved and beleaguered nation via a fashion insider favorite. Elegant, with heart? They’ll love it.

Does she always have something up their sleeve? How about on it? This iconic and collectable gold cuff bracelet by Isabel Canovas is a grail piece for the serious accessorizer. (And deeply on sale!)

Do they play a racquet sport? They’ll be obsessed with this chic rattan tote / racquet bag. (I know I was when I saw my friend Kadi carrying it.) 

Are they more into tennis bracelets than actual tennis? Fair! I’ve been actively coveting Dorsey’s cool girl rivière necklaces for ages (especially this one) after seeing them for the past two years on all my best dressed friends in L.A. In a time when people can get anxious about pulling out the big jewelry for everyday use, these pass muster by being mercifully not nauseatingly expensive thanks to lab grown gems. The effect is simple, elegant, perfect, timeless. This princess cut tennis bracelet is a big wow that looks great alone or stacked, and isn’t obscene or OTT as a gift (aka will not require selling any organs on the black market to purchase).

Do they drink tea? Give them a Goop-approved box of naturopath-developed herbal blends and a few of these porcelain cups, which feature monks doing things like listening to boomboxes and skateboarding and which I want desperately, myself.

Do they secretly (or not so secretly) covet mules cooler than the Birkenstock Bostons all the other fellas have been wearing for years? Get them a pair from King Kennedy. The vintage textiles mean nobody else will have the exact same ones, and they will look great with most everything they already own. (If my pockets were presently deeper, I would have bought this fabulous King Kennedy bomber already. If you do, I won’t be mad. I will be envious.)

Are they a yogi with a naughty side? An art collector with an at home gym sitch? Get them an R. Crumb yoga mat.

Are they newly nesting, and/or just love a dinner party? They’ll love adding these treasure-filled plates by the same artist who did Gwyneth Paltrow’s wedding china to their rotation. If you want to really knock their socks off, throw in some elegant tumblers with ancient origins (that’d be 1899 Tokyo). Are they a little old school? Top them up with these party planning and guest books from Cabana, which look gorgeous on an entry table and come with beautifully printed charts to help map out seating arrangements, decor, and dinner menus.

Are they truly trend-averse? Do they live in fear of someone thinking they dress a certain way because of a TikTok? They'll be obsessed with this timeless IYKYK hold-all by Métier. 

For a lighter-on-the-wallet schlepper with style, Cuyana’s System tote does the trick and protects the (tech) goods.

Are you shopping for someone who fancies themselves a mixologist? A chef? If they like kitchen gadgets, they’ll appreciate this infusion-minded contraption, which will make them look even more adept then they are.

Do you have a loved one who lives in Montecito or Palm Beach or East Hampton or Nantucket (or would like everyone to think they do)? They will love to own this fabulous take on the classic rope bag, as well as some jewelry for the beach and beyond. Throw in this extremely classic hat and you’ve got it made in the shade. (Pun intended.)

Do they prefer their beach jewelry (semi-)precious? Carolina Bucci’s Forte beaded necklace is a major gift that’s alluringly simple, has a real sumptuous weight to it, looks great over everything from a knit to bare skin, and appeases the frequent fiddler, too.

Are you shopping for a lady of the canyon? Takes one to know one. Whether it’s Malibu, Topanga, Cascade, or the 1970s Laurel Canyon of the mind, she’ll be obsessed with this Alanui cardigan (and it’s on sale! That never happens).

A city girl? Hard to get more on-the-go for a go-getter than a never-been-worn suede Gucci backpack from the ‘90s. Throw in a classic double-breasted coat and some lurex socks in her stocking to complete a look she’ll be happily wearing through spring. (You could throw in a pair of Emme Parsons’ cult favorite loafers in black croc, if she doesn’t own them already.)

Actually, the opposite? A sheepskin-lined denim chore jacket and a floral print sweater are a match made in heaven for everywhere from upstate to home on the range. Lurex socks work here too, and look terrific peeking out of a stylish and sturdy ankle boot.

Shopping for in-laws? Ornaments are usually safe. How about a box of hand-marbled baubles from the master? Or you can always go HAM at John Derian with clever little in-jokes, if you’re at a clever little in-joke level. FWIW, I suspect that my own mother would love these ginger jars, which have just the right amount of John Singer Sargent going on.

Got someone who’s a little woo-woo? We love that about them! Look deeply into their eyes and give them these Inner Compass cards, some incredible smelling incense, and a holder replete with lucky dragon to keep the vibes high at home.

Do they have great hair? Give them the world’s most famous (for a reason) hairbrush, a luxurious shine-enhancing elixir, and a seriously stylish accessory to show it off.

Is she a beauty with an eye for the classics? Go for the gold: Chanel. Namely this insanely gorgeous highlighter compact, perfect-for-any coloring eyeshadow palette, and the No.1 lip and cheek balm in their iconic red camellia. Top it off with a bottle of Rouge Noir nail varnish and a pack of the iconic CHANEL branded under eye patches. (Ritz Paris suite unfortunately not included.)

Yes to beauty, but they’re all about clean skincare. Give ‘em a CAP x Autumn Sonata toiletry bag that could double as a cute clutch, and fill it with their faves: I love the Serotoner for a midday pick me up and any kind of barrier restore serum. (FWIW, a CAP gift card shows you pay attention and fits just fine, too.)

She wants a cool bag, but not one of the ones everybody has. I don’t know if it’s the sculpted walnut handle, the perfect size (just big enough for all your necessities), or the creator’s Hermès and The Row bonafides, but the Quinta bag by Mas is the answer to a lot of prayers right about now.

Is she obsessed with Yellowstone? Join the club. Skip the concho belt and bolo tie and go straight for the statement shearling from Alix of Bohemia. (Or level up, for the real horse girls.) Is the in-their-dreams-Montanan your one-and-only, and you want to splash out? How about a touch of turquoise via a pair of OMG earrings that would make even Beth Dutton smile? (Or these, if she’s willing to wait a few weeks/months. Or these, for a more approachably priced option in the same vein.)

Does he want to upgrade his knitwear game? (Or, more importantly, do you want him to want to?) Send him this heartbreaker of a 2007 GQ essay by Tom Junod that has amongst its many words of wisdom one simple fact: the turtleneck is the most flattering thing a man can wear. And then give him this one, in navy.

He’s got a million turtlenecks. I bet he doesn’t have enough stripes! Here’s two takes on a classic that looks good on nearly everyone, one in subtle shades of blue, the other a dreamy Aran knit with maritime aspirations.

He’s really not a stripe guy. A new take on an fisherman sweater in a very handsome shade of rust, then, along with a timeless (Danish designed!) felt slipper and a bottle of his favorite liquor to share by a fire somewhere.

For the burgeoning astronomer, stargazer, alien truther, or know-it-all who likes to point out constellations: make their year and invest in a real telescope.

Stumped on what to get someone who prides themselves on their great eye for interiors? These parrot candle holders are incredible. Gift with no-drip candlesticks and demand to be invited to the first dinner they’re deployed.

Always on their phone? The amount of compliments I get on this phone case/chain is insane. I am partial to pearls but I also love this longer crossbody style in oceanic shades of jasper. Very soothing. Just like being hands-free should be. 

Did they have a "tomato girl summer?" (Add this cult favorite candle in too, if so.) Tessa Perlow’s embroidery turns people into collectors: Are they a scorpio? Do they call people “bunny?” Do they need to ward off the evil eye? If you want to go all out, this fabulous and slightly insane Alessandro Michele Gucci-era-esque artwork is maybe also wearable? (I would have a hard time not wearing it.)

A new-ish pal who’s a bit of a wild card? Lean into their very specific taste with very specific treats like salted black licorice (or their favorite obscure sweet), a copy of Barbra Streisand’s door-stopper of a memoir, or maybe a clutch of HWG fave David Grann’s best books (The Lost City of Z, Killers of the Flower Moon, The Wager), and a County Highway subscription.

You’re better friends than that. Nothing says “we’re in it for the long haul” like marble. Give their interior design some heft via a wiggly squiggly statuesque marble bowl that (ahem) I designed for Anastasio Home, or one of AH’s fab candles: once it burns out, they’ll have a perfect little catchall box for rings and things.

Are they a lover of beauty? Carolina Herrera’s Creative Director, Wes Gordon, often talks about the mood-elevating benefits of wearing beautiful clothes, a concept that is excellently demonstrated in the Elizaveta Porodina photos collected in the 2023 tome, COLORMANIA (which I contributed to). Pair its gloriously shocking pink cover with a paper ikebana arrangement that will never, ever fade, and you’ve got a dynamite gift for the sybarite in your life.

Cinephile? Give them access to the best of international cinema—a gift that keeps on giving—via a Mubi subscription. Have something to wrap up and hand over courtesy of a box of bite size packs of Bjorn Corn and their favorite movie theater candy to enhance their at-home cinematic experience.

Unmoved? Directionless? Losing hope? Well guess what? Nearly everybody likes fresh fruit. Especially if they live in a cold climate, but honestly, even if they don’t, it’s a time-tested treat. I tend towards the sunshine-bright tartness of a Satsuma mandarin, but Miami Fruit has a variety box that really keeps things interesting (I never know what half of them are and end up with deeply peculiar Google results: actually very fun!). Harry & David pears are classic for a reason: they’re a chefs kiss every single time. (Ditto their Fruit of the Month club, especially for, say, the new college student or recent graduate who you suspect is nearing scurvy after being left to their own devices.)

That’s all I have for you this time. Hope you had as much fun as I did! And we still have some time left before the gifting gets done, so let me know if there are any specific recipients you need suggestions for. You know what they say! Being of service is a gift in itself. (I think they say that?)

Thanks, as always, for being here. See you next time.