Gift-giving is my love language. Not in a hyperbolic sense, but according to the 5 Love Languages, it’s how I give and receive love. I have a year-round list for my nearest and dearest, where I scribble down ideas. I start holiday shopping in September, piling presents in the back of my closet long before Thanksgiving. French philosopher Simone Weil said, “Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” And to me, it’s the essence of any great gift. Pay attention. Take notes. And always include a handwritten note.
Amaro Variety
Thank god not drinking is in vogue, and we are blessed with an abundance of nonalcoholic options. My favorite, thanks to an intro at Margot, has to be the Detroit-based Casamara Club. Gift a variety set or sling a pack at your next holiday party.
Elegant Navy Shirt
Nothing feels quite as celebratory as made-to-measure clothing. I wish my entire wardrobe were Chava Studio, and so will your recipient as soon as they get their hands on this 100% Swiss cotton from ALUMO.
Chocolate Sea Salt
Give the gift of the perfect granola bar this holiday season. No weird fillers. Just the best of the best ingredients that leave me feeling ready to take on the day. Ideally, you’d gift both flavors, but chocolate feels particularly festive.
La Boxer Classica
When your partner asks for lingerie, they’re talking about Comme Si silk boxers. The height of luxury, the crown jewel of any underwear drawer, these boxers are quintessentially giftable. I wear mine with an oversized wool sweater and tall boots for date night.
Underwater Woven Tote
Baskets are my thing. And a perfect one is hard to find. Give the timeless gift of an Underwater design, but don’t be surprised if your recipient makes it their new go-to.
Vera Sunglasses
This year, I’m giving my best friend vintage Celine sunglasses. You can go the safer route with something exchangeable from my favorite sunglasses line, Akila. The quality is incredible. The shapes feel super special. And the in-store experience is fantastic, in case the exchange really is necessary.
Loftie Lamp
This is the exact kind of gift I would give my husband—something I desperately want but can write off as “for the apartment.” I use my Loftie Clock day and night, so it only makes sense to expand my collection to the lamp, which optimizes for sleep and comes in an array of colors.
The Signature Facial
Are you there, God? It’s me asking for a facial from my favorite facialist, Elizabeth Hand. Think of this gift as the ultimate choice for the person on your list asking for an experience over something tangible. Though, it’s hard to leave Elizbeth’s studio without an armful of expert-recommended products.
Eloise Hair Bow
You’re either a bow person or you’re not. Treat the bow people on your list to something deeply romantic and totally outfit-making. Local Woman nails flirty every time. Their buoyant bows are no exception.
Popcorn of the Month Club
Maybe it’s my Iowa showing, but I can hardly think of a more delightful gift than a flavored popcorn pod showing up at my doorstep every month.
Organic Cashmere Scarf
A scarf feels like a cop-out unless it’s this divine cashmere number from Minnesota-based Scarf Shop. The colors are bright, and feel like instant winners. I have my eyes on a bright blue one.
Water Type Mobile
Throw out what you thought you knew about mobiles. These stunning creations by Peter Witrak make me want one in every corner. For an extra-special gift, email the artist to have one custom-made.
Me Journal
There’s something about the holiday season that makes me reflect. Give someone you love time to reconnect on the year they’ve had with this guided journal.
Cal Bookends
Maybe the best course of action is to knock out your holiday list at the perfectly curated Open Invite in Red Hook, Brooklyn. These bookends marry practicality and design.
Varsity Unitard
Give the gift of sexy activewear. I love Wear One’s At for workout clothes I actually want to run into someone wearing. Broaden your favorite gym rat’s horizons with a unitard this holiday season.