It's the holiday season, and as someone whose secondary love language is gift giving, this is when I shine. As a quick note of gift philosophy, I think it should be tailored to the situation and person. And I mean really think about what your receiver might like. I like to try and get gifts throughout the year or listen to people and make notes when they mention being into something or wanting something. I also have found that buying gifts throughout the year and setting them to the side helps me offset some of my finances, it feels much more accessible for me personally.
Now with that being said, this year financially isn't it, and so in my own life I am prioritizing experiences with friends. High scale things that we do together where we each cover our own costs but get to really do something we want to together, like a pricy afternoon tea, a sleepover staycation at a nice hotel, or a spa day. One friend and I are even doing tea and exchanging a book we both chose for each other. I think you should prioritize thoughtful moments but still make them special. Can't do something big? Consider hosting someone (here are some of my tips), and put some real effort into the presentation and experience.
Listen at the end of the day, don't rack yourself up in debt trying to show your appreciation with others. There's been years where I've done this, not a great feeling. And years where I've had to ask friends to do no gift years to prioritize rebuilding my credit and savings, still we did low cost things to make the season special and really spend time together. Donations are also an option, in particular this year I am giving to several organizations, including the Chicago street vendor relief fund.
With that, there's something in here for every budget, including for the more spendy babes. I am overwhelmingly prioritizing small and independent brands and businesses. I also have a separate more explicit list, for the freaks (think lingerie, erotica, and things that go buzz buzz in the night). This list also features things I've given as gifts and gotten great feedback about, or things I use in my daily life. Happy holidays!
*This list includes affiliate links, I may earn commission from them.
Under $30
How Sex Changed the Internet Book / One of my favorite books, How Sex Changed the Internet and the Internet Changed Sex is great for any techie, historian, or sex freak in your life. It chronicles the rise of sex on the internet from booth babes at tech conferences, to online dating, and even porn.
Bienaime Lip Balm / Nothing quite as chic as tube packaging, and that's one of the many reasons I love Bienaime Lip Balm. It's silky smooth, with a light almond taste and smell. It comes in great wrapping, making it look way more expensive than it is.
The Spice House Duo / This duo spice set is great for salads, but also can be used in plenty of other recipes, I love the blends Spice House has to offer, always high quality and in exceptional packaging. Aren't into this duo? Check out their other offerings.
Duex Eyepatches / Everyone could use some eyepatches given the state of the world, I love these from Duex. They are made of silicone and are 100% reusable, 100% of proceeds will be donated to G.L.I.T.S, a Black trans-led advocacy and direct services organization that is dedicated to fighting systemic discrimination against marginalized communities, in New York City and beyond.
Diane Keaton Match Book / Strike a match with Diane Keaton, because nothing looks better on a coffee table than a fun match book, a sweet little offering.
Bacanha's Passion Fruit Syrup / Syrups are great for any occasion, I love the ones from Bacanha, notably their passion fruit, perfect for a mocktail, sprucing up some water during the day, or even cocktails, plus a great bottle that doesn't spill and make a sticky mess!
Under $50
Aperitivo Spoons / Some of the best gifts you can get someone is something they might not get for themselves, like these Aperitivo spoons. Perfect for someone who loves to host, or just has an affinity for miniature things.
False Needs Notebook / False needs are subjective, but let the gift receiver decide what theirs are with this luxe little notebook with gold foil pages.
Edie Parker Lighter Cover / Need something for the cheeky friend, or the really cool one, take a peak at this lighter cover from Edie Parker!
Koval Cranberry Gin / Cheers to you, cheers to whoever! I love this cranberry gin from Koval, pour it over ice with some seltzer and a lime or rosemary garnish and you're good to go! The packaging also looks stunning.
Plus: Expanding the Frame / A great coffee table book is always a fun option, I recently got Plus: Expanding the Frame from Lydia Hudgens, it highlights plus size fashion and beauty in a thoughtful curation. Great for your fashion friend!
Woo World of Oils / Winter is here, so hydration needs to be on the horizon, look no further than Woo World of Oils. This particular oil is great for irritation and inflammation. It's really slick and smells amazing.
Under $100
Augustinus Bader Kit / No one does skincare like Augustinus Bader, it's pricy, but well worth it, seriously my skin has never felt better than when using the rich cream. I love this set for someone (or you) that might be dipping their foot into skincare, or for someone who travels a bunch, these make great options for throwing in a travel bag.
Pura Car Set / This Pura car set is great for a car, or small rooms, it features a rechargeable fragrance pod, that you can set on a timer or control the level of fragrance. Pura has some of their own scents as well as partnerships with fragrance brands. Mine is always in heavy use!
Comme Si Cashmere Socks / Nothing says comfort and luxury like a cashmere sock, Comme Si has some great options, like this maroon pair!
Levenger Personalized Pen / Custom gifts can really be special, they show that you've been thinking about it for some time, this custom pen from Levenger is a great, it's weighty and smooth, and is sure to be a piece that will last for years and years.
Duke + Dexter Wallet / Duke + Dexter has some of the best leather options out there, this kiss card holder is a playful but still elevated gift.
The Icons Perfume Head Discovery Set / Perfumehead is quite the cool brand, they've got fragrances for just about everyone, warm fresh florals to warm boozy notes, this discovery set could make a great gift for the luxury beauty lover in your life.
Under $250
Heretic Holiday Candle / In perhaps the most goth option on this list look to Heretic's holiday candle, it's got a great reusable packaging and a candle with warm ginger and smoky berry notes. A worthwhile contender for the season.
Prince x Top Drawer Dolphin Lighter / But you might need something to light that candle! To which I suggest the dolphin lighter by Top Drawer in collaboration with Prince. There's a very different color ways, but I like this one best. It's sleek, modern, and sure to look great on a table.
Sacred Heart Needled Pin / Rounding out this list is the sacred heart needled pin, I picked this up on a recent trip to Boston, and honestly it's stunning. It's so delicate but bold, sure to look great on a blazer.
Theraface Depuffing Wand / Adding to the list is the Theraface depuffing wand, it gets hot and cold, I have a similar tool from Therabody and love it for days when I have a migraine or when I've not slept well, the cold technology works wonders on puffy eyes!
La Bonne Brosse Brush / Playful luxury that makes your hair beautiful. It’s made with boar bristles so it helps pull oil from your scalp down the shaft of your hair. I have the Mason Pearson which is similar, and I love it! This one is great for a more modern twist, plus it comes in a bunch of different colors!
Hudson Grace Throw / Keeping in the home theme, is this houndstooth throw from Hudson Grace. Majorly soft, lightweight, but still substantial.
Over $250
U-Turn Orbit Record Player / Know someone who wants to take their sound to the next level, but isn't looking to compromise style? Look to U-Turn record player, it comes in a variety of colors and is beautifully minimalist without compromising on quality.
Alexis Bittar Clutch / Ending out this list we've got this exceptional clutch from Alexis Bittar, it features a detachable strap and is a nice basic with a twist.
Aarke Carbonator / The Aarke carbonator stands out from other carbonators due to its sleekness, I have the matte black one and it looks great on my kitchen counter. It's wonderful because you can truly control your carbonation levels.
La'Lagune Cardigan / Perfume also smells great the next day on a worn sweater, like this one from La'Lagune cardigan. A mix of wool and cashmere this sweater comes in a slew of colors with the option to monogram. How sweet! Versatile for any gender.
Aerin Personalized Frame / For something a little more frivolous, but still customizable, might I suggest this monogrammed heart picture frame from Aerin, because who doesn't want a framed photo of you!
DS & Durga Box Set / D.S. & Durga has some really interesting fragrances, inspired by armchair travel. This set of six of their best, including a personal fav of mine Debaser. D.S. is always quality and manages to hit that note between polished and grit really well.
My Go-Tos
So what do I get people? Well here are some of my absolute go-tos:
Louis Sherry Chocolates / Ending out the list are some chocolates from Louis Sherry, these are a nice little add-on. They come in really beautiful reusable tins that have a few different colorways and prints. All of the chocolates are premium and have different fillings.
Personalized Olive Oil from Garden Estate / Something I like to give that's a bit more personalized is this personalized olive oil from Garden Estate, they let you write whatever on the label and it just makes such a nice little gift, for new homeowners, hosts, or anyone who likes to flex.
Magazine Subscription / For the people in my life who can read I love to gift a magazine subscription depending on what they like, though my favorites are Fast Company, Vanity Fair, and TechCrunch.
Chani 101 Bundle / If they are into astrology I love to get them something from Chani, notably the yearly planner, or in this case a 101 bundle to help them make sense of the stars and optimize their chart for growth.
Glass House Candle / I also really love to give a Glass House candle, obviously I get different ones for different people, but Velvet Rhapsody is a favorite with notes of water lily and yuzu. This season I'm also giving some Naughty and Nice candles, a really sweet peppermint candle. All of Glasshouse's offerings really fill a space nicely!
What I'm Buying Myself
I'm always in the market for something, I guess the point of this is to be like here are some things that are so good...and personal I'm going to need to get them for myself.
Universal Standard x Henning Jacket / Moving to jackets I'm really into this one from Universal Standard and Henning. I fear I need it, because it is a neutral imo, a very elevated neutral.
Stagg Kettle / Starting the list is the Stagg kettle. I'm a tea drinker and so I use my kettle daily, I'm into this one in part for the design in part for the temperature control as well as some other techy features.
d’Annam Sample Set / Moving to perfume I am purchasing the sample set. I smelt their Pomelo Oolong fragrance on a recent fragrance crawl and have been obsessed, but am waiting to full size purchase until I can actually wear it a couple more times. All of their fragrances are so intentional and tell a story of culture and craft.
Baacal Slip Skirt / Moving to clothes, I'm strongly considering this slip skirt from Baacal, I really love its lace and honestly Baacal uses really nice fabric, I love the dress from them. I think this would look so good with a turtleneck and leather moto!
Scandalwood from Heretic / Staying in the fragrance department I think it's time I did a full size purchase of Sandalwood from Heretic. I adore this deeply sensual oud, it's got me quite a few compliments, and it just feels like this performance part of getting ready. Like it smells like a projection of femininity, not quite sure how better to describe it but it's really special.
Shinola Watch with Gold Flakes / Rounding out my list is the Shinola watch with gold flakes, I have been wanting something from the Detroit based watch maker for a while and this watch is speaking to me. It's so elevated and timeless. I suppose time will tell what I get.
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