Gifts and I have a love-hate relationship. On one hand, the thought of someone receiving something that isn’t absolutely perfect stresses me out. On the other, there’s nothing like nailing the perfect present. During this time of year, there is so much chatter to filter through, I considered not even putting together this guide in the first place. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve from years of working in the world of editorial. So without further adieu, I present to you my holiday gift guide, just in time to hit all those sales that are currently inundating your inbox. Whether you want to thrift a gift or spend what you’ve saved all year long, I’ve curated a selection of cute n’ shiny things all the girls (and maybe a few guys) in your life are sure to love.
Get Personal
Embroider it: I’m obsessed with the personalization shop from Gohar and if you’re not really the crafty type, purchasing something special from them (like these pearl coasters) is a surefire win in the gifting department. If you have a little more time, I say use the site as inspiration, but make it your own. Grab some pretty vintage napkins or doilies at your local thrift and take them to someone who does embroidery for a personalized touch.
Monogram it: In the same spirit, you know I love a boat tote from L.L. Bean. You can get it embroidered through the site for an extra $8 or take it somewhere local if you’d like more text and character options. In the same spirit as above, to save even more, thrift a tote and save some money. Some phrases I’ve been wanting to embroider myself include: “11:11” and “yippee!”
Custom candles: Another trend I’ve been seeing everywhere is ribbons on candles. This would be such an easy DIY. Search for some great candle holders at the thrift, then find some vintage ribbon that inspires you online or in-store. You can get taper candles on Amazon or Trader Joe’s also has a great 8-pack for $4 in stores right now. Voilà! A chic, on-trend gift that doesn’t break the bank.
Who doesn’t love socks?: I saw the above image of Julie O’ Rourke’s socks and thought they’d make the perfect holiday gift. If you’re looking for a good pair of socks I love the ones from Le Bon Shoppe, Pansy, Hansel from Basel, and Brother Vellies. There’s also Amazon if you’re looking for a deal! If you want to be fancy, you could even do a pair of cashmere socks (currently on sale for $30). Then you know the drill: embroider that shit.
Some other thrifted ideas: a nice and unique trinket tray, some vintage glasses and the corresponding liqueur (or non-alcoholic apéritif) to make their favorite drink, a crisp button-down with their initials embroidered at the pocket, costume earrings (a la Heaven Mayhem which are all the rage right now), the list really goes on. All things you can search for or buy online (which is what is linked), but made much more fun and special if you go in-person to find and are opting for creativity over consumption.
Under $50
Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment or Tint, $16: If your friends are anything like me, they want to try Rhode, but they’d much rather make a purchase it in-store. Take the hassle off their hands by sticking it in their stocking. Go for the set and gift them to a few of your it-girl friends.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, $24: Some women are Summer Fridays girlies and others are ride-or-die Rhode. We don’t discriminate here. If you want something you can easily pick up at your local Sephora, go for SF.
Sweet Enough by Alison Roman, $14: It’s no secret I love Alison Roman and I think a cookbook or coffee table book makes a great gift! Some others I’ve had my eye on are More is More by Molly Baz, Table for Two, and Night + Market.
Emi Jay Sweetheart Clip, $34: The chokkkkkkehold these hair accessories have on women aged 18-30 right now!! What can I say though? They are cute cute.
Lake + Syke 11:11 Perfume Oil, $48: I’ve heard the most amazing things about this fragrance oil. If the person you’re gifting loves Milk by Dedcool and Nemat’s Amber Oil, this is sure to be a knockout.
Loewe Incense, $49: I just think this is so chic for the all-around fragrance lover in your life.
Graza Drizzle & Sizzle Set, $37: Nice olive oil is another thing you don’t always want to buy yourself, but it’s so lovely to have. I personally love Graza (which you can now find at Target), but if you want something with a little more “wow factor”, go for Wonder Valley.
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, $8: This book changed the entire trajectory of my life and I know it did for so many others too. In fact, I’m going through the process again! This would make an excellent gift for anyone in your life who is or desires to do something creative. Why not get them WITHIN to write their morning pages in too? Use code: LIGHTHOUSE for 20% off.
Standard Baggu, $18: I think a baggu makes perfect gift wrap because it’s stylish and reusable! I love all the prints and patterns, plus it’s nice for the planet. I also love Baggu’s packing cubes and pouch sets and think they’d also make a great gift, both under $50 too!
At the Moment Tee, $25: I’m sure you’ve seen these tees everywhere! They’re affordable, have great designs, and overall you can find one to suit any person in your life’s style.
Violette Fr Petal Bouche Matte Liquid Lip, $28: I’ve seen these swatched on so many women (especially my darker skinned ladies) and it looks phenomenal on everyone. Violette Fr’s entire brand really intrigues me, as it offers that effortless French-girl aesthetic we all openly (and sometimes bashfully) love. I also think her Yeux Paint ($31) looks incredible.
Under $100
Chanel Hand Cream, $55: This is my one surefire gift. It looks chic in purses and bags, but is a little pricey to flippantly go out and purchase yourself. The girls that get it will love it.
Fragrance fitting with a gift card, $42 + GC total: You tell the Lucky Scent staff about your loved one—what they typically wear, who they are, what they like and don’t like—and they’ll recommend five niche fragrances catered specifically to them along with samples. Add a gift card to go toward the purchase of the full-size bottle and it’s the perfect, personalized gift.
Ossa Disco Pave Wristlet Case, $65: I’ve been eyeing Ossa for a while and I just think their phone chains are so cute!
Everyday Oil, $52: This is my favorite multi-use oil. The smell is incredible and it’s so hydrating. It’s like a fragrance in and of itself.
Boy Smells Magnum Candle, $69 (during Black Friday): I go through candles like they’re water, and there’s nothing quite like getting a big ol’ candle as a gift. Boy Smells is 30% off their entire site, so some other favorites include: Violet Ends Perfume ($69), Hinoki Fantome Room Spray ($27), and the Slow Burn Candle ($37). Some other candle brands I love to gift that are doing sales and in the same price range: Otherland, Flamingo Estate, Salt & Stone, Ranger Station, and Maison Louis Marie.
Elwood Core Hoodie, $53: This is one of my favorite hoodies (it’s actually Sam’s, lol) and every time I wear it, I get asked what it is. A perfect staple for anyone’s closet.
Maison Pearson Pocket-Size Brush, $75: Does anyone want to spend $75 on a hair brush? Hell no and that’s not even the full-size version. BUT! Your friends who care about their hair or overall just like having bougie things will love this.
The North Face Thermoball Slippers, $59: I know these look ugly as hell, but trust me when I say they are the warmest and best slippers around. Every year around this time when the temps start to drop, you can hear Sam and I yelling from around the house, “Where are my thermoballs!?”
Our Place Knife Trio, $99: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, as an adult, there’s nothing quite like having a great set of knives. Aside from a very special Japanese chef’s knife our friends got us for our wedding, these are our favorites! They come in so many great colors.
RLT Ribbed Tee, $65: Classic, timeless, and oh so chic, I’m convinced this might be the perfect white tee. A wardrobe staple everyone needs in their closet, but few want to spend $65 on.
Diptyque Do Son Hair Mist, $65: Another unnecessary necessity? Hair mist. I live for a hair mist! It’s so luxe and lovely and Do Son is my favorite. Everyone’s been-there-done-that with the Baies candle (although still amazing), so why not shake things up?
Under $500
Cartier Embossed Cardholder, $275: If you’re looking for something luxury to gift, I always love looking to beauty and small leather goods. This red cardholder is perfect and once again the monogram gives a gorgeous personalized touch.
The North Face Nuptse Jacket, $330: Selfishly, this is what I’m asking for this holiday season! There’s something about a coat, you love to have a great one, but hate the price tag that comes along with it. This is such a great gift and I love all the color options. If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, I also really like the Aritzia Super Puff Shorty ($225).
Piglet in Bed Bedding Bundle, $350+: One thing I’m personally feening for is new bedding. Yet another purchase that is much more fun if it is gifted than if you have to buy it with all the real dollars you made at your real job. Piglet in Bed has the cutest prints you can mix and match.
OAS Terry Robe, $230: A friend gifted me an OAS Terry robe for my birthday a couple of years ago and it is my favorite thing. It’s pricey, but will last you years and the prints are my favorite. This Dusen Dusen one is also a great alternative at a friendlier price point.
Frederic Malle Promise Perfume, $295: I’ve wanted this fragrance for what has felt like years. It is so special. With the perfect blend of patchouli and rose, it’s the perfect fall scent that makes a statement and leaves people guessing. Other luxury fragrances that would make a great gift (read: that I’m personally eyeing) include: Portrait of a Lady, BDK Gris Charnel, Vyrao’s The Sixth (great for your spiritual friends!), and Stora Skuggan Fantome de Maules.
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine, $300: Sam makes a Chemex pourover every morning, but there’s just something about having an espresso machine that’s chic and nice. Let’s face it: we’re all seeing the latte creation videos on TikTok and we want to make lattes too.
Mejuri Pave Diamond Huggie Hoops, $215 (after Black Friday deal!): I think getting someone fine jewelry for a gift is so thoughtful; it’s something they’ll keep forever. And I think Mejuri has some great deals. These huggies are perfect for just about anyone in your life.
Kate Round-Cut White-Gold Rivère Necklace, $380: Okay, so it’s pretty hard to follow-up real gold and diamonds with bronze and sapphire, but for those of us who want the tennis necklace effect for a fraction of the price with good quality materials, Dorsey is the latest it-girl brand.
Dragon Diffusion Santa Croce Bag, $381: I didn’t know if the Dragon Diffusion bags were going to be a fad, but owning one and seeing how they withstand the test of time due to how classic they are, I think this would make a beautiful and generous gift for the chic queen in your life.
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, $219: What’s more luxe than a nice skin cream? I personally feel queasy spending this much on a product, but if someone else bought it for me, I’d be over-the-moon!
Delta Gift Card, Any: I usually think a gift card is a cop out, but if you get it to somewhere they’ll actually use, I think it can be quite effective. I love the idea of gifting a flight, Uber or Lyft credits, or their favorite spa / medpsa.