THE HOLIDAY 'SOUVENIR' GIFT GUIDE

The Best Gifts Say: “I Love This Thing, and I Want You to Love It, Too.”

Items that reflect our passions—a local find, a global treasure, or a silly indulgence. After all, it’s not about solving all their problems; it’s about sharing a little of what brings you joy with the people you care about most. Welcome to our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide!

The “How Did You Live Without This?”

It’s the thing you didn’t know you needed until you used it.

Think high-tech, low-effort miracles, like the WHOOP fitness tracker. Over the past year, I’ve (very) aggressively encouraged everyone in my life to join the cult of WHOOP. Do they pay me for this? I wish. My typical response to pushback is a petulant “Sorry for wanting you to live longer.” Dramatic, sure, but it will genuinely change your life—and no, you don’t need to be training for Olympic selection to get on board.

Every year, I swear I’ll get serious about learning [Insert Various Language], and every year, I fail after a brief Duolingo stint. Enter Preply Lessons, the gift of elegant accountability. You can even learn Math or HTML here, but, respectfully, no thanks.

Other practical-but-perfect gifts? A 50-pack of BIC lighters because I’m always lighting incense and crafts but somehow lose lighters constantly.

For sleep, my favourite activity, the Eight Sleep Pod is robot magic that keeps your bed perfectly cool. Do I understand how it works? No. Do I need to? Also no.

And SPF—my personal hill to die on. After a decade in beauty, I promise you don’t need niche SPF brands, just great formulations you’ll actually use. My favourites? Banana Boat Moisturising Sunscreen, AiryDay, Le Tan Coconut, Standard Procedure, and We Are Feel Good. As another practical beauty gift, The Disco Stick Hair Wax is the only thing that can keep your hair surviving a flight or gym class.

A Local Treasure That Screams “I’m Cultured”

Pretentious? Maybe. Heartfelt? Absolutely.

I’ve become obsessed with Schostal Originals for their crisp cotton pyjamas—European sleepwear at its finest. For more PJ's - P. Le Moult Pyjamas or Piedaterre Slippers, and you’ve reached understated luxury.

Speaking of sleepwear, the Hotel Big Night Duvet and Robe are my dream companions or for something a little more Australian the Hommey ones are so cute.

I’m also enchanted by the Mozhdeh Matin Napkin Set and Los Scoglio Heritage Bowls. For something iconic, anything from Flamingo Estate (even their bar soap) is a guaranteed hit.

The Luxe-but-Useful Upgrade

Because giving someone a better version of something they already own is peak gift-giving.

A big goal of mine for 2025 is to drink better tequila, and Don Julio 1942 is at the top of the list. Not only is it incredibly smooth, but it also earns double points because it looks fantastic on a shelf.

When it comes to practical upgrades that would genuinely improve my life, I can’t stop thinking about:

• Perello Spicy Gordal Pitted Olives (for martini's or by the fistful as a fridge snack)

• Prada Stainless Steel Water Bottle (I buy one of these or the lunchbox every year)

• A24 Green Nalgene Bottle

I know I said I wanted the BIC Bulk Pack, but if someone gave me this Vivienne Westwood lighter, I’d display it with pride.

Better sun hats are always a thoughtful gift—something I’d never buy for myself but absolutely want. My dream hats? The Alémais Flame Raffia Sunhat and the GANNI Logo-Embroidered Cotton Cap. If I am getting cute fashion items I would also throw in the Chinatown Country Club Hawaiian Shirt and Soil Sack.

For the film nerds in your life (or yourself), the Mubi Film Gift Subscription is basically pretentious Netflix, and I love it. Yes, they’ll tell you about every movie they watch for the next 12 months in excruciating detail, but they’ll also be thrilled.

For bougie secret Santa gifts, you can’t go wrong with an Hermès Nail File or the Prada Beauty Lip Balm. Small but ultra-chic. Another item my family definitely gives me shit about for being too bougie, I drag a can of the Caudalie Grape Water Spray nearly everywhere I go.

Lastly, I absolutely refuse to write with anything other than my LAMY Fountain Pen. Get everyone one, along with the black ink refills because the blue ink it comes with is, frankly, offensive.

5. The Silly Indulgence That Sparks Joy

For the person who has everything and still needs a laugh.

I can’t stop thinking about the Middleton Made Knives Brew Shucker and a champagne saber—both unnecessary and perfect.

These MATCH items feel absurdly indulgent yet so right: the Salt Cellar, Jigger, and Bread Plate. The plate is a bit Oliver Twist in the best way.

And for a creative twist? Brick Yourself Custom LEGO Figures. I made my boss’s family this year and won office Christmas.

The Cook Book You Won’t Shut Up About

Because nothing says, “I care” like encouraging friends to cook for you.

You can’t go wrong with these:

• Roman Recipes for Modern Cooks

• Apartamento Cookbook #9

• Flamingo Estate Cook’s Kitchen

• Molly Baz’s More is More

Not technically a cookbook, but the Sketchbook by Oscar Tusquets Blanca is a must.

Pro tip: Write a note inside the cover—it’s both old-school and thoughtful.

The Subscription That Keeps on Giving

Because it’s the gift that reminds them you’re the thoughtful one—every month.

Here are my favorite substack recommendations:

• Afterschool by Casey Lewis

• Shop Rat

• Feed Me by Emily Sundberg

• Snaxshot

The Hyper-Local Souvenir That Makes You a Cultural Icon

Small town specificity = Big holiday wins

The Butterboy Manly Cookie Tin is equal parts nostalgic and postcard-perfect.

For New York enthusiasts? The Katz’s Deli Egg Cream Candle or a Nuts for Nuts cap. If you are more of a West Coast girl, I have been hanging out for a Jumbo's Clown Room re-stock for months.