In the spirit of giving, I’m back with a small gift guide and to impart my gifting philosophy on to you. A gift should be a nicer version of something someone wants but wouldn’t think to buy for themselves. Luxurious but practical. Too much but not over the top. Something you’ll use and think about me fondly.
For more expensive help I go to my favorites: Kaitlin Phillips (2020, 2021), Goop, Muffy’s, and the Eyewitness Beauty gifting episodes (2020, 2021)... not that I’ve ever needed help being anyone’s most expensive friend. On to the presents!
Christmas is an excellent time to stock up on tools to drain your lymphatic system. I want to try the Lanshin Massager ($50) and Stainless steel gua sha ($52), which you supposedly don’t even need to use facial oil with. Not that I don’t love my de la heart body paddle….
For me or any other girl always wants to look like a slutty Renaissance painting: Cire Trudon Marie Antoinette Bust ($180), Spun Gold bracelet ($264), and Pearl Cigarette holders ($56). Chic.
Would I even be from South Carolina if I didn’t mention Estelle?
Chanel nail polish ($28) is a great gift. Yes, I know the advent calendar was atrocious but hear me out— the packing is usually beautiful! If Vamp was good enough for Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, it’s good enough for you.
Folding fan ($52) I feel like this is a good mom gift or for any woman in your life really. Bring back fans.
Clinique Black Honey ($20) or Givenchy Noir Revelateur ($34) Black Honey is a classic for a reason but the Givenchy is a lovely little upgrade.
Acupressure mat ($25) if you don’t know what to get someone, get them this. We all need back pain relief.
Veritable Smart Garden ($269) Leave it to the French to create a chic little self sufficient garden! Speaking of French gardens…..
Tushy bidet ($149) America is behind (ha…..ha) on bidets but I refuse to be like them! Spend the extra $20 on a heated one.
Stojo ($12) we’re reusing coffee cups you cold brew chugging little psychos.
MoMA Traintrackr ($219) For the New Yorker who majored in Geography in your life….. ahem.
Boy Smells candles ($39) I like them all except Sky Ting but that’s personal.
Soundcore Flare Mini ($30) these are the best speakers, the lights are fun and you can connect multiples easily.
Hear me out: 72 pounds of Parmesan cheese.
Faris, Catbird, Prounis, Mejuri, Studs you know them! Love jewelry, love to wake up to it under the Christmas tree.
I want someone who loves me enough to buy me Harry and David fruit of the month for a year.
BOOKS:
For the girl going through it: What If This Were Enough by Heather Havrilesky or this Ask Polly, printed
For your neolib mom: The Cruelty Is the Point: The Past, Present, and Future of Trump's America by Adam Serwer
For the dad who got hooked on Adam Ruins Everything: Reign of Terror: How the 9/11 Era Destabilized America and Produced Trump by Spencer Ackerman
For your grandparents: How to Blow Up a Pipeline by Andreas Malm
For girlies about the town: Happy Hour by Marlowe Granados
For sitting around the fire with a great book: The Secret History by Donna Tartt
For the water signs in your life: Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
For the Tumblr alum who randomly checks the KJP insta: Slim Aarons: Once Upon a Time
For anyone who lives in the US: How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith
For women with bad boyfriends: Luster by Raven Leilani
For Southerners: Toni Tipton-Martin’s Jubilee
For the Southerners trying to lower their cholesterol: Everyone’s Table by Gregory Gourdet
For your coffee table: Art =: Discovering Infinite Connections in Art History, Cabinet of Curiosities, New Deal Photography, Racinet The Complete Costume History, Versailles: From Louis XIV to Jeff Koons.
If you are me you want The Witch screenplay book and if you are anyone else you want Lady Bird featuring the Hunter Harris.
David’s dad gave How To Cook Everything by Mark Bittman (plus the veg version!) as a graduation gift and I’ve always thought it was really sweet. When the internet shuts down one day we will still need to know how to cook. Stock your loved ones up now.
If I knew a child I would buy them Fry Bread.
Hold your loved ones close. Go ice skating. Wear Uggs. Drink peppermint tea. Watch The Family Stone. Cry. Happy holidays!