Hello shoppers!
Tis the season to gift — as a shopping aficionado and a Leo, this is my Super Bowl or whatever the pique sporting event of the year is (I truly do not know?) I’ve been thinking a lot about how best to organize my gift guide this year; last year we did separate guides for different people and occasions, but this year I’ve decided to create one large universal list that I’ll continue to update until the end of the gift giving season. I’ve noted which items are ideal gifts for what kind of person, but generally speaking I wanted to create a list that didn’t divide how we gift by gender or relationship. (Plus, if you’re new here — you can find my gift guide for Mom, Dad, and for Little Luxuries in our archive.)
Now, if your FYP is anything like mine, you’re probably like — another gift guide? Please. But here’s the thing, I have a couple key rules when it comes to gifting that I know set my standard (and success) when it comes to what makes a perfect gift apart. First, I think the best kind of gift is something that you know someone in your life loves, and wants, but that they would never get for themselves — for example, my mom has coveted an Hermes scarf for years, but would never splurge on herself for one, so a few years ago I bought her one. This can also mean an elevated version of a day to day item they use that they would otherwise feel indulgent to spend money on.
Second, a rule, I also don’t really believe in gifting things that are just going to become dust collectors. I swear to god if I see one more TikTok gift guide that’s just cowboy boot ceramic match holders and trendy tchotchkes I’m going to scream. If it’s a dish, or a ceramic, it should be special — something handmade by an artisan, or with meaning. The best gifts are things that will make their day to day life easier, more special, more luxurious, and more exciting; or something that they really covet — a piece of art that means something to them, or an embroidered purse that they take out for special occasions. Balance utility and decadence.
Finally, I see a lot gift guides that include things like shoes? Like full on sneakers and loafers. Which is wild to me. Ditto guides that include fragrance, cosmetics, and body care products. All of these are things I consider to be highly personal — the type of thing you would need to know someone’s size, allergies, skin type etc. for. And naturally, sometimes you’re gifting to people that you know all of the above! I assume if you’re that close to someone you might not need helping selecting a gift for them. But for someone you’re stumped on? I’ve got you covered. Gifts that feel thoughtful but never impersonal. I, personally, have pretty sensitive skin and a lot of sensitivities to ingredients and I can’t tell you how many times someone has gifted me a body lotion that I’ve had to return or give away because it had like, almond oil in it. There are a few exceptions to these rules of course and I’ve included a few beauty products that are as universal as I think it gets if you do have someone in your life who would appreciate that kind of thing, but generally speaking I’d think twice before assuming your coworker is going to enjoy that walnut body scrub. (Ditto for food — if you know allergies aren’t an issue, gift away. But if you buy someone any kind of deluxe food item without knowing if they can eat it, you’re basically throwing money away.) If you have a specific gifting question or need, remember that paid subscribers are able to respond directly to me through Substack and I’m happy to help where I can!
(And if you’d like to show your support for Material Girl and wondering what I’d like this year, I did create a little book wishlist to peruse!)
Vaiselle Vase: A perfect gift for a friend, girlfriend, mother, or just someone with impeccable design taste. These vases are so beautifully and thoughtfully crafted and I love that even without flowers they work as a design fixture in a room. They come in a number of color combos and sizes and are not so strongly in one fixed aesthetic that they’d be hard to blend with someone’s existing decor. For your mom, your best friend, the friend who loves fresh flowers.
Hill House Silk Pillowcases: I sleep on these every night; they’re feminine, the patterns are beautiful and they wash like a dream. For your sister, your best friend, especially for your skincare or haircare conscious friend — a great stocking stuffer.
Miffy Just Dutch Crochet Teddy: I personally have three of these BUT if you are buying for a child, I think these make a beautiful and unique gift. I would also add on a change of clothes or accessories, or if you really want to go all the way — the mini wardrobe filled with a few outfit options would be an easy way to win best aunt of the year! Perfect for kids (3+ or Miffy adults like me!)
Stieg Larsson Trilogy: For the reader in your life who likes thrillers, spy novels, history, or who just has taste? I would gift the box set of The Millienum Series by Stieg Larsson, which starts of course with the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. These books are flawless and some of the greatest modern literary prose. Great gift for dads who you’re stumped on!
Paper Flowers - John Derian: I have a real thing about fake flowers, they have to be such high quality to really look good in a room and even then they can look stale over time but these paper flower arrangements are like little works of art that, in my opinion, actually look more real than most silk flowers. For the friend who just moved house, or who loves eclectic decor that doesn’t sacrifice objective beauty.
Lego set: I always put one of these on my universal gift list because I think they make a great gift for the two hardest kind of people to shop for: young boys, and adult men. I also maintain that the best gifts for men are a grown up version of a toy they loved as a kid. There are a bazillion varieties on the Lego website, enough that you can tailor it to the niche interest of the person you’re buying for, and there’s something for every price point. For your son, your younger brother or nephew, or your dad who doesn’t want a tie or a signed football.
Grace of Glaze Pottery: I have a few pieces from Grace of Glaze and they are so simple and so refined and just really breathtaking in their craftsmanship. A set of drinking glasses makes a beautiful gift; as does one of her smaller dishes which can serve as ring dish etc. Perfect for friends, a gift for a couple, or as an add on to a larger gift.
La Perla Red Lipstick: One of the few cosmetic products I put on here as an exception to my rule, and that’s because I’ve gifted this exact color and formula to a dozen women over the years and everyone has immediately fallen in love and bought more. It’s a simple ingredient list, an incredibly flattering red; it has a mild, inoffensive smell, and a comfortable easy to apply and wear formula. The packaging is also beautiful and sustainable and makes for a very luxurious experience top to bottom. For every woman on your list; a great stocking stuffer as well!
LL Bean Throw: I love LL Bean with my whole “summers in Maine my whole life” heart and I think their housewares department is really underrated. Sure they make great outdoors gear and functional winter wear, but this cable knit blanket is also? Like? Really chic? And since it’s Bean, it’s sure to be impeccably crafted and last a lifetime. A perfect gift for your coworker or that person on your list who you’re not quite close enough to to buy something personalized.
Hermes Nail Polish & Top Coat: I’ve raved about this product a million times but it’s by far the best polish and top coat I’ve ever used. Two coats and a quick top coat lasts a week+ with no wear or chips and it’s the kind of product that your friend who loves doing her nails at home might not treat herself to — so make the splurge for her. For your friend who loves at home mani’s or your friend who wants to make their nails look their best for the most minimal effort.
Little Huggums: This Madame Alexander Baby Doll was my first baby doll and makes a really beautiful and old fashioned treasure for a young child. My go to gift for friends who have a small child.
Orna Candles: I gift Orna’s candles to? Literally everyone in my life. My OBGYN? Orna. My best friend? Orna. My old teacher? Orna. My advice is to buy a couple sets and have them stocked up for everyone on your list.
Hermes Scarf: Or a twilly, or a kerchief or a tie. Hermes silk is one of those things that will never disappoint at a gift, and you can get something that feels so, so luxurious and thoughtful for just around $200 if you want to start with a twilly or tie, or a little more if you want to splurge on a scarf. It’s one of those gifts that someone will keep forever as an heirloom and it’s also impossible to feel disappointed when you see an orange box under the tree. I bought one years ago for my mom, but there are so many variations and so many ways to gift — a tie for your dad who wears ties to work, or to your brother who’s starting grad school; a twilly for your sister to wear in her hair or a scarf to dress up a winter coat.
Emi Jay Clip: I love Emi Jay clips. They’re just so feminine and well made but they also have a ton of simple understated options on their website for the friend who might not want a baby blue clip with rhinestones on it. The perfect stocking stuffer or gift for your coworker (thoughtful but not too personal!)
Chignon Pin: Also along those lines, are these french made tortoise pins from France Luxe. I have them in a bunch of colors and they make the chicest twist in your hair and feel much more expensive than they are. Also a perfect stocking stuffer or friend/coworker gift especially for the friend who is preppy or who likes, say, Carolyn Bessette!
Hanna Anderson sweater: I love the Hannah Anderson aesthetic and these little sweaters make my heart burst they’re so cute. Time tested brand, unique and thoughtful — perfect gift for the babies and children in your life!
Mens Vuitton Wallet: Certainly on the pricier end, but I find most men I see in the wild are using the equivalent of some chewed gum and twine to keep their credits cards together. An Epi Wallet is sturdy and simple enough that you don’t have to worry too much about matching someone’s taste — it’s universal, utilitarian, and something a guy might not think to splurge on for himself. For your dads, boyfriends, and brothers.
Leather Charging Pad: Another great utilitarian gift that takes an everyday activity and makes it more luxurious — and definitely not something a guy would think to splurge on for himself. We’ve gotten our dad one and he uses it everyday, so dad approved — but also great for a male friend or boyfriend who likes to keep his desk neat and aesthetic.
Mills x Starling Ring: The market is oversaturated with influencer collabs and so when one comes up that’s genuinely thoughtful, well crafted, and beautiful, it’s worth celebrating. I’m a Larissa Stan and I actually found Starling Jewelry through her — their pieces are intentionally crafted with sustainable practices and this collection is based on Larissa’s own engagement ring. It’s a perfect investment piece gift as a pinky ring or cocktail ring and the unique color combinations means there’s one for every woman you know.
Vintage Barbie: This one takes a little digging, but on sites like eBay, Etsy, and TheRealReal you can track down special edition Barbies; in my house we’ve gifted a limited edition Ralph Lauren Barbie, a Bob Mackie Barbie, and I’ve added the My Fair Lady Barbies to my own personal collection.
Sanrio Blindbox: If the person you’re gifting isn’t a Barbie girl or a Miffy girl, a Sanrio Blindbox makes the *cutest* stocking stuffer. A ton of small online retailers like Suteki Gifts have a great selection but eBay is also a really strong place to source specific ones.
Art Walk Blanket: The PERFECT baby gift. An heirloom piece that they’ll never grow out of; a unique and beautifully crafted gift any new parents in your life.
Projektityyny Quilt: Another investment gift but well worth it — I purchased one of these quilts for my own bed and it is so magnificently made and unique; it looks cottage-y without looking kitcshy; the fabric is lightweight and cozy at the same time. They also offer baby size quilts so these gifts are perfect for your cozy friend or family member, or their child.
Jonathan Adler Canisters: Without fail, I gift one of these to someone every year; the tiny ones make great bedside pill holders, the larger ones are perfect for a kitchen or vanity. Cheeky and fun and perfect for anyone with a love for colorful decor.
Enchante Gear: This isn’t your average sports merch — Daniel Ricciardo’s line of sweats, knitwear, and gear is so chic and fun and really solid quality. Buy this for the stylish F1 fan in your life.
Illustration from their favorite book or cartoon: Another item that will take some hunting, but if the person you’re gifting has a favorite book, children’s book, or tv cartoon, you can easily track down original sketches and prints online for lots of classic books and shows. This is such a universal gift because practically everyone has a favorite book or cartoon.
Rare/First edition of their favorite book: Along those same lines, a rare, signed, or first edition of a book they love — even a children’s book, is such a special and thoughtful gift. All the major online auction houses have great selections.