10 Fashion and Home Items That Make Excellent Gifts
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Few things feel as rewarding as the smile on a loved one’s face after you give them the perfect gift. Admittedly, holiday gifting isn’t a cultural tradition for Haitians, but it’s something Chris and I have come to enjoy as a result of living in New York. Call it an excuse to spoil our friends and family.
This year, we have quite a few people on our list, including our sisters who work in healthcare and almost never splurge on themselves, but enjoy the finer things in life; some friends who work in fashion, so they’re extremely picky and know a good thing when they see it; a coworker who spends little on clothes, but will splurge on a good designer bag. Then we have each other. Because we frequently receive so many products, it can be challenging to guess what the other really wants. But we’re up for the challenge.
Now, are material things the only way to make the holidays feel special? No. In fact, for us spending time together tops any gift. But who can deny the joy of giving someone something that means a lot to them? You know, like that espresso machine your husband has been talking about or the Loewe beanie your sister always compliments you on? It doesn’t hurt to throw some gifts in the mix, and if you’re spending the holidays apart, that simple gesture can let them know you’re thinking of them.
Ahead, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite gift ideas for the fashion and home decor lovers you know. Most of them are things we already own, so rest assured—they’re all vetted.
Fashion
For the Designer Girl
Rarely do we feed into the logomania craze (we prefer subtle luxury), but we don’t regret buying these Gucci slingback pumps ($1,150). It’s a designer piece with an understated look. Plus, the low kitten heels are so practical, we’ve both worn them for hours without feeling a slight bit of discomfort. The archival silhouettes (dating back to the Tom Ford era) have been reimagined with sparkly embellishments, making them the perfect accessories to style with a fitted knit dress or a tailored suit. Chris loved them so much, she bought the brown version.
Gucci Crystal-embellished Mesh Slingback Pumps
$1,150
For the Bag Lady
Wandler is the brand fashion connoisseurs go to for well-made and good-looking accessories. Every wardrobe could benefit from a timeless shoulder bag, and this fold-over flap leather ($960) is it. We like that it can be carried multiple ways: on the shoulder, as a clutch or top-handle bag. Plus, the curved top is just that little detail that sets it apart from the rest. Made in a luxe leather finish, it’s a match for daytime and after-dark activities alike.
Wandler Penelope Fold-Over Flap Leather Shoulder Bag
$960
For Sunny Days
With these Memphis sunglasses ($240), it’s all in the details: the colored lenses, the subtle double ’I’ logo placement, the retro frames, and the slight sheen of the materials. illesteva just knows how to infuse effortless coolness to their shades.
illesteva Memphis Sunglasses
$240
For the Winter
When it comes to winter accessories, our philosophy is that less is more. Beanies and scarves are so easy to lose; we prefer to have one of each (or two maximum) to grab on the way out. As far as cold-weather investments worth making, you can bet on the Loewe beanie ($320) and Mohair scarf ($350). The first thing you’ll notice is how soft and effective they are (you won’t feel so much as a little chill when you put the hat on or wrap the scarf around your neck). Plus the fabrics (chunky ribbed knit and felted wool) aren't scratchy; the minimal look works with almost anything in your closet; and doesn’t the emoji patch on the beanie make you smile? Each piece is a splurge, but consider that the quality has so far lasted us two winters without showing any sign of wear. Truly the gift that keeps on giving, and something anyone would be extremely lucky to receive.
Loewe Brushed Mohair-blend Beanie
$320
Loewe Wool-Mohair Logo Patch Scarf
$350
For the Jewelry Aficionado
As you can probably tell from the Fargerik necklace ($199), Oma the Label creates high-glam jewelry pieces that are meant to be cherished. When fashion stylist Neumi Anekh launched her brand in 2018, she sought to challenge the notion of who a jewelry designer could be, and her label has quickly become the source for aesthetic tokens worth having.
Giving a classic tennis baguette necklace a colorful twist, the Fargerik necklace strikes the balance between minimalist and maximalist. We recommend styling it with round necklines and keeping the earrings pared down (think simple studs or small hoops) so as to let it have its moment.
Oma the Label Fargerik Necklace
$199
For the Cozy Girl
When the dress code says “casual with a little something extra,” this cardigan ($217) comes to mind. Perfect for road trips, city weekends or lazy days at home, it fits snug so you can wear it with ease all day. The added-sleeve feather detail is really what makes it stand out; let it hang tight over your favorite jeans or half tuck it into wide-leg pants.
Sleeper Cropped Feather-Trim Cardigan
$217
Home & Lifestyle
For the Self-Care Queen
There’s no denying how luxurious Diptyque candles look and feel. They also burn for a long time, so this set makes a great gift ($100) for the homebody who’s all about setting a mood.
Whenever someone comes to Chris’s apartment, she and her roommate Delanique like to say that “This is a Diptyque home.” There aren’t many people who love the brand like these two. They have a candle in every single room, including one placed by the kitchen sink (because well, to make washing dishes suck less).
DIPTYQUE Set of Five Scented Candles
$100
For the Self-Starter
To know me (Shelcy) is to know my love of Kinfolk. I proudly own several issues, and I can’t seem to resist buying new ones. The Kinfolk Entrepreneur ($22) is the book for go-getters who make things happen. Featuring a range of stories and career advice from founders across industries, it’s a thoughtful resource for those carving their own paths.
Featuring a range of stories — from essays and interviews to editorials and musings — each Kinfolk issue is thoughtfully produced to inspire readers. I tend to pick them by theme, but you will find something interesting in every single one of them. It also doesn’t hurt that you can use them as photoshoot props.
The Kinfolk Entrepreneur
$22
For the Skincare Lover
Chris was already a fan of the Aesop body scrub (it smells divine and leaves your skin feeling smooth), but our friend Demi B introduced us to the rest of the line. She has their candle and hand wash at home, and we bought them immediately after staying with her in Chicago this summer. Complete with the body cleanser, scrub, hand wash and hand balm, the travel kit ($113) is a great way to introduce someone to the brand.
Aesop Congruous Travel Kit
$113
For the Homebody
Picture this: you’re home on a Friday night, cozying up on the couch, your takeout order on its way. The Vitruvi diffuser ($199) is in the background, oozing essential oils and turning your apartment into a mini spa. Heavenly, right? Bring that feeling to a friend this holiday season with this cordless Vitruvi diffuser. It not only looks sleek and design-forward, but it’s very easy to use. The water tank is on the small side, but it can burn for a few hours on a fully charged battery. It works best in small spaces, which is why we’re currently considering buying one for every room in our apartment.
Move Cordless Essential Oil Diffuser
$199
For The Scent Enthusiast
“You smell good,” is one of our favorite compliments to receive. While Maison Francis is perhaps best known for its Baccarat Rouge bottle, its other fragrances are just as delicious. The Fragrance Wardrobe 8-Piece Discovery Collection ($233) is the perfect gift for someone with a unique taste in perfumes and is looking to find their singnature scent. In my case, this would be Chris. She tends to prefer certain men fragrances. With notes of woody amber notes and rose, they tend to be sensual and “grown” according to her. Buy the kit for yourself or a man in your life and see what the hype is about.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian The Fragrance Wardrobe 8-Piece Discovery Collection
$233