Full disclosure, I’m that friend who loves the holidays! I’ve been told it’s too early to put up the tree, so I’ve started by pulling out my Christmas books (yes I have a collection) and putting them on my coffee table with fairy lights around the shelves. Over the years I have focused on buying less and buying better. My first tip for a festive spirit is to make your own decorations, from cutting snowflakes to transforming them into garlands to walking through the forest to gather materials (preferably fallen) to make wreaths. Additionally, I never buy new decorations, I go to the store of Mom and Dad to see what they want to get rid of meanwhile thrift stores are always full of holiday ware that needs a second home.
Whether it’s the holidays, birthdays, or new milestones, I live by the giving philosophy: something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read. There are too many options, and yet sometimes it can feel like there are none. If you are on a budget, we got this for you. First of all, support local! Holiday markets are great for honey, jams, festive alcohol, and many homemade treats. This time of year you can find many school and charity fundraisers selling chocolates that need your support along with local choirs and symphonies that need to fill up those seats (try to find me a parent who wouldn’t want their son to take them out for some Christmas music). Be a part of the circular economy keeping your eyes open for beautiful coffee table books and vinyls that make great gifts at the flea market.
You can’t go wrong treating yourself or a loved one to loungewear set by Wax London, Birkenstock’s cozy wintery options, or one of Monastery’s collection of botanical skincare kits to illuminate the skin this season. From timeless affordable luxuries to trending indulgencies, we put together our lists of items you might wish to give, or receive, this season with a festive spirit.
Editor’s Picks:
Monkey Business (2025) Calendar. Available HERE!
Birkenstock 3 Step Foot Care Kit. Available HERE!
THIRD WAY Remo Shirt Pinstripe. Available HERE!
Pigmentarium Incense Altar + Incense Sticks. Available HERE!
Julian Zigerli Tigerli Sweater. Available HERE!
Suot Studio Ball Earring. Available HERE!
HEREU Small Plaited-handle Crossbody Bag. Available HERE!
Wales Bonner “Dream in the Rhythm” Book. Available HERE!
RHUDE Ski Club Logo-Intarsia Cotton-Blend Socks. Available HERE!
Monastery Body Kit. Available HERE!
Wax London Blue And Ecru Oxford Stripe Lounge pyjama. Available HERE!
Liberal Youth Ministry Striped Tasseled Ribbed-Knit Beanie. Available HERE!
Le Labo Cyprès 21 Candle. Available HERE!
St. Dupont Necklage Lighter. Available HERE!
Auralee Oversized Brushed Mohair and Wool-Blend Sweater. Available HERE!
Elvis and Kresse Weekend Bag. Available HERE!
Celine Homme Logo-Embroidered Shell-Trimmed Fleece Hoodie. Available HERE!
Montblanc MTB 03 In-Ear Headphones. Available HERE!
