You have probably noticed all the holiday décor popping up, it’s that time of year again!
We’ve got the best gift ideas for forever friends, roommates, boyfriends, girlfriends, siblings, parents, and maybe that person who did a big favor this past year that you want to thank (like my neighbor who lent me his ladder that I still haven’t returned, but will return with a cat calendar). Rather than thoughtful but mediocre gifts, we gave ourselves the task of exploring gifts with that extra dose of aesthetic and in many cases, something to awaken our senses from smell to taste while keeping an array of budgets in mind.
Here is what tops our personal Wishlist:
Jumping Cats Calendar: What type of person wouldn’t want this? Shot by photographer KOEKKOEK (Dutch for cuckoo), each month sees an adorable furball with a dry sense of humor living their best nine lives in what appears to be a Berlin apartment.
Fetish by Jay-Jay Johanson on vinyl: Chances are you have heard Jay-Jay Johanson’s curated playlist for Balenciaga, but if you haven’t listened to his music, then now is the time to discover him. FETISH opens a new era for the iconic Swedish artist exploring the melancholic, aerial atmosphere that makes the DNA of his music with a cinematographic view.
Melograno Soap Kit by Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella: A visit to Florence for me isn’t complete without stocking up on stocking stuffers from the iconic Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. Now I’m saving suitcase space and visiting their online boutique. With roots herbalists roots since the 1600s, if you have sensitive skin, so you don’t need to worry about any scents, everything they carry is safe for delicate skin with enhanced benefits.
Santal Blues Incense by Pigmentarium: Santal is always a captivating scent, so familiar that it always brings you back. Czech perfume house Pigmentarium has been making lots of buzz in creative circles since its launch in 2018. I wear Paradiso myself, but since giving perfume can be such a personal gift, incense makes a great alternative.
Le Labo DISCOVERY SET classic collection: Choosing a perfume to gift to someone is always difficult. But we have a solution for you. Le Labo selected six of their most loved fragrances from the Classic Collection for you or your loved one to explore and enjoy. This Discovery Set includes 5ml samples of Another 13, Lavande 31, Rose 31, Santal 33, Thé Matcha 26, and Thé Noir 29. Beautifully packaged in their classic kraft box and sealed with a personalized label.
Geranium scented candle by ARKET: I have recently fallen into the rabbit of homeware on ARKET, known for their Nordic tradition of beauty and function, they also focus on sustainable practices. This Geranium scented candle, is also one of the olfactory concepts created by ARKET, interpreting a single natural ingredient. This candle is made from a mixture of rapeseed oil and paraffin.
GANT x Merci T-shirt: Merci is an iconic Paris shop and must visit anytime you are in the city. This GANT x Merci capsule collab is what happens when you give a French touch to the Americana! The capsule includes t-shirts, hoodies, Varsity jackets, socks, and crewnecks.
Nishane Mexican Wood Room Spray: I love candles, diffusers, and room spray, perhaps it tricks the brain into thinking everything is clean and in its meaningful place. I recently discovered Nishane after opening their Paris store and this room spray caught my attention inspired by the Mexican culture, architecture, and the bohemian atmosphere interpreted through top notes of Grape and Pamplemousse along with base notes made up of amber and wood.
Wave Vase by FAZEEK: This hand-blown colored glass vase will complement any space. Melbourne-based FAZEEK fuses functionality with highly sculptural design in every functional object. Since 2017, their pieces have become instant classics to add to any home.
Gao slides by Both: Independent Paris-based shoe brand Both is known for their statement shoes and designer collabs, most recently with Dion Lee. The Gao slides will see you making summer plans in the midst of winter.
Stretch-Knit Gloves by Liberal Youth Ministry: These insulating stretch-knit gloves are appliquéd with words like ‘awaken’, ‘truth’ and ‘dream lover’ on each finger, making little inspiring messages from this young Mexican label.
Two Tone Coffee Plunger by FAZEEK: Recently I ditched my coffee machine, tired of buying capsules and broken parts I decided to take the plunge back to a French Press. Smaller, cuter, and more energy efficient than a machine, this Plunger by FAZEEK will be popular in any home and daydreaming for your next coffee break.
Large Face Logo Beanie by Acne Studios: This Acne Studios spring green knit beanie crafted from chunky wool makes me want to walk around a Christmas market with a hot matcha latte and move back to my hometown and open a pottery studio. Isn’t the season all about making wishes come true?!
Lucky Cat Charm by Menē: Gift some good luck to a loved one with this Lucky Cat Charm in 24k gold. This witty kitty will add good fortune and fun to anyone’s collection. Menē sells gold by the gram ethically sourced from gold mines in Nevada, USA, and Ontario, Canada. Additionally, they only source metals mined by publicly traded precious metal miners who are held accountable to stricter environmental best practices.
Private Blend Oud Wood Eau de Parfum Set by Tom Ford: This sensual amber fragrance with hints of rare oud, Chinese pepper, and sandalwood is incredibly alluring. A 50mL eau de parfum bottle and a 10mL travel spray are included in the opulent gift package.
Toiletries Bag by CELINE: This past year so many people have mentioned to me that they were looking for a luxury toiletries bag. CELINE’s Triomphe canvas is instantly iconic and makes a wonderful lasting gift that is both practical and chic.
Block Cable Crewneck Knit by Past Tense: What’s the holiday season without a sweater?! This sweater is carefully knitted in Italy using the renowned virgin merino yarn Cashwool from Zegna Baruffa which gives the garment a soft touch and long-lasting properties. Did I mention it comes with a detachable branded metal brooch?
CYBEREN Jacket by A. A. Spectrum: A good down jacket is the best investment for the winter season. Filled with RDS (Responsible Down Standard) down, with 90% down filling this jacket by A. A. Spectrum also is lined with recycled polyester fabric.
