Saturday Snack: Gift Picks For The People You Want To Impress The Most
Great ideas from two of my most stylish friends.
Whether you have just one, or a whole family full of them - we all have people who are impossible to shop for. Maybe we’re dying to impress them (a mother-in-law? boss?) or they have everything, or they have such flawless taste that you’re dumbstruck by them. Whatever the case - they’re challenging. So for gift ideas, I asked three people I’d be desperate to impress - three madly creative women with unbelievable personal style and exacting standards - both what they’d want to receive, and what they’d gift. These are just the first two - the third (FROM MY MOTHER!) is coming later this week. This post was way too long.
First up:
Marjon Carlos
Marjon is a fashion journalist, cultural critic, delightful person, and the host of Your Favorite Auntie podcast (where she interviews people like Christopher John Rogers, Matthew Mazur, and Gabriella Khalil) and she writes
newsletter. She has exquisite style, and is just so smart and cool and nutty - I feel very #blessed to be her friend. Given that she has such excellent taste, it’s no small wonder she’s an excellent gifter. Here’s what she’s giving:1. “Such a chic, lovely hand soap that adds a little something to your bathroom counter.”
2. “I’ve been anticipating the release of this collection from Louise Roe and she didn’t disappoint. This is the perfect vase for the cool girl who buys herself flowers every week!”
3. “I recently celebrated the Gohar World x Palm Heights collab down in Cayman and I fell in love with these gorgeous wine goblets. I also suggest the necklace from the collection. Such a lovely trinket that has so much personality–those are inspired by chicken feet, lol.”
4. “How luxurious! The best hangover remedy for your party girl bestie.” [Ed note: These are little globes you keep in your fridge and you roll them all over your face when you’re puffy - they feel AMAZING]
5. “I am currently reading Britney Spears’s memoir and I am spellbound. Seriously. I would gift this to all my cool millennial girlies who grew up on her music. I am so happy she’s reclaiming her story now.”
And what she’s hoping to get:
1. “I recently saw the Henry Taylor show at the Whitney and I was so blown away. He’s my favorite artist and I would love to have a piece of his hanging in my new home!”
2. “I’ve been dreaming about this Ferragamo bag ever since I got to wear it for a Ferragamo party last month. It’s just very grown woman without being stuffy. It screams ‘I have my shit together!’”
3. “I’ve been eyeing this gorgeous piece since my birthday earlier this year. I need to invest in more jewelry. My closet is fully stocked but my neck is empty…”
4. “A trip to Marrakesh! Next year I want to visit this gorgeous city and my friends who design the amazing line, Marrakshi Life.”
5. “I’m moving soon and can’t wait to revamp my decor–starting with a new couch!”
CHELSEA BAKEN
If you know me IRL, I’ve likely dropped Chelsea’s name into at least one conversation. I don’t know how to describe her - she’s the most entertaining person I’ve ever met, is brilliant on Instagram, even smarter and more fun in person, has such specific taste and style - it honestly defies description. She’s bakes the craziest cookies I’ve ever seen and wears feathers in some form most days. If you live in NYC, you might have seen the wheatpaste campaign she did about her fucking self which was truly the most creative genius move I’ve ever seen. No wonder she’s a creative director in her actual life for her job. I don’t know, you just have to get into her world for yourself to understand how brilliant she is. Her picks are just…. so her. I love her. Here’s what she’s gifting:
1. “Sofia Coppola Archive! The hottest book of the season and it’s pink. A great way to inspire people as they think about the upcoming new year.”
2. “No one should ever be walking around with an umbrella from a bodega past an emergency downfall. Gift them a classic they probably would have never bought themselves. A personal favorite: Original Duckhead. They fit perfectly in a stocking and come in endless colors and patterns.”
3. “Wanna hide while mom is cooking? Be busy doing a puzzle! Piecework puzzles are great ‘house’ gifts and fun to do with siblings when you’re adult and need to reduce holiday screen time. A nice bonus if it is snowing outside while puzzling, sadly that detail is a gift I cannot guarantee.”
4. “If gift cards are your vibe, let’s go for something past Sephora and Amazon. Might I suggest buying a gift card from Delta, this one is the real unsung hero and always goes over well especially for a loved one who doesn’t live near you. Now they no longer have an excuse to not visit you! Might I also suggest a nice restaurant in the city they live in.”
5. “Le Labo Hinoki Shower Gel. She is a dream and great gift to bring if you’re staying at someones house over the holidays. Or the travel kit version is perfect for a stocking stuffer!”
6. “Bathing culture towels! When has someone not needed new towels? I also find people tend to be scared of pattern in their home and sometimes they need to be surprised with how easy it is to add extra color into their space.
7. “All-clad pots!!!! Stop waiting to get these until you have a wedding registry! Live your life the right way NOW! You should never own any other pot or pan. PS you’ll never get the man/gal if you cant cook him/her a good meal so you’ll need the good pot now anyway…”
8. “I already have a few of these sweaters and they cut in the perfect spot at your natural waist. WOW these come in such fun colors, from holiday neons to savory seasonal. Perfect for buying in bulk for anyone on your list!”
9. “For some reason everyone suddenly becomes a baker during the month of December. So help them make their cookies look better by gifting them these incredibly well-curated sprinkles.”
10. “Acne Pansy Beanie - okay, say what you want but these are fantastic and everyone looks so cute in them. They come in infinite amount of colors it is a perfect themed gift to get for your sister in law.”
11. “I cannot stop talking about this Glossier bag. I’ve given it to so many people and have it myself and everyone is obsessed. The perfect colors and size, and so thoughtful with its pockets and pouches. It’s great affordable choice. AND if you’re feeling extra generous go ahead and fill the inside with some of your or their favorite beauty treats!”
12. “Finally, if money is a little tight this season: Gift your Hulu password! That’s a gift that keeps on giving.”
And here’s what she wants!
1. “Holy shit, this Edie Parker table lighter... I love fake food and I especially love jello, real and fake. The colors of jello are so vibrant and they create such beautiful shapes. This obsession started early on while watching a Rugrats episode (IYKYK) Anyways! I never knew I needed a jello mold lighter but now that one exists I kinda have to have it.”
2. “The ideal winter slide for a trip to the grocery store or perfect for aprés ski after wearing those nightmare ski boots. If I am gonna wear a birk, they better be over the top.”
3. “Oh! Stunning. A Hans-Agne Jakobsson Fringe Chandelier. I always wanted pink but these days I think a chartreuse or lavender would really be the one. Imagine looking above and seeing this while taking a bath?”
4. “I am calling these Mach & Mach sling backs my date manifestation heels. This shoe is super appropriate for a first date. Why? Well, they’re feminine and a bit flirty but still a little sexy! PLUS the heel isn’t high so you can’t withstand moving to a second location for a nightcap, if the date is going well! Oh, the manifestation part is that I will wear them on a date which I currently don’t have but if I have the right shoes maybe I will have the right man…”
5. “Can you tell I like bows? This Sandy Liang runner rug is an absolute dream. The bow is subtle but really special. Perfect for any home! Yes, I said any home.”
6. “Oof! This is a fun one. I saw this necklace on my colleague and I wanted to grab it off their neck. It’s varied in colors and shapes so it really catches the eye. The colors are subtle enough that you could pair it with a lot of different looks. BONUS! I first discovered this piece on a mans neck and it looked so chic so men don’t be afraid to add this to your next look!”
7. “Sweater vest? Always. Bunnies? Absolutely. Pairing neon with a neutral? Done.”
8. “If you really want me to fall for you… I’ll take the Dior Saddle in green canvas camouflage. It’s vintage so you’re gonna have to find it on consignment. A saddle is a classic and it perfectly dresses up or down an outfit (depending on the rest of the look) Camouflage is a neutral! This bag seriously matches with anything.”
9. “I discovered Vanessa Arizaga back when I was at Teen Vogue and I never got over her jewelry. Maybe it is because I never went to sleepaway camp so I have always been envious of camp bracelets…BUT! Her bracelets are so colorful and fun and they pair really well with high fashion jewelry. AND something I really appreciate about them is that they are size adjustable and sadly that isn’t super common in jewelry.”
10. “If you’re not aware, jeweler Jacquie Aiche restores watches and they really ups their game. Her Rolex day-dates are my personal fave.”
11. “I’ve been on the hunt for new flatware and believe it or not was looking for something pastel to match my plates and cups! Sabre is a great brand for flatware but I think it’s fun to add a touch of an unexpected color on such a daily used object.”
Ok! That’s what we’ve got. Come back in a couple of days for picks from my mom - read this and then tell me you’re not desperate to know what she’d want.
x
Laurel
Thank you! So many great ideas 💖💖
Love some of items...gets my mind going!💃🏾