When putting together this year’s wishlist roster, I couldn’t think of a single person who’s wishlist I was genuinely interested in, which led me to the conclusion you probably wouldn’t care either. 

My next conclusion was that wanting is out and giving is in. “What would you give and who would you give it to?” That is the question I asked 31 of my most gracious acquaintances and friends. This will hopefully be more productive and inspire you to give something to someone. 

What do you get for an undeniably beautiful girl? Beautiful girl Amata Alp, recommends a juicer exclusively for celery juice, “she will use it for a week then get too lazy, but she will never forget you got it for her.” A financial literacy course, it is incredibly difficult to be beautiful and good at budgeting. Anything leather from The Row, “except for those newer asymmetrical bags, I think those are ugly.” A custom action figure  made by @_unfollowing. And The Lesbian Masterdoc, “it’s a must-read for all women.”

Producer Andrea Jacob loves gifting everyone toys, because “what’s better than a gift that heals their inner child.” For the forever child in your life, she recommends a Kirby plush from 1993, a Dear Daniel plush “everyone always forgets about [Hello Kitty’s] boyfriend,” and any Tokidoki mystery toy, “people love the mystery!” 

Stylist and girl with great hair, Ava Van Osdol, has recommendations for people “with questionable style.” A knockoff Goyard tote from Canal Street is “a great place to start,” or head up the street to Supreme, for a 4 pack of their classic black briefs. “So cunt with a really femme outfit” she advises. Other easy game-changers are slip dresses from Organic by John Patrick, a fur coat from The Real Real, and random shit they can tie to their purse, think prayer beads, a talisman, or friendship bracelets. Conversely, you could scrap these and start from the top, get someone a cut and color, “it will pay itself back in compliments,” her duo is @jacksonheller and @davidmallet.

If there’s someone in your life who could be “cooler,” let musician and thinker Chandler Lucy help you help them. Get them a classic American novel to obsess over, maybe John Steinbeck. A gas-powered car, because “nobody is cool in an electric vehicle.” Chandler had the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor on his wishlist, back in 2021. A gym membership, brutal, but true, “get in shape before you ‘get cooler.’” You can’t really gift someone a hobby or passion, but if you could, you should, because “there is nothing cooler than being good at something or very interested in a specialty.”  

For the cinema lover in your life, film editor, eligible bachelor, and Letterboxd frequenter, Charlie Horne, recommends a Criterion Channel subscription (if they don’t already have this... it will rock their world). A Lincoln Center membership, “the most popular and beloved theater membership program in town.” The Horizon Ultra projector for an unparalleled home theatre experience. Or go big, with tickets to Venice Film festival.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for that one reply guy who obviously cares about you, image consultant and former teen model Chlita, knows what they like. A lock picking kit, “he can up-skill and unlock your suitcase or front door, or perhaps more nefarious intent…I wouldn’t mind.” An OPINEL pocket knife, for carving your initials into a tree, classically romantic. A Symthson 2024 Diary, “impart the gift of aspirational organisation for the new year,” go above and beyond by getting their name or IG handle engraved (£1 per letter). You could also get them Celine Rimbaud Eau De Parfum “it smells like if you took a screenshot of lavender drying in a barn, perhaps pair with a copy of Illuminations by Rimbaud.”

Influencer and owner of Coco’s Attic, Courtney Mawhorr, has committed her life to vintage finds and believes the best way to impress a second hand lover is with designer wardrobe staples. Get them a long coat, like this one from Gucci by Tom Ford, a good pair of combat or riding boots (try Celine or Ann D), and a nice messenger bag “for errands,” like this vintage Bottega Veneta one. 

For the cat lover in your life, podcaster, internet darling, and world’s best cat mom, Eileen Kelly, recommends the ScoopFree Smart Litter Box, especially if they live in an apartment (it cleans itself). A Velvet collar, because “your cat deserves to dress up for the holiday party too.” Elevated bowls for whisker fatigue. The Martini Condo (no explanation needed). A PetSafe Drinkwell 360, because “if you drink filtered water, your baby should too.” And a pet portrait (Eileen has a gallery wall dedicated to her cat, Chi Chi.) 

 

Intuitive guide and holistic wellness practitioner Erika Lynn, recommends a Ceremonial Smudge Feather Fan or the Mandala Violet Shield for someone on a spiritual journey, “to purify the soul and cleanse the environment.” The Shruti box “a great addition to sound baths and kundalini yoga.” An Attenuator Attachment Tuning fork for transferring vibrations and delightful stimulation of the meridian lines, or the Healing with Angels Oracle cards, if they’re not that into it (yet).

New York’s best kept secret, Flex Tina, is recommending gifts for “a man who is letting you use their credit card.” A custom-made necklace with your hair in it, inspired by Victorian mourning jewelry. A trip to Japan and a reservation at Sukiyabashi Jiro, to have sushi made by Jiro Ono, “one of the greatest living sushi craftsmen.” This enamel & brass 3 -piece “sexy” lighter set. Andy Warhol’s IN THE BOTTOM OF MY GARDEN (20 watercolor lithographs), “the cherubs fornicating really spoke to me.” And a New York Public Library card (free) “everyone should have one.”

Actor and prolifically glamorous girl Galen Hopper insists you give these items to the Old Hollywood lover in your life. Get her Elizabeth Taylor’s Love Letter to Richard Burton (better than any love letter you could write). An Azzedine Alaia gown from SS1997, museum grade and beautiful. Nuit De Cellophane by Serge Lutens, with notes of Chinese Osmanthus, Mandarin, Jasmine. A 1970’s three-shelf Bar with stools, by Willy Rizzo, and a gorgeous mid-century Los Angeles home within which it will be installed. And if you’re in love with her, (we can assume you are) get her Lauren Bacall’s heart-shaped locket from Humphrey Bogart (the lot is closed so you will have to track down the highest bidder and go higher). 

What do you get for the person you’ve been hooking up with? Sure, it’s dependent on time and how much you really like them, but it’s not! Writer, editor, matchmaker, and DJ, Gutes Guterman, offers a range of gift recommendations for your *current* lover. A reservation for Field Guides at Ilis, “Not an object, but truly a gift. Spend an evening ravaging seafood and collapse into bed together after mouthfuls of aphrodisiacs.” A tattoo, nothing says, “maybe I love you,” like getting their name tattooed, let them pick the font for added sentiment. A rare art book involving one of their favorite men. “Here, just take my copy of Pickpocket by Daniel Arnold or the A&E quarterly by Slavoj Zizek. Now we can let it go once and for all!” An engraved oyster shucker, “Carved into the metal prong are the words “Kiss Me,” just in case they decide to stop kissing YOU, they can use it on someone else.” A Bolo tie, particularly this one (she does not offer any comment as to why.) 

What do you get for someone you don’t like but are being forced to gift? Isa Berland recommends something that would make you like them even less, but appears to be thoughtful. Get them Baccarat Rouge, “an identifiably embarrassing fragrance that smells like side piece, mixed with desperation, finished off with notes of new money.” Jonathan Adler pottery, “there is nothing more mortifying than a factory painted jar (don't care if it's marketed as 'handmade,' its definitely not) that says Quaaludes.” Any Boy Smells candle, “just beyond lowbrow.” A gift card to JaJaJa, “one of New York’s worst restaurants,” that allegedly induces food poisioning. And a case of Liquid Death,  water simply should not come in a can...

Club promoter, turned chef, turned student of the world, James Mckinnon, knows what to get for someone who needs to touch grass. Consider this the beginner-level gift for a naturalist. For the full al fresco dining experience, the Eureka Ignite Stove, a Le Creuset Cast Iron Skillet, the Promar Crab Trap, and a YETI Tundra 45. For neccessity and safety, a Stormbreak 2 tent, Surge multi-tool, and AMK Medical kit. For style, Salomon Quest 3s and a case of Menabrea lagers.

Designer John Ross has emassed enough miles to know what frequent-flyers want. Xanax and Wockhardt (in a 5-Hour-Energy) will make any flight the best they’ve ever had. Get them a Private Suite membership, “the safest, lowest-contact way to fly commercial,” if you really love them. And if the budget is tight, get them Seventh Heaven Glo Gang boxers, and corded headphones from Apple. They will think of you on every plane. 

For someone planning a trip to Miami, or worse, a move to Miami. Skater and recently outed face of Levi’s “it’s giving season” campaign, Kalman Ocheltree, suggests an American flag bathing suit, Havaiana flip flops, a box of condoms, and a JBL Waterproof Speaker. These could work for anyone who goes on a tropical vacation more than three times a year (and Basel goers, if you’re quick). 

    

For someone who goes to Lucien a lot, neighborhood sweetheart Linda Hansen recommends giving the gift of Rehab, a facility outside of New York State is probably best.

For the person that wants “nothing.” Artist and entity, Lola Dement Myers, recommends you get them something possibly invoking the sense of nothing. The MUJI rice cooker or MUJI steel tool box in White. A 24-pack of Neodymium disc rare earth N52 magnets, an AntHouse ant farm educational kit, and the Canon Powershot SD1000. (I want these nothings). 

For someone who wholeheartedly believes that they were born in the wrong generation, photographer and bell-bottom enthusiast Max Tardio recommends a carton of Lucky Strike cigarettes or these Lucky Strike matchbooks. A pair of Selvedge denim, like these Levi 517s, or “any pants that show off your moose knuckle.” And if they don’t smoke, or if you don’t know their pant size, get them a record player, a dead person’s t-shirt, or a Nikon F (it doesn’t even need to be in working condition). 

Storyteller, Myles Xavier, is shopping for someone “just like Myles Xavier.” You should get…that person…a Balenciaga Twiggy bag from FW2003, Vol 1. of the Chrome Hearts magazine, US Navy WWII Wool swim shorts, an Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. belt in Sterling Silver, Motorcycle boots in Red/White Italian leather, Hèrmes fortuna dice, and archive Helmut Lang underwear. 

For the art book lover or unfortunate coffee table curator, Nathalie Martin recommends a Dead End Books subscription. (She co-founded it so this is a bit of a plug, but she’s right, it would make a great gift). If the recipient is not ready to commit, start slow, and give them the gift of restored faith in contemporary art with Hugh Hayden: American Vernacular. You also couldn’t go wrong with Kerry James Marshall’s “The Complete Prints” (70’s-now). Agnès Varda: Director's Inspiration for the “film buff.” Francis Alÿs: Children's Games because “No one compares.” Or Chaïm Soutine: Against the Current her “Favorite painter right now.” 

 

I asked footwear designer and father Nick Lucio, “What gifts would you give if you had just won the lottery?” (He really liked this prompt). He would get everyone in his life a high-quality fake Rolex and/or Hermès Birkin bag, because, “Who would suspect that someone who just won the lottery would give them a replica? They would all be happy with these gifts and enjoy them.” He would buy himself a Dassault Falcon 10X, but “In the spirit of Christmas,” he would let all of his friends and family take a trip of their choice on it. He would give a large portion to charity (something focused on children, the environment, mental illness, or hunger) and a larger portion to the IRS “Merry Christmas to them.”

 

Is someone in your life getting their life together? Help the cause with recommendations from amateur life-coach and proprietor of a huge heart, Pinto Cattington. “White Rhino” Agave, one of the easiest plants to take care of, “Kind of like a living affirmation, and the rarity of the plant says, you are not basic.” A $100 gift card to Dutch Meadows Farm, the highest quality meats and dairy, delivered fresh from Pennsylvania. “I was surprised it’s not a certificate…” Parasite Cleanse, “From the good people at Vibrant Healing Mom. This repackaged (and food-grade) diatomaceous earth will have you… Honestly, do you own research on this one.” A bottle of Wine as suggested by staff at Wine Therapy, this gift hinges on to what degree the individual in question now has their life together, but it effectively says “We trust You. You’re doing great.”

Model and collector of goods Quinn Mora, thinks that this holiday season you should treat yourself. Buy yourself the Maya Octopus, “land ahoy for eight times the cuddles.” Find your nearest beach and take home a great rock. Get this set of 3 Rabbit foot keychains, “Because we all need a little luck.” An overpriced home scent, like a Loewe room spray, an egregiously expensive candle, or hand soap from Byredo. Or a facial from Daphne, she recommends the Oxygenating facial or the Signature European.

I asked Sage William, “What do you get for someone sentimental?” and I do not think he read the prompt. Nonetheless, he recommends a mouse (like a literal mouse, as a pet), self-defense items (pepper spray, baton, rape whistle), an inflatable sumo suit, dildo/pocket pussy mold of yourself (couples only), crotchless panties made of candy, Ugg boots, a portrait of a dead relative, raw milk, rib eye steaks, dark chocolate, and rent money.

What do you get for the Earth sign man in your life? Sirena Warren recommends a bag of coal or a therapist.  

For the gourmet, Bagel Bunny founder and consistent food poster, Sakura Smith, recommends Sweet Saba lipsticks from her genius friend, Maayan. Tubissime Moutarde Aux Herbes de Provence, “the best mustard ever.” Spoons! Like these small glass spoons, or these horn spoons, or a Carl Aubock flatware set (42 pieces–not just the spoons). If you want to go above and beyond, get them a pasta machine and make pasta with them. Or a gelato machine. Or a chocolate fountain. “[Those] are all things that make your life more fun and all things that I own because I want a fun life. And then, obsessively, you can get them corresponding items each year (ie. ice cream dishes, a scooper with their name engraved).” A food-related gift plan spanning multiple years, I love it.

Florist and top-tier beauty spender Sofia Dirado thinks any woman would, “Literally love something from Kindred Black.” The formulas are great and the vessels are hand-blown glass, she reuses the bottles for “flowers and stuff.” The Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, Dyson AirWrap Multi-Styler, and ZIIP Halo are also “Major gift no-brainers.” Sofia did my makeup for a night out in Los Angeles recently and quite literally changed my life, so if you want to instill that feeling on a woman in your life, she recommends Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops, Westman Atelier Petite Brush Collection, and Biologique Recherche Eye Care Concealer.

Director, jewelry designer, and certified lover boy, Spencer Sisselman, insists on giving someone you love a gift that is handmade and thoughtful, there is no other way. The first thing that comes to his mind is an “Oversized heart-shaped pillow, in Pink and Red, with a handwritten letter attached.” Buy a sewing machine and put your back into it. 

Multi-media artist and Maine native Talus Andolsek says, “Anyone who claims to love the great outdoors needs a pair of Grundéns Herkules 16 Bib in the color Orange.” Consider this the advanced-level gift for a naturalist.

Renaissance man, William Corman is a great host. He is the only man I know qualified to recommend gifts for a “good host,” to make them great. The host in your life needs a standing ashtray, like this 1920s Hand-Painted Butler Smoking Stand. “Why are ashtrays always sitting?  And how fun is it to name your standing ashtray? I’ve got one and his name is Fritz.” Some artisanal salt from the Philippines, “Love salt. Especially in the form of a dinosaur egg. It’s fun AND family friendly. ” And a Presidential podium, “Every host needs one, to speak to their guests. It’s almost too obvious, but I decided to add it anyway.”