Almost there...
Kind of a gift guide, but not really...
Despite the influx of Gift Guides we’ve all received in our inboxes at this point, most people I know have barely started their holiday shopping…myself very much included. As magical as the holidays in New York are- The Lights! The Trees! The Louis Vuitton Flagship Store disguised as a stack of luggage!- it’s impossible to get to the last few weeks of December without feeling slightly overwhelmed. This year in particular, I’ve really tried to make an effort to be more present, switching my mindset to ‘I get to partake in these festivities’, rather than ‘I have to go to this party, buy this person a gift,etc…’. Regardless, it’s crunch-time! Here are a few last minute gift ideas. Most of them offer expedited shipping, and the rest are worth the wait. Enjoy!
Notebooks
A fabulous notebook can turn the scribbles of an average to-do-list into a diary of big ideas from a certain chapter of anyone's life. I have both given and received tons over the years, and none have gone to waste. Not as sexy, but these Muji notebooks are what I use for my Morning Pages, spiritual practices and just about any other situation life throws at me where the only solution is line ruled paper. I buy a pack whenever I need to feel something.
Lighters
I grew up in a house with someone extremely sensitive to scent, so for better or worse it’s been ingrained in me never to give the gift of anything fragrant unless you are 10000% certain it’s an aroma the giftee is obsessed with. A one of a kind lighter always makes for a great conversation starter and is always good to have around, whether it’s to set the mood a la Bibliothèque by BYREDO or indulge in the occasional cigarette.
This Book
Slow Food, Fast Cars by Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore is the greatest coffee table book of all time. Yeah, I said it. Part cookbook, part glimpse into life at the inimitable Casa Maria Luigia in Emilia-Romagna, the content and cover are perfect and appeal to just about anyone. It’s my go-to gift whenever I have to buy something for a couple. Also great for your brother who just moved in with his girlfriend who you can’t get a good read on, or your well-meaning co-worker you picked in Secret Santa who won’t stop talking about how amazing Torrisi is.
A Gift So Spectacular They Won’t Care If It Arrives In April
A few weeks ago I was in Bergdorf’s and spotted this Massimo Lunardon 10-Bird Bowl . Life just hasn’t been the same since. I’m now at the point where I’ve convinced myself I need a cake stand made of glass coral by the same brand. If the sky's the limit when it comes to deck-ing the halls this holiday season, think back on your conversations with that special someone and zoom in on any material objects they may have mentioned that would alter their brain chemistry. If it won’t arrive until the spring, totally fine! Nobody is above having something to look forward to.
Big Fat Diamonds
Enough said. I prefer my stones: old, one of a kind and accompanied by a good story…but, if you’re in a pinch Dorsey makes beautiful, well priced pieces that look great on everyone and offers 2-day shipping.