The bane of my existence, at least one of them, is that my tastes are irritatingly expensive. You could show me a lineup of five identical-looking cardigans, and my eyes will skip straight past the under-$200 options and straight to the cashmere one that’s $1,000. There is an upside to this, and it’s that I’m exceptionally apt at finding, coveting, and gifting the best luxe presents.
If you find yourself shopping for such a friend, maybe that friend is even yourself; this is your proverbial one-stop shop. I have gathered everything from luxurious versions of the everyday practical (Miu Miu glasses) to the overtly indulgent (the $2,000-plus laser skin care device Martha Stewart uses).
Best Luxury Gifts Overall
Guerlain Kiss Kiss Bee Glow Tinted Lip Oil
Nordstrom
Luxe doesn’t mean to be absurdly expensive—it can mean expensive as compared to its competition. I would say that is exactly the case with this $42 lip oil that I myself swear by. It initially has a thick honey-like consistency that coats your lips in moisture. After a few seconds, it thins out (without bleeding) and leaves behind a glass-like gloss. Plus, the gold-topped tube is so chic to pull out of a purse.
Toteme Funnel Alpaca-Blend Neck Warmer
Moda Operandi
Scarves are so clunky and can be an eye sore on an otherwise perfect outfit; neckwarmers, though less bulky, are typically sporty and, well, ugly. Toteme has created the chic alternative with its alpaca wool neck warmer. It looks like part of the outfit instead of something that had to be thrown on top of it. It comes in white and gray; you can’t go wrong with either.
Lyma Laser Anti-Aging Skin Care Device Kit
DERMSTORE
Martha Stewart’s makeup artist, Daisy Toye, told me that they’re both fans of this expensive home device. “We are loving the Lyma laser, we have both been using it religiously.” It can be used anywhere on the body and harnesses the power of a very advanced near-infrared laser to penetrate deep into the skin. It purportedly has tightening, wrinkle-erasing, firming, brightening, and acne-clearing benefits. It’s like having a med-spa at home. Plus, this set is currently $674 off, a discount I’ve never seen before.
Veronica Beard Suede Fringe Slouch Shoulder Bag
Shopbop
For the person who is so on top of trends, there’s this Veronica Beard bag. It combines all of this season’s seemingly disparate purse styles (oversized chocolate brown, suede, fringe, slouchy) in a cohesive way. Plus, the long strap means it’ll fit over even the puffiest puffer jackets.
More Editor-Approved Luxe Holiday Gifts
- Kindred Black The Lovely Lips Beauty Kit, $250 (Originally $295); kindredblack.com
- It’s Been a Classic for Over a Century: Chanel No.5 Eau de Parfum Twist and Spray Set, $235; chanel.com
- At the Top of My, a Jewelry Connoisseur, Wishlist: Vivienne Westwood Pearl-Embellished Wraparound Necklace, $810; farfetch.com
- Doubles as Home Decor: Cult Gaia Florence Clutch, $498; revolve.com
- Hailey Bieber-Worn: Miu Miu Mu 01XV Eyeglasses, $459; nordstrom.com
- Will Impress Even the Most Discerning Fragrance Elitist: Frederic Malle Editions de Parfums Amal Hope Parfum, $636; saksfifthavenue.com
- Functional Art: Jonathan Adler Labyrinth Backgammon Set, $298 (Originally $425); jonathanadler.com
- Classic Pearls With a Youthful Twist: Stacey Nishimoto Princess Buttercup Pearl Choker, $317 (Originally $396); catbirdnyc.com
- Nothing Says “I Love You” Like a Personalized Gift: Tuckernuck Personalizable Black Cashmere Riley Cardigan, $188; tuckernuck.com
- For the Festive Maximalist: Mignonne Gavigan Rose Champagne Earrings, $298 (Originally $425); anthropologie.com
Kindred Black The Lovely Lips Beauty Kit
Kindred Black
Kindred Black calls their cosmetic offerings “slow beauty,” and it’s an apt way to differentiate its hand-crafted, luxuriously packaged, and foolproof products. This trio comes with a lip scrub, tinted oil, and red multi-use balm/pigment. I would be happy enough to receive these glass bottles merely to display, but it helps that they work, too. Whatever beauty-afficionado there is in your life, they don’t have this.
Chanel No.5 Eau de Parfum Twist and Spray Set
Chanel
Chanel No.5 made its debut in 1921, and its popularity has not waned in the century since. The full-size bottle is accompanied by a small black lacquered atomizer that fits perfectly into a purse. Picking a fragrance for someone can be tricky, but this is a failsafe. Bonus: the giftee will definitely keep the ribbons and gift wrapping included in the gift wrapping service.
Vivienne Westwood Pearl-Embellished Wraparound Necklace
Farfetch
The classic Vivienne Westwood orb necklace gets a lot of love, but its popularity means gifting it might be redundant. I am personally vying for this wraparound necklace. Thanks to the non-clasped ends, it can be worn a million ways; as one long chain, multiple strands of pearls, a makeshift bolo tie, a lariat, etc. The long silver bits randomly interspersed throughout, plus the brand’s iconic orb, mean this won’t ever look stuffy.
Cult Gaia Florence Clutch
Revolve
The friend who has so many accessories and not enough storage? This is for them. The resin exterior with lifelike fabric lilies is very much a chic statement. If I had one (hint hint), it would be out on my table when not in use.
Miu Miu Mu 01XV Eyeglasses
Nordstrom
Buying glasses for someone else is hard, but there are a few universal exceptions. The Miu Miu Mu 01XV Eyeglasses are ‘90s meets Y2K without looking costumey. The oval shape and not-too-tiny height is flattering on everyone. I’m not surprised that they’ve made several appearances on Hailey Bieber.
Frederic Malle Editions de Parfums Amal Hope Parfum
Saks Fifth Avenue
When I lived in Qatar, high-quality oud was available everywhere, even mall kiosks. This has made me a snob to put it lightly, yet I’m still taken aback by the richness and majesty of Frederic Malle’s Amal (hope in Arabic) Perfume. This uses pure oud, hence the price, and is so strong that less than a full spritz will carry you through a couple of days.
Jonathan Adler Labyrinth Backgammon Set
Johnathan Adler
Mark my words: classic board games are making a very strong comeback, especially during the shut-in winter season. Jonathan Adler makes everything 10 times more fun, even the already fun stuff. This board is giving ‘80s Versace and would look good perpetually left open on a coffee table.
Stacey Nishimoto Princess Buttercup Pearl Choker
Catbird
I know, more pearls, but they have always been a classic for a reason. Though your grandmother’s strands from the ‘30s might be a little too stuffy, Stacey Nishimoto’s choker is youthful, tasteful, and forever timely.
Tuckernuck Personalizable Black Cashmere Riley Cardigan
Tuckernuck
A personalized gift is the best way to show someone you care about them—it shows that you didn’t run to Amazon and get overnight shipping (although, no judgment). This cashmere cardigan comes in nine colors, ranging from black to sky blue. For the customizable part—you can get up to three letters embroidered in four fonts, 17 thread colors, and two placement options.
Mignonne Gavigan Rose Champagne Earrings
Anthropologie
Mignonne Gavigan’s earrings are fabulous and very surprisingly on sale. The Champagne bottle baubles are celebratory, festive, and of the utmost quality. These are made of silk, glass beads, sequins, stones, and leather.
