The Not Another Gift Guide, Part One
From surfboards and popcorn bowls, to gifts of relaxation and culture, our past and future i/Editors weigh in on their favorites for giving and receiving this holiday season
I know. Another gift guide! But since my year-round goal at i/Edit is to give you a glimpse into the world of leading creatives in design, food, photography, fashion, and beauty by sharing their recommendations, we had to ask them what they would like to give (and get!) over the holiday season, too. So, we compiled their lists into the edit of all edits for our maiden holiday gift guide.
We heard thoughtful, experiential suggestions from i/Editors’ past (and future!) like “a night at the ballet with Mom” (Gabriele Frantzen), a spa day at the Chelsea Hotel (Jamie Rosen), and a “themed NYC gift” like Russ and Daughters GoldBelly delivery (Rachel Solomon) — plus lots, lots more.
In fact, we received so many generous recommendations, we decided to split the guide into two. Today’s highlights include travel, kitchen, and home items, as well as gifts that may entertain and enlighten. Part two next week will feature fashion-focused picks, along with beauty, jewelry, and accessories. Plus, don’t miss my wishlist at the very bottom, which includes a code to receive a special gift.
Ready, set, shop!
Expose, Expand, and Enlighten
Invite a little joy into the everyday with these experiences, books, and subscriptions
“I’m gifting a year-long membership to World of Interiors or The Criterion Channel. Who doesn’t want to indulge in gorgeous interiors and arthouse films? Personally, I would really love a new surfboard shaped by my awesome friend Jimmie Hines for cruising my favorite waves in Mexico and beyond.” — Joanna Williams, Curator, Tastemaker, and Owner of LA’s Kneeland Co.
“I’d really love to receive Writing Retreat by Julia Barts and What Artists Wear by Charlie Porter.” — Rachel Solomon, Content Creator and Founder of Hey Mrs. Solomon on Style
“A year-long subscription to the sound meditation app Overtone, and a subscription to Airmail.”— Mariana Velásquez, Creative Director and Author
“A seasonal subscription box from Flamingo Estate, and Interview: 50 Years from Assouline.” — Tess Bruns, Creative Consultant
“My dear friend Nadia Narain and her sister Katia Narain Phillips’ new book, Glimmers: Tiny Moments to Transform Your Life, is full of ways to notice moments of more joy and hope in the world and in the body, and a subscription to Cabana magazine, a gorgeous bi-annual book full of inspiring interior stories, travel, and more.” — Kim Ficaro, Interior Stylist, Prop, and Set Designer
“The ‘lucky schwein,’ a tiny sterling silver talisman from Kindred Black, is great for luck in the new year.” — Alice Wells, Co-founder of Kindred Black
Host, Design, and Dine
Cultivate coziness with candles, bowls, glassware, and more that promote domestic contentment
“I am drooling over my friend’s new candle brand l.a. Rouge, which is hand-poured in LA using non-toxic ingredients and essential oils. They have an insane vintage collection — all one of a kind, individually sourced and hand-poured. I am especially eyeing the ‘April No. 2.’” — April Uchitel, Co-founder of The Board
“I like giving experiences or gifts that make people feel seen. I also try to buy local and handmade whenever I can. A lot of my friends love to bake or mix drinks, so I’ll definitely be picking up a few things from one of my favorite San Francisco shops, Landline, which carries the best mix of vintage and new kitchenware and home goods.” — Christina Loff, Creator Marketing at Substack, and Founder of The Dry Down Diaries
“Capsules for the Nespresso machine from Sant Eustachio, the famous-for-good-reason coffee bar and coffee makers. You feel like you are in Rome with the aroma. And a case of ‘double dubl’ sparkling wine from Feudi San Gregorio.” — Alysa Weinstein Gravina, Creator of Bespoke Rome Experiences in Fashion & Art
“My dream gift to receive would be anything from artist Tara Vaughan Thornton. I’m drooling over her ceramic pieces recently.” — Esha Soni, Luxury Accessories Designer
“I could burn the A.Ok candle from Prema Home 24/7 and not get sick of it, so I would give that as a gift or would love to receive it!” — Alyssa Dineen, Stylist and Coach
“I’d gift one of these bowls from East Fork with a bag of Rancho Gordo popcorn. It’s one of those gifts that I buy for people because I wish that someone would give it to me! I like the popcorn bowl in guava, but there are a lot of fun colors to choose from!” — Jenny Rosenstrach, Writer and Cookbook Author
“I love this brass serving spoon from Totem, hand-made in Portugal. It’s something useful, practical, and beautiful to have at the table.” — Kim Ficaro, Interior Stylist, Prop, and Set Designer
“A Joanna Skumanich papier-mâché cigarette ornament from Kneeland Co. is totally hilarious and makes for a good stocking stuffer or white elephant gift.” — Joanna Williams, Curator, Tastemaker, and Owner of LA’s Kneeland Co.
“For the person who has everything, I’d gift the Kindred Black x Don’t Let Disco mancala board.” — Alice Wells, Co-founder of Kindred Black
“I love the mesmerizing oomph of these iconic car prints from a local Miami artist.” — Rachel Solomon, Content Creator and Founder of Hey Mrs. Solomon on Style
“For clients and collaborators, I’m gifting High Camp candles. I recently received this as a gift, and the elegant aroma filled my home. It’s exquisite, and a beautiful way to say ‘thank you.’” — Rachel Roberts Mattox, Brand Expert
“I know that scent-related gifts are seen as rather blasé, but this summer I burned more incense than candles, and the ‘Santa Maria Novella Armenia’ incense papers were my go-to!” — Jalil Johnson, Content Creator and Founder of Consider Yourself Cultured
“Crystal martini glasses from Nickey Kehoe.” — Larissa Thomson, Founder of Onda Beauty
Paid subscribers gain access to the full interview, featuring the artists and creatives who inspire us right now. I hope you’ll consider becoming a paid subscriber to support our work — and a huge thank you to those who already do!
Explore, Navigate, and Indulge
Tap into wanderlust with these destination tips and travel treats that deliver
“If budget were not a factor, I’d like a week at any of the wellness hotels recommended by Pretty Hotels. I’d also take a more local approach — save the airfare— and be VERY happy with a few days at Two Bunch Palms. — April Uchitel, Co-founder of The Board
“I love the brand Autumn Sonata, and especially like the ‘Elena’ toiletry bag. They’re hand-dyed and sewn in NYC, but they feel like the world is with you when you carry them.” — Kim Ficaro, Interior Stylist and Designer
“Mexico City has become quite the hot spot destination over the past few years, and this guide provides locals’ favorite recommendations.” — Nia Thomas, Designer and Founder
“I always love to give (and get!) the gift of Coqui Coqui in Coba, a place to have the most beautiful meal, explore ruins, and visit the perfume showroom for a dreamy sensory experience. I love the ‘rosas frescas’ scent.” — Karla Gutierrez, Founder of Casa Violeta
“This year, I’m leaning into fewer, better, beautiful things that invite an experience, not just accumulation, so I only have one thing on my wishlist this year: the Rimowa ‘original cabin plus’ in aluminum. It’s an iconic design that blends craftsmanship, utility, and timelessness. A true heirloom that I’ll have forever.” — Rachel Roberts Mattox, Brand Expert
“Travel slippers from Aimé Leon Dore.” — Jamie Rosen | Beauty Notes, Beauty Writer and Consultant
P.S. Alisa’s Picks
“Two of my favorite people are publishing books this season, and they’d make perfect gifts: Clothes Minded by Christine Morrison, and REVEL: A Maximalist’s Guide to Having People Over by my friend Mariana Velásquez. I’ll take anything from the Kindred Black collection, but especially the orange blossom salve in a gorgeous vessel; this vase from Kneeland checks all my boxes for color, texture, and beauty; and the Bamboo lounge set from Camofleur looks oh-so-comfy and cozy for winter. (Use code iedit when you check out and receive your goodies in Camofleur’s signature satin pouch. Black Friday sale through 12/1!) I’m a sucker for Nackiyé blouses (I always love a good stripe), and I have my eye on this Fair Isle sweater in fun colors from Urban Outfitters. My tresses and scalp know I care when I dose them with the cool and calming tonic from Beautiful Dyrt, and, finally, for a splurge, the lockets from Sherman Fields are the swooniest.”
Edited by Sara Lieberman
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A gorgeous gift guide, of course — and I can’t thank you enough for loving on my fashion essay collection five days before release! xx
This is so good! I want to give and get it alllll