The Not Another Gift Guide, Part Two
From ear-fans and iPhone pouches, to tassel belts, stripe-y scarves, and subtle scents, our favorite creatives share their wish lists for giving and receiving this holiday season
Part One of i/Edit’s first-ever Not Another Gift Guide featured fabulous finds such as soulfully designed surfboards, hand-poured candles, and a shiny mancala board holding tiny treasures, recommended by our i/Editors — and now we’re back with Part Two! These highlights include fashion, accessory, and beauty recommendations for both the luxury splurge and the accessible gift, from Negroni money pouches and a serum that harnesses three Nobel prize-winning enzymes, to handmade beanies, a “wicked good” house shoe, and other favorites for giving and receiving. Plus, don’t miss the wish list from my new editor, Sara Lieberman, at the very bottom.
Ready, set, shop…some more! And don’t forget to tell us what you love in the comments.
Nourish, Refresh, and Restore
Treat your body from the inside out with fragrances, skincare, and beauty remedies
“These scents [from Abel U.S.] are so subtle and evoke a lasting feeling.” — Kim Ficaro, Interior Stylist and Designer
“The ‘hypercharged glass skin cream’ from BYNACHT is one of the most amazing face creams. You really see and feel the difference.” — Gabriele Frantzen, Accessory and Clothing Designer
“The ‘saltyface set’ is the perfect introduction to the brand’s elevated sunless skincare, with formulas that are super minimal and clean. It includes the complete lineup — all the face and body products, plus the brushes for hands-free application — packed in a roomy travel pouch. Nothing beats the hydrated, golden glow it gives, especially as we head into the inevitably pasty winter months. And Dr. Gendler’s Smart DRops was created by an outspoken dermatologist you can trust. This DNA-repair enzyme serum harnesses three Nobel Prize-winning enzymes to repair sun-damaged DNA, protect skin, and defend against daily sun exposure.” — Christine Morrison, Fashion, Beauty, and Wellness Journalist
“For friends, I’d give a massage from Onda Beauty,” — Karla Gutierrez, Founder of Casa Violeta
“I’d love to receive a bottle of perfume by Manuel Mathieu, an artist who launched a beautiful line of fragrances. Each bottle feels like a small work of art that’s been shaped by his own hands. And the juice inside is just as gorgeous. I’m coveting ‘Dsire,’ but honestly, I’d be thrilled with any of them.” — Christina Loff, Creator Marketing at Substack, Founder of The Dry Down Diaries
“Kindred Black’s ‘mnesarete’ décolletage oil is my favorite for the cold months because it’s super nourishing. It’s a luxury people wouldn’t often buy for themselves and has such a nice soft herbaceous vanilla profile.” — Alice Wells, Co-founder of Kindred Black
“I like giving something that’s been a revelation to me that a friend might not know about yet, and Trinny London’s ‘trinity’ for lips, cheeks, and eyes will work for everyone. It’s enabled me to carry a much smaller bag!” — Rachel Solomon, Content Creator and Founder of Hey Mrs. Solomon on Style
“The oHHo ‘dream cream’ and Onda’s holiday box featuring a mix of best sellers, staff staples, and my personal glow-enhancing essentials chosen for their ability to nourish, protect, and leave skin luminous.” — Larissa Thomson, Founder of Onda Beauty
Style, Embellish, and Enhance
Meet any moment by accessorizing in standout scarves, soft beanies, and slouchy suede bags
“I will be giving my girlfriends the ‘negroni’ pouches from ODP (Officina del Poggio) — Alysa Weinstein Gravina, Creator of Bespoke Rome Experiences in Fashion & Art
“A custom, engraved umbrella from Studio Burke.” — Mariana Velásquez, Creative Director and Author
“The hand-knit ‘Aspen’ beanie in chunky merino wool and ‘Lenny’ scarf from my collection are cozy, stylish accessories that offer warmth and comfort during the winter months — ideal for friends or loved ones who appreciate handcrafted, high-quality items. They are both functional and beautifully made, perfect for a unisex gift option.” — Nia Thomas, Designer and Founder
“Any of the bright poppy haircalf bags we just launched — most likely the ‘arc 2.0’ or the ‘mini slope.’ — Esha Soni, Luxury Accessories Designer
“All of the ARE Studio bags are so considered — perfectly slouchy, made in LA — but I’ve been eyeing this new style, the ‘sol,’ in black. — Alice Wells, Co-founder of Kindred Black
“I would love to receive the Menil baseball cap from my favorite museum, The Menil Collection, in Houston. It was made to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Cy Twombly Gallery. The green color references the room of untitled works in the Twombly Gallery, known as the Green Paintings. The style of the hat is a nod to the artist, born Edwin Parker Twombly but called “Cy” after his father, who pitched for the Chicago White Sox in 1921.” — Joanna L. Williams, Curator, Tastemaker, and Owner of LA’s Kneeland Co.
“This stripe-y scarf from my friend Tanja’s brand, Multiply, is a socially-minded business giving meaningful work to craftspeople in Nepal. Because of her fashion and graphic design background, everything she does is just so sharp and good. I’d keep this on indoors, too.” — Rachel Solomon, Content Creator and Founder of Hey Mrs. Solomon on Style
“I feel like everyone I know is always on the hunt for a good house shoe, and I think L.L. Bean is up there with the best when it comes to them. These ‘wicked good’ ones are perfect to slip on during that early-morning chill.” — Jalil Johnson, Content Creator and Founder of Consider Yourself Cultured
“I saw people making fun of this online, but I don’t care. I want the iPhone pouch by Issey Miyake. I like the bright colors and the concept.” — Christina Loff, Creator Marketing at Substack, Founder of The Dry Down Diaries
“The ‘small triomphe frame in supple calfskin’ from Celine; the Phoebe Philo ‘cluster’ earrings in silver cream; and ‘long gloves with fringes’ from Sportmax.”— Tess Bruns, Creative Consultant
“A Kallmeyer tassel belt.” — Jamie Rosen | Beauty Notes, Beauty Writer and Consultant
Collect, Adorn, and Shine
Get decked in jewelry designs like ear-fans, padlock necklaces, and more
“I always fall back on either the ‘E.S. brooch’ or the ‘rock duo’ studs as a chic gift to give.” — Esha Soni, Luxury Accessories Designer
“The ‘clarity’ ring by Kate Collins has been on my wish list for a while. I would get it in a pinky ring size.” — Alyssa Dineen, Stylist and Coach
“I have been wanting one of these mini padlock necklaces from At Present since forever! I think the turquoise is especially sharp. And my collaboration with Evie Marques would make a great gift. We designed the special cord color with resin beads together, and we’re donating a portion of our profits to The Equal Justice Initiative, which is committed to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.” — Rachel Solomon, Content Creator and Founder of Hey Mrs. Solomon on Style
“The ‘nautilus ear-fans’ from Sordo.” — Mariana Velásquez, Creative Director and Author
Dress Up, Down, and All Around
Be expressive in fashion finds like faux leopard print, earthy cashmere shawls, and custom sweaters
“An amazing shawl from Mirror in the Sky for my bestie, and a navy blue cashmere sweater from Kutjen for my hubby.” — Gabriele Frantzen, Accessory and Clothing Designer
“I already own the ‘starlet A/B/C’ swimsuit from Malia Mills — I just love the style! But it seriously suits any body type, so it’s a great gift.” — Alyssa Dineen, Stylist and Coach
“I’ve come dangerously close to buying a custom Lingua Franca sweater that says The Dry Down Diaries,’ [the title of my Substack], more times than I can count, especially recently as I picture myself wearing it to ScentXplore in December. It’s at the top of my wishlist. Someone, please, make my day and gift it to me! I’m dreaming of the crew neck in peacock, stitched with bright embroidery floss that pops.” — Christina Loff, Creator Marketing at Substack Founder of The Dry Down Diaries
“What I really want is the ‘aviator shearling vest’ in oxblood from Marfa Stance.” — Alysa Weinstein Gravina, Creator of Bespoke Rome Experiences in Fashion & Art
“The ‘Valentina’ faux fur leopard coat from The Frankie Shop.” — Larissa Thomson, Founder of Onda Beauty
“A ‘Je t’aime’ shirt from Figaret.” — Jamie Rosen | Beauty Notes, Beauty Writer and Consultant
“I’d love to give (or receive) anything from some of my favorite emerging designers like Diotima, Fe Noel, and Bianca Saunders.” — Tamu McPherson, Fashion Creative
P.S. Sara’s Picks
“I just moved into a new apartment in Brooklyn, so I’m nesting big-time. I fell in love with some of our past i/Editors’ home and lifestyle recommendations like the aprons from Mariana Velásquez, Robyn Lea’s book, This Creative Life, the rugs from AfrriCan per Nia Thomas, and the gorgeous canvases by Rachel Garrard, recommended by Karla Gutierrez. I also LOVE The Minimalist Ceramicist and Fredericks and Mae, both of which make great gift items, especially the ‘cement cloud’ and ‘sun arches,’ and the extra-large cutting boards. I’d also gladly give (or receive) some ‘rose dew’ face serum from Kindred Black and the ‘santé shearling baba’ Turkish house slippers from Sabah, a shop in SoHo I just recently discovered on a weekend wander. Oh, and I recently received the small author clock from the MoMA design store as a housewarming gift, and I’m obsessed. It’d be perfect for any bookworms on your list!”
Edited by Sara Lieberman
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So many amazing, original ideas here, and I know this is about gifting, but I think I want everything from Kindred Black!
Oh, and love the Evie Marques x Hey Mrs Solomon collab- so fun and a wonderful cause attached…xx
I ♥️my Sabah’s, & they just get better & better. I have wanted those shearling ones for-ever!!
and that Negroni change purse 🤩♥️ oh my!