gifts i actually want this holiday season

03: and the things i'm getting myself (plus what's on sale)

I know, I know — you don’t need another email about about gift guides and Black Friday sales. But as I said here, I’m not immune to a good deal, especially when it comes to things I was already planning on buying.

Like last year, I’m sharing (affordable-ish) gifts I actually want this holiday season and what I’m getting myself, in case it happens to help you navigate shopping for a loved one (or yourself), too. After all, 61% of Americans admitted to getting at least one unwanted gift over the holidays and an estimated $15 billion dollars are wasted on unwanted gifts each year. I’m sending you this in hopes that we avoid some of that.

I just ask that you think twice before buying instead of adding to cart on impulse. As with most of my shopping-type emails, some of this one is behind a paywall, reserved for those who really want to read my thoughts on products, rather than to thousands of people on Instagram — many who may be tempted to make a purchase on a whim.

In a previous piece, I shared my absolute favorite types of gifts — ones you can’t purchase online or even in-store most days. The first being an act of service, like help with an annoying task, a weekend of looking after a pet, or cooking a nice meal. Or quality time, in the form of an experience rather than a product. Something like tickets to an outdoor movie or concert, a membership to a local garden or museum, or an afternoon together, including a stop at a local coffeeshop and bookstore.

The second, to no surprise, would be a thoughtful book. Which is the opportune time to plug the upcoming Seen Library pop ups on December 7 and 8 in both LA and NY :) As I’ve said before, I genuinely think books are the best gift you can give and receive — especially when they are already wrapped and have a handwritten clue card on top. They’re inexpensive, intimate, thoughtful and can easily be borrowed, re-gifted, or donated for someone else to enjoy once finished. Instead of picking a book trending on #BookTok or off of a top 10 list, I always suggest considering what your loved one is interested in or in need of — whether it’s a lighthearted story when they need a pick-me-up or a more book centered on a specific interest of theirs. For more info and to RSVP, head here :)

Ok now for what most of you are really here for — the list of gifts I actually want this holiday season and at the end, links to what I plan to buy myself this Black Friday weekend.

Gifts I’d actually want…

To wear

Agmes Pearl Earrings at 25% off. Sophie Buhai petite silver hoops, on sale now. Seen Library tanks and mini book totes, which will be available only at the pop up in Los Angeles. Kye Intimates lounge pants. Anything Cou Cou Intimates — 100% of profits today will be donated to the Women’s Earth Alliance. Dark brown ribbed cashmere socks, Geel cashmere-blend brown socks and these rich mocha brown ones that would pair well with sneakers or mules. Lamb shearling dark brown ear muffs, dark brown leather and cashmere gloves at 30% off and the Lisa Yang dark brown 100% cashmere scarf for colder climates. Porto Pouch in Butter Yellow. Emi Jay makeup clips at 25% off. Bahay Kubo silk scrunchie in cocoa brown at 20% off (with $1 from each purchase going to a Filipino organization). Less is More baseball cap in butter yellow.

To use

Salt & Stone Body Wash at 20% off. LESSE Ritual Serum, my holy grail serum that’s 20% off. Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer at 20% off. Necessaire Hair Duo (but really anything of theirs) at 25% off, plus you get a free body wash with every purchase! Emi Jay Boar Bristle Brush in Chantilly for sleek buns at 25% off. Crown Affair Dry Shampoo and Finishing Spray, both on sale at Violet Grey. Topicals Lip Balm in Mint (my favorite!) at a very good value. Aesop Hand Wash at 30% off. Maison Louis Marie Candle at 25% off. Space of Time 3-Minute Hourglass, to get you to read or journal even for a few minutes — which will also be available at the LA pop up. And lastly, Chanel N°5 Purse Spray that doubles as a little accessory — something my mom would personally LOVE and obsess over.

To eat and drink