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‘Tis the season to embrace joy. Tune out the triggering bombardment of holiday commercials and the rapid influx of spam mail on savings events. The key to merriment this season is to simplify your holiday gifting approach.
“For me, it’s all about buying the little luxuries, from a special lipstick to cashmere socks,” says Marina Larroudé, cofounder and chief creative officer of Larroudé. “I don’t think a purchase needs to necessarily be ‘luxury,’ as in an expensive item, but it can be a very thoughtful gift with a fun, glitzy design. It’s the season when you can be really ‘extra’ without judgement and splurge on something fun that will make everyday life a little more joyful.”
Larroudé, a self-proclaimed “holidayzilla,” warmly welcomes a joie de vivre mindset with the season’s signatures of all things ornate, such as festive red bows and gorgeous garlands, yet also considers a gift’s practicality and the longevity of the happiness it will deliver a giftee. Jessica Matlin, direct of home and beauty at Moda Operandi, echoed a similar sentiment for investment-worthy holiday gifts, especially items that have an heirloom-like quality that makes a luxury purchase so precious, its appeal can last for generations.
“A great heirloom doesn’t always have to be an expensive purchase — it could be something that’s rare, feels precious to you, or is indicative of your style,” Matlin told WWD. “These are items that you’ll continue to get pleasure from looking at every day, whether it’s a piece from your favorite artist on your wall or fine linens on your dining room table.”
Be it a gift that makes the ordinary extraordinary or a splurge become priceless, experts agree that thoughtfulness is the ribbon that ties the holiday offering’s meaning and value for the lucky recipient into a perfectly packaged present that spreads joy.
For the most rewarding holiday investments, we offer our curation of presents that ensure glee and gaiety for giftees this season and beyond. Remember: it’s the thought that counts.
WWD Weekend, December 2024 issue
WWD
WWD Weekend, December 2024 issue
WWD
WWD Weekend, December 2024 issue
WWD
WWD Weekend, December 2024 issue
WWD
Invest in Little Luxuries
The finer things in life come in all shapes and sizes. Treat yourself and loved ones with gifts of everyday essentials for lavish living.
it’s such a joyful season, and for me, it’s all about being ‘extra’ and indulgent without judgement. It can be a very thoughtful gift with a fun, glitzy design that will make everyday life a little more delightful.
Marina Larroudé, cofounder and chief creative officer of Larroudé
Dior Prestige La Micro-Huile de Rose Activated Serum
Excellent for all skin types, this luxury face serum is rich in omega fatty acids and hyaluronic acid to plump the skin, quench dryness, and smooth fine lines. She’ll love the lightweight feel of the formula and how gorgeous it looks on her vanity.
Price upon publish date of this article: $350
Flamingo Estate Peppermint Exfoliating Soap Brick
This oversized bar soap will turn the everyday task of washing hands into pure bliss. Poppy seeds gently slough off dry, dead skin, while peppermint essential oil energizes the senses.
Price upon publish date of this article: $42
Coach Bowery Satchel 22 Bag
A sensible east-west leather Coach bag in a pretty pastel pink colorway will be your go-to everyday carryall into the spring 2025 season.
Price upon publish date of this article: $295
Larroudé Verona Ballet Flat in Peanut Suede
No nutcracker needed to enjoy these peanut suede ballet beauties from Larroudé. A roomy toe box, memory foam insoles, and supple Lancaster leather will make you fall in love with this popular shoe style that’s considered one of the most comfortable flats for women by fashion industry insiders. Simply put, this luxury Christmas gift idea is on pointe.
Price upon publish date of this article: $315
Olivia von Halle Audrey Celestine Eye Mask
Some might consider the most luxurious gift to be a good night’s rest. You can’t wrap up peaceful slumber in a bow, but you can make one’s evening ritual supremely dreamy with a bead-embellished silk sleep mask from Olivia von Halle.
Price upon publish date of this article: $810
L’Objet Swan Bowl
Any of L’Objet’s modern masterpieces will be cherished by the giftee in mind, but this gilded treasure holds a deeper meaning that nods to the majestic bird’s symbolism of love and loyalty — a perfect present for your gracious holiday hostess.
Price upon publish date of this article: $325
Diptyque Baies Room Spray
Their favorite luxury candle scent comes in the form of a potent, fragrant room spray to deliver that same aromatic bliss with just a single spritz.
Price upon publish date of this article: $80
Altesse Studio Beauté Repair and Shine Hair Brush
Altesse Studio’s hair brush expertise spans six generations of prestige French brush makers. This Repair and Shine Hair Brush has an olive wood handle and boar hair bristles that impart shine and massage the scalp.
Price upon publish date of this article: $320
Sleeper The Bow Pajama Set
Beauty rest is made better with a touch of glamour. Bows and ostrich feather cuffs on your heavenly soft pajamas makes precious downtime of lazy mornings and late-night lounging delightfully decadent.
Price upon publish date of this article: $390
Smythson Chelsea Notebook With Slide in Mara
Keeping up with a busy social calendar, endless to-do lists, and taking business notes is made, dare we say, enjoyable with a luxury croc-embossed, leather-bound book with gilt-edged paper by Smythson.
Price upon publish date of this article: $235
Cozy Earth Bubble Cuddle Throw Blanket
Make the holidays extra warm and fuzzy with Cozy Earth’s plush throw blanket. Consider this a winter weather essential no home should be without.
Price upon publish date of this article: $255
Violette_Fr Boum-Boum Milk
Winter skin woes, begone! This luxurious three-in-one cream spray will keep your skin dewy for a flawless complexion.
Price upon publish date of this article: $64
Guerlain Rouge G The Customizable Ultra-Care Lipstick
Upgrade her lipstick game with Guerlain’s nourishing, refillable formula. This Le Beige Noisette shade is a universally flattering nude lipstick shade that leaves lip softer after wear.
Price upon publish date of this article: $90
Chloé Atelier Des Fleurs Tubéreuse Lazuli
This timeless women’s perfume translates tuberose into a woody floral scent. Notes of sandalwood, oud, and patchouli ground the white floral fragrance that she’ll want to make her new signature scent.
Price upon publish date of this article: $170
Jonathan Adler Le Wink Coasters
Don’t bring the bubbly; bring the coasters. Chances are your giftee has been eyeing this chic Jonathan Adler set for some time, which makes the holiday season the perfection occasion to delivery it to their door to toast to the new year (without any chances of ruining their table tops).
Price upon publish date of this article: $95
WellInsulated Performance Beauty Bag
Beauty insiders know temperature control is key to preserving high-quality, luxury skin care goodies. Wellinsulated’s performance pouch ensures formulas will keep up with all of your upcoming travels.
Price upon publish date of this article: $89
Invest in Heirlooms
Our most prized possessions are worth more than meets the eye. These opulent treasures will evoke invaluable memories of celebrations and milestones for generations to come.
A great heirloom doesn’t have to be an expensive purchase — it could be something that’s rare, feels precious to you, or is indicative of your style. These are items that you’ll continue to get pleasure from looking at every day, whether it’s a piece from your favorite artist on your wall or fine linens on your dining room table.
Jessica Matlin, director of home and beauty, Moda Operandi
Foundrae Strong Hearts Vanity Mirror
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but surely anyone can see that Foundrae’s Strong Heart Vanity Mirror is absolutely stunning. The brass material will age beautifully over time as it passes on from one generation to the next.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,000
Asprey London I Love You Postcard in Sterling Silver
Asprey London’s artisans never cease to deliver breathtaking showpieces for the holiday season — and this sterling silver postcard is no exception. This unique luxury gift idea reminds your giftee of your love, no matter where life takes them.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,790
Baccarat Eye Rectangular Large Vase
For 180 years, Baccarat has perfected the art of crystal glass making. Floral arrangements might not last forever, but this light-reflecting rectangular vase will become a fixture of festivities for decades.
Price upon publish date of this article: $2,100
Aspinal of London Heirloom Jewelry Box
Priceless jewelry deserves to be placed safely in an equally awe-inspiring case that reflects the luxury treasures it holds — that’s where Aspinal of London’s handcrafted, croc-embossed jewelry box comes in.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,600
Carter Panthère de Cartier Medium Vase
Luminous Limoges porcelain beautifully showcases this luxury vase’s arabesque design details with Cartier’s iconic panther motif that’s been featured in the Maison’s designs for over 109 years and counting.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,020
David Yurman Petite Modern Renaissance Pearl Stud Earrings
Timeless pearl stud earrings get a golden touch of modernity with this David Yurman holiday gift idea.
Price upon publish date of this article: $495
Ginori 1735 Porcelain Charger Plate
Ginori 1735’s exemplary porcelain tableware is a status symbol of luxury and timeless elegance. Consider this an investment gift that gives back time and time again as this porcelain plate becomes part of your most memorable meals and celebration dinners together.
Price upon publish date of this article: $295
Bulgari Serpenti Seduttori 33mm Watch With Bracelet
Bulgari’s Serpenti design has been a status symbol for over 75 years. You’re not just investing in any luxury watch; you’re investing in a piece of history that’s recognized across the globe.
Price upon publish date of this article: $12,000
Gucci Flora Print Silk Scarf
For any giftee who adores Grace Kelly’s enduring style, this luxury gift is an essential. Designed in 1966 by artist Vittorio Accornero, the Flora-printed scarf was created as a gift for the late princess of Monaco, and the iconic pattern is still part of the storied Italian fashion house’s creations today.
Price upon publish date of this article: $520
Manolo Blahnik Capri Satin Jewel Buckle Clutch
Manolo Blahnik’s ornate, crystal-embellished buckle — normally found on the luxury brand’s iconic Hangisi pumps — adds an element of allure to compliment the sheen of green satin on this classic designer clutch. It’s the ideal finishing touch to complete your cocktail and formal ensembles for special occasions.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,695
Christofle Marly Silver-Plated 4-Piece Medium Flatware Set
Christofle’s handmade decorative and tablescape pieces are some of the most coveted collectibles of quality craftsmanship to be placed on a dinner table since 1830. Refined elegance in the form of flatware simply elevates any dining experience.
Price upon publish date of this article: $495
Invest in Innovations
Modern upgrades make mundane living simply marvelous. Smart skin care, wearable wonder, and genius gadgets are great for any giftee.
Prada Beauty Moisturizing Lip Balm in Astral Pink
This Sabrina Carpenter-approved Prada Lip Balm is color-changing: It reacts to your lips’ pH to create a flattering, custom pink tone.
Price upon publish date of this article: $50
Samsonite Proxis Large Spinner Suitcase
Light as a feather and durable enough to be dropped from outer space, Samsonite’s Proxis luggage is the perfect luxury gift for the jet-setter that always travels in style.
Price upon publish date of this article: $600
La Prairie Life Matrix Haute Rejuvenation Cream
La Prairie’s Life Matrix cream features an innovative formula with High Longevity Science to fix fine lines and wrinkles on a cellular level by addressing the aging process at its source. The results: increased firmness, elasticity and a youthful bounciness that makes your skin look and feel its healthiest.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,950
Stella McCartney Falabella Tiny Tote Bag
Stella McCartney’s dedication to sustainable and cruelty-free textiles is best exemplified with this mini tote bag made of Mirum, a plastic-free alternative material to leather made from natural and plant-based innovations.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,170
Isamaya Sculpt 01 Face Tool
Renowned makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench teamed up with facial studio Facegym to create this skin care tool that snatches the cheeks by way of lymphatic drainage. All four sides are designed to contour to different areas of the face for effective massage; the prongs also work as a scalp massager.
Price upon publish date of this article: $60
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen)
A smart, energy-saving thermostat with a visually-appealing design is just what your home needs for the unpredictable weather and seasonal temperature shifts to come in 2025.
Price upon publish date of this article: $279.99
Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer
The latest Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, the Nural, is specially designed to help hair stay healthy by targeting the source of the strands: Your scalp. This hair dryer automatically lowers its temperature as the nozzle draws closer to your scalp, protecting it from heat damage.
Price upon publish date of this article: $499.99
Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer
It’s the classic, flattering shades style you know and love, but with the capabilities of a camera, open-ear speakers, and Meta AI assistance for all your needs.
Price upon publish date of this article: $299.99
Augustinus Bader The Skin Infusion Set
Give her an intensive, at-home facial routine that fully resets skin in four weeks. The Augustinus Bader Skin Infusion Set includes highly-concentrated anti-aging face serums that improve the tone, texture, and overall health of the skin — particularly great after the holiday season’s indulgences.
Price upon publish date of this article: $430
Theraface Depuffing Wand
While this Therabody wand offers warm heat therapy, it’s the cold setting that will blow her mind. The tool stays ultra-icy, even when exposed to body warmth while it makes contact with the skin, and features a contoured tip that’s particularly great for flushing away puffiness around the eye area.
Price upon publish date of this article: $149
Samsung Galaxy Ring
Health and fitness trackers are nothing new in the tech world, but Samsung’s sleek and chic Galaxy ring allows one to track wellness without sacrificing style. Now that’s a smart holiday investment.
Price upon publish date of this article: $399
Invest in Tried-and-true Classics
When in doubt, opt for seasonal sure-bets and festive finds that ramp up the revelry to rock around the Christmas tree.
Bottega Veneta Small Andiamo Bag
Introduced by the luxury Italian fashion label in Matthieu Blazy’s spring 2023 runway collection, the Andiamo bag has become a new classic for Bottega Veneta with a strong and steady increase in popularity. Suede bonded Intrecciato leather looks even more lavish in olive oil green with brass hardware accents.
Price upon publish date of this article: $4,500
Aerin Rose de Grasse Rouge
Roses are red, this Aerin fragrance bottle is too, we assure you this scent will be irresistible to the lucky giftee and you.
Price upon publish date of this article: $205
Tory Burch Embellished Wool Sweater
Fair isle with a fashionable twist.=, Tory Burch’s cozy knitwear is party-ready with crystal embellishment and wine-loved sequins to dress up or dress down for all winter festivities.
Price upon publish date of this article: $998
Rothy’s The Scuff Slippers
Rothy’s faux shearling slippers deliver the plush comfort of a soft pillow with the durability to be cleaned in your washer machine to maintain that fresh-out-of-the-box look after repeated wear.
Price upon publish date of this article: $139
Loro Piana Master of Fibres, Published by Assouline
Assouline’s new tomb features 146 pages of Loro Piana’s 100 years of dedication to high-quality fabrics and craftsmanship, beloved by luxury style savants across the globe. It’s the perfect addition to any coffee table that reflects your giftee’s impeccable taste for understated elegance.
Price upon publish date of this article: $1,200
Métier Inside Out Wallet in Buffalo Dark Cherry
Métier’s cherry coded, vegetable-tanned Buffalo leather wallet combines functionality with refined style that will look even better with years of use.
Price upon publish date of this article: $750
White + Warren Cashmere Travel Wrap
You can never go wrong with a luxe cashmere travel wrap. White & Warren’s options come in a variety of colors, but we’re particularly fond of this trendy red ruby gem.
Price upon publish date of this article: $350
Charbonnel et Walker Peppermint Cookie Truffles
A classic holiday treat never fails to impress at an intimate holiday soirée.
Price upon publish date of this article: $30
Swarovski Gema Holiday Ornament
A beautiful holiday ornament is a sure-bet purchase to gift a person who seems has everything. Twinkling lights of a Christmas tree are amplified by Swarovski crystal to outshine any holiday decoration.
Price upon publish date of this article: $199
Joanna Buchanan Enamel Bow Skinny Napkin Rings
The perfect holiday dining experience requires a little extra razzle dazzle. These Joanna Buchanan napkin rings tie the table setting up in a bow for your next festive feast.
Price upon publish date of this article: $128
Burberry Leather Gloves in Hazel
When it comes to finding best luxury holiday gifts, it’s all about the little details. Burberry’s hazel-hued, Italian-crafted gloves feature a supple leather exterior with a cashmere and silk lining for total textural bliss. The designer brand’s metal hardware — inspired by “b” closure on its Rocking Horse bag — provides just the right amount of luxurious flair.
Price upon publish date of this article: $690
Hermès Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel in Rouge H
A little Hermes goes a long way when it comes to chic holiday gifts. Opt for the French luxury brand’s signature wine-hued Rouge H color that’s sophisticated and elegant.
Price upon publish date of this article: $75
Ralph Lauren Cable Cashmere Travel Set in Natural
Catch flights with the feel of buttery soft cable knit cashmere. This Ralph Lauren travel set features a matching sleep mask, pillow and blanket that provides first-class comfort for all your travels.
Price upon publish date of this article: $395
Pottery Barn Ceramic Gingerbread Train
Leave the baking to the professionals and bring this sweet ceramic surprise to your Secret Santa gift exchange.
Price upon publish date of this article: $199
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Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Marina Larroudé is the co-founder and chief creative officer of Larroudé. She has two decades of experience working with talented creatives in the fashion industry, first as an editor at Condé Nast and later as VP Fashion Director at Barney’s.
Jessica Matlin is the director of beauty and home at Moda Operandi. Matlin is also the co-host of Fat Mascara podcast and was previously the beauty director at Harper’s Bazaar as well as Teen Vogue.
Meet the Authors
Adam Mansuroglu is the Director of Commerce for Footwear News and WWD, overseeing strategy for shopping content on both brands, along with writing and editing shopping guides, product reviews, and shopping trend stories across fashion, beauty, home and lifestyle product categories for men and women. Prior to his current role, Mansuroglu was a fashion editor and stylist at Cosmopolitan Magazine, Style Editor at BestProducts.com, and Senior Style and Gear Editor at Men’s Health Magazine. He’s selected product and edited holiday gift guides for editorial publications every holiday season for over 15 years.
Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness, as well as the latest shopping trends and clothing brands.
