That damn month is here again. The one where I commit to a new part-time job, my regular “to-do” list punctuated with gift research. But not researching what to buy my loved ones, you understand. Researching what they can buy me.
The panicked phone calls started in mid-November.
“Darling, have you thought about what you’d like for Christmas? We’d really like to get it all out of the way as soon as possible.”
“Babe, what am I buying you for Christmas?”
“SOS. Grandma wants to know how much money to put in your card.”
I know. An itemized list isn’t really in the spirit of things. But it makes them happy, so I gave up on that line of argument circa 2014. And hey, at least I can give you a few ideas while I’m at it. Keep the spirit of Christmas alive for me, and surprise her, will you?
The Holy Grail of stylish, sustainable swimwear. Trust me when I say she’ll love one of these bikinis (particularly if it serves as a clue to the main gift — an all-expenses-paid trip to Bora Bora should do it). Even better, seamless crinkle technology means one size fits all.
Rose Gold Spotlight Oral Care Sonic Toothbrush
Founded by two female dentists, I just love this brand — and this specific toothbrush. It’s got a brilliantly long battery life, three cleaning modes, and the rose gold makes it, well, about as cute as a toothbrush can be. A total game changer; she’ll never brush manually again.
Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self Tan Drops
Suitable for all skin types, a couple of drops of this glorious golden liquid mixed into moisturizer creates a healthy, subtle glow she will love. Cruelty-free, no parabens. I owe a lot to this magical liquid for making me look half-alive on Zoom calls after heavy nights out.
Lingerie makes the perfect stocking filler for plenty of reasons, which I’m sure I don’t need to detail here. This brand makes a full spectrum of colors, shapes and sizes, all gorgeous. For extra points, you can gloat that 83 percent of the raw materials used are responsibly sourced. Aren’t you thoughtful.
Fenty Glossy Posse Volume 5.0 Lip Gloss
Rihanna is a billionaire for a reason. She knows what she’s doing. Particularly when it comes to lip gloss. Go for this limited edition set — she’ll get three full-sized, best-selling Gloss Bombs. And you’ll get plenty of kisses.
Manifest: 7 Steps To Living Your Best Life by Roxie Nafousi
The latest cult self-development book has landed just in time for New Year’s. Life coach and “Queen of Manifesting” Roxie Nafousi has distilled her unique brand of science and wisdom into a seven-point plan to reach personal fulfillment. It won me over, and I’m more cynical than most.
No more fighting for spots near the power socket in coffee shops and airports. This portable charger gives most laptops and iPads a full charge, on the go. Comes in a range of cute pastel colors, too.
Free People Hit The Slopes Fleece Jacket
Super warm and fuzzy, with a fashionable, slouchy fit. But most importantly: zipper pockets. You’d be shocked to know how many clothes for women have no pockets at all, let alone zippered ones. A godsend.
I don’t want to slip into hyperbole, but these teas kind of changed my life. Recommended by a nutritionist friend of mine, I started drinking them instead of coffee a few months back and really noticed a change in my concentration levels and mood. Could be the tea, could be cutting back on the flat whites, but something’s working. Worth a shot!
Every girl on Santa’s “nice” list deserves one of these babies. Cheap? No. Worth it? I can’t stress this enough: yes. salon-style hair, on demand, wherever I am. JOY.
When I found out there was a company that could mail me a workout for my face, I was sold. A “total skin transformation?” A box of “pro-grade, results-driven” lotions and potions to help me roll back the clock? Uh, yes please. Sign me up. They can take my money. And yours.
