“I love absolutely everything about the holidays. They’re a big deal in our home. My husband, David, is British and I was raised in Sweden, so our traditions are a fusion of both cultures: English Christmas crackers with little treasures inside and 10am champagne when we open our gifts; Swedish tomte, or gnomes, pretty candles in the windows and always glögg, which is a warm sweet or spicy red wine, on cold nights. I’ve even been known to make my own wreaths and create little white Cinderella carriages out of pumpkins. Can you tell I love Christmas? Gift giving, of course, is the best part of the holidays. You know that feeling when you make or give someone the perfect present—the kind they wouldn’t get for themselves—and you know that you just crushed it? There’s nothing better. Here’s what’s on my checklist this year as we roll into the festive season!
A Donation to Oceana (or Another Charity That Speaks to You)
“I love gifts that give back to our community. Oceana and NRDC are two amazing environmental organizations to support in a loved one’s name. For kids, it’s so great to go through the World Wildlife Fund and sponsor an animal for a year. They send a certificate about the animal you are helping and a stuffed animal, too. I do this every year—it’s always a hit.”
Westman Atelier Le Box: The GP Edition
“I’ve always loved the idea of an edited makeup wardrobe that’s fast, easy, and takes the guesswork out of looking great, with an emphasis on safe ingredients. This summer while working with my longtime friend Gwyneth Paltrow in the Hamptons, I felt so inspired by her radiance, her perennially sun-kissed skin, and how well she always looks—all while running an empire and spending minimal time on her makeup. This three-piece makeup edit is based on the products I use most often on her to amplify her gorgeous glow and natural beauty, and it’s just as pretty on every skin tone.”
Custom Facial at Shen Beauty
“Not only does this Brooklyn beauty boutique have an amazing selection of clean cosmetics and skincare but they offer lovely in-house treatments by a super sweet, talented team. Candice Forness combines Ayurvedic methods with Reiki and the most incredible energy, while Kendra Giraldi is a certified oncology facialist whose knowledge and skill can provide a healing touch when it’s most needed.”
Goop x GreenPan Cookware
“Goop is such a perfect place for gifts and I'm really loving their collaboration with GreenPan. This Belgian clean cookware company has created an innovative PFOA coating for their pans that doesn't release toxins when overheated, like some traditional non-stick models. So I can trust that whatever I'm cooking for my family is free from harmful chemicals. And, I mean, how pretty is this blush edition of their classic cookware? A chic treat for the clean eating foodie in your life!”
Totême Monogram Scarves
“Elin Kling’s fashion line is one of my favorites and her scarves are a chic no-brainer. I love that you can wear this Venezia style in so many different ways. Her Como scarf in dark grey is the ideal travel mate!”
Jenni Kayne Moroccan Shearing Slippers
“The ultimate in cozy footwear—they slip on, are so soft, and they come in kids sizes, too!
Charlotte’s Web CBD Gummy Mix Bundle
“These are the best tasting CBD gummies, and they actually do what they claim. I highly recommend getting all three variations in Sleep, Recovery, and Calm.”
Private Session + Acupuncture at Erika Bloom Pilates
“Truly the ultimate gift for yourself or a loved one! A Pilates class with Erika or one of her impeccably trained team will leave you feeling stronger and more energized. Her gorgeous studios in New York City and Los Angeles also offer holistic services like acupuncture on site—the perfect gift for the workout fanatic in your life, or someone who really deserves to reset and relax.”
Cire Trudon Candles
“This French company’s large candle in Manon is a staple in my home, but they also make three cold weather scents that make the best hostess gift.”
May Lindstrom The Problem Solver Mask
“This healing face mask with antioxidant cacao, activated charcoal, natural clays and detoxifying sea salt calms inflammation and heals breakouts. Plus, it smells delicious and is holiday stocking size!”
Skultuna Trays and Home Objects
"This Swedish heritage brand is a mainstay in our home. Their handcrafted gold tone vases and trays inspired the luxurious metallic finish on our Eye Love You mascara and Beauty Butter Bronzer. Skultuna’s new collection with Ilse Crawford is especially beautiful. The watering can and round brass trays are two of my favorites."
The Moon Juice Cookbook
"I'm hooked on this L.A.-based brand’s Magnesi-Om and Probiotics supplements. Founder Amanda Chantal Bacon's cookbook is a wonderful gift for approaching healthy living on a daily basis."
