LA PLATICA – "Holiday Gift Guide + $$$ Giveaway! 👀🎄🎁"

Hosts: Sebas (Sebastián Robles) & Josh Leyva
Guest/Producer: Jessica
Release Date: December 15, 2025

Episode Overview

This festive episode of La Plática is all about holiday gift-giving do’s and don’ts—spiced with Sebas and Josh’s signature banter and practical advice. The duo dives into creative ideas for stocking stuffers, main gifts for friends, family, significant others (and even their parents!), and emphasizes the power of thoughtful gestures. They round it out with a fan-favorite $500 cash giveaway and a strong push to support small businesses this season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Holiday Mood

• The trio gets into a playful, jolly mode, riffing on Christmas music, brunch, and the “full swing” of the holiday season.
• Quote: “The holidays, just like Jessica said, are in full swing.” – Sebas (01:19)
• Friendly nods to listeners shopping, working out, cleaning, or even just on the toilet while listening (06:23–07:03).

2. Introduction to the Annual Gift Guide

• Sebas admits this year's guide is partially “off the dome” but comes loaded with genuinely useful picks, both last-minute and more thoughtful (07:47–08:58).
• Focus: Advice for “girly pops” buying for men and vice versa, with ideas that work for anyone.
• Strong emphasis on “tiers” (layers) of gifts depending on closeness and budget.

3. Top Gift Ideas & Thought-Starters

A. Skincare Kits for Men

• Why it matters: Guys often neglect skincare; a kit with cleanser, moisturizer, SPF, or even tinted moisturizer is practical and unexpected.
  • Quote: “Guys be lacking on tinted moisturizer. It’s slept on, my boy.” – Josh (09:43)
  • Sebas playfully objects but concedes with nuance—it’s great if you know he wants it.
• Tip: Gauge the recipient—a skincare bundle can seem judgmental if unsolicited (11:29–11:56).

B. Quality Carry-On Luggage

• Why it's underrated: A sturdy, stylish suitcase or duffel bag lasts for years and upgrades travel instantly.
  • Brands mentioned: Away, Rimowa, Pelican (14:06)
  • Quote: “Imagine getting a carry-on luggage—holy… And there’s mad gifts in there!” – Sebas (16:25–16:38)
• Level Up: Hide extra gifts inside the luggage for a fun surprise.

C. Stocking Stuffers that Don’t Suck

• Gift cards (“Lids” for hats, sneaker stores, etc.)
• Everyday sneakers, hats, jerseys (especially Mexican soccer jerseys)
• Cozy essentials: high-quality underwear (“calzones”), socks, tank tops (“wife pleasers”)
• Grooming: electric toothbrush, deodorant (spray, stick, or gel), travel-size cologne
• Practical tech: mobile chargers (e.g., Mophie)
• Fitness: protein bars, electrolyte gels, creatine (for gym-goers—"Creatine is creatine, any brand is fine." - Sevas, 24:15)
  • Memorable bits: Laughs over creatine being the ultimate “brownie point” gift for boyfriends who work out (24:08).

D. Personal/Decor Gifts

• Cordless lamps for vibe-y home decor (“little mushroom lamp”)
• High-quality Bluetooth speakers (Marshall, specifically)
• Scented candles—Flamingo Estate or Voluspa recommended with enthusiasm for ambiance
  • Quote: “If I’m recommending a candle right now, it’s busting.” – Sevas (38:24)
  • Discussion on the underrated joy of candles for both men and women

E. Personal Touch Gifts & Thoughtful Gestures

• “Acts of service” as gifts: cleaning a loved one’s space, organizing closets, or gifting services like car detailing (48:33–49:11)
• Gift for significant other’s parents (“the swagos”): easy, thoughtful gesture with huge emotional ROI; don’t overthink it, but it’s game-changing for relationships (28:10–30:30)
  • Quote: “Since you already gifted me the best gift on earth… How could I not repay you?” – Sevas (30:22–30:28)
• Experience gifts (trips, dinners, dog-friendly outings): hosts agree these build memories but like to combine with something physical to unwrap

4. Supporting Small Businesses

• Spotlight on the importance and value of shopping small for unique, meaningful gifts (51:02)
  • Call to action: Listeners encouraged to drop their own small business or favorite shop in the comments

5. Cash Giveaway for Listeners

• Continued the tradition of gifting 5 listeners $100 each—details provided with encouragement to participate (51:56–52:44).
  • Clear instructions: comment with your Instagram handle, make your account public, and check DMs for prize notifications.

6. Notable Quotes & Fun Banter

• “Sometimes people like just kind of bypass it, you know? Sometimes they need to hear it and it just clicks in the brain.” – Josh on revisiting obvious gift ideas (16:59)
• “Don’t just give me, ‘get them a candle.’ Like, this is good advice. This is good right here.” – Josh, emphasizing specificity (40:11)
• “When Mo does that for me, dude, it like… makes me horny… it’s this overwhelmingness of… I appreciate you.” – Josh on acts of service, flipping from comedy to sincerity (49:24–50:16)
• “For us it’s like a chore but for others who literally, literally clean like that, it’s because they’re chasing that feeling, bro.” – Sevas, reflecting on the emotional side of neatness (44:48)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:32–01:30: Holiday mood, "full swing," early banter
• 07:35–09:00: Introduction to the annual gift guide
• 09:40–10:59: Skincare kit (and men’s reluctance/discoloration jokes)
• 12:00–15:43: Carry-on luggage as a main gift + stuffing with extra surprises
• 20:14–24:41: Rapid-fire stocking stuffer ideas (gift cards, daily essentials, grooming, fitness)
• 25:21–27:03: Tech, mobile charger, “wife pleasers” tank tops, and organizing ideas
• 28:10–35:29: Gifts for significant others’ parents; “brownie points” logic
• 35:51–38:24: Gadgets and candles as gifts; “Flamingo Estate” recommendations
• 48:33–50:06: Acts of service as gifts; cleaning, organizing, and their emotional impact
• 51:02–51:48: Support for small businesses
• 51:56–52:44: Giveaway announcement—how to enter

Memorable Moments & Running Gags

• Playful riffing about practicality vs. flashiness in gifts (“I love to stuff anything, especially during Christmas.” – Sebas, 17:48)
• Extended running joke: “baby German shepherd in the carry-on” for surprise-factor gifts (16:43–17:19, 34:39–34:43)
• Honest self-awareness: both hosts admit to using other gift guides and still being stumped for ideas sometimes (35:34)
• The chaotic but endearing dynamic between hosts—joking, talking over each other, but always circling back to actionable tips

Takeaways for Listeners

• Be thoughtful, not just spendy: Know the recipient’s tastes, routines, or “pain points” (like that old beat-up luggage, or a forgotten skincare routine).
• Layer your gifts: Combine practical with fun, or physical with experiential.
• Stocking stuffers CAN be meaningful: Don’t sleep on basics, if they're good quality or tailored to the person.
• Acts of service are underrated: Cleaning, organizing, or simply helping someone is a huge gift—especially for busy partners.
• Support small business: Customized, unique, and community-supporting gifts matter.
• Enter the giveaway! Five listeners can score $100 by commenting.
• Don’t fall for “don’t get me anything.” There’s always room for a small, thoughtful something.

Overall Tone & Style

The episode is irreverent, affectionate, and rapid-fire—a blend of genuinely helpful advice (grounded in lived experience) and the duo’s now-classic improvisational humor. They openly mock each other’s ideas but always with warmth, inviting listeners to laugh, reflect, and get proactive about their holiday shopping.

Final Thoughts

La Plática’s gift guide is less about pushing trends and more about reminding listeners that the best gifts show effort, humor, and understanding of the recipient. Even if you’re last-minute, Sebas and Josh have your back—with supply, wit, and a little holiday cash. Mond—err—Mondays don’t suck.

For a chance at $100:
Comment on their YouTube with your Instagram handle and make your account reachable!

Next episode drops Monday at 8am—Mehh Behh!!