The Who What Wear Podcast: 2024 Holiday Gift Guide Summary

Episode Title: Our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Bag Charms, French Butter Presses, and Everything In Between
Release Date: November 20, 2024
Host: Cat Collings
Guests: Hilary Kerr (Co-Founder), Bobbi Schussler (Shopping Director), Lauren Eggertson (Editorial Director)
Sponsor: eBay

Introduction

In this festive episode of The Who What Wear Podcast, host Cat Collings teams up with her colleagues Hilary Kerr, Bobbi Schussler, and Lauren Eggertson to unveil an extensive 2024 Holiday Gift Guide. The discussion spans a variety of gift categories tailored for fashion enthusiasts, homebodies, health aficionados, and more, ensuring listeners have a wealth of ideas for everyone on their holiday list.

Luxury Gifts for the Fashion-Savvy

Hilary Kerr emphasizes the importance of selecting luxury accessories from brands that the recipient adores. She shares her strategy:

"[05:35] Hilary Kerr: 'Go to whatever brand your bestie is obsessed with and find a fun, quirky, interesting accessory that fits your price point.'”

Bobbi Schussler highlights designer keychains and upscale items like the vintage Fendi baguette bag:

"[10:00] Bobbi Schussler: 'Bag charms are a huge trend. My pick is the Empire or Brooklyn style Coach bags, which are celeb favorites.'”

These selections ensure the gifts are both stylish and meaningful, often being pieces the recipients wouldn’t purchase for themselves.

Affordable Gifts Under $100

The panel acknowledges the need for budget-friendly yet thoughtful gifts. Hilary Kerr recommends high-quality beauty products such as:

"[09:07] Hilary Kerr: 'Hermès nail polish is a fantastic gift—beautiful colors and long-lasting formula.'"

Lauren Eggertson suggests luxury socks:

"[10:50] Lauren Eggertson: 'Comc offers cashmere socks in vibrant colors that can transform any outfit.'”

Bobbi Schussler introduces the trend of bag charms:

"[10:00] Bobbi Schussler: 'Bag charms from brands like Bauble Bar and Marc Jacobs are under $100 and add a personalized touch.'"

These options provide elegance without breaking the bank, making them perfect for broader gifting needs.

Gifts for the Homebody

For those who cherish cozy nights in, the panel suggests:

Hilary Kerr shares her experience upgrading her parents' bathroom essentials with luxury products:

"[12:16] Hilary Kerr: 'Upgrading bathroom essentials with brands like Ouai and Matouk can make daily routines feel special.'”

Bobbi Schussler recommends chic hotel slippers:

"[13:38] Bobbi Schussler: 'Hotel slippers from Bombas offer luxury comfort for homebodies.'”

Lauren Eggertson adds the allure of elegant robes:

"[14:07] Lauren Eggertson: 'Bernadette’s silk robes or Doozen’s striped options provide at-home luxury that feels indulgent.'”

These gifts enhance the comfort and aesthetic of any home, perfect for loved ones who enjoy lounging in style.

Hostess Gifts

For the friend who loves to entertain, thoughtful hostess gifts include:

Hilary Kerr recommends personalized items and high-quality kitchen essentials:

"[17:32] Hilary Kerr: 'Personalized olive oil bottles or monogrammed cocktail napkins from Heather Taylor Home make chic and functional hostess gifts.'”

Lauren Eggertson suggests building a collection with serving platters:

"[18:59] Lauren Eggertson: 'Genori 1735’s Oriente Italiano serving platters allow you to gift pieces that can be added to a host’s collection over time.'”

Bobbi Schussler points to unique glassware:

"[17:57] Bobbi Schussler: 'Decorative glassware from Sophie Lou Jacobson adds a quirky and stylish touch to any hostess collection.'”

These selections ensure hosts feel appreciated with gifts that enhance their entertaining experience.

Health and Wellness Gifts

For the health-conscious individual, popular gift ideas include:

Hilary Kerr highlights digital workout subscriptions and premium swimwear:

"[20:27] Hilary Kerr: 'A subscription to Nest’s digital workouts or activewear from Left on Friday can inspire and support their fitness journey.'”

Bobbi Schussler suggests stylish workout accessories:

"[21:46] Bobbi Schussler: 'We Gym offers chic yoga mats and weights in beautiful colors, perfect for those who love to stay active.'"

Lauren Eggertson recommends pairing workout classes with accessories:

"[22:11] Lauren Eggertson: 'Gift classes at local studios along with fashionable workout socks or scrunchies create a comprehensive and thoughtful present.'"

These gifts cater to both the functionality and style preferences of fitness enthusiasts.

Personalized Gifts

Nothing says "thoughtful" like personalized gifts. The panel shares various ideas:

Hilary Kerr suggests personalized packing cubes and monogrammed apparel:

"[23:23] Hilary Kerr: 'Monogrammed packing cubes from Paravel or customized sweaters from J. Crew add a personal touch to practical gifts.'”

Bobbi Schussler emphasizes customizable jewelry:

"[24:38] Bobbi Schussler: 'A personalized jewelry box from Sophie Billabra filled with customized loc pockets makes for a cherished gift.'"

Lauren Eggertson loves personalized pajamas:

"[25:19] Lauren Eggertson: 'Customized pajamas from Apergee offer both comfort and a personal flair, perfect for any recipient.'"

These personalized options ensure each gift feels unique and special to the receiver.

Experiential Gifts

Experiential gifts create lasting memories. Recommendations include:

Hilary Kerr mentions gourmet subscriptions and makeup classes:

"[26:35] Hilary Kerr: 'Subscriptions like Murray’s Cheese of the Month or Helen’s Wine Club offer delightful monthly treats, while Joey Maloof’s Zoom makeup classes provide skills and fun.'”

Lauren Eggertson advocates for concert tickets and memberships:

"[28:11] Lauren Eggertson: 'Concert tickets or museum memberships allow recipients to enjoy experiences they love throughout the year.'"

Bobbi Schussler highlights monthly delivery services:

"[27:55] Bobbi Schussler: 'Educational subscription boxes from brands like Lovevery or Crunch Labs keep the excitement going long after the holidays.'"

These gifts go beyond physical items, offering unique experiences tailored to the recipient’s interests.

Memorable Gifts

Highlighting unforgettable presents, the panel shares personal stories:

Hilary Kerr treasures custom gold cuff bracelets:

"[29:27] Hilary Kerr: 'Custom gold cuff bracelets with my children’s names in diamonds are future heirlooms and deeply sentimental gifts.'"

Bobbi Schussler recounts her husband's surprise gift:

"[30:37] Bobbi Schussler: 'My husband gifted me a Cartier Trinity ring, engraved with our daughter’s initials and birth date, making it a cherished keepsake.'"

Lauren Eggertson fondly remembers concert experiences:

"[31:21] Lauren Eggertson: 'Spontaneous concert tickets to Mexico City created unforgettable memories and showcased thoughtful surprise gifting.'"

These stories illustrate how personalized and thoughtful gifts can leave a lasting impression.

Gifting Tips and Strategies

To navigate the holiday season efficiently, the panel offers practical advice:

Hilary Kerr recommends grouping gifts for similar recipients:

"[32:19] Hilary Kerr: 'Giving the same cozy blanket jackets to a group of friends ensures consistency and avoids the appearance of favoritism.'"

Bobbi Schussler advises staying updated with sales and trends:

"[33:26] Bobbi Schussler: 'Subscribe to favorite retailers’ newsletters and utilize push notifications to stay informed about holiday sales and discounts.'"

Lauren Eggertson emphasizes bulk gifting and small pairings:

"[34:19] Lauren Eggertson: 'Combine larger items like vintage glassware with smaller accessories to create cohesive and thoughtful gifts, stored conveniently for last-minute needs.'"

These strategies help streamline the gifting process, making it both efficient and personalized.

Ultimate No-Fail Gifts

For those uncertain about what to gift, the panel suggests universally appealing options:

Hilary Kerr recommends vintage or first editions of cult books:

"[35:17] Hilary Kerr: 'A vintage edition of a cult classic book from ABebooks adds a personal and intellectual touch to any gift.'”

Bobbi Schussler opts for cashmere essentials:

"[36:04] Bobbi Schussler: 'Cashmere items like sweaters, gloves, or hats are luxurious yet versatile gifts that cater to a wide audience.'"

Lauren Eggertson loves Lewis Sherry chocolates and Polaroid cameras:

"[37:15] Lauren Eggertson: 'Elegant chocolate tins that double as decorative pieces, alongside a mini Polaroid camera for capturing memories, make delightful and versatile gifts.'"

These options ensure a high likelihood of pleasing any recipient, regardless of their specific tastes.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks to the panelists for their invaluable gift ideas and a special nod to eBay for sponsoring the episode. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to stay updated with the latest in fashion and gifting trends.

Notable Quotes:

• "[05:35] Hilary Kerr: 'Go to whatever brand your bestie is obsessed with and find a fun, quirky, interesting accessory that fits your price point.'"

• "[10:00] Bobbi Schussler: 'Bag charms are a huge trend. My pick is the Empire or Brooklyn style Coach bags, which are celeb favorites.'"

• "[17:32] Hilary Kerr: 'Personalized olive oil bottles or monogrammed cocktail napkins from Heather Taylor Home make chic and functional hostess gifts.'"

• "[25:19] Lauren Eggertson: 'Customized pajamas from Apergee offer both comfort and a personal flair, perfect for any recipient.'"

• "[35:17] Hilary Kerr: 'A vintage edition of a cult classic book from ABebooks adds a personal and intellectual touch to any gift.'"

These insights, combined with the detailed product and brand recommendations, make this episode an essential listen for anyone seeking inspiration for their 2024 holiday gifting.