The Who What Wear Podcast

Episode: Our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide: Fancy Condiments, Hotel Robes, and Creative Paired Gifts
Date: November 19, 2025
Host: Hilary Kerr (A), Featuring Cat Collings (Editor in Chief, E), Bobby Schussler (Shopping Director, C), Lauren Eggertson (Editorial Director, D)

Episode Overview

This annual Holiday Gift Guide episode unites Who What Wear’s editorial team in a lively, in-person discussion, offering gift ideas for every personality and price range: from contemporary jewelry and luxury accessories to affordable homewares and experiential gifts. They share personal wish lists, favorite universal crowd-pleasers, strategies for stress-free gifting, and even exchange pre-loved Ebay treasures in-studio, emphasizing creativity, intentionality, and the joy of giving.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Gifts for the Fashion Crowd (03:09–06:22)

• Lauren (D): Recommends gifting jewelry from contemporary brands (Completedworks, Ben Amun) for women who value unique, thoughtful pieces. Wishes for Miu Miu distressed leather tan pumps from loved ones.

  • Quote: "I'm putting that into practice for my gifting." (04:09)

• Bobby (C): Wants the Michael Rider Celine Smile bag (especially in blue) and likes gifting luxury card cases or wallets filled with gift certificates to recipients’ favorite shops.

  • Quote: "I love a designer. A little luxury moment." (04:46)

• Cat (E): Hopes for the new Sophie Buhai pearl satin pouch bag ($1,000), but prefers gifting friends Solis Nails' chic polish sets, a new retro-inspired beauty favorite featured at major fashion shows.

  • Quote: "Former Who What Wear? Girly is the founder." (05:40)

2. Stylish Gifts Under $100 (06:22–09:39)

• Lauren (C): Loves gifting under-$100 Italian china soy sauce dishes (perfect for ring/trinket holders).
• Cat (E): Champions paired gifts, like playful Edie Parker lighters paired with chic Flamingo Estate candles—customizable and with standout packaging. Also suggests personalized box cutters for online shoppers ($15, Etsy).
• Lauren (D): Suggests Zara Home's chic, affordable loungewear sets with fun accessories as bundle gifts.
• Hilary (B): Swears by the Negative ‘whipped’ long sleeve ($110) or short sleeve ($78) shirts for universal softness and utility.

3. Holiday Crowd-Pleasers (10:59–12:59)

• Cat (E): Santa Maria Novella terracotta pomegranates (~$100), classic Italian home scents and art objects.
  • Quote: "It's a tried and true present." (11:32)
• Bobby (C): Bulk gifts for home, e.g., Parachute or Hudson Grace tea towels; offers to hand-embroider them for a personal touch.
• Lauren (D): Sophie Billy Bra crushed velvet jewelry boxes (under $100), available in various colors, great for a chic nightstand upgrade.
• Hilary (B): Upgrades everyday essentials—luxury condiments like California balsamic vinegar, olive oil, or premium salts as small luxury gifts.
  • Quote: "My obsession is always upgrading everyday essentials and giving someone like the splurgy version of something." (12:59)

4. Going the Extra Mile for Loved Ones (13:58–17:46)

• Lauren (D): Finds vintage/antique dishware/glassware, pairs with modern items, and aims to gift designer finds from Ebay that connect to friends' beloved brands.
• Bobby (C): Designer home or beauty goods (Loewe bar soap <$100, Dior china/lipstick, Celine, LV); luxury lipsticks/balms are favorite gifts.
  • Quote: "A fancy lipstick is a fabulous idea, especially because some of them have gotten very..." (15:24)
• Cat (E): Customizable, artistic Bode cord bags/pillows—a splurge ($400) but highly personal, hand-painted gifts. Also, Susan Alexandra & Staud dog portrait items for pet lovers.

5. Gifts for Relaxation & Coziness (18:04–20:21)

• Bobby (C): Suggests hotel-branded bathrobes (Sunset Tower, Bowery Hotel, including kids’ sizes) for the ultimate home-luxury gift.
• Lauren (D): Charvet slippers—historic, luxe indoor footwear or travel slippers; elevated coziness.
• Cat (E): Elegant first-edition books (Didion, Babitz, Sontag) from Ebay, paired with a monogrammed sterling Tiffany bookmark—a thoughtful, literary gift.
• Hilary (B): Personalized sweatshirts from The Great, with names or cheeky embroidery.

6. For Hosts, Home Cooks & Entertainers (21:02–22:58)

• Lauren (D): Gohar World (quirky mother of pearl salad servers, loaf bags), and edible subscriptions (tinned fish, Zingerman’s Bacon of the Month).
• Cat (E): Flamingo Estate olive oil (customizable with notes); Gucci or From Roy panettone for luxe food gifting.
  • Quote: "I'm a fan of, like, a pun... I love you so much. (‘S.Olive Oil’)" (22:06)
• Bobby (C): Musubi Kiln Japanese ceramics, especially whimsical chopstick or spoon rests—fun, affordable, and memorable.

7. Experiential & Last-Resort Gifts (23:06–26:41)

• Bobby (C): Tickets to theaters, Broadway, ballet, or orchestra—arts experiences as gifts.
• Cat (E): DIY interactive "flowchart" for a shared experience (pottery, concert, activity)—a personalized choose-your-own-adventure.
  • Quote: "It's interactive and that's really cute." (24:41)
• Lauren (D): Gift cards to favorite, newly discovered places, based on careful listening year-round.
  • Quote: "Feeling heard is a great present to receive, right?" (26:11)
• Hilary (B): The gift of designated time together—a friend or date night.

8. Kid Gifts & Parenting Edition (27:09–29:04)

• Cat (E): Personalized LED name sign for tweens; tip to buy for slightly older age groups for aspirational gifting.
• Bobby (C): Modular/buildable gifts (Tony box, Tiny Land play kitchens) for ongoing enjoyment; the joy of expansion packs.
• Lauren (D): As a “fun aunt,” she buys aspirational or splurgey items that parents might hesitate to get (cool sneakers, special toys).

9. Gifting Tips & Strategies (29:22–31:47)

• Keep a year-round notes app for ideas based on offhand mentions (C).
• Use AI/ChatGPT for idea generation based on recipient’s hobbies (E).
• Encourage quality over quantity and family gift exchanges (E).
• Start early, batch gifts for groups, minimize last-minute stress, shop locally when possible (B).
  • Quote: “Batch your gifts... You all get the same thing. You get what you get and you don't get upset because it's awesome.” (31:08)

10. Last-Minute, No-Fail Gifts (32:07–33:33)

• Lauren (D): Net-A-Porter’s overnight shipping and luxe packaging is a lifesaver.
• Bobby (C): A luxe or customizable candle, or better yet, a fancy hand soap/lotion from a favorite hotel.
• Cat (E): In dire straits, buy from a local chic candy shop and combine sweets with movie tickets for a meaningful “let’s hang out” pledge.

11. The Great Ebay Gift Exchange (34:12–41:34)

Each editor picks a pre-loved Ebay gift, with thoughtful explanations of their choices:

• Kat → Hilary: Hermes black pouch with orange lining—practical, chic, and personal (“H for Hilary and Hermes”), for organizing travel adapters. (35:52)
• Hilary → Kat: Vintage French lace and linen dress for Kat’s daughter Zelda—a playful, sentimental nod to France and personal taste.
• Bobby → Lauren: Red Prada technical jacket (“for the person who loves Miu Miu and Prada already!”).
• Lauren → Bobby: Louis Vuitton cosmetic case pouch for Bobby’s organizational needs and love of luxury.
• Group reflects positively on Ebay’s authenticity guarantee and the thrill of finding pre-loved treasures.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Closed mouths don’t get fed.”—Lauren (D), on manifesting gift wishes (04:03)
• “I love a designer. A little luxury moment.”—Bobby (C) (04:46)
• “It's interactive and that's really cute.”—Cat (E), on personalized experiential gift flowcharts (24:41)
• “Feeling heard is a great present to receive, right?”—Hilary (B), on intentionality in gifts (26:11)
• “Batch your gifts... You all get the same thing. You get what you get and you don't get upset because it's awesome.”—Hilary (B) (31:08)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:09: Gifts for the fashion lovers
• 06:22: Under $100 gift ideas
• 10:59: Crowd-pleasing bulk and host gifts
• 13:58: Super-personal, extra-mile gifts
• 18:04: Cozy & relaxation gifts (robes, slippers, sweatshirts)
• 21:02: Home cook and entertainer gifts
• 23:06: Experiential gift ideas
• 27:09: Gifts for kids, tweens, and parents
• 29:22: Editors' top gifting strategies
• 32:07: Last-minute gifting
• 34:12: Ebay holiday gift exchange

Final Thoughts

This episode radiates the warmth, wit, and discerning taste Who What Wear is known for. The conversation is full of real-life gifting wisdom, tangible recommendations, and creative inspiration for every budget and recipient. Whether seeking a splurgy crowd-pleaser, a customized experience, or the perfect $25 home buy, the Who What Wear team’s annual guide is packed with ideas that put the “fun” (and meaning) back in holiday shopping.