← The Who What Wear Podcast
The Who What Wear Podcast
Our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide: Fancy Condiments, Hotel Robes, and Creative Paired Gifts
00:41:33
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- [00:02]
A
Tell me if I'm alone here. Who, what where Listeners. But shopping used to feel more fun before all the algorithm fed blah and the endless sea of dupes. But I have a confession. I found that fun feeling again on ebay. Because on ebay it's not just shopping, it's a full on fashion pursuit. And when you find the thing, that adrenaline hit is real. Like when you squat that rare Adidas collab that's lived on your mood board. The Dior saddlebag you ripped out of a magazine in 2007 and never got over. Or something like The Cecily Bonsen GT2160s that sold out in five seconds.
- [00:43]
B
Yeah, those.
- [00:45]
A
It's about the thrill of finding pieces that feel like me. And I want you to find pieces that feel like you. There's always more to discover. Ebay has many millions of pre love finds from hundreds of brands backed by ebay. Authenticity guarantee eBay things people love. Welcome to the who what Wear? Podcast, your direct line to the designers, style stylists, beauty experts, editors and tastemakers who are shaping the ever evolving world of fashion. I'm who what Wears Co Founder and Chief Content Officer Hilary Kerr and today I'm joined by our Editor in Chief Cat Collings, Shopping Director Bobby Schussler and Editorial Director Lauren Eggertson in studio for our annual Holiday Gift Guide.
- [01:45]
B
If you want to watch this episode.
- [01:48]
A
Just hit the link in the episode Description if you're stressing over what to get your loved ones this year or don't know where to start, we've got you covered with recommendations for everyone in your life. Your bestie, your most stylish friend, your co workers, your nieces and nephews, and even that one person who's notoriously hard to shop for.
- [02:10]
B
Plus, the four of us put our.
- [02:11]
A
Gift giving skills to the test by.
- [02:13]
B
Switching swapping gifts with each other right.
- [02:16]
A
Here on the pot. I am endlessly impressed with this team's creative gifting ideas and I highly advise you to find a nice cozy spot to settle in and shop while you listen. It's all coming up on who what Where. Hi everyone.
- [02:40]
B
I am so excited that we are getting to do this again this year and this time in person.
- [02:46]
C
Love it.
- [02:47]
B
I was really thrilled last year by all of your phenomenal gift recommendations and felt like this was an amazing time to start over again. So to kick things off, let's start with gift suggestions for our community which is the fashion crowd. What are you buying for your like minded friends and what are you secretly hoping they will buy for You.
- [03:09]
D
I feel like for a lot of my friends and actually for my mom and my aunt and, like, women in my life who I really love, I love getting them jewelry from more contemporary brands that they might have never heard of before because I feel like it adds a level of thoughtfulness that ties into what I do. Brands like completed works or, you know, Ben Amin or things like that. I can get them a nice, like, cuff or statement earring. My mom is obsessed with completed works now because I got her, like, a necklace one time for Christmas. I've been really dropping this to all of my friends and family. Like, I really hope so. Someone, anyone, please get me the Miu Miu, like, leather tan pumps. They're distressed. They're inspired from a silhouette from the 50s, so they kind of look like this old court pump kind of a thing. And they, like, blend into my skin perfectly so they elongate my legs and.
- [03:53]
E
Barbie foot.
- [03:54]
D
Yeah, Barbie feet. I really wanna on the line, everyone send this to him, please. Okay.
- [04:00]
B
I like that. You're just right out of the gate. I want some you mew.
- [04:03]
D
You know what? What's the saying? You have to, like, closed mouths don't get fed.
- [04:07]
C
Oh.
- [04:09]
D
So I'm putting that into practice for my gifting.
- [04:13]
C
Wow.
- [04:13]
B
I like that. I think it's important to manifest the things that we want in this world. So speaking of which, Bobby, what do you want in this world?
- [04:21]
C
So let me start with what I want. Very into Michael Riders. Celine. I want the Smile bag, which I tried on recently. If you look at my Instagram, I saw that I couldn't decide on the color, but I'm very into it.
- [04:31]
B
So there's red.
- [04:32]
C
There's red, black, blue, and, like, a yellow. I am leaning towards the blue because I feel like it's a fun bag and I kind of want to have fun with it. So that's what I want. What I'm interested in giving, which I've thought about this idea before, is like, I love a designer. A little luxury moment.
- [04:47]
B
Yes.
- [04:47]
C
And so I want to do, like, a cute, like, card case or little wallet and then fill it with gift certificates to all their favorite places, like a coffee shop or whatever, makeup store.
- [04:58]
B
And, like, how do I get on your list?
- [05:00]
D
Yeah.
- [05:02]
C
Feel like now I have to do it.
- [05:03]
B
I love that. I plan on sealing that. Thank you.
- [05:05]
D
That's very cute.
- [05:06]
C
Enjoy.
- [05:06]
B
Great. Great. What about you, Kat?
- [05:09]
E
Well, for myself, I've always been a huge fan of Sophie Buhai local LA Jeweler, and I hope I'm not wrong in this But I think she launched bags for the first time, and it's a single bag, and it is this gorgeous little satin pouch and has a teardrop pearl just, like, coming off the bottom, and the little cord. Very me.
- [05:30]
B
Very you.
- [05:30]
E
And so that's what I would like. It is $1,000.
- [05:32]
D
Okay.
- [05:33]
C
Husband on the line.
- [05:35]
E
And what I would like to give someone else is about a tenth of the price. Have you heard of Solis Nails? I'm sure you have.
- [05:40]
B
Yes. Former who what Wear? Girly is the founder.
- [05:43]
E
Yeah. We know people at who what Wear. Very talented. And so one of our former colleagues launched this brand of nail polish, and she's got this really cute set, and it's sort of like wearing tights on your nails. It's like your nails, but better. So they're kind of, like, very sheer, and the branding is very, like, retro. They've been popping up in really fun ways. They were the nail partner at Victoria's Secret fashion show a few weeks ago.
- [06:05]
B
No way. That's a major moment.
- [06:07]
E
Yeah. And earlier in September at the Cindy Liang fashion show, they were the nail partner, too. So they've got some buzz, and it feels very new.
- [06:14]
B
The packaging is very chic, almost like fine jewelry.
- [06:18]
E
Yes. It's got, like, a red branding throughout. It's gorgeous.
- [06:21]
B
Okay, I like that.
- [06:22]
C
I'm into it.
- [06:23]
B
Okay. So if you have stylish people in your life who you want to gift, but you don't necessarily want to blow your entire budget on them, what are some more affordable on brand ideas? Perhaps they are accessories. Perhaps they are beauty. Something that's in the realm of a hundred dollars or less.
- [06:43]
C
Okay, so my new thing, which I've done a few times, is which. This made me think of you, Janori, because I feel like this was on your wedding registry.
- [06:50]
E
Yeah.
- [06:50]
C
Gorgeous Italian china. What I've been doing is actually getting the soy sauce little dishes which are under $100, and then giving them to use, like, for rings or just, like, little trinkets on their nightstand or whatever. So every time you pass it, you think of it.
- [07:06]
E
Fun colors, too.
- [07:07]
C
Fun colors.
- [07:08]
E
Green or pinks or whatever it is.
- [07:10]
C
That's my new gift I've been doing. Okay.
- [07:13]
E
Okay.
- [07:13]
C
That seems like, attainable.
- [07:14]
B
It seems very Lauren.
- [07:16]
D
That's so cute.
- [07:16]
C
Yeah, that's my new thing.
- [07:18]
B
Kat, what about you?
- [07:19]
E
Well, I love a paired gift. Like, two things that kind of go together. Edie Parker has an amazing lighter collection.
- [07:26]
B
They're so family. They're so fun and elegant.
- [07:29]
E
And elegant. And like a real. It's Almost like a conversation starter, I think, for your coffee table.
- [07:34]
C
Yeah.
- [07:34]
E
Some of them are quite playful. They have one that is more of just like a handheld lighter and silver and has gemstones encrusted on it. And it's, like, just very lovely in that. I know you said you hate candles, and I'm self conscious, but, like, with a candle is something I would give.
- [07:48]
B
I do hate candles, unless they are Flamingo Estates specifically. I don't know if you guys have smelled it, but there's a green goddess one that I'm obsessed with. The bar soap is really great. It's actually in my lingerie drawer as we speak. The only candle that I'm into right now. It's an odd, herbaceous, wonderful scent. Also $100, to answer my own question. But it is stunning and customizable.
- [08:10]
E
Right. The. The little label. You can put a little message on it.
- [08:12]
B
Yep.
- [08:13]
C
I love that.
- [08:13]
B
We love that Flamingo estate, if you like.
- [08:15]
D
I feel like that's quite a.
- [08:17]
C
We do love it at some point.
- [08:18]
D
I know, I know.
- [08:19]
E
One more thrifty thrill, which is kind of a weird one. It's not so luxury, but something I kind of actually wanted to get. The who what Wear team is if you have any, like, online shoppers in your life. And we receive lots of packages and do lots of shopping ourselves. I'm always, like, hunting around my house for, like, my scissors, and I'm like, where are those scissors? And so you can get a box cutter on Etsy that's like, hot pink or glitter purple with the name engraved on it. And it's like, maybe $15. It's kind of unusual gift, but would come in handy.
- [08:47]
B
I like that.
- [08:48]
E
I like that.
- [08:49]
D
I'm always using a box cutter. Okay. Mine might seem a little on the nose, but I feel like fashion people kind of slee on the Zara home, like, loungewear section. And a lot of it's under 100. You can get really chic, elevated, like, light cotton sets that aren't even just pajamas. It's literally just, like, appropriate to lounge around the house in. They have really fun, cool slippers and really, like, chic styles. And it's fun to do, like you were saying cat, like a pairing. So it feels like you're getting more for less. You can do, like, a loungewear set and, like, a cute bathroom tray or, like a home accessory or a towel. Or they just have a lot to choose from. So I would suggest if you're trying to save money and buy something still intentional, just do, like, a little Zara home haul. Just scroll through, find things. You'll always find something they have.
- [09:30]
C
Speaking of that, like these amazing ice cream scooper spoons that are like multicolored for like $25 clear. Yeah, they're really cute. I want to get those.
- [09:40]
D
They're so cute.
- [09:41]
B
I also have to say I'd like to cast a vote for negative. If those of you who know me and know that I love my negative underwear, they make something called the whipped long sleeve shirt. It's $110, so techn but you could also do the short sleeve one which is $78. There is nothing softer in the entire universe. And it is truly like I will sleep in it and then I will put it on underneath the sweater for the office and then I will wear it over a bralette by itself for date night. It is a day to night in the most old school of ways. Single piece. They are so soft and they last forever. Every single person I know who's tried one will literally call me and say that is the best thing I've ever tried. So I think that that would be my universal. Like, if I know you and I love you, you will the only thing negative under your tree is from me. I love that. Okay, so now let's talk about gifts that are crowd pleasers. So let's say imagine you have multiple events. You have lots of things to give. You have friends, you have family. You have work. You need lots of smaller gifts that you need to have on hand because you're so popular. These are not maybe the most personalized gifts necessarily, but you still want them to be thoughtful and tasteful and bring a smile to the giftee's face. So any go tos? Kat, should we start with you?
- [10:59]
E
So Santa Maria novella, which I think a lot of people know, but it's kind of a heritage Italian, almost like chemist, like pharmacy. And so they have this terracotta pomegranate that has a scent that's sort of spicy and it's like an art object that's sort of rustic, but then it has this beautiful scent. And for the home. I just think they're a great gift. They're around $100.
- [11:22]
B
The Jenny Kane stor in west Hollywood always used to have them. I remember like 15 years ago feeling obsessed with it. And at that point in time, you could only get them in Europe. No, no. Like I'm saying it's a classic.
- [11:32]
E
It's a classic 15 years ago. It's like an updated pin. No, I mean that the best possible way it's a tried and true present.
- [11:42]
C
Yeah.
- [11:43]
B
No, I'm just saying it's a classic like it's always been. And like Jenny herself would pick them up. This was before they were. Yes, it was like before you could buy them in the United States. It was like something that you had to pick up when you were in Europe sort of situation. I was like, well, that was not attempted shade. Just for record. Bobby, how would you like to follow that up?
- [12:04]
C
Yeah, I'm not following that. And now my answer is lame. But if I'm doing like bulk gifts, which I've done this for like random family members, that sort of thing is like something for the home. Like a tea towel or some sort of towel set that like anyone can kind of put it in their bathroom or their kitchen. Or it's like a backup. Like Parachute has cute ones or Hudson Grace. That's like my just standard go to.
- [12:23]
A
I love that.
- [12:25]
E
You can come over to my house and I'll embroider it for you. Like a family last name on it.
- [12:29]
B
Yeah.
- [12:29]
C
That's amazing. Yeah. If you really want to go the extra mile.
- [12:31]
B
Lauren, what about you?
- [12:32]
D
Okay. My favorite gift, if you're in a rush or you need something a little bit more bulk, I love the Sophie Billy bra jewelry boxes. They're so chic. They're a crushed velvet. They come in so many colors so that part of it can feel a little bit more personalized. They have a very fun tassel. They look so, so chic on a nightstand, a dresser. And it's just something you wouldn't buy yourself. I think it's just under a hundred dollars or right about 100. And they're amazing. I have one and it's my favorite thing and people always comment on it, and it's great. I love it.
- [12:59]
B
I also would like to throw in a vote for fancy condiments here. Great. Like, for example, like, I have a balsamic vinegar that's from a California brand. And it's wonderful. It's extremely luxurious. It's extremely viscous. It is such a beautiful dark color. It has almost a touch of sweetness. I feel like something like that and a really good olive oil paired. Or like what's Copy Cooking's brand of salt? She makes an amazing flake salt. My obsession is always upgrading everyday essentials and giving someone like the splurgy version of something, whether that's a T shirt or a bar of soap or condiments, whatever it may be, that are just a touch better than what you might necessarily pick up. For yourself. I think that's always a nice sort of little luxury to have on hand for those more universal gift giving moments. Okay, so on the other hand, let's talk about the gifts that you're giving for the people who are closest to you. If you really want to go the extra mile and buy someone something that feels super personal, what are some options?
- [13:58]
D
Last year I mentioned like I would go thrifting or to antique malls and find like whether it was a dish or a set of glasses, like martini glasses or a tray or a bowl or something, buy that and then buy something nicer that like pairs with it. So it's like showing. I took the time and like pick something out for those people and then also bought something that matches. So this year what I really want to do is scour ebay. I have a list of all of the brands and like designers and the collections that some of my friends over the years have mentioned and try to find something that is designer on ebay that I can give to them at like a more affordable price because it feels so luxury. And obviously I would love to buy, you know, like a new designer bag or something for one of my friends. Not in the budget unfortunately. Maybe one day. But I feel like this is a fun way to be intentional. It shows the effort and it's such a shock. Like you would never expect to get something like that, I think from a friend. So that's my goal this year.
- [14:52]
E
I want to be your friend.
- [14:55]
D
You're all my friend. Yes.
- [14:57]
B
Bobbi, what about you?
- [14:58]
C
Well, similar vibe is, you know, love a designer moment. So I dive into like the home sections or the beauty sections of like someone's favorite designer brand. You know, like the Louisville bar Soap is under $100. Like super chic, thoughtful, like probably something that maybe they wouldn't buy themselves. Or Dior has, you know, beautiful china in cups and little trays. Obviously lipsticks, whether it's like Louis Vuitton or Celine, you know, there's a lot of different nice designer pieces in those sections.
- [15:25]
B
I think a fancy lipstick is a fabulous idea, especially because some of them have gotten very.
- [15:31]
D
And they're so beautiful. Yes, they're like an accessory for your dresser. Like they're so gorgeous.
- [15:37]
B
Especially the Hermes ones. That's always been my go to because the design is so beautiful. And I also love the polish. I feel like that is like the perfect fancy stocking stuffer sl universal appeal.
- [15:46]
C
The lip balm is amazing from Hermes and anyone can use it. Cuz I know sometimes like color maybe People are specific, but the lip balm's great.
- [15:53]
D
You know, this reminds me of, too. Bottega has the fragrance right now that comes with, like, a big stone that it sits on. And it's like something that's not what you would exactly maybe shop for. But it's fun to, like, get that box.
- [16:04]
C
And you still get. Right. The box, the bag. Like that luxury experience, even if it's not like a $3,000 bag or something.
- [16:09]
D
Yeah.
- [16:10]
E
The new Louis Vuitton beauty also that we slashed. Their little lipsticks are incredible. I think Pat McGrath did the.
- [16:17]
B
Yes.
- [16:18]
E
And she's God, and she is our mother.
- [16:21]
D
And.
- [16:22]
B
Yeah, no one does it like Pat.
- [16:23]
E
They're heavy and gorgeous. Yeah, that's good.
- [16:25]
C
Yeah. Amazing.
- [16:26]
E
So for me, if you really know someone, you kind of have to show off that you know them and get all the credits. Yeah. And do something personalized. So I think the best version of this is the bode cord. Customizable. They have a tote bag. They also do a pillow, which I'm loving the pillow because, like, people have a lot of tote bags, even if this is a very special one. And I've seen the, like, barn jacket. So I'd go barn jacket or pillow. But the point is, you fill out this questionnaire about the person, and they sort of hand paint all of these important symbols and talismans of your life. Maybe your lucky number or your grandmother's portrait even. Cause the quality of the art is actually pretty high. It's just a very special gift.
- [17:09]
B
I would like to say that I first saw them. Aurora James, the designer and activist, has two pillows, one for each of her dogs. And I fell in love. It is so chic. I think they're about $400. So they are not inexpensive, but they are gorgeous. And also, like, that is affordable for bodies.
- [17:25]
E
For a custom item, I actually think it's.
- [17:27]
B
And for the art level that it is. I mean, it's. Honestly, it's like a work of art. They're truly outrageously gorgeous.
- [17:33]
D
Oh, my gosh. I won't.
- [17:34]
E
Along the dog veins. Susan, Alexandra, and Stodd also have custom dog portrait items that I think for the specific girl that is in love with their. Their pup. It's a cute, cute gift.
- [17:45]
C
I love that.
- [17:46]
E
Yeah.
- [17:47]
B
So the holidays are a great time to give the gift of coziness. This could be through home goods. It could be through loungewear or bath products or whatever. So what are some of the recommendations that you all have for the person in your life who deserves a little Relaxation.
- [18:05]
C
I like to identify someone's favorite hotel, and ideally, that hotel will sell their bathrobes. I. We all love Sunset Tower here in la. And so the Bowery or the Bowery. I know you are. And you can buy the bathrobes. And that just is so special to.
- [18:21]
B
Me, you know, that they have kids. Bowery Hotel bathrobes.
- [18:25]
C
Don't tell me that.
- [18:25]
B
Which is, I think, just about the most charming thing. And you can have them personalized, too.
- [18:30]
C
That's really cute.
- [18:31]
B
Yeah. I'm sorry to share, but it's.
- [18:33]
D
That's very Madeline.
- [18:34]
E
I know she's gonna have one.
- [18:36]
C
You probably will.
- [18:37]
B
I love that idea. That is very cozy. What about you, Lauren?
- [18:41]
D
Okay, this one's a little bit of a splurge, but it's so chic. A pair of Charvet slippers. Charvet has a huge history. I think it was one of, like, the first ever dedicated shirt shops. They used to outfit the kings and queens and princesses. Like, it's iconic and so historic, and it still has a very, very beloved presence in our industry today. So much so that Matthew Blaisey, for his first debut Chanel collection, did a collaboration with Charvet for the shirts. And it's very elevated. So cool. And I just think if you have someone who's like a homebody and just luxurious or, like, wants to wear them on a plane or, you know, anything. They don't have a sole. They're like suede or something on the bottom. I mean, it's not like an outdoor slipper. It's a very much like you are investing in yourself or your loved one. It's a home slipper.
- [19:25]
E
They also have a travel one, I want to say, that comes with a case with a little zipper, especially as you get older and you get more, like, cantankerous and you're Jeremy hotel floor. Like, I need these travel slippers. Travel with my own slippers. So I think it's great.
- [19:38]
B
That's funny because it's true.
- [19:40]
E
I know. So mine is cozy adjacent. Not like, literally cozy, but I think about the time of year and that around the holidays, you have time to, like, cozy up with a book. So I think getting like, a first edition, which you can find on ebay, these, you know, sort of rare books of like a Joan Didion, like a Playa de Soleil or like Eve Babbitts. Susan Sonpag, some, you know, girl vibes.
- [20:04]
B
Judith Krantzscruples might be my favorite. Go to give it a little cult trash. It's great.
- [20:10]
D
Yeah.
- [20:11]
E
And then pairing, you know, I like a paired gift with Tiffany and co makes amazing bookmarks. Made of sterling silver and you can get them engraved. Putting that inside. I think it would be a special gift.
- [20:22]
B
I love that. I want to add to this, which is the same thing that I've said for, like 17 years. I give people sweatshirts from the great and have their names embroidered on it. So that was like my girl gift year to all of my girlfriends. They still wear them on a regular basis. If you don't want to do it up here on the breast pocket, you can do the cuff instead, which I also think is a really cute little thing. They will embroider swear words. They probably don't appreciate me telling you that they will. Like, you can make them cheeky or funny or sweet. I think they're really, really cozy and lovely. This is also a time of year when many of us are hosting or being hosted in other people's homes. What are you buying for people who love to cook or entertain? Lauren?
- [21:02]
D
Okay. I love the brand Gohar World. They have the quirkiest little things right now. I'm loving. They have these mother of pearl salad servers. They have the funniest little, like, black ribbon baguette bag that, like, is so fun to gift. They have cute, like, dishware gloves that have, like little doily embroidery, like, just so silly and over the top. But it's so fun to receive that. And then when you were talking about gourmet condiments, it reminded me. I also love, like, a really fun substitute subscription service.
- [21:29]
B
Yes.
- [21:30]
D
So if you can, like, time it perfectly to receive, like, let's say it's like a tinned fish one, like the first delivery you can give them in person and then say, this is coming every month. And that way every time they host, they, like, have something ready in their pantry. But you can do it with, like, cheeses or wine or, you know, like, so many things.
- [21:44]
B
Zingerman's has bacon of the month club. It has been a time honored present that I have given my father many, many years in a row and always goes over well.
- [21:52]
D
Oh, my gosh. Yeah.
- [21:53]
B
Kat, what about for you? What would you suggest for me?
- [21:56]
E
Sorry to bring up Flamingo Estate again. We're so la and we love it. But the olive oil that they have is such a wonderful gift. You customize it. And I'm a fan of, like, a pun. Maybe. Like, you go like, I love you so much.
- [22:06]
C
Oh, I see. I see what you did there.
- [22:08]
B
Yes, Yes.
- [22:09]
E
I like consumable gifts and Another one I think that is good is Gucci has the panettone that is popular, and you can get it with the Gucci tin and pay twice the price, I think. But it's this brand called from Roy, and he makes incredible panettones that like. Whether you think you like panettone or not, you. This is special, delicious. Disappear.
- [22:31]
C
Okay. Okay.
- [22:31]
B
On a side note, it makes really good French toast.
- [22:33]
C
Oh, that's.
- [22:34]
D
Yes, I heard that.
- [22:35]
B
Bobby, what about you?
- [22:36]
C
It's a Japanese ceramic company, I think, called like Musubi kiln. And they have a variety of cool pieces, but I'm into chopstick rests or like spoon rests. And they have like, little fun, like vegetables and kind of like kitschy. There's a variety, but I think they're like $6 a piece. Super cute. Something obviously somebody wouldn't maybe buy themselves. That's my goal.
- [22:56]
E
Just to elevate your, like, takeout sushi.
- [22:58]
C
Yeah. Like, in a fun way. Like you can get like a radish or an apple. Like, they're. They're super cute.
- [23:03]
B
A little whimsy introduced fun.
- [23:06]
C
They'll remember you.
- [23:07]
B
Okay, so there are some people who are just difficult to shop for. What are some ideas for some more experiential gifts that you could give this year where for the person who's like, I don't need anything. I don't want any are good experiential gifts.
- [23:23]
C
I like the gift of theater, which I feel like you're not like a big musical person, but I'm still gonna say it because I love them.
- [23:29]
B
So it's like, I'm rare.
- [23:31]
C
You can do like a broadway.com, like, gift card, whatever, or like a local theater. Season tickets, like, support local arts. Like, I'm very into that. And I'm giving Hollywood Bowl. Hollywood bowl, that's me. Ballet, performing arts, ballet, orchestra tickets. It's like, anyone would want that.
- [23:47]
B
Yeah.
- [23:48]
D
And it's fun because it's like the gift that keeps on giving. It's like you get excited in the moment and then you have something to look forward to with the. Which is really cool.
- [23:54]
A
And then you can sneaky by the merch and give that for the next gift.
- [23:56]
D
Yeah, very cute. Ooh, that's fun.
- [23:58]
E
That's fun. So my experiential gift, I've received this before, so I can confirm that it goes over well. It's a little high maintenance, but you.
- [24:06]
C
You're speaking to the right group.
- [24:08]
D
Yeah. Love it already.
- [24:09]
E
This is for someone you truly love. You make them, like, a little fun. Flowchart of like this or that. Like it's like sunrise sunset, Chateau Marmont, Sunset tower. And they pick things up and so they get flowed down this little flowchart and then there's a few options and you kind of like lift the flap and you see what it is of an experiential gift that you would get to do together. Whether it's going to a pottery class or going to a concert, going to the movies together.
- [24:33]
B
And it's learning how to make my ties comedy ties.
- [24:36]
E
And you just feel like you got a fun like choose your own adventure quiz moment. And it's interactive and that's really cute.
- [24:42]
D
That's super cute.
- [24:42]
C
I love that.
- [24:45]
A
Tell me if I'm alone here. Who what Wear listeners. But shopping used to feel more fun before all the algorithm fed law and the endless sea of dupes. But I have a confession. I've found that fun feeling again on ebay. It's not mindless scrolling. It's a fashion pursuit. And when you score that rare Adidas collab or the Dior saddlebag you've been manifesting, it's a rush. Ebay has millions of pre loved finds from hundreds of brands backed by ebay. Authenticity guarantee. Ebay. Things people love.
- [25:25]
B
Lauren, what about you?
- [25:27]
D
Okay, my best friend does this for me all the time because I'm definitely not in the category of like telling people I don't want anything because I want everything, but I am hard to shop for. And so she'll always write down things that I say. Like a new workout class that I tried that I love that I'll always be like texting her about or a new coffee shop in our neighborhood. She'll always just buy me a gift card to like whatever the latest thing is that I'm telling her that I love. Like, I know gift cards can sometimes if it's like feels not intentional. But these are like so hyper specific where I'm like, how did you even get a gift card to this place? Like I don't know how she does it, but it's so cute. And it's always like right on the nose. I'm like, haley, I just told you about this class. I tried it two weeks ago. And she's like, I know, but I just want to like treat you to this little couple classes on me and it's so nice. So I love it.
- [26:10]
E
How about she's listening.
- [26:11]
B
Yeah, and feeling heard is a great present to receive, right?
- [26:15]
D
It's so nice. I love it.
- [26:16]
B
That's very thoughtful. I love that. I feel like, as we all get busier as we're getting older, slash, we're just busy in general because we're fabulous. Time spent is such a good gift. So it's like saying, like, I'm reserving a date night, a friend date, or whatever it is of saying, like, I'm giving you the gift of carving out these significant hours for us to go and spend time together, doing whatever that is, even if it's like a walk or a workout or whatever, it's just. Just showing that intentionality is always really nice.
- [26:42]
D
Yeah, for sure.
- [26:43]
B
Okay, so we also have to talk about kid gifts, because in case our listeners forgot or missed it, we just dropped our inaugural who what Where Parents issue last month, which was so well received and so well done and so beautiful, and there's tons of great content there. What are some kid gifts that will make you the coolest parent or auntie or uncle at the party? Cat, as the newest parent. Well, let's start with you.
- [27:10]
E
A slightly older kid than a baby, but a gift I gave my niece, who I think Maybe she was 8 at the time, that went over really well, was an LED custom of her name that she, like, hung in her room.
- [27:20]
B
So cute.
- [27:20]
E
And you could, like, flick the colors to different colors, and she just, you know, like, your room, your space and you're like, a tween is kind of a big deal. But my tip also, when you're searching for different ages, is to, like, go buy stuff from, like, the one or two years older than the actual year of their age, because then you're, like, cutting edge.
- [27:37]
B
And also, by the way, there's nothing a kid likes more than something that's meant for an older kid. Totally.
- [27:40]
E
It's totally aspirational.
- [27:42]
C
Totally.
- [27:43]
B
I like that idea. Bobby, what about you?
- [27:45]
C
I like to give a gift you can build upon for other holidays. So we did this for our niece. Like, we gave the Tony box, which my daughter is obsessed with. You know, it's a little box you carry around, put a character on, they sing, they tell stories, that sort of thing. And so you start with that, and then you can build upon that with the accessories or more characters later. That's one. I just got my daughter a play kitchen, which I'm super excited about, From Tiny Lands, which is, like, super fun. And by me, I mean my mom. So she's probably gonna listen to this and be like, I bought that. She did that for, like, her birthday, which is also fun fact. Kat and I, our daughter, serve the same birthday.
- [28:17]
B
It's amazing.
- [28:18]
C
One year Apart, which is crazy. Anyway, got the kitchen and then we'll build upon that with like the refrigerator or the little coffee maker and that sort of thing so you can kind of build it out for other holidays, which I'm excited about.
- [28:28]
B
That's really sweet, Lauren.
- [28:30]
D
As the only one here who is childless, I take the role of the fun aunt. And I got this pre approved by Bobbi because I. Do parents not want to hear this? Do they? Do they want to hear it? But I love just asking them like, what's something you can't really justify but that you really want? That's just silly. So my friend, her son, she always wants to buy like cool sneakers but she's like, why am I going to spend like over $100 on a pair of shoes they're going to grow out of in two months, a month and a half, whatever. So I'm like, okay, I'll buy the sneakers. You know, like I'll buy the random toy that you don't want to justify because you have a kind of a similar one. But like they talk about all the time, like I'll buy it. You know, I think those gifts are fun for someone like me to gift.
- [29:04]
C
I love it.
- [29:04]
B
I love that. Oh, that's very sweet. Okay, you guys all had some fantastic gifting strategy tips last year. So I have to ask again, what are your best tips for making the gift giving process as smooth and stress free and dare I say it, fun as possible?
- [29:23]
C
I feel like similar to kind of what you're saying with your friend is I keep my notes app full of like if my mom says something I will write it down so I don't forget. And then like a year later or six months later I can go back to it it and find the gift idea. That's probably my biggest tip. And starting early. I feel like I've been starting like early and earlier. You know, it's like I'm not a last minute person anymore with the gifts.
- [29:44]
E
Yeah, I would say use AI.
- [29:47]
C
Yeah, right.
- [29:48]
E
You know, like put in like these are hobbies, whatever. What are some gift ideas? Just to like get your brain going just to smart just to see if there's any ideas there.
- [29:56]
B
I like that. I'm surprised because I don't normally like ideas that involve AI but that, that's fabulous.
- [30:01]
E
I also think quality over quantity, like if your family won't revolt against you and you want to suggest like we're going to draw names this year, I don't know, totally support that.
- [30:09]
D
I feel like I am such A procrastinator really, when it's not with work in my personal life. And so I think especially with gift giving, it's also not my natural love language to like receive or give gifts necessarily, but I do enjoy it. So I think I just always try to like check myself and be like, like in the moment when I'm giving these gifts. It's so rewarding and so fun and like, I do love giving them. Like even just talking about all of this of like ways my friends and my family have shown up for me, it's just so amazing. And it's such a special time of year and like the intention of the season is obviously to just give and to love on people. So I try to remind myself of that when I get really stressed because I often do.
- [30:46]
B
So to that point, I think the number one thing is start early. There's no shame in starting early. Mercury retrograde always Pop pops up in November and December. We're already having tariff and shipping issues.
- [30:58]
D
Yes.
- [30:58]
B
I'm waiting on a Halloween cape from Germany as we speak. Like it is. Fortunately, the Raven staff has already appeared, but everything takes longer. So give yourself the gift of time. That's the gift is give yourself time so that you're not stressed about it. You're setting yourself up for success so that you can actually enjoy the moment and enjoy the time off. Also, I talk about this all the time, but batch your gifts. Like the thing that used to drive me crazy. I have a lovely friend group, but finding individual presents for everyone, that's what your birthday is for. For the holidays. You all get the same thing. You get what you get and you don't get upset because it's awesome. Just having one gift that is great and thoughtful and done. It just, it saved me so much time. And then also you don't worry that someone's gonna say, well, why did they get this and I got this and blah blah, blah. So trying to get out ahead of it I think is a really helpful thing. Batch gift, do it early.
- [31:47]
C
Smart.
- [31:48]
B
Okay, so let's say you listen to this episode and you're feeling motivated and you have big dreams of getting your shopping done early and then life happens. Say you're not taking any of our advice that we just so kindly shared. So if you have to pick up some last minute gifts for someone special, what are some of your go to no fail options?
- [32:08]
D
Net A porter has always come in clutch for me. They have overnight shipping. It comes in a really chic box. They have a great gift section. You can Find affordable things. It feels lux. It feels intentional. And no one will know that you did it last minute.
- [32:20]
B
Bobby.
- [32:21]
C
Well, I was gonna say, which. I feel like I'm gonna be ashamed. Like, I was gonna say a candle. Like a dipty or a labo candle.
- [32:28]
B
It's not that I hate candles. Like, an intentional candle. A cool candle.
- [32:33]
C
Yeah.
- [32:34]
B
I don't know. It's just sometimes I feel like candle is synonymous for, like, I didn't think that much.
- [32:37]
C
I get it.
- [32:38]
D
Yeah, I get it.
- [32:38]
C
If you can, like, customize it in some way, like. Like Flamingo Estate or La Labo, where you can write the name or where it was made, maybe that's the way to go. But I'm good receiving one, so I.
- [32:47]
B
Feel like candles are a real flashpoint. People love them. Or they're me, because I never want.
- [32:52]
C
To buy them for myself. Like, I don't want to spend my money on them, so I like to receive them as gifts.
- [32:56]
D
Yeah. Like, you would love a Loewe candle if I buy it for you.
- [32:58]
C
Fine.
- [32:59]
D
Yeah. No big deal.
- [33:00]
B
I feel much better about, like, a hand soap situation. Yeah, like a hand soap and a lotion. That's a necessity. Like, to me, a candle's not a necessity, but hand soap and lotion are necessities. So if you find, like, luxurious versions of it. I hate spending money on fancy hand soaps.
- [33:18]
E
Yeah, me too.
- [33:19]
B
But I enjoy them.
- [33:20]
C
Right. You like receiving that. And also, like, back to the hotel idea. A lot of hotels have, like, their signature hand soaps, and if you know someone that they love a specific hotel, you can get the hand soap, which is kind of nice, too.
- [33:30]
B
What about you, Kat?
- [33:31]
E
Well, if you really screw the pooch and there's no time for shipping, you've gotta thank local.
- [33:38]
D
Yes.
- [33:39]
E
And thematic. So I was thinking you should go to a candy shop. Like, hopefully it's a chic one where you can get some, like, Swedish trendy candy and some movie tickets and just be like, we're going to spend some time together, you and me, as my friend that I forgot about up until today.
- [33:54]
B
Honestly, I love it. Shopping locally is always a good idea. My husband actually tries to do, like, 90% of his shopping locally every year, which I think is the most charming idea ever, because you want to support the world that you want to live in. So he really tries to make sure that, like, our local neighborhood gets all of his dollars.
- [34:13]
C
That's great.
- [34:13]
D
I love that.
- [34:13]
B
I don't know why I said it in that awkward way. This year we are making things even More festive. And I'm actually truly, genuinely thrilled about this. To wrap things up for the first time ever on this pod, thanks to our episode sponsor, ebay, we each got to select a chic, pre loved gift from ebay for someone else in this group. We had a budget Ish. And the goal was to find something that suited the recipient's specific taste. Okay, so this is fun to go first.
- [34:51]
E
I don't know you.
- [34:52]
D
Yeah, you.
- [34:52]
B
I get to open first.
- [34:54]
C
Yes, of course.
- [34:54]
B
Okay.
- [34:57]
E
Okay.
- [34:57]
C
First of all, the wrapping.
- [34:59]
B
I'd just like to point out that this is so beautifully done.
- [35:01]
E
Gorgeous, gorgeous.
- [35:02]
B
And Kat, are you my gifter?
- [35:04]
E
I am. I'm nervous and excited at the same time.
- [35:10]
C
Sweating.
- [35:10]
B
I feel that way about you, so. No, because I got you. Not like, I'm not.
- [35:15]
D
Yeah, yeah.
- [35:16]
E
We're like, you're holding your breath a little. I'm a bad, like, faker if I don't like something, so.
- [35:20]
C
Well, that's a great box.
- [35:21]
D
This is a great start.
- [35:23]
C
That's my favorite box.
- [35:24]
D
Great, great start.
- [35:25]
B
I mean, it's a beautiful box.
- [35:27]
D
Yes.
- [35:27]
C
That's a great box.
- [35:31]
E
Oh, okay. Oh, pre authenticated.
- [35:34]
B
Holy moly.
- [35:35]
D
I'm excited.
- [35:36]
C
Me too.
- [35:37]
B
Me three.
- [35:40]
E
Because she's petite.
- [35:42]
C
Oh, my gosh. I love this.
- [35:44]
B
Oh, my goodness.
- [35:46]
E
I love this.
- [35:47]
C
That is a great.
- [35:48]
D
So cute.
- [35:49]
C
Oh, my.
- [35:50]
E
I love it too. I'm actually jealous of you, right?
- [35:52]
D
I'm so jealous.
- [35:53]
B
And look, it's orange on the inside. Inside, for our listeners who might not know, it is a small Hermes pouch that has an orange lining that is so beautiful and a little tan detail around the bottom of it. It is larger than a coin purse, but not like a full big wallet. It's just the perfect little zippy pouch that is all black and it has the Hermes H on the outside of it, and it is just. Just so chic and lovely and a little tan accent on the zipper.
- [36:26]
E
Here's the use case of bazillion use cases for this is. You travel to the UK a lot now with your work. And I was like, she can put her converter in this little mini.
- [36:36]
C
So great.
- [36:37]
B
That is so thoughtful. And it's my favorite color.
- [36:41]
C
Fits perfectly.
- [36:43]
B
It matches every outfit, and it has just a tiny bit of tan in it, just like my shoes. Kat, thank you. This is so thoughtful. I love it. I love that it also looks just a tiny bit like Darth Vader.
- [36:53]
E
Also, H, the H embroidery on there.
- [36:56]
D
H for Hillary.
- [36:56]
E
I love it. And Hermes.
- [36:59]
C
That's a great gift.
- [37:00]
B
I love this. This is beautiful. I'm so touched. And this is in such impeccable condition, too.
- [37:07]
E
Well, thank you, ebay.
- [37:08]
A
I'm surprised.
- [37:09]
B
Thank you, ebay. And thank you, Kat, for picking something so great. Okay. Yours is the big box.
- [37:14]
C
Okay.
- [37:14]
B
Oh, and it is a gift for you, but it is also a gift for someone else.
- [37:20]
E
Oh, okay. Well, I thought this was about me.
- [37:22]
C
Yeah, it is.
- [37:23]
B
It is.
- [37:25]
E
Here we go. Gorgeous wrapping. Oh, okay. Wait, what is this?
- [37:32]
C
What?
- [37:33]
B
It's for Zelda.
- [37:34]
E
Oh. Somebody just won.
- [37:39]
B
So I know that you love vintage lace and vintage fabrics in general, and it's French and it's linen, and it's vintage, and I just thought it was so beautiful. So, like, I feel like it's always good for, like, a photo shoot moment too, and it is the most ridiculous, outrageous nonsense of a dress, but I just thought it was so beautiful and lovely and had that, like, home elevated craftsmanship that I associate with you. And also one of a kind. And since you got married in France, I thought that that was a nice vintage tie in as well.
- [38:14]
E
Oh, my gosh.
- [38:16]
D
This is insane.
- [38:16]
E
This is tmi. But Zelda was also conceived in Paris.
- [38:20]
B
All right, perfect.
- [38:22]
E
Okay, so it really hits on a couple notes, but this is just. I was blown away, and I didn't even have to fake anything because I just had such natural joy to receive this. Thank you, Haley. This is so me. I feel like sometimes when you give a gift. When you give a gift, sometimes it's hard to think beyond what you like for the person to truly. You put yourself in their shoes, and I feel like you nailed it. It's a gorgeous antique lace dress with embroidery that looks like little daisies tiered. It's incredibly beautiful. And we're going to have to have an amazing photo shoot with this. I feel gorgeous. Thank you.
- [38:57]
C
It's us.
- [38:57]
D
Okay.
- [38:58]
B
It's you, too.
- [38:58]
C
Okay. Should I give you yours? Sure.
- [39:00]
D
Okay, let's see what it is. Okay. I love this. I'm never gonna get over it. I'm also so bad at opening presents.
- [39:11]
B
Let's see.
- [39:15]
D
You remember.
- [39:18]
E
Oh, what is this? Oh, I want that. Yeah, as well.
- [39:23]
C
It's Prada.
- [39:24]
D
This is so chic.
- [39:27]
E
It's Prada. It's Prada.
- [39:29]
D
I've been wanting one of these little.
- [39:30]
C
Technical jackets because I know Prada and Miu Miu are your favorite brands. Obviously, you have a skirt and heels as we speak, so I had to get you something Prada. And this felt obviously on trending.
- [39:40]
D
Okay. For the people who cannot see and are just listening, it's this really amazing, like, technical windbreakery material. It's bright red. Prada red, which we love. It has a really cute, like, cinch at the waist, which you can make so chic with, like, trousers, a skirt. Like, I love the mix of, like, a chic pencil skirt and, like, this.
- [39:58]
E
This.
- [39:59]
D
And it has a really nice hood. I'm in love. Oh, very.
- [40:04]
C
Yeah.
- [40:05]
B
Oh, I love this.
- [40:07]
D
No, this is iconic, huh?
- [40:09]
A
Thank you.
- [40:09]
C
Well, that's so what they say about me, so I'm happy you like it.
- [40:12]
D
It's nothing new to hear. I'm sure it's another day.
- [40:15]
E
Yeah.
- [40:16]
D
Bobby. Thank you. You're welcome. So nice. I'm obsessed. I can't wait to wear it.
- [40:20]
E
Yay.
- [40:20]
D
I'll have to send you a pick an outfit pick for every. Go sports.
- [40:25]
C
Go sports.
- [40:26]
D
Okay. Are you ready?
- [40:27]
C
I'm always ready for gifts.
- [40:29]
E
We are hitting it out of the.
- [40:30]
B
Park, I will say.
- [40:31]
C
I know again, the wrapping's gorgeous.
- [40:33]
D
I know. The wrapping is really perfect.
- [40:34]
C
Love the green. Okay, let's see.
- [40:37]
D
It matches you.
- [40:38]
E
This is kind of like a photo moment.
- [40:40]
C
Did like, a mint chip. H. Well, like, speaking of pouches. Speaking of pouches. Similar vein. I love a luxury moment. I love a little luxury. Elevate the everyday. This is a Louis Vuitton, like, cosmetic case pouch. Could see, like, putting, like, chargers in this.
- [40:58]
D
All your lip balms.
- [41:00]
E
Pouches are going to be friends.
- [41:03]
C
I love it.
- [41:04]
D
For those of you who don't follow Bobby on Instagram, you must, because you have to see his, like, what's in his bag. And this is how I learned that he loves pouches. Because it'll be like, what's in this pouch? And it's like five lip balms. And then it's what's in this pouch. And it's all his hand creams. So, yeah, you need more.
- [41:18]
B
I love the level of organization that you have.
- [41:20]
C
I think it's really organized now that I'm like, a parent and I have a lot of bags and different bags for different things. Yeah, this is.
- [41:26]
B
And then it helps you on the go because you can move couches.
- [41:29]
D
Yeah, yeah.
- [41:29]
C
It's easy. Switch bags easily because I, you know, love a bag. So this is great. Thank you.
- [41:33]
D
Of course.
- [41:35]
B
And thank you, ebay, for helping us make these holiday dreams come true. I have to say, it was really fun searching, like, there was so much good, good stuff. It was kind of outrageous. And I love the fact that they have that authenticity guarantee so that you know what you're actually getting. It gives me great peace of mind. Especially when searching for really important presents for really important people such as yourselves. Well, thank you all so much for doing this gift guide again. I got a ton of really great ideas, so thank you for that. I find them really useful and I'm certain that everyone else does as well.
- [42:07]
C
Thank you.
- [42:08]
D
Thanks for having us, Hillary. This is so fun.
- [42:16]
A
A huge thank you to who what Wears Editor in Chief Cat Collings, Shopping Director Bobby Schussler, and Editorial Director Lauren Eggertson. Make sure to subscribe to our show wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode. And while you're there, I'd also be so grateful if you'd rate and review us. If you have any guest suggestions or any other feedback, drop us a line at podcastwhowhatwhere.com or you can find us on social at whowhatwhere. See you next Wednesday on the who what Where Podcast. This episode was produced by Hilary Kerr, Summer Hammeris, and Natalie Thurman. Our production assistant is Raven Yamamoto Moto, our editor is Ko Takasugi Chernovin, our audio engineers are at Glen Canyon Audio, and our music is by Jonathan Leahy.