I love making gift guides almost as much as I love shopping them. (See also: 10 Gifts I’m Ridiculously Excited To Give This Year and 15 Gifts For The Impossible To Shop For Man In Your Life). The occupational hazard with both curating and shopping gifts guides, though, is that you end up bookmarking quite a few things you’d really just like to gift…yourself.
Back in the day, the whole TME team used to do our own holiday wish lists, and it was so fun seeing these beautiful collages of things that were so quintessentially Scotti or Laura or S. We’ve since changed things a bit to reflect gift guides that are more about our readers’ needs and less about, um, our own, lol. But for this brief moment — and because I found so many irresistible gems while doing this year’s “research” — I’m going back in time and presenting a gift guide based squarely on my own personal preferences.
On My Personal Wishlist This Holiday Season:
Dazzling Denim, Jaw-Dropping Leather, The Chicest Spillproof Handbag, And More
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15
So. If you’re an Em at heart — or you’re just curious what really caught my eye this holiday, here they are: 15 gifts that I’m so personally drawn to, I’m breaking our gift guide rules. A little cheeky, a little indulgent, all things I’d absolutely love to receive.
1. Levi’s Everyday Bomber Jacket With Faux Shearling
I collect sherpa truckers like it’s my job (*cough* it kind of is *cough*), so while I definitely don’t need something akin to this Levi’s Faux Shearling Bomber situation, boy do I want it. The brown on brown!? C’monnnnnn. And that straight fit and the oversized pockets. I positively LOVE it.
2. Trés Gelee Shoppe Tote
One of my high school acquaintances launched this brand earlier in the year, and it’s genius (and drawing serious attention from folks like Jonathan van Ness and Jamie Chung). Super chic, timeless handbag silhouettes in silicone, so they’re more or less life-proof. A mom’s dream. What’s more, the interchangeable strap game here is so strong. Like Clare V. eat your heart out good. I’d happily schlep my stuff in any of these beauties, but the Shoppe style (in either red or black) outfitted with one of the fishtail straps? Yes.
3. Good Things: Recipes and Rituals To Share With People You Love
Samin Nosrat (author of Salt Fat Acid Heat) can do no wrong. If there’s one cookbook I’d love to add to my collection this year, it’s this one.
4. Polo Ralph Lauren Crewneck and Girlshort Lounge Set
I’m gonna be honest. This set is kinda steep for what it is, but damn if it isn’t so cute in just about every color. Like something Cameron Diaz would wear in an early 00s movie. There’s just something about it…
5. Balega UltraGlide Friction-Free Running Socks
A friend turned me onto these Balega running socks, and they really do make such a difference. I only own a couple of pairs (because, like undies, apparently I don’t splurge on nice, practical things for myself…?), so I wouldn’t say no to a new pair in my stocking.
6. Salt & Stone Santal & Vetiver Essentials Set
Elevated deodorants have become one of my favorite little luxuries. Such a fun twist on something so practical. This little set pairs my preferred Salt & Stone deodorant with a body wash, body lotion and fragrance mist in the same scent.
7. By Anthropologie The Goldie Crew-Neck Cashmere Cardigan Sweater
I am downright embarrassed by the amount of time this cashmere cardigan has been in my cart. Maybe a month? Two? More? Since the day I spotted it on the Anthro website and decided it is, quite possibly, the most versatile piece of cashmere I have ever spied. The only reason I haven’t pulled the trigger is because they added more colors, and now I can’t decide (even though we all know, at the end of the day, it’ll be the gray).
8. Dyson Airstrait
A want, most definitely not a need, but I’ve been using a straightener for quick little touch-ups even more than my beloved Airwrap, so this Dyson Airstrait feels like something that would get loads of use. And the limited edition color is so pretty.
9. Quince 100% Leather Cropped Collarless Jacket
My jaw hit the floor when I saw this leather jacket on the Quince site. It’s so much more interesting than the usual moto or bomber styles, not to mention the more relaxed fit just looks comfy (not something that can easily be said for all leather jackets). It’d be such a pretty finishing piece for any outfit and walks that perfect line between casual and fancy. I just can’t decide whether I’m most smitten with the brown (seasonless, easier to dress down, more on-trend) or the black (at once grittier and more glam).
10. Love Notes Glass “Matcha” Mug
My favorite ritual of the day is making my morning matcha latte. I usually end up transferring it to a travel mug to drink on the way to drop-off, but this sweet glass mug would bring such a smile to my face for less chaotic weekend mornings.
11. Alex Mill The Perfect Weekend Tote
I need another tote bag like…I need another tote bag, but every time I spy someone carrying this personalized Alex Mill Weekend Tote, it looks so impossibly chic. Something about the monogram just makes schlepping a bunch of random shit around feel so much more stylish.
12. Quince Italian Leather Horsebit Loafer Mules
Because I’ve long loved the idea of the Gucci pair but will almost certainly never spring for them. And because I’ve been so genuinely impressed with the high-end quality of Quince leather goods. (Also, these Horsebit Mules are, in theory, just as easy to step into as my Boston clogs, and they change the vibe completely…)
13. Lanolips Delicious Holiday Mini Bites Lip Balm
Lanolips Balms are some of most hydrating, nourishing balms I’ve used — and the timing on this sweet little set is perfect since the dog got into my bag and ruined mine. Twice. Love the sweet holiday packaging and seasonal scents, too.
14. Levi’s Ribcage Wide Leg Women’s Embellished Jeans
I’m never going to apologize for loving embellished denim as much as I do. (I blame Britney and Christina.) These Ribcage Wide Leg Jeans (one of my favorite cuts from Levi’s, by the way…) are dazzling without looking cheap or cheesy, and the washed black means you can always lean a little more moto or rock n’ roll with the styling. Holiday perfection.
15. TME x Raising Surfers Silver Linings Heart Necklace
It’s no surprise that the curated finds in the TME shop are special. And this Silver Linings Heart Necklace, part of the TME x Raising Surfers collab, is just that — while still being practical for everyday wear. I love the thicker chain and not-too-sweet shape of the heart. The ideal layering piece.
Merry giving — and receiving. 😉
xo,
Em
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