I almost didn’t do a gift guide on the blog this time. Have been running it on Instagram for a while (you can check out all the bits and bobs on my feed here), but then a whole lot of you wrote in and asked for more. And there is nothing I love more about this medium than listening to actual feedback, suggestions, and questions in real time.
So, here you go. My gift guide: Not just for the holiday season but birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions that pop up through the year. Because to me, a gift should be three things: Pretty, indulgent, timeless, and at least a wee bit out-of-the-ordinary.
I am not really one for purely functional gifts. Because if you can’t revel in a spot of indulgence once in a while, life is going to be fairly drab. And the day my husband thinks a vacuum cleaner – even a Dyson one! – makes a good gift is the day he will have to start calculating the alimony.
Here then, are pretty, indulgent, timeless, and out-of-the-ordinary gifts that are on my own list to give. Or receive. So, if someone is planning to buy me that village in Spain, go happily ahead!
The Beauty Gypsy Gift Guide: Up to $25
The Pat McGrath Mini MatteTrance Lipstick Trio, $25, makes for the perfect stocking stuffer: Color Blitz, which is a profusion of bold reds and pinks for the adventure-loving diva; and Skin Show for a classic femme. Trust me, you simply don’t get Pat McGrath at this price!
The individual serving sized Harper + Ari Exfoliating Sugar Cubes, $24, smell good enough to eat, and will leave skin smooth and nourished (get me the one in Rosé if you feel so inclined).
Bite Beauty’s Agave Treat Trio, $18, comes with three of their cult lip masks, including the new, limited edition Candy Cane. And that luscious red tin is definitely for keeps!
The end of this year is also the end of one of my favourite stores in the world: Henri Bendel. And I am busy stocking up on ALL the candles that I possibly can from this gorgeous playground of the vanities. They also make for perfect little gifts, at $15 upwards. Get me the Manhattan Spice!
Then there’s the Kate Spade Thermal Mug, $18, and Insulated Container, $20… perfect for the office-goer. Or someone who just likes to eat healthy while on-the-go.
For my beauty-obsessed friends, I am picking up copies of Sally Hughes Pretty Iconic, $20.79, which is a treasure tome of information on over 200 iconic products that redefined their genre. Bit tight on the funds? A Kindle version will cost you just $5.99, and leave them just as gleeful.
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The Beauty Gypsy Gift Guide: From $26 to $50
I am seriously in love with the Lulu Guinness Red Lips Charger, $50. It makes such a statement, and is perfect for that Instagram-obsessed friend, who’s constantly on her phone (me!).
And I have yet to find someone who is not deeply appreciative of a Diptyque candle, $35. In fact, it’s become of my signature gifts to give through the year.
The RMS Beauty Luminizer X Quad, $48, contains four of the brand’s cult classic highlighters in one neat package. If it’s good enough for the likes of Gisele Bündchen, Miranda Kerr, and Celine Dion… !
The Slip Silk Sleep Mask, $50, is one of those purely indulgent gifts that I was talking about earlier. No, she doesn’t need it. Yes, it’s going to make her me-time infinitely more exquisite.
Legendary makeup artist Gucci Westman’s Baby Cheeks Blush Stick, $50, is one of those new launches that changes the game. Soft, creamy, and full of good-for-you ingredients like organic jojoba oil, this one is sure to be a surefire hit.
As for the Compagnie de Provence Hand Cream in Black Tea, $29, I have only two words: Pure bliss.
The Beauty Gypsy Gift Guide: From $51 to $100
The ability to grow you own lavender, tomatoes, aragula, and a zillion other fresh foods in this chemical-laden world is the healthiest gift you can give someone this year. The Click ‘n Grow Smart Garden, $99.95, will let them do it effortlessly, in the tiniest of places, sans even sunlight.
Talking of cutting out the toxins, Clean Reserve Perfumes, $95, are crafted with pure, eco-conscious and sustainable sourced ingredients. And they smell GORGEOUS.
Claus Porto’s Deco Gift Box, $75, makes for one of the prettiest gifts. And with a history that goes back more than 130 years, you’ve got the timeless part down as well.
If there’s a prettier gift than the In Fiore Baisers de Jasmin (translation: Jasmine Kisses) Solid Perfume Compact, $95 – made in association with French makeup artist Violette – I have yet to find it!
The Charge Vibe Foam Roller, $99.95, is perfect for working out the kinks after a gym session.
And the Ruinart Rosé, $74, is perfect for making just about everything better!
The Beauty Gypsy Gift Guide: From $101 to $150
I am so tickled by this Anya Hindmarch Diffuser in Pencil Shavings, $150. The “pencils” are actually ceramic reeds that will diffuse a gorgeously nostalgic woody scent through any space. I. Want.
If you’ve got an avid traveller in your midst, they are sure to love the all-new Nourishing Body Mist, $125, by Aman Resorts.
And for lovers of history, candles, and all things gorgeous, there’s Cire Trudon’s Marie Antoinette Bust Candle, $125. It’s less a candle, and more a dazzling wax sculpture. I got one three years back and am still not ready to light it up.
The Rodin Olio Lusso Glow Kit, $110, comes with my favorite Luxury Face Oil Stick and the Mermaid Collection Luxury Illuminating Powder in a keepsake travel case.
Jennifer Behr’s Swarovski Crystal and Faux Pearl Hair Slides (set of five), $145, can be worn in multiples to create drama, or in singles for more understated glamour.
Talking of hair, the Playa Hair Essentials Set, $140, will be literally all she needs for beautiful, healthy hair from one of the cleanest, greenest brands in the industry.
The Beauty Gypsy Gift Guide: From $151 to $250
Guerlain’s Ladies In All Climates Compact Powder, $200, is definitely one of prettiest compacts I have ever seen. It’s a recreation of the brand’s original powder compact, and celebrates its 190th anniversary.
Another compact that deserves its own spotlight is Chantecaille’s pearl-decked Moonlit Perle Glow Powder, $169. You are not just gifting a beauty product… you are bestowing a collectible!
If you are looking for a product that truly combines form with function, you can’t go wrong with the Kypris Cerulean Soothing Hydration Mask, $199. I couldn’t understand what the fuss was all about, besides the pretty blue color and gorgeous bottle, till I actually used this sleeping mask. My skin has never looked fresher, plumper, and glowy-er. Whoever gets this will bless you forever!
Another gorgeous beauty goodie? The de Mamiel Discover Kit, $175, which has a curated selection of the aromatherapy-led brand’s most loved products.
First brought to the world’s notice by Mr Meghan Markle Prince Harry, the Motiv Ring, $179, is a fitness tracker with a jewellery finish. Small, discreet, waterproof, and super-functional, it’s perfect for setting off those healthy resolutions.
Take it from me, an insomniac to the core, the much talked about Gravity Blanket, $249, actually works. You are basically giving the gift of deeper, cozier, more restful sleep.
The Beauty Gypsy Gift Guide: From $251 to $500
If I was allowed to make a gift registry for any occasion (seriously, why are these restricted to only weddings?), top of the charts would be the Diptyque Indoor and Outdoor Feu de Bois Candle, $495. Weighing in at a cool 51.3 oz (that’s MASSIVE), this flamboyant candle is crafted by hand, enamelled with gold, and limited to only 1500 pieces!
Another one that’s going on my list: An Estée Lauder Perfume Compact by Monica Rich Kosann, $275. Jewellery and perfume rolled into one. I will have the beautiful Wonderland Tea Party one, please.
If they love looking after their skin, get them the Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum 50ml Limited Edition, $305. At almost double the size, it’s a gift that will keep on giving.
Talking of flawless skin, the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro, $435, is inspired by professional in-office lasers, and shall zap away both wrinkles and acne in just three minutes a day.
Then there is Tata Harper’s Restorative Body Treatment Bundle, $318, with full size versions of all her super-green, super-clean, super-effective body products. Who wouldn’t want this one?
The SimpleHuman 8″ Sensor Mirror Trio, $300, simulates natural sunlight and has three magnification levels for the most precise makeup. I can’t live without mine, and now even carry the small, portable one in my handbag.
$501 and up!
If you are feeling really, really generous, you may consider buying a village in Lugo, Spain, for $172,910. Yes, it’s a wee bit much. But a whole village? Really, is that too much to ask for?
See, after those numbers, the House of Sillage Neiman Marcus Limited Edition Carousel, $895, will seem almost bargain basement. This coconut, pink pepper, and orange blossom laced perfume is housed in an 18 karat gold plated and red ombre-lacquered glass bottle.
A juicer is simply functional. A Smeg juicer designed by Dolce & Gabbana, $650, is pure indulgence. I will take one, please.
As for the Dyson Airwrap Styler, $599.99, she may never have to make a trek to the hair salon again.
And the Tatcha Holiday Ritual Kiri Collection, $505 upwards, will do essentially the same thing for skin: Making it so perfectly flawless that they may never need any other help to glow. My skin is normal-to-oily, just in case you have taken the hint.
Know someone who’s super-health focussed? The Moon Juice Full Moon Pantry Collection, $574, is every wellness guru’s deepest dreams come true!
Which of these gorgeous gifts would you pick out for yourself?
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