By: Eric Brain
Give the gift of scent this season with Le Labo’s Discovery Set. Featuring 17 1.5ml vials of some of the perfumer’s most notable scents — including the famed Santal 33 alongside the likes of Tonka 25 and Jasmin 17 — this set provides one lucky recipient to find their new signature smell. Don’t be scared of the seemingly high price — once the recipient has tried them all and landed on their favorite, they can take the accompanying 100ml bottle into any Le Labo boutique and fill it up with whichever fragrance takes their fancy.
Where to buy: Le Labo for $300 USD
Le Labo Discovery Set + 100ml
Anything Desk Set
By: Torsten Ingvaldsen
If you use a desk on a daily basis, you understand the value in stylish products that keep your workspace clean. The Michael Sodeau-designed Anything Desk Set is exactly that. Comprised of a stapler, tape dispenser and scissors with their own stand, the collection of mint-colored office essentials is sure to keep any office worker’s desk in tip-top shape, or, at the very least, pleasant to look at.
Where to buy: Hay for $56 USD
KUUMBA Incense Holder and 15-pack
By: Jake Silbert
Most of my family and friends don’t really trade gifts, especially pricey ones, so when I am looking to give someone a present, it’s most often something affordable that anyone could enjoy regardless of lifestyle or taste. I’ve had good luck with incense, because everyone enjoys making their house smell nice. That being said, some people have mentioned they don’t like burning incense due to the smoke, which is a good sign they’d prefer smudge sticks (which require you to wave the smoke away anyways), a fancy candle or perhaps an incense chamber/burner — even if they don’t feel like burning incense, a good looking chamber essentially functions as a nice piece of art.
Where to buy: Good Hood for $24.70 USD (incense holder), $18.20 USD (incense)
Shino Takeda Ceramic Cup
By: Charlie Zhang
While finding a gift can be fun, it can be equally stressful. It’s always a guessing game, and sometimes it’s just best to stay safe. For that, ceramics are the way to go, as everyone has a use for them. Shino Takeda’s cups full of character, timeless and also affordable given their quality. Takeda’s designs are informed by the colors she sees in nature, with designs that feel mature yet somehow still hold a buoyant, child-like quality. Each handmade cup is one of a kind, which makes the gift even more special.
Where to buy: Shino Takeda for $55 USD
Freitag F729 EXTRA+LARGE Bags
By: Emily Engle
Freitag’s new F729 EXTRA+LARGE bags made from recycled tarps are are a functional, sustainable gift to give during a season associated with excess waste. Each purchase comes with a humorously massive tote bag and a tiny “extra” crossbody bag designed for more practical use. The tote is a functional statement piece useful for travel, laundromat visits, grocery store hauls or just those moments when you feel like standing out (because that’s what a tote bag half your size does). “Wrap” a large holiday gift in the tote and keep the smaller bag for yourself, or vice versa.
Where to buy: Freitag for $350 USD
It’s that magical time of year again — the one where panic sets in as you realize you need to purchase the perfect holiday gift for anyone from close friends and family to the coworkers you barely speak to for that office white elephant gift exchange.
Gifts are certainly not one-size-fits-all. But to help you make your last minute holiday shopping a little bit easier, we’ve asked our editors to share what they’d like for the holidays or what they’d most like to get for their loved ones. Our picks range from extravagant carryall totes from Freitag to simple but cozy incense from KUUMBA, along with a few cult favorites from brands like Aesop and Le Labo sprinkled in.
Read on for our editors’ picks for the best gifts for the holiday season, and let us know in the comments what’s on your wishlist.
Our editors’ share their holiday wish lists.
Editors’ Picks: Holiday Gift Guide
Image Credit: Oliver Nanzig
Image Credit: Good Hood
Image Credit: Shino Takeda
Image Credit: Le Labo
Image Credit: Hay
By: Nia Groce
There’s no better evidence of my love for travel than my raggedy and beat-up collection of suitcases. But, since they technically are still functioning, luggage is just one of those investments I rarely ever make for myself. Since my number one wish list item — an all-expenses paid trip to somewhere exotic — is a bit less attainable, this marble-wrapped Astyll Carry-On from CALPAK will at least suffice my wanderlust in the meantime.
Where to buy: Calpak for $165 USD
CALPAK Astyll Carry-On Luggage
By: Christina Hong
Sometimes the best gifts are the gifts of an invaluable experience. If you’ve got $110,000 USD to spare and have run out of all your options, why not give the gift of travel, food, clothing, humanitarian efforts and an unforgettable experience with streetwear og himself, Jeff Staple? Included will be a trip to Tokyo, a day shopping with Jeff, dinner at Narisawa and much more. You’ll also be donating $7,500 USD to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation, a philanthropic organization enriching arts experiences to youth.
Where to buy: Neiman Marcus for $110,000 USD
Kick It in Tokyo with a Sneaker Legend
Disney+ Membership
By: Sophie Caraan
Everyone grew up with some sort of memory from The Walt Disney Company, whether it was the monochromatic Steamboat Willie cartoon, the classic Disney Princess movies, the live-action TV shows of the early 2000s or even its affiliations with Marvel or Lucasfilm. With all these visual treats packed in one streaming service, a subscription to Disney+ can bring family and friends back to happy times or even create new memories as you introduce the new generation to Walt Disney’s revered creations.
Where to buy: Disney+ for $6.99 USD per month
By: Mallory Chin
Le Creuset’s Star Wars kitchen set may have sold out instantly when it was released online in early November. However, a few of the items from the collection are still available at select Le Creuset boutiques around the world. Every piece of this collection is perfect for that Star Wars fan in your life, whether they are an ace in the kitchen or not. The hero of the lineup is the Han Solo Carbonite Signature Roaster, which is a witty nod to the classic moment from The Empire Strikes Back. No matter what, this nine-piece range, which also includes a special-edition Tatooine Round Dutch Oven, droid Cocottes and trivets, will make for a great conversation starter during the season’s numerous dinner parties.
Where to buy: Le Creuset for $20 to $450 USD
Le Creuset Star Wars Collection
Image Credit: Calpak
Image Credit: Eddie Lee/HYPEBEAST
Image Credit: Disney
Image Credit: Le Creuset
Diptyque Set of Five Scented Candles
By: Keith Estiler
Not only does it smell great, but a lit candle always makes a home feel inviting and warm. Candles can also make for unique, and dare we say sophisticated, presents. There are countless great options to choose from, but I’ve been a frequent gifter of Diptyque’s miniature candle set. The perfumery provides a total of five scented candles, including its best-selling fragrances Baies and Figuier alongside Muguet, Ambre and Verveine. My personal favorite is the classic Baies that emits a scent comparable to a bouquet of roses speckled with blackcurrant leaves. The candles arrive inside a beautiful white presentation box and burn approximately 15 hours each. If you’re not convinced on Diptyque, be sure to check out our seasonal picks for other top options.
Where to buy: Net-A-Porter for $78 USD
By: Emily Jensen
Yes, it’s that aspirational hand wash you see everywhere. But if you can’t buy someone an obscenely expensive hand soap for the holidays, when can you? Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it) Aesop’s famed Resurrection Hand Wash is actually worth the $38 USD pricetag. But, the skincare company’s new gift pack “The Reveller” offers the best bang for your buck with a full-sized hand wash, along with a body wash, hand lotion and body balm for $120 USD. Better yet, the set can either make for one luxurious gift for a loved one, or be divvied up into four separate gifts (five, if you include the sturdy case the set is housed in as a separate item).
Where to buy: Aesop for $120 USD
Aesop The Reveller
Image Credit: Net-A-Porter
Image Credit: Aesop
Image Credit: Oliver Nanzig
Image Credit: Good Hood
Image Credit: Shino Takeda
Image Credit: Le Labo
Image Credit: Hay
By: Jason Dike
Homme Plissé Issey Miyake is a favorite in the HYPEBEAST London office -- specifically the trousers. The reason is simple: they’re exceedingly comfortable. They offer the ease of sweatpants but not the look of them, making wearing them on a daily basis extremely tempting.
This piece makes for an ideal layering addition from Homme Plissé. While technically listed as a shirt, it could easily work as either a light jacket or a layering piece under a jacket and above a base layer. It’s an item one or more of us in the London office will be wearing during these transitional months.
Where to buy: Browns for £375 GBP (approximately $463 USD)
Homme Plissé Issey Miyake Pleated Press Popper Shirt
Image Credit: Calpak
By: Torsten Ingvaldsen
Stone Island’s Shadow Project immediately conjures layering to mind. After all, ACRONYM head honcho Errolson Hugh originally established the PARSEQ GRID system with the label some-odd years ago, developing collections that whose layers operated in unison to create new options. Within the offshoot’s latest Fall/Winter 2019 collection, one notable piece that remains within this methodology is its latest Quilted Fishtail Parka. The two-layer ripstop shell has been garment dyed in a head-turning mint green, refined to present a unique industrial texture and feel. More details of the fabric include superior abrasion resistance and an anti-drop formula to help in solidifying its place in your everyday wardrobe. The piece has been finished off with a large detachable hood and visor, as well as removable knit cuffs to keep your hands warm during the colder months.
Where to buy: MATCHESFASHION.COM for $1,845 USD
Stone Island Shadow Project Hooded Ripstop Parka
Image Credit: Aesop
By: Eddie Eng
As the temps drop, I find myself going more to denim and jeans than joggers and sweats. Maybe it has to do with the ruggedness and flexibility to coordinate with hoodies and long-sleeves and even tees should the office’s heat be cranked up. Nevertheless, I was a fan of the customized/savage/crash denim styles of the early-to-mid 2000s from brands like Levi’s Phenom, its other sub-label LVC and even UNIQLO’s foray into washed Selvedge denim — not to mention wearing in your APCs till they fell apart. However, I remember I was always drawn to NBHD Savage denim with its over-the-top patching, stitching, embroidery and details. These new ones are a step in the right direction with the past trend, where the location and selection of customization is more subtle, for lack of a better term. I really hope NBHD Savage picks up again — would be a nice return and a step back from athleisure!
Where to buy: END. for $495 USD
Neighborhood CLAW MOD SAVAGE Denim
Image Credit: Disney
By: Emily Engle
This pick is dedicated to all the cozy people out there who can’t wait to put their hoods up and tie ‘em on tight as soon as fall weather hits. AMBUSH’s Multi Cord Hoodie is part comical, part tactical, stuffed with multiple cords to get creative with. Leave the cords flat and hold them together with the included AMBUSH-branded metal toggle, or figure out ways to make the piece your own through different bows and knots. Belongings never stay put in the awkward, oversized kangaroo pockets that are on most hoodies, so I love that this silhouette features a functional angled and slightly raised version of the classic detail. The oversized hoodie also comes in beige and blue colorways, but I prefer the black option because the branding across the chest is a bit more subtle.
Where to buy: AMBUSH for ¥49,680 JPY (approximately $464 USD)
AMBUSH Multi Cord Hoodie
Image Credit: Le Creuset
By: Keith Estiler
When layering, I usually go for a classic work shirt that I can easily throw on over a white tee and leave unbuttoned. I’m a sucker for Dickies’ 574 work shirts because they’re long-lasting and come in tonal options like dark green. Lately, however, I’ve had my eyes on Snow Peak’s Shijira Shirt in grey. The top is a bit more intricate than your ordinary overshirt. It’s executed in the traditional Japanese weaving style of Awa Shijira that gives off this crepe-like texture and knobby surface. Some say the fabric construction resembles seersucker, but it’s not as visually loud. Versatility is also a key attribute as this shirt can be worn both outdoors and casually at home.
Where to buy: Snow Peak for $219 USD
Snow Peak Shijira Shirt
Image Credit: Net-A-Porter
By: Nicolaus Li
A growing appreciation of Western detailing led me to Lanvin's Patchwork Parrot Jacket. Originally unveiled at the French fashion house's Fall/Winter 2019 runway presentation, the Italian-crafted jacket is a mix of smooth leather and premium suede. Drawing on '70s Western styling, the jacket is defined by dynamic lines expressed by the contrast stitching framed brown and navy panels paired with burgundy sleeve portions. The slim fit and scalloped hem of the jacket make it perfect for wearing under a longer outerwear piece during chilly days and nights while the widespread collar lets the layers underneath peek through.
Where to buy: MATCHESFASHION.COM for $3,487 USD
Lanvin Patchwork Leather and Suede Parrot Jacket
Image Credit: Eddie Lee/HYPEBEAST
Muji Diffuser
By: Jason Dike
Muji is filled with gift-worthy items, but the pick of the bunch is this diffuser. A few steps above giving a candle, a diffuser shows you care about the receiver’s most important time of the day, their downtime. You’ll need to buy some essential oils to go along with it or else it’s just an expensive humidifier with a lamp, but Muji has a selection you can buy. If you really like the person, you can even buy a collection of oils you think the person will enjoy.
Where to buy: Muji for $119.50 USD
Image Credit: Muji
By: Ambrose Leung
Those who know me know that I love Americana and military clothing, so this pretty much goes along with that style of clothing — think vintage gym crewnecks. What I like most about this sacai jacket is that it’s not a pullover, so you won’t mess up your hair or any necklaces. It makes for a nice layering piece as it doesn’t steal the show by being overly flashy, but instead has subtly-colorful embroidery down the zipper, cuffs and around the back. You can wear it unzipped with a heavier jacket on top, where the trim detailing will be apparent, but it’ll keep you warm on its own if you choose to zip it up and use the side pockets and hood.
Where to buy: HBX for $625 USD
sacai Sponge Sweat Zip Jacket
Image Credit: Muji
