December always seems to move at double speed. Between finishing out the semester, wrapping up projects, and keeping pace with the joyful whirlwind of the holidays—especially with a curious toddler who is now fully immersed in the magic of the season—it’s a month that feels both busy and deeply special.
Amid the rush, I’ve put together my most expansive gift guide yet: more than 100 handpicked products spanning beauty, skincare, lifestyle, and style. Each piece has been personally tested and thoughtfully selected, with the hope that you’ll discover something new and inspiring to gift (or to keep for yourself). Whether you’re still shopping for that perfect present or simply seeking ideas for the year ahead, this curation is filled with items that blend function, luxury, and delight.
Desk-Side Essentials
Since I spend countless hours at my desk, I like to keep tools and little luxuries nearby that make my space functional and enjoyable. A few favorites:
- Riki Loves Riki LE Rose Gold Skinny Mirror – Perfect lighting for video calls, filming content, or simply applying makeup with precision. It’s so useful that I’ve purchased it as a gift for close friends. For touch-ups, the Riki Superfine Mirror is a compact must-have, complete with finger rings and an LED halo of light for flawless application on the go.
- Blue Light Blocking Glasses by The Book Club – With so much screen time, protecting my eyes is non-negotiable. This oversized pair is both practical and stylish, especially when paired with a chunky Lele Sadoughi Chain for a chic twist.
- ZIIP Microcurrent + Nanocurrent Device – A true game-changer for skin. Synced with its app, the device offers targeted treatments to firm, lift, de-puff, and refine tone. The results are both immediate and long-term, making it a stellar self-care investment.
- Amanda Harrington Buff & Bronze Face Set – Adds a natural, lasting tan without any telltale self-tanner scent. It’s subtle, believable, and perfect for brightening up winter skin.
- Serumkind Black Blossom Hand Serum – My go-to for keeping hands nourished during long hours of typing. Lightweight but deeply hydrating.
- BY TERRY Hyaluronic Hydra Powder Mini – Always within reach to blur pores, mattify, and set makeup invisibly, keeping skin looking fresh throughout the day.
Dream Powder Room Staples
Since moving into our home last year, I’ve been working to transform my bathroom into an organized sanctuary. One investment that truly elevated the space: a Dust-Free Makeup Organizer. The clear domed top allows me to see my most-used products at a glance, while keeping everything tidy and clean. I’ve gifted it to family members, who love it just as much as I do.
Here are the treasures currently in rotation:
- Fragrance & Skincare Luxuries
- Kilian Angels’ Share – A rich gourmand scent of vanilla, brandy, and cinnamon, perfect for cozy winter evenings.
- Dr. Janine Mahon Breast Oil – Nourishes the décolletage while promoting balance and skin health.
- La Prairie Skin Caviar Liquid Lift – A splurge-worthy serum that instantly firms, tightens, and lifts.
- Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray – My daily finisher to lock in makeup for hours.
- Makeup Favorites
- Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer (Luminous Bronze Light) – A glow-inducing staple I’ve repurchased multiple times.
- Saint Terracotta Bronzer – A velvety matte option for soft definition.
- BY TERRY Twinkle Glow CC Powder – A crystal-studded compact that delivers an ethereal radiance.
- La Prairie Skin Caviar Concealer Foundation (Golden Beige) – A rediscovered favorite for its seamless coverage and luminous finish.
- Fragrance Highlight
- Maison Sybarite Spicy Calabria – A warm, spicy perfume for those who love bold, enveloping scents.
- Brushes & Tools
- Acrylic Dust-Free Brush Organizer – Comes with pearls to keep brushes upright—both practical and pretty.
- Surratt Artistique Cheek Brush – My forever favorite for effortless blending.
- Sonya G Holiday Brush Set – A luxurious gift for beauty lovers and collectors.
- Jenny Patinkin Multi-Blender Brush – Perfect for cream concealer and precise blending.
- Claudio Riaz Powder Brush – Fluffy, soft, and reliable.
- GrandeBROW Serum – A staple in my routine for full, natural brows.
- Body Care Indulgences
- Agent Nateur Ageless Body Serum – Lightweight yet nourishing, absorbed instantly for soft, glowing skin.
- Sisley-Paris Velvet Nourishing Body Cream – Rich and deeply hydrating; I’ve already finished half the tube.
- Alchimie Forever Firming Gel for Neck & Bust – A weightless gel that tones and firms delicate areas.
- Kate McLeod Grounding Stone – An innovative solid moisturizer that doubles as a calming ritual.
The Bottom Line
This year’s gift guide reflects not just products I love, but also the idea that the best gifts bring joy in both function and ritual. Whether it’s a mirror that brightens your desk, a fragrance that lingers in memory, or a serum that transforms your skin over time, each piece offers something lasting.
As the holidays approach, I hope this guide sparks inspiration for your gifting—be it for loved ones or for yourself. After all, the season is as much about delighting others as it is about savoring small luxuries in our own daily lives.