026: MAGASIN's most giftable
026: MAGASIN's most giftable
39 not-too-late gift ideas from 19 people who get it.
A good albeit hardly revolutionary gauge for gifting is to opt for a cheap thing from an expensive brand, or a high-end version of an everyday object.
On my own gift list (to pull from for friends or transmit telepathically around birthdays) you’ll find pink Tekla bath sheets, a Hasami Porcelain teapot, a set of Hawkins New York coupes, Acne Studios everything but for this exercise lets say socks, Kiko Kostanidov solid perfume, jewelry from Santangelo and Mondo Mondo, Aesop hand cream, and a (second) Babaa sweater.
But by now I’m sure my shopping ticks are becoming predictable—yes, some of the above is on SSENSE—and I’m sure we hold a shared curiosity as to what certain others deem gift-worthy. Here, 18 Magasin-featured individuals and more friends of the newsletter share in their own words what they’d most like to give or receive for the holidays this year.
Also, I think it bears acknowledging that, yes, Hannukah is over and, yes, shipping delays and all that. But from where I’m standing, no one’s ever scoffed at a late present, and there’s no shame in buying things for yourself just because it’s December.
So, without further delaying the supply chain, presenting: MAGASIN’s most giftable.
Alexis Badiyi, Gemsun Bikini Hat 100% Recycled
“The Gemsun knit hat, hand made from recycled materials with love. Versatile, sustainable, and seasonless piece.”
From Alexis | $150, gemsunnow.com
Bianca Valle, If Nut Now, When?
“If nut now, when? Is a zine I wrote, illustrated, and self-published as a little reminder. We all have nature inside of us, but we may forget sometimes. So this zine outlines a few ways to get back to center. Through making natural foods in your kitchen rather than buying them in stores, one is healing rather than harming. Milks and bread products are the main focus as well as a few other morsels of information to inspire. Printed on 100% recycled paper.”
From Bianca | $10, email nutritionbybianca@gmail.com to purchase
Carolyne Lorée, Metrograph Gift Membership
“It’s something I’d love to receive: The gift of inspiration.”
From Carolyne | $50, metrograph.com
Daniel Levi, various
“Malin + Goetz Clarifying Clay Mask: If you are on a budget or doing a cute Secret Santa moment, I would highly recommend this. I use this all the time and it makes my skin feels so fresh afterward I feel obliged to pass this along.
$48, malinandgoetz.com
Ratio et Motus Equum 35 Leather Shoulder Bag: Honestly I would say anything Ratio et Motus is the perfect gift, seriously, anything. This is one of their latest and I am in a desperate need of a larger bag. I just cannot use cotton tote to all my stuff anymore.
$1,450, nordstrom.com
Our Legacy Brown Hairy Alpaca Bucket Hat: something that is in between the below $100 category and the luxury gift. Love a bucket hat, especially in winter time. Just because I want something that is not a beanie.”
$175, ssense.com
From Daniel
Daniel Soares, ETI Tea Towel
“The thing that I love about the ETI towel is that it celebrates everything that I care about in life, which is community, connection, intimacy. You may not know me or you or Nir or anybody even on that towel, but what you're buying is an expression of love and a sense of camaraderie and shared values between people who both love life, love food, love beauty, but really the end of the day, love each other. So I would say that if you're looking for a towel to keep in your kitchen, as you're preparing an expression of love for someone or for yourself, this is the perfect towel to wipe your hands on.”
From Daniel | $30, DM @eti.nyc to purchase
Daryl Nuhn, Lizz Jardim Jewelry
“Much like Laura, my big boobs are not to be typecast as strictly gold jewelry boobs. Silver is nostalgic for me, and I find myself more comfortable with its versatility. This year, I hope I’ve been well-behaved enough to receive some Lizz Jardim jewelry. In my 20s, her body chains brought new life to my wardrobe, and her recent pieces have taken on a more gentle quality while still reflecting her undeniably unique aesthetic.”
From Daryl | $450, Tatum chain, ljardim.com
David Cazso, Gemini Espresso Maker
“Gemini espresso maker is one of my favorite things to give to coffee lovers, I started to call it el cafecito when I first got it because of its tiny espresso cups. Designed in the ‘60s with a classic Italian color palette of the modernist era. A beautiful ritual to share with someone or for yourself, the Gemini delivers two cups at the same time with a very romantic visual every time it brews. It’s sold at one of my favorite museums THE MOMA for only $48, found it to be a very thoughtful gift for the right person 🤎”
Hedi Stanton, Brentano’s Custom Framing + L’Hotel by Sophie Calle
“I personally love framing—whether it’s my own work or someone else’s. For me, it not only completes a piece of art, but enhances it. The way we present work is just as important, if not more, as the work itself because bad presentation undercuts and impairs others as well as ourselves from recognizing something as great. If you buy yourself a beautiful fitted leather blazer, it wouldn’t be just that, should you wear it with an oversized chunky sweatshirt underneath. I have lots of things I’d like to frame, and if I didn’t, a gift like this would push me to create something to frame. And from that point on, it becomes a project; you’d have to think about a for your color art board, border or no border, what kind of frame, etc. that would best highlight your artwork. I love interactive gifts, and Brentano’s is close to my heart, so this is something I’d love to receive, or gift to someone creative!”
$100+, brentanosinc.com
“Sophie Calle is one of my favorite artists of all time and this is one of the first books of hers I ever read. It inspired the way I think about the relationship between image and text. I’d love to get a hardcopy edition gifted, but it’s hard to get your hands on. That makes it more special :)”
$930, abebooks.com
From Hedi
Houman Farahmand, The Criterion Channel Subscription
“Sometimes I need a sunny, warm, and beachy vacation. Sometimes I just need a good film full of visuals to set my mind free, inspire me, and give the invigorating spring in my step when the dark winter wants to get in the way. Also it’s getting cold out so, Criterion and chill?”
From Houman | $100 / year, criterionchannel.com
Jenna Saraco, Wendelborn Cashmere Waffle Warm-Up Pant + Tekla
“These cashmere pants have been on my wishlist for as long as Kate’s been making them. Everything she creates is incredibly inspiring and I love her philosophy—adventurous sophistication that is defined not only by aesthetics, but also by a distinct independence of life and mind.”
$420; wendelborn.com
“Also on my wishlist… Tekla everything. Last year It was the Duvet in Winter White, this year the Pajamas in Purple Pink and Royal Blue—I can’t decide!”
$57 (on sale from $100), White Poplin Pyjama Shorts, ssense.com
From Jenna
Juliana Goldman, Byredo Rose Hand Wash + LESSE Candle Set
“If you've ever been to my home, you'll likely find this Byredo Rose Hand Wash sink side. It's heavenly. The scent is too good not to share with loved ones and makes thorough hand-washing a bit more chic.
$65, violetgrey.com
When it comes to both gift giving and receiving, I love anything for the home—in terms of my wishlist, I'm loving this new candle set from LESSE.”
$85, lesse.com
From Juliana
Lucia Zolea, Bode
“I would love to give someone special something from Bode. I love all of their pieces in the way that I love vintage. Thoughtful, abundant in history and stories, unique detailing, and possessing a certain feeling when I see them. Giving someone a gift from them would feel personal and truly special.”
From Lucia | $580, Embroidered Filet Garden Shirt, ssense.com
Marcelo Gaia, various
“Costa Brazil Vela Jungle Candle: I really liked this candle so I got one for my ex-boyfriend’s family. The scent is so nice and warm, and since I’m Brazilian I thought it would make them think of me lol.
$165, bluemercury.com
Makeup by Mario Master Secret Glow: I saw a TikTok where they talked about Makeup by Mario while doing their makeup and he used this product. I don’t like glittery highlighters anymore so I was really excited to get this and got an extra for a girlfriend.
$22, sephora.com
Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant: This is my holy grail face product. Your skin tone actually looks more even immediately after using it, so I got a couple of these for friends and family.
$73, shoprescuespa.com
Abode Vintage Horoscope Engraved Lighter: I received one of these as a gift and I loved it, you can also get custom engraving done.”
$45, shopabode.com
From Marcelo
Nicole Steriovski, various
“Acne Scarf: A scarf is a thoughtful gift to give or receive. I love that it's something that's always with you and keeps you warm through your holiday activities. You will always be reminded of the person who gifted you the accessory. Acne has so many classic scarf options that feel modern and look great with everything. I like the feel of the tartan plaid for something different but their oversized scarf in any color would be well received too.
$290, ssense.com
Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke: I recently picked this up after years of ignoring my instinct to read it. It leaves me nostalgic for letter writing and I appreciate the tender generosity of Rilke's words to an aspiring young poet. You can substitute a poet for any artist and the sentiment would still apply. I would give this to any friend, sibling, or any person who is on an artist's journey. The book offers reassurance to dive into the aspects of yourself that make you you and gives courage to share your gift with others. It's a gift that keeps giving in a way maybe?
$13, abebooks.com
Le Creuset Soup Pot: All I want to eat lately is soup. I would really love to make my own soup and a Le Creuset soup pot is a great start. It's perfect for a friend or relative that loves to cook or is low maintenance in the kitchen.
$200 (on sale from $300), williams-sonoma.com
Lemaire Brown Leather Flat Mules: These are very chic and very functional at the same time. I really love that they are a deep brown instead of black. To me they are a treat yourself holiday gift.
$336 (on sale from $590), ssense.com
Eckhaus Latta Terrain Sweater: I really only need one sweater each winter and I think this one is it. I love giving people cozy things as gifts. A sweater is maybe in the same gift family as a scarf. This sweater could be appreciated by many gift receivers on your list. I think my mom, grandma, sister, and best friend would all wear this.”
$545, nordstrom.com
From Nicole
Nir Sarig, Opinel Mushroom Foraging Knife
“It’s a small knife that has a brush on the other end of the handle to brush all the excess dirt off the mushroom. It’s chic, especially when you go foraging with your friends upstate.”
From Nir | $30, food52.com
Oren Aks, Prada AW16 The Banquet Thieves Shirt
“Why do I want this: I just want it. I don’t expect anyone to gift it to me or know that I would even want this, so I gotta gift myself what I want.”
From Oren | $3,925, grailed.com
Quinton Mulvey, Astier de Villatte Atelier de Balthus Incense
“Atelier de Balthus Incense by Astier de Villatte is hard to find at most retailers. Designed to mimic the various scents of a painter’s studio, it features notes of turpentine, honey, and cedar wood. It’s fragrant yet subtle and remains a favorite among all my houseguests. Also, the price point of $50 is that happy medium between thoughtful without being too pricey.”
From Quinton | $62, libertylondon.com
Tal Silberstein, Acne Studios Fringed Wool Scarf
“One of the best things I’ve received lately, which was actually a birthday gift, was the Acne Studios Fringed Wool Scarf. Besides being a big fan of the brand as a whole, I think it’s an amazing product—thoughtfully made in Italy, the small pink label, and it truly is the most useful item you can ask for, especially in the lovely/brutal NYC winter. It’s warm, pretty, oversized, and so precious, chic, and smooth.”
From Tal | $150, ssense.com