The Deliberately Idiosyncratic Gift Guide Returns
Highly specific things that I would give others.
Last year I decided to venture into the gift guide discourse, even though I had developed an aversion to them. Years of creating this sort of content made me overly cynical and frankly sick of it all. Advertiser mandates, absurd e-commerce goals, and the overarching messaging of “being something for everyone” made it completely a killjoy. But last year, I had fun! Weird how things change when you work on something that’s of your own volition.
Of course, this year has seen an explosion of gift guides on Substack with people starting months ago. I find that all to be a bit too excessive — maybe it’s the procrastinator in me but I don’t think about any of this until much closer to the date. Of course, there’s always the pressure to publish that content as early as possible in order to beat everyone else. Bleak and a trap that comes as a holdover from working for a media company.
Instead, I think of this guide as a chill way to maybe find something you like because this is what I like to give people. So here’s what’s on my list:
Unexpected Home Fragrances
On a rainy Monday two weeks ago I checked out the Loewe pop-up at Rockefeller Center. Most New Yorkers would rather do anything besides venture near the human traffic jam that is tourists trying to take photos in front of the tree, but thankfully it was the day before the lighting. And checking out the space was worth it — it’s tiny but carries the full line home scents including their holiday capsule. Consisting of three fragrances: Earl Grey, Sweet Almond, and Black Sesame, they’re definitely unexpected since most things tend to smell like pine needles this time of year. My personal favorite was the Black Sesame because it smells exactly like the Chinese dessert. The only reason I didn’t bring one home with me is that I would be craving black sesame desserts the entire time.
I was in Singapore back in October with Hublot for their Daniel Arsham watch launch and while there, I happened to bump into a friend. Well, it wasn’t a huge coincidence as Karl works with Daniel as his director of special projects. We got to catching up and he told me he had launched a brand À La, which just got a nice feature in the New York Times today. Specializing in home fragrance, there’s potpourri as well as my personal favorite, incense. I can never pass up immaculately made incense presented in a beautiful box. In their case, it’s crafted in porcelain with the lid doubling as a holder.
Made from agarwood, the incense is sourced from Awaji island, one of the oldest purveyors in Japan (they’ve been making it since the 6th century). They blend it with patchouli resulting in a smoky scent that reminds me of going to a Buddhist temple. As for the box, it’s a limited edition piece that’s handcrafted by a 400-year old ceramics shop in Arita which is known as the birthplace of Japanese porcelain. And my true weakness is that there’s also a lacquerware box made in Tokyo. Everything is so simple and beautiful. Suffice to say I would love to give or receive this.
Stuff For the Design Snob
Out of all my handbags, the one that gets the most use would be my Pleats Please one. It’s small yet expands enough that I can carry everything I need (wallet, sunglasses, the occasional DJI microphone/selfie light for work, etc.). The design is unassuming — you don’t have a giant logo or recognizable silhouette competing for attention, so it’s been my go-to for Japan Day, when my outfit is already loud enough. Everyone asks about it and they’re always surprised to find that Pleats Please makes bags. Honestly, same, until I got mine. Anyway, that’s to say there are a bunch of styles on sale up on the Issey site right now that make for great gifts at a reasonable price but this half moon style is my favorite. It also comes in black and green but I figured this page need a bit of color, hence the orange.
Also if you want classic black Pleats Please trousers, those are marked down to $351. Definitely a good time to get the basic colors!
As a millennial who fell hardcore for the trend of layering multiple delicate piercings in her ear (I have seven on my left), I realized that I was not making good use of all that real estate. My goal for the next year is to pick up more statement earrings and layer them like in this photo above, from the Christopher Esber Spring 2026 show. I find it way more interesting to have two gigantic Heaven Mayhem pieces than a smattering of tiny, barely-there styles. I consider the brand a more affordable version of Sophie Buhai, whom I love but can never justify $900+ for a piece. I also love their jewelry organizers as a more practical present.
No one does whimsical homeware better than Laila Gohar and while her engagement ring dishwashing gloves have been super popular, I’m more of a fan of her mother-of-pearl pieces. They’re quirky but also work well with my collection of minimalist leaning ceramics collection. Even though I swore off adding non-dishwasher friendly pieces to my collection, these are so pretty that I can’t help but want them.
I’m a diehard Sorel fan for ski season — they make the BEST snow boots by far. That being said, they’re definitely more functional and not always the best for cold NYC days. They just launched a new collab with Aspen One and I’m super into these with the faux fur. Think of them as more cozy winter boots, especially on days like today when it’s barely 30 degrees outside. With plenty of traction, it doesn’t sacrifice function for design. In fact they remind me of these other boots I have that were a collab with Ugg x Kith. As much as I gravitated towards those, they literally had me slipping and sliding everywhere and I know these won’t. Great gift for anyone who complains about cold feet and are looking for a chunkier silhouette.
I’ve had this tote for over two months now and I finally get the hype around Polène. They’re now partially owned by LVMH but even before that acquisition they acquired a huge fan base. What’s not to love? The leather is nice, the price hits that sweet spot between luxury and fast fashion, and best of all it’s super functional and stylish as a laptop bag. While I mostly work from home, there are days when I do have to lug a laptop around and this has been perfect.
Little, Practical Luxuries
I got this randomly in a gift bag and I was immediately hooked. The indie beauty label, based in Brooklyn, is relatively new and offers everything from skincare to cheek tints to fragrance. I wouldn’t say this smells like Earl Grey per se, but it does hint at it without being cloying. What really got me was the formula — it’s moisturizing without being sticky. Good little casual present to give co-workers, teens, etc.
Before you roll your eyes at these socks, I have two pairs and holy shit, are they a lifesaver in the winter. They’re not meant for boots — I guess you could if you really want something thick and warm. Instead think of them as a slipper alternative. Given how cold this winter has been, these fuzzy and soft socks are good for shuffling about your apartment.
Back in May when I was in Seoul I tried Rejuran, the PDRN treatment that gets hand-injected into your face. Over 100 pricks later and my face looked insane — as if I got whacked by a meat tenderizer. But after a week, my skin looked poreless and glowing. That being said, the treatment is not legal here in the U.S. but one product does do a decent job of recreating the effects, these Medicube masks. I LOVE THEM and use them the night before events. Every time anyone compliments my skin it’s due to these sheet masks. They’re meant to be worn for several hours and you’ll know they’re done when they turn clear. I’ll slap one on, turn on some mindless television, and it’s literally my favorite way to end the night.
A Few Things For Him
Before you roast me for recommending $1,000 sunglasses, realize that I too, was deeply skeptical about this brand before I went and tried them on. I was so wrong: they’re SO WELL MADE. The frames, crafted in Japan, use hefty acetate and feel expensive. And the design is also impeccable too — given my Asian low bridge, these DO NOT BUDGE. I shook my head until I got dizzy and they stayed firmly in place. I’ve never, ever, tried on a better pair of sunglasses and find that these are 10000% worth the splurge if you want something fancy. Also, they’re unisex if you feel the need to “borrow” them from your S.O.
Between my friends and I, we’re all fans of Beams for their trousers. Affordable, high quality, and featuring flattering cuts, they’re fashion-y pants for even the most fashion-adverse guy. And when I say we’re fans I mean we legit ask each other pick up pairs for our partners whenever any of us are in Tokyo. Sure, they’re cheaper there but even $160 is beyond reasonable for great fitting trousers.
Another brand I love to browse in Japan for menswear is Needles. They actually did a collab with Uniqlo earlier this fall and that sold out with a quickness. To say that they have a cult following is an understatement. Right now with the strong dollar, their pieces are far more affordable than usual. I love this jacket with its contrast stitching details, it feels approachable but still visually interesting.
And finally, completing the Japanese brands I love trifecta is this Porter Yoshida & Co. convertible tote. Made with ripstop nylon, the easily packable bag can be worn in hand or as a backpack. I love it for traveling or commuting as an alternative to the very many questionable backpacks I see on the subway daily.
Okay, I lied: one more Japanese brand snuck in at the last moment. I KNOW Kapital has become a thing among men in their 30s but I get why, they make some really nice stuff. That said, trying to get one of their quarter zips while in Tokyo has become nearly impossible. I’ve seen countless TikToks breaking down strategies. Thankfully, Blue in Green has this one in stock and it’s quite nice. Can’t guarantee it’ll stay available but get this knowing that there are is one guy in my life who would kill for one. (Sorry dude, you’ll have to fight the crowds in Japan next month.)
With that, I hope you found something you like and thank you for reading my gift guide amidst a time where gift guides are abundant. I’m heading to Aspen tomorrow and will be testing out the new snowboarding gear. Stay tuned for an updated guide!
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Awesome curation here. The intentionality behind each pick really shows, especially the focus on Japanese craftsmanship with Pleats Please and Porter Yoshida. I've been eyeing those JACQUES MARIE MAGE frames for a while but couldn't justify the price till reading how they actually stay put on low bridges (that's huge).Kinda curious if the Loewe seasonal scents have better longevity than their core line. tho I'd probly end up eating black sesame tang yuan nonstop if I had that candle around lol