With the winter holidays around the corner, the gift-giving scramble has begun. To mark the start of the season, CULTURED’s editor-in-chief Sarah Harrelson paid recent a visit to South Coast Plaza, California’s luxury shopping center in Costa Mesa. After stopping into shops like Moncler, Tiffany & Co., and Byredo, Harrelson had selected holiday essentials for every kind of recipient, from the quiet luxury trendsetter to the late-night party host. Here, Harrelson shares her personal gift guide for 2023—everything you'll want to give (and receive) this season.
For the Party Host:
Bubble Box Flutes Set by Baccarat
This delicate set of six flutes is the perfect gift for the host looking to spice up their glassware before ringing in the New Year. Each flute features sparkling polished touches, making every sip a celebration.
Passion Wine Decanter by Baccarat
For the sophisticated wine lover in your life, this crystal decanter makes a stunning addition to any collection. The elegant shape is designed by prestigious vintner Jean-Charles Boisset, meeting function with a dash of opulence.
For the Office Dweller:
Lucky Butterfly by Baccarat
These crystal butterflies add a touch of fantasy to any office desk or bookshelf. With a multitude of color choices from peony to turquoise and gold, a single treasure grows into a swarm of butterflies over time.
Luxury Scented Candles by Byredo
For those who can’t get work done (or unwind after a long day of work) without a candle burning in the background, Byredo’s popular candle collection offers a perfect sampler of distinct scents, from sweet notes of peach, plum, and vanilla to whiffs of musky herbs and palo santo.
For the Olfactory Enthusiast:
Trois Encens Set by Byredo
This handmade, limited-edition incense burner is the perfect addition to any intimate nook or corner of the home. The set comes with a ceramic holder coated with aged blue enamel, perfect for burning fragrances slowly to gradually enhance a space.
Scented Hair Perfumes by Byredo
A perfect stocking stuffer, this vegan hair perfume leaves tresses light, refreshed, and subtly scented in preparation for the holiday festivities. Byredo’s signature fragrances include woody amber and cedar, fresh laundry, and floral hints of roses and tulips.
New Fragrances Collection by Brunello Cucinelli
Devotees of Brunello Cucinelli have a new product to lust after: the 47-year-old brand has launched its first fragrance collection. Just a whiff of the simple, fresh citrus layered with woody and earthy notes and you’ll feel like you are driving through Umbria’s rolling countryside with the top down.
For the Homebody:
Jarris Set of 2 Coffee Cups & Saucers by Missoni
This set of dainty coffee cups and saucers will bring holiday joy to any espresso or tea lover. The ornate zigzag pattern with a red or white base adds a subtle pop, adding extra zip to your morning caffeine ritual. Harrelson recommends pairing this gift set with a bathrobe, like the one below.
Carlie Hooded Bathrobe by Missoni
Mimicking the zigzag patterns of Missoni’s coffee cups and saucers, the multicolored Carlie hooded bathrobe is made out of sumptuous cotton—it's like a warm, fluffy hug on a cold winter night.
Clifford Throw by Missoni
What do you get for the person who has everything? Harrelson says you can’t go wrong with Missoni’s warm and woolen colorful Clifford Throw. This is a wonderful gift for a cozy night in, to wrap around while reading a book with a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
For the Alpine Skier:
Blue & White & Red Brizon Ski Jacket by Moncler US
Moncler’s ski jackets are the ultimate gift for those planning to stay warm on the slopes this winter. Designed to balance the utmost comfort and freedom of movement, the Brizon Ski Jacket is lightweight and insulating, a must-have for any mountain lover.
Snow White Bouquetin Short Down Jacket by Moncler US
The white Bouquetin down-filled puffer is a stylish option that doesn't compromise on warmth. Part of the Moncler Grenoble collection for women, this coat—designed for the slopes, but chic enough for the city—features a protective hood, powder skirt, and wrist gaiters.
For the Fashion Lover:
Puf Shoulder Bag by Moncler US
Switching out your closet for the winter season should include an accessory update, and Moncler has designed this puffer bag as the perfect complement to cold-weather attire. The adjustable strap allows the item to be styled as a crossbody or handbag, and to easily fit over thick winter coats.
Fleecy Cashmere Sweater Vest With Precious Half Zip by Brunello Cucinelli
Layering is in this season, and Brunello Cucinelli’s clothing is designed for that very function. This plush cashmere fleece vest, made with a fringed yarn to alter the texture of the cashmere, is perfect for slipping under a flowing coat or over a long-sleeve top.
Cashmere Shirt-Style Cardigan With Chest Pockets by Brunello Cucinelli
Casual but refined, Brunello Cucinelli’s cashmere sweater is a cozy alternative to a collared shirt and a slightly elevated version of a standard cardigan. Styled with a turtleneck underneath, the garment is a great way to finish off an outfit for this year's holiday dinners or parties.
Nubuck Soft Bag With Monili and Shearling Details by Brunello Cucinelli
This elegant nubuck bag is all about the details. Shearling accents the perimeter, softening the lines of the item and providing a unique textural contrast. Shiny monili embroidery appears on the handle: a subtle but essential compliment to the overall effect of the accessory.
For The Special Person in Your Life:
Tiffany HardWear Graduated Link Necklace by Tiffany & Co.
Prevailing fashion wisdom advises not to mix gold and silver jewelry. But Tiffany & Co. isn't made for those hoping to blend in. This elegant chain necklace of alternating diamond and honeycomb pieces is a must-have gift inspired by bold New York style.
Tiffany Lock Jewelry by Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co. released their latest Tiffany Lock collection this year, inspired by the padlock motif that has been a central brand code since the 1880s. From oval lock bracelets to subtle earrings and necklaces, gift this collection to those with whom you share an equally unbreakable bond.
