Proper Holiday Gift Giving

This week, I have been fielding calls from worried gift givers – predominantly male - looking for advice and perhaps trying to assuage their guilt in waiting until the last minute. With time running out, and everyone in a tizzy, allow me to provide some helpful tips that have saved many from grief, heart ache and confusion. My husband, for one, is grateful for these simple gift-giving rules, so here goes:

1.) Never buy anything with an “on/off” switch. That means no TVs, cosmetic/beauty gadgets, kitchen equipment, I-pads, I-anything. Gifts with switches are too prosaic. We want the unusual and interesting.

2.) Never buy fancy kitchenware. Yes, I may be a gourmet chef but let me buy my own pasta machine. You can make dinner reservations for me instead.

3.) Never buy spa visits or gym packages. I know you may mean well – but the convenience of these purchases could backfire. Are you saying we look tired?

So gentlemen, try for something which we seldom buy for ourselves – gifts that represent luxuries in our everyday life – a pair of gloves which is just a little too expensive; a scarf or bag which we feel a little guilty about buying. For me, the ultimate luxury is always jewelry! Rose gold is hot right now, and looks great on all skin types. There is even a choice for the commitment-phobic out there – Cartier has extended their iconic line to include a “free love” bangle that doesn’t lock on the wrist, making it easier to change your mind. That is what it all comes down to – something that we wish for. Good luck and happy shopping!





Images: Cartier Love Bracelets, courtesy: Cartier; Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra ring in rose gold, courtesy: Van Cleef & Arpels.


In the Loupe is authored by CIRCA’s resident trendspotter and style maven. She’s traveled the world, dabbling in high finance, haute cuisine, and fine art at one of the world’s leading auction houses, before finding her true calling in the world of priceless gems. The result is a genuine global luxury connoisseur, with a knowledge and appreciation of beauty, quality and true style. She is one of the industry’s foremost experts on the valuation of fine gems and jewelry, and is now happy to share her discerning eye and impeccable taste to help you look and feel fabulous! Print this post