The exceptionally elegant gift selections shared by Beauty Creative Director Carolina Herrera have been revealed to me.
Who What Wear's series Chic People Presents seeks to rekindle personal gifting by reaching out to fashion and beauty's most stylish creatives for their holiday shopping recommendations. Read further for IYKYK gift ideas and perspectives on gifting strategies from leading stylists, designers, and influencers in the industry. It's official—the holiday season has arrived. How do I know? Aside from the barrage of holiday-themed party invitations in my inbox and the multitude of cardamom-spiced recipes I've saved, my sister has started to drop hints about the perfect gift she has for me. In my quest to surpass her thoughtful present, I sought the advice of beauty expert Carolina Herrera.
The daughter of renowned fashion designer Carolina Herrera, Carolina Herrera, Jr. has served as the beauty creative director for the brand for many years. She is undoubtedly knowledgeable about the ideal fragrances for gifting and has played a significant role in the success of the brand's famous Good Girl fragrance line. Beyond her beauty wisdom, Herrera’s refined taste—likely inherited from her mother—is reflected in her careful and intentional approach to holiday gifting. This is why I was eager to hear her recommendations and advice. She certainly exceeded my expectations. Herrera prefers holiday-scented candles (such as Byredo Tree House or Diptyque Sapin), select fragrances, and personalized gifts. In addition to these stylish, wrap-ready items, she promotes the idea of experiential gifts: a revitalizing spa day at Sha wellness clinic in Spain, a visit to VivaMayr in Austria, and a one-year studio membership at Tracy Anderson. Herrera's thoughtful holiday gift suggestions have inspired me to think creatively this festive season. Keep scrolling to see all of her wonderfully sophisticated holiday selections.
1. **Gift That Sparks Joy:** “Anything unexpected makes me really happy or an Advent Calendar filled with fragrance and makeup favorites from the brand.”
2. **Especially Thoughtful Gift:** “Something the person has desired for a long time that you've put effort into finding, or something personal of yours they have always admired.”
3. **Gift They Won't Return:** “A piece of jewelry.”
4. **Gift to Have on Hand:** “Candles and perfumes, as well as hard-to-find chocolates (in Madrid, I can't find Läderach chocolates or Auer) [or] a [Carolina Herrera Good Girl perfume]. It's delightfully indulgent and a bit cheeky, which I adore.”
5. **Perfectly Useful Gift:** “A weekend bag, a sweater [like the Perfect Cashmere Crewneck from J.Crew], a candle (one can never have too many), and ten massage sessions.”
**Läderach**
Assorted Christmas Tree
**J.Crew**
Perfect Cashmere Crewneck
**Carolina Herrera**
Good Girl Blush Eau de Parfum
6. **Personalized Gift:** “I engrave the recipient's initials and a small scarab that I had crafted (my mother calls me Coli from coleoptera) on a Scala Insignia Clutch that I enjoy gifting.”
7. **Snacks and Spirits:** “Great olive oil, chocolates, tequila. You can never have too much.”
8. **Standout Host Gift:** “A [Build Your Own Hamper] containing a few meaningful items for the hostess or a basket filled with homemade treats for the weekend, a beautiful blanket/throw for winter, or a large puzzle if they are into that.”
9. **Gift for Sharing:** “Food, trips, games [like this Wooden Backgammon Board], dance classes.”
10. **Last-Minute Gift:** “Candles. I love candles like Byredo Tree House or Diptyque Feu de Bois.”
**Not Another Bill**
Wooden Backgammon Board
**Not Another Bill**
Build Your Own Hamper
11. **"Worth It" Luxury Gift:** “A Rimowa Cabin bag, a piece of jewelry, a year-long membership to Tracy Anderson in Madrid.”
12. **Gift You Wouldn't Buy Yourself But Would Love to Receive:** “An amazing trip (I've experienced a few, and they're my favorites), maybe even a car.”
13. **Gift for Furry Friends:** “Blankets—I recently purchased a blanket for my three dogs.”
14. **Gift That Gives Back:** “Definitely books, art, theater, and special museum visits after closing time.”
15. **Gift for Nourishing Mind, Body, and Spirit:** “A trip to Vana in India, VivaMayr in Austria, Lanserhof in [Austria], and Sha wellness clinic and Buchinger in Spain. All of these, please.”
**Tracy Anderson**
Studio Membership Gift Card
**Zara Home**
Christmas Check Pet Blanket
16. **Gift of a Great Read:** “The Good Soldier by Ford Madox Ford, Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Secret History
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