The Group Project Gift Guide

“Thank you all for your support this year. I wish you a holiday filled with joy and peace. Here’s to a hopeful and happy 2026.” — Tory

I will be giving… our resin earrings. Striking and sculptural — the length adds instant impact, and they’re super lightweight. Restorative products everyone should use: infrared light therapy masks and Eighth Day’s eye cream. Japanese camellias in vintage vases I am constantly finding on LiveAuctioneers during middle-of-the-night scrolls.

I would like to receive… vintage Chelsea botanical plates, it’s an addiction, actually porcelain and pottery across the board. Hermès nail polish in a barely-there pink adds toned down refinement for someone who isn’t a flashy nail polish person.

I will be wearing… a mix of vintage and new. Christmas is always so festive and I definitely want to dress with that in mind. I’m adding our new Resort ’26 belt embellished with strands of crystal and chain to a crazy beautiful dress from the 1930s; it has a green velvet devoré top and bias-cut textured black silk skirt.

I will be giving... a modern nutcracker to my mom because she collects them. Everyone else can expect a handwritten card with a holiday-themed blend from Smith Teamaker.

I would like to receive… this tote bag because it reminds me of Dorothee Becker’s Utensilo organizer and broderie anglaise bedding so I can live my American Girl doll fantasies. I can always count on my mom to send an advent calendar so I’m looking forward to seeing what she picks this year!

I will be wearing… one of my favorite sweaters with trousers. Instead of Mary Janes, I’ll be sliding on my T-Strap mules. I adore deer print so I’d love to throw on this velvet coat pending approval from Santa.

I will be giving… handwoven napkins and bookmarks by Atelier Brozzetti in Perugia, Tory Burch hand-painted candlesticks, Celia Pym’s book On Mending, hand-knit cashmere beanies by Miki Zanini and one-of-a-kind hand-fringed scarves by Acme Atelier in Scotland. My husband’s radio show is the perfect gift for anyone who needs more great music in their lives — particularly hard-to-shop-for men.

I would like to receive… new nightgowns. A client recently turned me on to linen nightgowns by Sabbia Rosa in Paris. I love receiving linens and textiles, and the limited-edition King’s Leap quilt has my eye. I’ve also been coveting a wastepaper basket by Deborah Needleman, a nice pair of tailor shears by Ernest Wright and the safety pin brooch by Heath Wagoner x OST.

I will be wearing… two classic holiday looks: a tweed suit and a tuxedo. For Christmas eve, a handwoven skirt suit by Julie Rose Clapton, who created our special Edition winter pieces. I’ll add the ivory corsage by Dorothée Catry and Tory Burch cap-toe pumps. For our New Year’s Eve party at home, my favorite tuxedo, by J. Mueser for OST with a camisole and smoking slippers.

I will be giving… Comme Si socks and Santa Maria Novella bath salts, both come in beautiful packaging that makes my job simple. The Embrace Ambition bracelet is a stocking stuffer that gives back – what’s better than that?

I would like to receive… the perfect earrings. These Jessica McCormack earrings are so simple, so good. I love these Florentine marbled photo albums for important family memories. For my bedside table, the most beautiful carafe and cup set.

I will be wearing… polished comfort as we’re hosting at home. I love a festive flat. These pair perfectly with jeans, a simple cashmere cardigan and vintage earrings from Briony Raymond.

I will be giving… my new book Purple Fever from Vendôme Press or a tree from Treelove.

I would like to receive… potted plants like a Bonsai; caviar and off-Broadway theater tickets. I also love this Tory Burch tablecloth that I will use on the table or hung on the wall with a mirror on top like a tapestry.

I will be wearing… a beautiful bottle green velvet jacket that I bought in Venice with touches of lavender in socks or a silk scarf.

I will be giving… Tory Burch x Dodie Thayer plates in white which mix with all sorts of china, with antique monogrammed linens I search for on eBay. Nothing is more exciting than finding a dear friend’s exact monogram on hand-embroidered napkins from decades past. And, because the hustle never ends, my book, The Motherload, with hand-written notes of love and thanks.

I would like to receive… antique diamond earrings from Fred Leighton, preferably Edwardian set with onyx reaching to my jawline, to go with a beautifully cut and vibrant Tory Burch coat. The goal is turning heads!

I will be wearing… velvet, because it’s the only time of year it feels right. Mini dresses, bustier tops, a well-cut pant, a blazer with high arm holes and nice buttons. I love velvet with very sheer stockings because I sweat more than normal people, but also the difference in opacity is so pretty!

I will be giving… these monogrammed drawstring pouches. They are so versatile – they can be a perfect personalized evening bag, a dustbag, or packing pouch; I am using one for charging cords in my suitcase.

I would like to receive… this mancala board by Kindred Black and Don’t Let Disco. I fell in love when I saw it at my friend’s dinner party. It’s the most beautiful game, and would be a good reason to learn to play.

I will be wearing… black jeans with my silver Gohar World apron, this fabulous ring and this clutch. These flats are fun, festive, and the perfect accent to the outfit. I like to keep it simple.

I will be giving… I went overboard on cards from Choosing Keeping in London, so everyone is getting a handpicked vintage card to start. Along with that, I’m trying to give small things that I know people will use: The perfect wine bottle stopper, a silk scrunchie for protecting your hair. I think experiential gifts are the most fun — let’s go on a silly walking tour, let’s put on fancy hats and dine uptown. I love doing something a little earnestly cringe with my friends.

I would like to receive… I’m spoiled because I already received this gorgeous Tory Burch pitcher as a wedding gift — and it’s inspired me to lean deeper into homewares. Some new Massimo Lunardon glasses and Italian ceramic plates are on my list, as well as more time to spend entertaining at home with loved ones.

I will be wearing… has everyone already mentioned this beaded and fringed purse? Sorry to be repetitive if yes, but it’s just that excellent! During the holidays, I can’t help but be romanced by an old New York, uptown spirit, like I’m a Whit Stillman character. I just bought a vintage velvet Bill Blass dress with feather trim and shoes with giant red satin bows. If there’s ever a season to do it up, it’s the holidays. Everything looks more romantic under Christmas lights.

I will be giving… my brother is building himself an outdoor sauna, so I got him some custom sauna hats on Etsy with his name on them, and a Dryrobe, which is what they wear on Bad Sisters when they go swimming at the Forty Foot.

I would like to receive… for the woman who has everything, I need a massage. For deep-tissue, I go to Opal in Park Slope. For something more relaxing, I like the Chelsea Hotel. I might finally treat myself to Shibui, this year, though; I’ve never been.

I will be wearing… If I’m hosting, and want to be the center of attention, this mirrored dress. But if I’m hanging out with old friends, I’m opting for sweats, instead. I still think about this photo of Anna Wintour running in her Tory Burch sweats all the time.

I will be giving… framed pictures – memories have no price tag! For hostess gifts, I’ve been baking and bagging homemade roasted hazelnuts. They taste divine but also nutty, like the holidays!

I would like to receive… hugs from my teenage sons! But I also wouldn’t mind an outdoor sauna with a big bow on it.

I will be wearing… instant impact, zero effort. The top that goes with everything and steals the show. I’ll add some zing with bling!

I will be giving… Sophie Pavitt Face Omega Rich Moisturizer to my mom, who trusts my beauty recs. The Hotel on Place Vendôme by Tilar J. Mazzeo to my dad, an avid history reader. Silk scarves for my friends. (I predict this year will be the year of the scarf.) A vintage golf outfit for my boyfriend, who requested an update for his on-course style. Sunspel t-shirts for my brother, who needs an upgrade on his basics. Soft Services Theraplush for my future sister-in-law, who wants her hands to look nice in her upcoming wedding photos.

I would like to receive… new bedding and pillows. I defer to my mom in this category. A nice massage. An engraved pinky ring from J.Hannah. Plus, some books: The Diary of Anaïs Nin, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See, and anything by Eve Babitz.

What I’ll be wearing… I am determined to start wearing heels again, like these. And subtly festive earrings. I’ll wear them with my pleated midi or long column skirts, and tank tops or cardigans. For outerwear, I have an old black astrakhan coat that makes a statement.

I will be giving…subscriptions to magazines or newspapers. As a writer, it feels good to support publications during a trying media environment. There’s something for everyone — newshounds, food-enthusiasts, fashion-lovers, home decor nerds. There’s also something intimate about sharing a book you love. I will be giving Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, Less by Andrew Scott Greer and The Hours by Michael Cunningham.

I would like to receive… I’m in the market for art this year; in my dream world, a painting from Salman Toor. He has a great sense of color and his brushwork is slightly impressionistic, almost like memories. He’s queer and South Asian, and I like that his work gently touches on the political. As a freelancer who works from home, I need pants that are cozy but not schlumpy. This pair is heaven.

I will be wearing… I love the idea of a sweater vest for holiday parties in New York. It’s dressy-ish and can easily move between disparate temperatures. This Tory vest is a holiday-appropriate color, the embroidery is whimsical without veering into “holiday sweater” territory, and it’s a V-neck, which I very much cosign along with many other guys. It can be worn over a T-shirt (á la Jeremy Allen White), a collared shirt, layered under a light jacket, or a heavier coat. The possibilities are endless!

I will be giving… a chic little personalized hand mirror to my sister. A forever shaving set to my husband. Isla’s heroic Elixir toner to all my skincare-curious and skincare-obsessed friends. A perfect wool skirt to my mom (to be stolen back from her closet at a later date). And matching towels to my boys.

I would like to receive… an undisturbed morning in bed. And these mouse earrings – please send to my husband! Also monogrammed stationery and some leopard mules.

I will be wearing… a great skirt and a pop of red!. A smudge-y lip liner with cool undertones. A shimmery eye shadow. And Day Melt Cleansing Balm to take it all off.

I will be giving… lately, I’ve been into subscriptions — something that makes my friends and family think of me all year. That can be as easy as magazine subscriptions, or as complex as the monthly book shipments from Heywood Hill in London, which requires the recipient to fill out paperwork with their likes and sends books corresponding to them, all year. I give my husband, Nick, class packs to Barry’s Bootcamp and my parents have loved fruit deliveries from Harry & David for as long as I can remember. I’ve always toyed with the idea of subscribing my brother to a ‘salt of the month’ club, maybe this is the year.

I would like to receive… When Tory launched the Dodie Thayer collaboration, I was immediately obsessed by the green lettuce pieces. Over the years, I’ve built a full green dining set — and I’ve always thought you can never have too many of the candlesticks. Now, I’m thinking I should expand into white, maybe starting with dinner plates, salad plates, and water pitchers. Feel free to mention this to Nick, by the way!

I will be wearing… I’m lucky that I travel so often for work throughout the year, and over the holidays I like to hunker down. I stay in my pajamas as long as possible — I’ve slept in classic monogrammed sets from Lands End since I was a kid. I’ve had a Christmas dinner uniform the last few years—the same red cable cashmere sweater from Ralph Lauren and these chunky, lime green-soled Bottega Veneta boots.

This is our last post of the year. We’d like to thank you all for reading, subscribing and following. And thank you to everyone above who kindly contributed during the busiest time of year. We love our Substack community and look forward to bringing you more great stories in 2026. If you’d like to catch up, here, some 2025 highlights…

11 Things We Loved from SS26

Women at Work: The Food Issue

The Summer Fun Issue

To Mom, With Love

Happy holidays! - Team WSIW (Honor, Nan, Meenal and Thando)