Hi there — if you’re like me, you’ve spent the last two days gorging on pie and painfully doomscrolling through Black Friday sales. I’m such a procrastinator, I usually leave my gift giving until the absolute last moment, but this year I am determined to make all my purchases before the 23rd (of December, yes, we all have to start somewhere). So, I decided to channel all of my scrolling and early gift-ideating into a very Aley Longo gift guide extravaganza.
I cannot tell you that I’m the most incredible gift giver on Earth, and that you should follow my recommendations like the Bible — but what I can tell you is to take my (& all these gift guides you see online) solely as sources of inspiration, and jump off from there. You know your friends, your family, your coworkers, etc. better than I, or anyone else on the internet, does.
I knowwww I’m probably late to the game in terms of sharing a gift guide at this point, but while we have one final evening of eating cold mashed potatoes on our parents’ couches and parsing through the measly deals our capitalist overlords have left for us, I wanted to provide you something very ALEY to flip through.
Some kind of fun dish/plate is always good….this oyster holding platter via Maisonette ($40), this Nice Butter butter dish from Maison Flaneur ($47), or this veryyy chic 3-tiered hors d’oeuvres tray ($225)
The Diaspora Co x Padma Lakshmi collab on Gunpowder spice ($14); or get the Padma’s fave spices bundle for a gift with a little more powwww ($75.50)
To stick with a theme, Lisa Says Gah seafood tower tee (on sale for $59.50) or Rachel Antonoff seafood tower apron ($68)
I love a cocktail napkin as a gift (can also pair with a nice bottle of liquor, or a set of glassware from Ebay): the personalized ones from Abbode are a go-to for me; these scalloped ones from Etsy are to die for ($39); and this brand on Shopbop Piecework has a ton of fun shapes - like seashells ($44)!!!!. There are sooo many more on Etsy, happy hunting
Gohar World mother of pearl spoon set ($98), paired with caviar picked up on your way to the party
A splurgey, extra, over the top candle that they’ve probably had their eye on but would never buy themselves. Think: the Loweve Tomato Leaves Wax Candleholder ($160)….these Italian butter cookie candles ($172)…the lady finger cake candle ($118)…and so many more
Literally anything from Big Night, you can close your eyes and click on something random and I swear it’ll be perfect. I keep their filthy martini brine in my fridge in case of emergencies, of course, so their dirty martini box is an ideal gift set ($133)
Solid perfume from Diptyque ($75)
My mom’s favorite gift in the last year was this heated blanket, not kidding ($47)
Any serving platter from Maison Flaneur, but I like the portofino fish one ($97); or this one from il Buco Vita ($136) which was brought to my attention by Wrong House. Extra points if you gift with homemade cookies.
Le Creuset Demi Kettle + Mug Set is a sure-fire hit ($99)
Drunk elephant minis on sale for $53!!!
A personalized Backgammon set from Etsy, which I feel is very trendy right now to begin with ($99)
A jewelry box from Ginori could only be truly appreciated by an older, wiser woman, I think ($165)
Intro them to a modern bag that doesn’t feel like too much of a departure — like this Dragon Diffusion bag ($494), this Toteme bag found on The Real Real at an OK price ($857), or the St Agni East-West bag ($260 on sale)
When in doubt, go for some Nice Classic Gifts (and stalk TRR to no end) — A David Yurman cable bracelet ($395); I love a gold <3 locket?!?!! ($170); TRR always has a solid selection of Hermes bangles/bracelets from $200++, the Gucci Horsebit bag makes for a perf everyday upgrade ($545 on TRR)
Look, men are tricky, and they don’t all like the same things. I kept this fairly general, but the rest of my mini-guides have plenty of options that men & gender nonbinary folks alike would enjoy
Ebay for vintage sports tee shirts — here’s an example from the NY Giants. Go hunting!
Does he grill? this monogrammed steak brander is funny & I guarantee he’ll whip it out as soon as summer grilling starts to show off to his friends ($60). You could also pair it with this no-frills, analog meat thermometer for a stocking stuffer that won’t wind up in the garbage ($12)
MoMa Design Store goodies galore — Men love LED lamps, don’t ask me why, but I think it softens their inner child ($40); the Hot Wheels x MoMA Collectible die-cast Car ($45); the Only NY x MTA NYC subway table lamp is a nice, easy decor piece upgrade ($184)
My boyfriend loves this silly t-shirt brand Crying in the Club 69 — they do limited edition drops of tees that say stupid things like “dont let me drink milk, it makes my tummy hurt” or “legalize cigarettes on airplanes”. watch their IG to see what they have in stock
….but if you’re hoping your man will dress better in 2026, maybe opt for something like this fun martini vacation shirt from Tombolo ($168), lobsta rock tee from Drôle de Monsieur (140 euros), a very winter wonderland Massimo Dutti cable knit sweater ($160), this clean Malbon quarter zip ($168), or this Todd Snyder full zip polo ($298)
As if he needs more video games, but the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 is very chic & sleek looking ($209)
A good chef’s knife - the ones from Miyabi Kaizen are gorgeous and a little more precious than others ($160)
Ooni pizza oven, yes it is epic don’t be a hater ($350)
If your dad is really difficult, or just really simple, you can’t go wrong with a visit to your local butcher & asking for a thick cut of a really nice steak (prices vary)
As for big ticket items — just ask. golf clubs, a new watch, a new suit, tickets to a particular sports event or concert etc. are too personal to be thrown in a gift guide
The People, Brands & Things trading cards - though it might give them PTSD from doing trend research ($11.99)
A subscription/copy of a new magazine, like Polyester Zine, literary mag The Drift, Cake Zine or Lux Mag
All the rage skincare to refresh after getting to the end of Q4: Merit instant glow serum ($38); Abib eye patches ($15); First Aid Beauty minis set ($40); Loving Tan’s 2 HR Express Self Tan ($42)
The triangle scarf that has everyone in a chokehold rn can be found at a reasonable price at Damson Madder (love the leopard print) ($60)
The freja handbag that’s all over TikTok fashion girlies feeds ($201 on sale)
A digital camera to capture hi-resssss content for all the bachelorette trips she’s going on next year — you can find a good one on ebay refurbished, usually much cheaper than store prices
A piece from one of the brand collabs of 2025 that they’ve been watching with a close eye (do we have collab fatigue yet? a convo for another day!!): Skims x Nike Track Jacket is a safe bet ($108); Sport & Rich x Eden Roc hoodie ($133); FRAME x Ritz Paris hoodie ($398); STAUD x St Regis tommy beaded bag ($295); NAADAM x Wicked cashmere sweater ($148); the Sézane x New Balance sneakers ($150); GAP x Stranger Things collab vintage jackets ($88) or tee shirts — I can go on, but let’s leave it here for now
A labubu, i love them, sue me!!!!! ($28)
Upgrade the Santa fuzzy socks from Target to a set of cashmere socks from Comme Si ($100)
An embroidery kit ($30) to have a hobby that will last all winter
A membership to Romance Fiction publisher & group 831 Stories, so she can get new novellas delivered to her doorstep and join in on members events (get yourself one too so you can go together)
The Polo Ralph Lauren winter bear sweatshirt ($198) and Holiday Bear Mini Shopping tote ($178) are both to die for
Skims’ sweat suit can’t be beat (linked the women’s but the men’s is just as good for gifting). I love the Merlot color (pants - $98, hoodie $88). Gap’s CashSoft line is another great option at a much more reasonable price point
Gifting art is tricky, but if you really know the person it could be fun to pick out a distinctive print from 1st Dibs, like this Roy Lichtenstein ‘Nude with Blue Hair’ ($125, varies — you can also just look up cool vintage prints on Ebay lol and find cheaper ones).
I also like these prints from Alexandra Yvette- she also makes custom drawings too, which are so thoughtful and chic ($20, custom prints are more)
You’re not dating? Maybe you kind of are? Keep it tight, people!!!
5 Mins Away gold heart clock necklace from Gemini Jewels feels very romantic to me ($40)
Personalized Lip Balm from L’Officine Universalle Buly (37 euros, I’m not doing the conversions)
Fleur du Mal angel sleeve robe is !!!!!!!! ($298), love for men too ($445)
Everyday tennis bracelet from my girl Beads by Tara ($74), and she even has a lil Paul Mescal in Normal Ppl - style silver chain for the boyz ($92)
Flowers always work — upgrade with a small, clean vase that has a bit of personality to go the extra mile ($36), or try this Lego Poinsetta as a cute activity/gift ($40)
Anything homemade/cozy or intentional that is seemingly effortless, but upgrades casual evening plans - a nice plate or bowl filled with cookies or fudge will do the trick ($44); a giant tin of festive popcorn & to enjoy while binge-watching Stranger Things ($50); a specialty hot cocoa like this Jacques Torres chocolate-peppermint bomb ($23)
I also like the idea of booking a wine class at your local wine bar — With Others has them weekly, La Compaigne on Centre Street has a rotating wine boot camp, Parcelle has Wine School at both Greenwich Village & Chinatown locations, and On Cloud Wine wine club has a bunch of fun events to attend. There are more, certainly, just check your local wine bar’s Instagram!
The problem with “cool girl gift guides” is that everyone has a different definition on what a cool girl is. But I think it’s just someone with a real personality, interesting statement pieces, and a fresh take on style, whatever it means to them.
This funky candelabra, sure why not ($91)
Seletti Tetris frame mirror because it’s sick and if they hate it for some unkown reason they can return it okay ($664)
A fun earring/piece of costume jewlery because you can never have enough, like these Molten Glow Crystal Studs from Ettika ($60), Electric Picks’ heiress ring ($60); or these Mini Arp Earrings in Studded Mist from Lizzie Fortunato ($240)
A champagne bucket, I like this oyster one from Liberty London ($140), this porcelain-esque one from Williams Sonoma ($190), or this silver cowboy boot cooler ($180)
I feel like every cool, put together person I know is obsessed with Crown Affair, so the Air Dry Ritual Set would be much appreciated ($75 on sale!)
I love the look of stacking these Spicy Dan beaded necklaces, so add another to the collection ($195). Lizzie Fortunato necklaces are same same different if you want to switch it up ($395)
Simone Rocha rabbit-ear coin purse to hold their Black Tourmaline ($188)
A small gargoyle to keep on your shelf ($26, on sale); I also love these old-world busts that feel like something I’d find in my grandpa’s backyard in Southern Italy ($101)
A yellow Tiger Eye sphere for courage & clarity ($13)
I’m obsessed with this weeping bust candle that cries as it melts ($185), there are cheaper ones on Etsy but they don’t quite have the same effect
A fossil of a Megalodon “the Monster Shark” Tooth in Acrylic Custom Box from 1st Dibs ($800)
A freaky, funky ring, like this Enchanted Unicorn Ring from Anna Sui ($155) or barbed wire ring from Marc Jacobs ($35)
Oscar de La Renta Glass Crystal Heart Pendant Necklace ($620)
These dramatic, long gloves, not for the winter cold, but for fashion darling ($99)
Engraved silver jewelry box, with Victorian-era realness ($45)
I love the idea of a fun pair of tights, like these sparkly dotted ones from Calzedonia ($22)
Super shiny shimmery lip gloss from Pat McGrath, of course ($29); or the sparkly Rouge G Customizable Lipstick Case from Guerlain ($40)
Upgrade their bar cart with some shot glasses that double as decor, like these hot pink ones from Ban.do ($17.95)
I might ask for this Hair Bedazzler set for myself tbh - perfect for bach parties & ravers alike ($15) paired with these Rhinestone Tattoos ($16)
You know they’re going through winter without a proper coat, so get them a nice, warm outer layer with a little sparkle ($325)
This super chic set of 4 pearl cigarette holders from Houses & Parties ($48)
Burn Shoulder Bag from Edie Parker (has a lighter attached to it) ($295)
Books, baby — I like this coffee table book from the SWURL team on fun & funky wine terms ($20); this NYC one with recipes & stories alike ($27); any Apartmento book you can get your hands on, but I love Campania: Recipes & Wanderings; or The MCATLAS, an encyclopedia of all the McDonald’s around the world ($50)
I’m coming out here and saying I’m pro-gift basket. I’ve sent the Hot Little Biscuit gift box to many a family-friend, filled with yes, perfect little biscuits ($104); the Murray’s cheese sampler is a crowd pleaser on the savory side ($85); Dolce and Gabana espresso gift basket hello ($200)!!!!; and the Levain Holiday Cookie Tin Gift Set is ooey gooey goodness ($69)
White Elephant Gift Ideas: Summer Friday’s minis ($25); Le Labo Hinoki shower gel ($39); Le Creuset mini holly cocotte ($27); Fancy Dogs Baggu tote ($14); Sonny Angels’ Santa’s Little Helper edition ($14.75)
Party games that are chic enough to feel special & not childish, like these Victorian Parlour Games from Houses & Parties ($22); Most Likely To from Papier ($24); or even just a chic deck of playing cards ($40)
I’m a blanket > scarf/hat/gloves kind of gifter. This fuzzy Potter Barn throw is to die for, but no one would blame you for finding a cheaper option at Home Goods ($107 on sale). You can also opt for a personalized one from Bauble Bar for a bit more “effort” ($98)
Reusable wine tote - like this one with olives! - and wine, of course, but the reusable tote makes it a bit more special ($16)
You can’t go wrong with peppermint bark!!! ($34)
I’m probably missing a lot I’ll continue to add in my shoppy shop GOOGLE MAP!!!!
For foodies & home entertainers: Big Night, Edy’s Grocer, Feste, Rosemary Home, Gohar World, The Primary Essentials, East Fork Pottery, Porta, Beverly’s 1975, The Meadow, Russ & Daughters
PopUps & Markets: Il Buco Holiday Popup, Land to Sea’s holiday market on Dec 14; Crevette holiday market also on Dec 14; Grand Bazaar, Chinatown Holiday Market; FAD Market holiday edition; Shop Small Greenpoint retail crawl; and similarly the Shop Small Astoria retail crawl
For design enthusiasts: Fishs Eddy, ABC Home, Coming Soon, Housing Works, Designer’s Collab, Dobbin St. Vintage Co-op, BEAM Brooklyn, Air Mail Cafe, Mr. Boddington’s Studio
For people who like clothes: Colbo - honestly just start there & walk around Elizabeth & Ludlow and find a ton of good shit like Desert Vintage, Susan Alexandra, Pêche, Cafe Forgot, Bode, Santos, and much much more; Tokio 7, What Goes Around Comes Around, Awoke Vintage, Tangerine, ESSX, SEED, Heart & Lou’s, Close Friends BK, Sorbara’s, Century 21, James Veloria
For Niche Items, Fun Shit, Trinkets: Casey Rubber Stamps, Human Head Records, Lockwood, Boyar Gifts, Pearl River Mart, John Derian, Haricot Vert, CASA or Iconic Magazines, This is Latin America, Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store, Locavore Variety Store, Little Moony - for the babies, Love Thy Beast - for the puppies
When in doubt - go to a museum bookstore!! e.g. MET, MoMa, Brooklyn Museum, Whitney, all will have something interesting worth gifting.
When in doubt there are a few people I follow that I trust implicitly with their recs, and find the greatest inspo from. Like…
Remy Soloman the most official, actually cool-and real, human I’ve seen on the internet; Denna from Strictly the Good Stuff…truly has a talent for finding the absolute strictest COOL items in all scenarios; Kaylee from Strata Bites!!!; this gift guide from Wrong House; Concrete Treehouse; Secret Strategist, duh; Laura Jung, og Williamsburg cool gal; Magasin by Laura Reilly, which does God’s work for finding the best items ever; and finally Thanks it’s from Ebay, where I pull much of my Ebay - finds.
I am probably missing some faves but you can just stalk who I follow on substack, lol.
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Okay, that was a doozy!!!!! Thanks for being here!!!!!
Re-linking my special SHOPPING MAP!!! for you all so you can bop around and shop at your leisure. Thanks for the read and happy shopping!
XOXOXO
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