In this edition of The Gift, we’re talking about the simple joy of giving (and getting) a sparkly gift. Plus: a pair of clogs we love, an unexpectedly luxurious … hammer, and what to give a handy dad for the holidays.
As a gifts editor, I assess a product’s merit based on price, functionality, and aesthetics. But then I award 10,000 bonus points if something is shimmery, glittery, or otherwise luminous. I’m only partially kidding—sparkle is my kryptonite.
And for good reason! Sparkly things are immediately fun and celebratory, offering levity just by existing. Sparkle also works as a neutral in my opinion, zhuzhing up a ho-hum outfit or room in a flash. I love the glimmer of the holiday season, and adding sparkle to your gift matches that festive energy. (But proceed with caution when dealing with actual glitter: Just ask my fastidious partner about the year I used glitter wrapping paper. We cleaned it up until June.)
A few of my favorite sparkly selections, speaking as a professional magpie:
- My college best friend tipped me off to these golden socks, which she wore with sneakers and a dress on her 40th birthday. I’ve had my own gold pair for about a year, and they’ve garnered raves every time I’ve worn them—at a work presentation, on New Year’s, on date night. They’re pricey for a sock, but they’re a real gem and have held up. I’m thinking silver this year.
- A standout find in our gift guide for people who love to clean is this delightfully shimmery sponge set. Don’t let their shine fool you: These lurex and stainless steel scrubbers are dogged on dishes and a long-lasting upgrade from sad, smelly pads. They’d be a great stocking stuffer, just like the Baby Baggu, which now comes in an eye-popping silver. I bring mine when I travel as a just-in-case carryall.
- For the kiddos, you needn’t convince them that sparkle rules, but glitter is often tacky and messy. Not these ABC stickers, though, which my seven-year-old loves. She’s used them to adorn valentines and her bike helmet, among many other creations over the years. We’ve also tried a few sparkly nail polishes to disappointing results. Most either chip readily, or the confetti flecks go on spotty. But this playful nail polish in the color Fab is an exception and the closest thing to a party in a bottle that I know of.
- On the glittery-but-practical front: My colleagues polled more than a dozen nurses who agreed that Dansko Professional clogs are a go-to comfy and supportive shoe for 12-hour shifts. If I had a chef, nurse, doctor, or teacher on my list—anyone who’s professionally on their feet—I’d gift them this sparkly set.
- I’ll leave you with something of a splurge. I’ll never own a diamond tennis necklace. (Tiffany’s goes for $77,000. Nope.) But for less than 1% of that cost—which still isn’t cheap—I’m thrilled to have this sparkly Dorsey necklace, which is adorned with the twinkliest lab-grown sapphires. I like to pair it with sweatshirts and fancy clothes alike, and it’s definitely satisfied my appetite for shine—for now.
Plus: 15 aesthetic gifts for those with impeccable taste.
