In this edition of The Gift, we’re making the case for timeless, classic gifts—from sweaters to Uggs to panettone. Plus: what to give a great gift-giver.
Classic holiday gifts (think anything you’d expect to see in a Hallmark Christmas movie montage) often get a bad rap. And I get it: It can be hard to make a sweater or a scarf wrapped up in a department store box—neatly folded inside a layer of branded tissue paper—feel personal.
But there’s a reason that traditional gifts, like soft fabrics, cozy footwear, and—as my colleague Hannah Morrill made the case for last week, sparkly things—pile up under trees year after year. Because a good one is great. Few things are as luxurious, useful, and festive as a quality item or a warm staple.
The key to gifting something classic is to do it thoughtfully, not hurriedly off the rack. Center the needs and lifestyle of your recipient, and don’t be swayed by beautiful window displays. For example, it’s a risk to gift jewelry to my tastemaker mom, who loves to buy it for herself. But she’s delighted every year by the box of fancy chocolates my dad gets for her. My sister looks (annoyingly) perfect in hats, so she’s a good candidate for a super-soft beanie. You get the idea.
Then focus on quality. Find the loveliest, most well-made classic that you can. Lean on heritage brands with proven track records, and keep an eye out for good, natural materials. You can never go wrong with leather, merino wool, or 14-karat gold.
Whatever you’re gifting should last them far beyond the season, because the real beauty of a classic present is when it becomes a classic to your recipient—worn or used again and again, a reminder of you and the warmth of the holiday.
Here are a few of my all-time favorite classic gifts:
- It doesn’t get more time-honored than a sheepskin moccasin slipper, and for those I’d recommend Wirecutter’s rigorously tested favorites. But for your coziest-yet-cool friend, may I suggest these platform Uggs? I love my pair because they are (of course) ridiculously warm. But I especially appreciate how the height transforms what would otherwise be my schleppiest winter outfits into something fashion-forward.
- Call me a romantic, but what’s more classic than a teeny, tiny jewelry box on Christmas morning or the last night of Hanukkah? These demure diamond hoops, one of our favorite luxurious gifts, are glittery enough to feel special, but subtle enough to wear every day.
- Panettone can be a divisive holiday treat, but our kitchen experts say these loaves are so transcendent, they will change even naysayers’ minds. I love their beautiful presentations (quite festive!) and may stock up on a few as last-minute host gifts.
- The perfect sweater does not exist—but this wool Babaa one comes very, very close. It’s warm, one-size-fits-all (helpful for gifting!), and makes everything I throw it over—from Adidas track pants to a slip dress—look 10 times more chic. After a full year of practically living in mine (no. 11, in black) it still looks basically brand-new.
- A friend gave me this strapping bright green Flamingo Estate coffee table book for my birthday a few weeks ago. I’ve found myself dreamily leafing through its pages—full of lush flora scenes and words from Alice Waters, Jane Fonda, and more original “it girls”—every day since.
- Flannel is iconic, and I like the colorful plaids this soft and durable Pendleton shirt comes in. Our experts think it’s a great gift for dads, and I tend to agree, although I’m also eyeing an oversized one for … myself.
- Finally, a major splurge: sexy luggage, baby. This metallic carry-on, a version of one of our travel experts’ favorite suitcases, would likely delight any traveler on your list you owe a Really Big Gift™ to.
