If you’ve ever caught yourself staring at a piece of paper for way too long, wondering what you’re going to buy everyone on that list, you’re 100% not alone. I’ve been in this situation way more times than I’m willing to admit, which is why this season, I’m turning to some of fashion's finest to guide me. Between some of Who What Wear’s editors and two fashion influencers, we were able to boil it down to this: You can never go wrong with a pair of sunglasses. Luckily, we all have direct access to Sunglass Hut, where all of the products are carefully curated, so you know the pair you pick will be a fan favorite. Whether you have a brother on your list who is an avid aviator kind of guy or your best friend has been hinting at needing a new pair of sunglasses for a while, the breadth of products for you to choose from is virtually limitless. Here are what five of my friends are gifting this season.
Who is at the top of your list this year, and what is their typical style like?
My mom is always at the top of my list, but she is the hardest to shop for! She has super-chic style and is pretty picky about what she keeps.
What makes a truly great gift?
I usually try to buy my close friends and family something super sentimental. I keep my ears open all year to see if they bring something up and then try to get them that for the holidays. Not to toot my own horn, but I’ve been told I am an excellent gift giver.
What’s your favorite excuse to buy yourself something special?
Truthfully, I’m always buying things for myself—I deserve it! But when it comes to the holidays, I usually put my budget towards shopping for others, then treat myself to something small and fun for all of my hard work. What can I say!
I can totally see these on my mom—she’s all for a cute tortoiseshell style. They’re something she could keep for years and years.
I’ve seen these on a lot of fashion girls, and I’ve always loved the shape. If I don’t give them to my roommate, these might just have to make their way into my wardrobe. (I’m telling you: I can’t be tamed.)
My friend is always on-trend, so I’ve been browsing through accessories that feel ultra-stylish for the moment but also have a classic feel to them. This is definitely a winner.
Who is at the top of your list this year, and what is their typical style like?
The top person on my list would undoubtedly be my new husband. (We got married this year.) I’d say his style is classic with a twist, so he tends to lean into those more timeless items that have just a little something extra.
What makes a truly great gift?
To me, a great gift is something that’s personal and unique to a specific person. I also always like to give a gift that someone wouldn’t necessarily buy themselves. I think that makes the element of surprise much more fun.
What’s your favorite excuse to buy yourself something special?
I always like to buy something special for myself around the holiday season, typically something I’ve been eying throughout the year. I save and usually go for it toward the end of the year. Nothing wrong with treating yourself from time to time.
This stylish pair of shades would be right up my husband’s alley. They’re absolutely timeless—he’d use them for years and years.
The colorful design detail on the side is what makes this pair of sunglasses particularly noteworthy. It’s unexpected and forward. (Ideal for my husband’s style of classic with a twist.)
This is another pair of sunglasses I know my husband would adore given the sleek nature. A great staple pair of shades.
Who is at the top of your list this year, and what is their typical style like?
Top of my list this year is my mom (who is like my best friend!). Her style is minimal and classic and has inspired my own wardrobe since I was young. I love her effortless and simple looks.
What makes a truly great gift?
A great gift is always something thoughtful and meaningful. I love when the gift is something that can be used frequently and incorporated into everyday life.
What’s your favorite excuse to buy yourself something special?
I love a good "treat myself” moment! My favorite excuse would definitely be when I feel like I’ve been accomplishing my goals and seeing some sort of progress. I love also buying myself something for special occasions, like graduating from grad school, my birthday, or even just showing myself a little self-love.
A beautiful and classic pair of sunglasses for every day. I would gift this to my mom because she would love the silver details and how timeless and chic these are.
I would gift these to one of my best friends. Her style is feminine and minimal and these would be perfect for her. The pop of blue adds a little bit of color, and these would be beautiful with her neutral wardrobe.
It might be the time to treat myself! Round sunglasses always stand out to me, and I love how these are a little bit edgy—great to elevate a more simple style.
Who is at the top of your list this year, and what is their typical style like?
Top of my list this year is definitely my dad. His style is definitely casual and cool, but I’ve noticed lately he really cares about putting together a stylish look, which I love!
What makes a truly great gift?
Truly great gifts to me are either tangible ones that make your loved ones feel seen and appreciated and, of course, bring them joy or ones that aren’t necessarily tangible, like experiences together that give them lifelong memories. For the tangible ones, you know when someone says something simple during a conversation like, "My pans are so old… I’ve been using this one for years!” They didn’t ask you for a pan, and I’m sure they aren’t even really consciously thinking about that at all, but you heard them, found them the perfect pan, and got it for them as a gift for the holidays. I love that moment when you see your loved one’s face and acknowledge that you hear them and want to make them feel loved and appreciated.
What’s your favorite excuse to buy yourself something special?
Well, to be honest, I don’t think you need an excuse! TREAT YOURSELF! But, if I had to choose an excuse, I would say do it when you feel you need the most love because displaying love to yourself, even if it’s in the form of gifting, is just as important as displaying love to others.
I would give these as a gift to my dad. He’s a super-confident guy, and I think the strong brow bar would really bring that out.
I would totally gift these to my mom. Some of my favorite photos of her style are from the '90s, and I think she still carries a lot of those influences into her style today.
These would be perfect for my older sister. She is so unique and cool, and I know she would rock these.
Who is at the top of your list this year, and what is their typical style like?
My work crew. This year has been a whirlwind, and knowing I had their friendship and support each day meant the world to me. My co-workers are all incredibly chic and on-trend, but their style is also understated and classic./span>
What makes a truly great gift?
A great gift is something that feels personal and thoughtful; something that you know the person put the time into and really wanted you to enjoy.
What’s your favorite excuse to buy yourself something special?
Who needs an excuse! I think given how unexpected this year has been, we all deserve a little something special… but usually, I tend to treat myself when I accomplish a big milestone personally or professionally.
I love these Ray-Bans so much, and I immediately thought of my cousin, Kathy, who appreciates a good pair of sunglasses like no one else. These are at the top of my list because they're still classic but not the typical Ray-Bans most people have.
These sunnies would be perfect for my co-worker Caitie, whose style is classic with a bit of fun, vintage glamour. She'd also love the touch of tortoise detail!
I'd get this pair for my aunt. They are chic and sophisticated, just like she is!
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