Feeling Luxe? These Holiday Gifts Are Sure to Impress

When I look back on past holiday seasons, it's not the lavish parties and events I remember most, but the smaller moments spent with family and friends. Sometimes we’re exchanging gifts and other times we’re enjoying our favorite traditions together, making memories that we’ll keep forever. After all, the moments that make it into our metaphorical scrapbooks are the ones that live on long past the holidays.

And this season, my fellow fashion editors, industry insiders, and I are dreaming of luxe gifts to give and to get. Cartier is always at the top of our lists for gifts that are memorable. We may be celebrating in different ways, but we all agree that unboxing something special is a tradition that never goes out of style.

Natalie Cantell

 Who What Wear Senior Director 

How do you typically spend the holidays?

"My fiancé is American and his family is in the Bay Area. My mum and sister are in New Zealand, so the holidays are always very different depending on where we are. But inevitably, some mishmash of us will get together somewhere in the world."

What do you consider when shopping for gifts?

"The older I get, the more I realize how much people appreciate when you don't buy them unnecessary things that clutter their apartments! I love giving gifts that fit into one of two categories: practical things you know the person would enjoy—like gift cards to favorite restaurants, a nice bottle of wine, or a great book—or those really personal, luxe purchases you know they've been eyeing and will treasure forever."

What gifts are you planning to buy this year and for whom?

For herself: "I notoriously have a huge crush on all things Panthère de Cartier, and until the day the mini Panthère de Cartier Watch finds its rightful place on my wrist, my apartment can have the pleasure of this incredibly beautiful pot."

For her sister: "My sister has impeccable taste in jewelry. She only wears a few select white gold pieces, and they're all very intentional. The Clash collection, including this bracelet, is perfect for her. It feels timeless and classic but with a little bit of a cool edge."

For her friend's baby: "This box is such a precious gift for my friends in Sydney who had a sweet little baby girl earlier this year. I have my fingers crossed that I may be able to meet her this holiday season! I just love the idea of this being by her bed as she gets older when the tooth fairy comes to visit."

Joe Holder

GQ Columnist and System of Service Co-Founder

How do you typically spend the holidays?

"I like to be with my family but also spend time decompressing from the previous year. I like to perform an 'end of year audit,' where I take time off the grid by myself, preferably in a place that is warm, and recalibrate. Going to the Cayman Islands is likely in the books this year. That place is absolutely magical."

What are your favorite holiday traditions?

"My favorite holiday tradition as a child was going over to my grandparents' house. We would all gather there for Christmas Eve, and extended family would be there as well. I fondly remember my grandma and her warm apple cider, and my grandpa used to make a molasses cake of sorts that was wildly delicious."

What do you consider when shopping for gifts?

"I think about what the gift will mean to them but also how they can get the most use out of it. These days, we need to take into account being less wasteful, so I prefer items that are relatively timeless or can have immediate impact or utility."

What gifts are you planning to buy this year and for whom?

For himself: "I would get this watch for myself. It's such a classic piece, and I've wanted this watch since I was a kid."

For his mom: "My mom always loves a good bag. This black one would be perfect for her."

For his sister: "My baby sister is into ceramics and makes her own, so this dish would be a great gift for her."

Michaela Bushkin

Who What Wear Senior Fashion Editor 

How do you typically spend the holidays?

"I'm Jewish, and since Hannukah doesn't fall on the same days or even week each year, I don't always get to spend the holiday with my family. My three siblings and I all live in different cities, so we usually wait until we're all together on New Year's Eve to exchange gifts."

What do you consider when shopping for gifts?

"I've been known to be an exceptional gift giver. I love to buy gifts that people will have for years, whether it's something for their home or a piece of jewelry they'll wear daily."

What gifts are you planning to buy this year and for whom?

For herself: "I have more neutral handbags than I could count on two hands, but my wardrobe could really use a statement one. I love the juxtaposition of the classic shape and pop of color that this Panthère bag has going on."

For her dad: "In the last few years, my dad has gotten really into watches. He's almost in collector territory. I'd select this leather and gold watch for him because it's classic and modern at the same time, making it perfect for everyday wear."

For her best friend: "I dream of buying this unique bracelet for my best friend, Haley. She has a really cool, eclectic style, so she'd wear this piece a ton."

Bobby Schuessler

Who What Wear Market Director

How do you typically spend the holidays?

"Holiday time is split between the Midwest (where I'm from) and the East Coast (where my husband is from). Aside from seeing a show, we typically load up on family time with food, drinks, games—the works."

What are your favorite holiday traditions?

"I live for the theater. When I was a kid, we'd see some type of show during the holidays like The Nutcracker or a new musical. I still continue this tradition today and can't wait to get back to Broadway."

What gifts are you planning to buy this year and for whom?

For himself: "Sometimes it's okay to treat yourself, right? My eyes literally light up when I see the Juste Un Clou bracelet. It's an investment piece that I'd basically never want to take off and would wear for years and years. Flawless."

For his mom: "My mom and I are similar in that we both adore a good handbag. Do we have too many between the two of us? Probably. But hey, what's one more? This top-handle bag is so elegant and gorgeous. I know my mom would absolutely love it because it's versatile and can be worn with casual and dressier outfits."

For his husband: "My husband is a watch guy, and he's actually been eyeing the Tank watch. It's classic, sharp, and something he'll pass down to our children one day."