The Emerging Brand Gift Guide: 23 Handpicked Presents That Are Peak "IYKYK"

Golshaah is a Canadian fashion brand founded by former architect Golnar Ahmadian—which is definitely palpable via the structure of her unique, shapely tailoring. I own a few suits from the brand, but next on my wish list is their accessories. For the holidays, a bow-esque belt like this will make any fashion person (i.e. me!) freak.

It's official: We've reached peak martini appreciation. This shirt—available in sizes XS-4XL, a standard for the inclusive designer Tyler McGillivary—features a dirty one, but if that's not your person's thing, they also have options with wine, charcuterie, or cake. (Hint: you can also add the real thing to the gift.)

I'll cut straight to the chase: everyone likes getting luxury candles. This one is the first home product by beloved jewelry designer Presley Oldham. Handcrafted with a mix of oud, cedar, cypress, vetiver and sage, the scent is meant to evoke a sudden summer rainstorm. So luxe.

Queer-owned brand Clyde is the epitome of cool—as can be confirmed by taking a quick glance at its list of fans. Ahem: Chloe Sevigny, Zendaya, Addison Rae, Hailey Bieber, Gigi Hadid, and Kylie Jenner. The brand makes headscarves in leather, hats in faux fur, bags, belts, and more—all très chic gifts.

Okay, this one's personal... I have to go to a lot of industry events; I do not like to spend hours doing my hair and make-up. My solution? Smudging this cult Danessa Myricks pigment on my eyelids and calling it a day. Highly recommend as stocking stuffer for lazy (or just busy!) folks into grungy make-up.

I wore this tie to the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit launch events and got so. many. compliments. The designer Anna Molanari is an example in sustainable fashion, using her unique POV to upcycle materials into seriously fun fashion moments. My favorite? The Diet Coke can corset she made for Julia Fox.

Two powerhouses (designer Willie Norris and model Geena Rocero) teamed up to create this merch for Rocero's 2025 sci-fi thriller "Dolls". The film is Rocero's directorial debut, produced by Lilly Wachowski ("the Matrix"), and will surely become cult. And a shirt by Norris, who is cult for her infamous "Promote Homosexuality" tees can only help the lore. 

Why is it so hard to find a handbag for work that is equal parts stylish and functional? I could go on complaining, but I'll spare you and get right to the solution: this KAAI tote. It's croc-effect and folded exterior are giving the Row, while the inside pockets (for everything from your water bottle to laptop) are giving utility, mama! 

Karoline Vitto is one of my favorite emerging designers, both for her metal-accented aesthetic and her runways, which are full of plus-size models. (True story: I am such a fan that I flew myself to London Fashion Week to walk in her show last year). This top perfectly embodies Vitto's vibe and it'll make your giftee feel proper chuffed. 

Everybody in New York City knows Woldy Reyes is a rising star in the food world. This year, he released a cookbook "In the Kusina: Seasonal Filipino Cooking". If you have a giftee that likes to cook, this will be the gift that keeps on giving—for both them and their guests.

How have we gotten this far in the list without talking about jewelry? I'm a sucker for a sentimental ring and this one, handcrafted in Mexico City, is so good that I recently added it to my wedding stack. Its rectangle shape is super unique but not uncomfortable to wear; styling-wise, I love that it's silver and gold because it ties my other mixed metal pieces together.

Berriez is Emma Zack's size-inclusive, vintage-forward boutique that—in her words—reclaims fashion for bodies of all sizes by offering curated vintage, reworked pieces, and exclusive designer collections. A trip to the Brooklyn store will leave you with armfulls of thrifting, but for a gift, may I suggest these tights? They come in up to size 8X and are the perfect styling addition to any outfit.

Six words: sound wave technology for your face! Now listen, I'm not going to pretend to know the science, but it sounds advanced and I like it. Darden programmed a ten-minute relaxing vibration to mimic her in-studio facial massage, great for de-puffings, relieving facial/jaw tension, etc.

I don't take skincare advice from anyone except for my dermatologist and Charlotte Parler, the founder of Dieux, known for her commitment to science and transparency in the marketing of her brand. Dieux's famous for their reusable eye patches and they've recently collaborated with the ever-cool fashion brand Eckhaus Latta on a set. Get 'em while they last.

What can't Tourmaline do? If you don't know, she's an artist, filmmaker, activist, and writer. And this year,  she released "Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Martha P. Johnson". It's the first definitive biography of one of the most important and remarkable figures in LGBTQIA+ history—highly recommended for both your queer community and allies!

How about a high-fashion take on a classic—as we Canadians say—toque? This wintery-ecru cable-knit beanie by Duran Lantink will have people talking, whether it's for its unique shape or the fact that Lantink is Jean Paul Gaultier's newest creative director. For fun friends only.

Mudd Pearl is made by cool girls (Yasmin Moon and Mary Anderson) for cool girls (Charli XCX, Paloma Elsesser, Barbie Ferreira, Hunter Schafer). These double hooped earrings adorned with twin Black Onyx stones are for the friend who is hardest to buy for because she either (a) has everything or (b) doesn't like anything that she doesn't pick out. Trust me.

I swear by Eadem's infamous Cashmere Peel so I'm excited that brand has some holiday sets available for gifting! This one consists of Dew Dream, a makeup-melting cleansing balm, Cashmere Peel, a gentle 9% AHA/PHA exfoliant, Milk Marvel, a serum to fade dark spots and resurface uneven texture, and Cloud Cushion, a Ceramide- and Peptide-infused moisturizer.

We all saw Vivian Wilson run down the runway at Dauphinette's SS26 show, right? What a moment. The brand is known for its equally dramatic designs, one of my favorite of which is designer Olivia Cheng's underwear gown. It's a stunning ivory silk bodysuit featuring draped "underwear" with long cascading bias-cut draping. If you're giving engagement season gifts, this one would be 10/10.

Cheekbone Beauty founder Jen Harper has cracked the code on ethical beauty. Her brand is Indigenous-owned, vegan, cruelty-free, sustainable, and philanthropic—and the products are equally impressive. Not only is this lip oil trio perfectly pigmented and glossy, it's also what she calls "healing" since it's packed with soothing and peppermint oil and hyaluronic acid.

Wouldn't it be iconic to watch someone unwrap a Birkin this holiday season? But since that probably isn't going to happen, you can gift the next best thing: Marisa Meltzer's new book "It Girl: The Life and Legacy of Jane Birkin". It's the first comprehensive biography of Birkin and paints a vivid portrait of the icon and her legacy.

Alright, folks...I have to end this gift guide with a splurge. When I saw this bag come down the runway at designer Grace Ling's SS26 show I gasped—like, audibly. The gorgeous stainless steel rose drapes over the wearer's shoulder in a way that looks like large-scale jewelry and I am not kidding it is show-stopping. Actually, you know what? This would be a good gift for yourself...

If you needed a reminder that all bodies are beautiful, look no further than Studio Bust. The female-founded artistic endeavor makes each unique bust by 3D scanning your body during a private appointment. You review the scan, pick which finish you’d like (I recommend lacquered red or polished chrome) and the next thing you know, a custom bust arrives at your door. Speaking from experience: you’d be gifting a piece of custom art and—even more invaluable—a healing, body-positive experience.