season's giftings

How to Say ‘Thank You’ Like a Fashion Person

Photo: Photos: 68/Corbis, Imaxtree

It’s the season of gifting and showing gratitude, starting with Thanksgiving. Whether you’re spending the holidays with members of the family or new acquaintances, chances are you’ll need to come up with a token (or two) of thanks. From flowers and candles to loaves of bread and weird plants, we polled fashion people — from Tabitha Simmons to Peter Som — to see what they give to show their gratitude. Click through our slideshow to see their gifts.

Photo: BFA; Courtesy photo

Tabitha Simmons, Shoe Designer and Stylist

Aedes de Venustas Gift Boxes “These are my favorite holiday gifts, as they put a great deal of time into the product selection and overall presentation,” says Simmons, who recently launched a collaboration with TOMS shoes. Aedes will include beauty and home products, such as Costes candles, Diptyque shower gel, and Jul et Mad fragrances, depending on your preferences and budgets. “It’s all my favorite brands in a beautifully wrapped box with fresh flowers on top!”

Photo: BFA; courtesy photo

Julia Restoin Roitfeld, Art Director

Feu de Bois Candle, Diptyque “I try to think about what would make me happy to receive,” says the Romy and the Bunnies founder. “With winter coming, this candle is one of the best ways to warm up a home.”

Photo: Courtesy photos

Jennifer Starr, Casting Director

Jiva Apoha Oils for Face, Hair, and Body “My favorite thank-you gift comes in the form of a little amber glass bottle containing the most luxurious blended essential oils, delivered to your door in a handmade medicine bag,” says Starr, an industry veteran whose clients include Ralph Lauren, Gap, and Ohne Titel, of Jiva Apoha oils. “I used to give massage gift certificates, but this feels a little more personal. And the oils last a long time.”

Photo: Courtesy photos

Sydney Reising, Publicist

Terrariums From Flower Girl NYC “I always send a weird-looking plant. Recently, I have been sending these little terrariums from my go-to florist,” says Reising, who works with cool-kid brands like Hood by Air and RVCA. “A terrarium is basically a miniature garden that has a few succulents tossed in with some moss … they are super beautiful. Giving a little weird plant vibe is always a nice way to share some of my farm-girl roots with these big-city kids. And the bonus is that people have a hard time failing at these plants. The things last forever and you never have to water them since succulents just get what moisture they need out of the air.”  

Photo: Courtesy photos

Peter Som, Designer

Homemade Bread “It’s by no means original, but nothing replaces getting beautiful flowers and a nice hand-written note,” says Som. “In winter, however, I’ve been known to give boules of my homemade bread wrapped in parchment and tied up with kitchen string.”

Photo: Courtesy of StyleLikeU; courtesy photo

Lori Goldstein, Stylist and Editor-at-Large, Elle

Jeff Koons “Balloon Venus” Bottle, Dom Perignon, or a Hot-Stone Massage at Great Jones Spa “Love a limited-edition Dom Perignon! Who doesn’t want to drink an Andy or a Koons?” But if booze — and pop art — isn’t your thing, Goldstein has another idea: “A massage – because that’s what I would want!”

Photo: Courtesy photos

Roopal Patel, Fashion Consultant, Founder of Roopal Patel Consulting

Gift Basket From the Filling Station or John Derian Initial Plates “At the Filling Station in Chelsea Market, you can get amazing baskets filled with everything truffle: white truffle salts, black truffle sales, truffle oil. You can really never go wrong with truffle,” says the consultant, whose clients include the CFDA, Farfetch and Loewe. “But my classic go-to is John Derian initial plates. “It’s just a nice little objet.”

Photo: Courtesy photos

Simon Doonan, Creative Ambassador at Large, Barneys New York

Cire Trudon “Roi Soleil” Candle “Nothing says ‘merci beaucoup’ quite like a Cire Trudon candle. This historic and glamorous company dates back to pre-Revolution Paree,” Doonan says. “There are many mysterious and magical scents to choose from, but my gift of choice is the Roi Soleil which was created to evoke, among other things, the floorboards of Versailles. Bonjour!”  

Photo: Courtesy photos

Taylor Tomasi Hill, Fashion Consultant

Homemade Bouquet “When I have time, there is nothing better than an inspirational early-morning visit to the Chelsea flower market,” says the street-style star. “I love finding the most interesting buds and creating homemade miniature bundles, tailored to each recipient. Nothing says ‘thank’ you like homemade.”

Photo: BFA; courtesy photo

Genevieve Jones, Jewelry Designer

Debauve & Gallais Bonbons and TeaDebauve & Gallais is one of the most famous chocolate manufactures in the world – until 1913 they sold chocolate exclusively to royalty,” says Jones, who has created a cult following for her safety-pin earrings. “The chocolate is delicious and the packaging is elegant and simple.”

How to Say ‘Thank You’ Like a Fashion Person