A Gift Guide from 7 of my coolest friends
My friends take over this week's edition and share what they're keen on this holiday season
Happy December 21st! The final stretch, we have almost made it.
This week, I asked a bunch of my friends to share what’s on their Christmas wishlist. I always loooove seeing what people are wanting; it’s fascinating and fun. For this gift guide though, I told everyone they could include more than just physical things, like experiences or things they’re keen to do over the holidays/in 2024 etc.
So thank you to Alyce Tran, Liam Sharma, Loui Bourke, Tom and Grace Ryan, Maggie Zhou and Holly Richards for sharing what you’ve got your eye on! Adore you all <3
Housekeeping: This email is quite large so when it says “view entire message,” click that to see everything.
And, if you want to win some books - check out my giveaway in my summer books substack here.
THE WISHLISTS:
Liam is the Head of PR, Brand Partnerships and UK Retail Marketing for Emma Lewisham (one of my favourite skincare brands!!) and the Australian Editor of Sauce (he also writes brilliant personal essays that you need to read, here’s one to get you started). He also lives for a dirty martini and his close friends content on Instagram is an experience I am blessed to witness daily - I don’t know why he’s not charging a fee. Here’s what the New Zealand rat bag is after this holiday season.
From Liam:
1. Down the Drain by Julia Fox: We love an unhinged girly. Support her!!! I chewed through this book; thank me later.
2. Entire Studios flares: I need pink flare trackies to sit on my stoop in London and slug back cigs.
3. Prada Jacket: No one does swag like Prada. I am bouncing back to London soon, and I will get on both knees to get this strapped across my chest.
4. Deadly Ponies bag: Deadly Ponies are national treasures. It’s luxury without the throat punch. It’s glamorous and gentlemanly.
5. Emma Lewisham essentials: It's a shameless plug from a man who truly has no shame. We made this one for you all to lap up this Christmas; get lapping.
6. Kevin Murphy Smooth Again: Fernando, my hair stylist (who also cuts Troye Sivan’s hair), got me hooked on this styling gel to shape and craft my hair. I’ve been using it for a year now; I can’t see myself stopping.
7. Serena Kerrigan’s Let’s Fucking Go card game: If you don’t follow SFK, who the fuck do you follow?
Content creator, podcaster and home/interiors stylist extraordinaire, Loui has taught me so much this year! Did you also learn how to make a citrus Christmas tree or how to get the most out of a bunch of gerbras from him on TikTok or Instagram this year? He is an endless source of education and inspiration on the home front online, and in person, he’s an absolute hoot. And it also seems we have the same taste in holiday movies and expensive luggage!
From Loui:
1. Holiday films: I have to finish my Christmas movie/rom com list for December! Essentially every Nora Ephron and Nancy Meyers film. You’ve Got Mail, First Wives Club, Something’s Gotta Give, The Holiday - are a couple of faves. Oh! And I also need to watch Miracle on 34th Street and Bridget Jones’ Diary. 🎄
2. Breville Coffee Machine: A new coffee machine would be gorg. I’d love the Breville Barista Touch Impress Coffee Machine for convenience and looks.
3. Addison Ross grinders: Some Addison Ross Salt & Pepper grinders - the bobbin ones. In maybe deep cherry and navy or the cappuccino colour that’s coming soon ✨
4. Overseas trip: I want to plan and book a trip to New York State for Christmas/New Year’s for next year.
5. Podcast planning: I want to plan out a guest list and season 2 of my podcast (Loui Bourke on Little Bourke)! I really want to get it going and need to commit to it.
6. Terrapotter lessons: I plan to look into a few pottery lessons to make my own ceramics at Terrapotter Studios.
7. Rimowa carry on: I need the Rimowa carry on suitcase - because I can guard it with my life via carry on.
8. Trip to Lorne, Victoria: I want to book a beach weekend away with my partner and visit Totti’s in Lorne.
9. Hay washing baskets: These Hay washing baskets are my goal for Christmas in the lemon colour and the powder blue.
10. Mid-Century console: I’m looking to get a vintage Mid-Century console off Facebook Marketplace! I know I’ll find one - specifically from Kolter or Hans Hayson or something.
Maggie is a very talented freelance writer (she’s written and worked for Fashion Journal, Pedestrian, Elle, Marie Claire, Broadsheet etc), content creator, podcaster, wearer of the cutest slow fashion outfits, an avid reader (she recommends the best books) and an all round Melbourne angel. I’m always curious and interested in what Maggie has to say or is thinking, so it’s a pleasure and treasure to have her share what she’s vibing this festive season.
From Maggie:
1. Aletheia & Phos I Carry Your Heart Necklace: Nothing says love like an anatomical heart set in gold. This signature Aletheia & Phos piece is thoughtful, handcrafted and delicate.
2. Made by Fressko Bino cup in Oat: Not all reusable coffee cups are made equal. This one is chic and most importantly, effective (no spills, no leaks!).
3. Chai Addict Chai Addict: It’s in the name; Chai Addict’s original liquid chai blend is addictive. I buy a bottle most summers because it makes the best iced chai lattes.
4. Radical Yes nylon bag: I bought this bag for a friend’s birthday present and enviously still want one of my own! I adore the lime green colouring of this ’90s-inspired shoulder bag, as well as its slight utilitarian finishes.
5. Shameless Media 4am: Looking for a snazzy-looking coffee table book full of advice and wisdom, created by the women behind Shameless podcast (with contributions from yours truly)? You’ve come to the right place.
6. Non 5 Lemon Marmalade & Hibiscus: Zero-alcohol alternatives can often be underwhelming. That was before Non entered the picture, the Melbourne alcohol-free wine brand that’ll quickly become your summer pick.
7. Rochelle Oh Walking Through The Seasons 2024 Calendar: My lovely friend Rochelle is one of my favourite artists. Her Riso print calendar is so cute and comes with 60 equally as cute stickers.
8. Crafting voucher: There’s nothing better than a gift that centres around quality time. Why not get your hands dirty and organise a crafting day with some mates? For Melbourne locals, might I suggest checking out Tuft and Touch Studio, Ceramiques and Mosa.
9. Ilia Multistick: I love a beauty product that works overtime. Case in point: Ilia’s Multistick, my go-to blush that doubles as a cream eyeshadow.
Tom and Grace Ryan
Tom and Grace might just be the coolest married couple you’ll ever meet. Tom is a freelance writer (High Snobiety, Dazed, Dazed Beauty) and Communications Manager at The Mint Partners in Sydney and Grace is a talent manager (my manager to be precise!!) at talent agency, By Them. They also both run Thicc (anti-chafe stick of dreams)! Adore them.
1. Dr. Dennis Gross FaceWare Pro Mask: I’ve been using this religiously for the last 6 months. But it was on loan from my friend while he was living it up overseas. He’s just asked for it back. Fair. But I now need to get my own. Thanks for getting me hooked Liam!
2. Luna Luna Book: Luna Luna was an art fair-meets-carnival that was staged just once in Germany in 1987 – featuring carnival rides decorated by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Salvador Dalí and Keith Haring. It was meant to tour the world, but had never been seen again until now. Just this weekend, it reopened as an exhibit in Los Angeles and this book documents its revival. So cool!
3. Tsu Lang Yor Oil Burner: I’ve been obsessed with Tsu Lang Yor since it launched earlier in the year. I’ve worked my way through some of the fragrances and candles – but have always had my eye on this piece. Plus the Sassafras burner blend please!
4. Pottery Boy Lean series: Pottery Boy recently launched his Lean series and it’s a big vibe. The three shades of green are 🤌🏻 I’m having a hard time choosing between the pieces, but the candelabra is super fun!
5. In The Round House Scallop Set: Very into red at the moment, which is conveniently very fitting for the festive season. These pieces would look great on the lunch table, serving up all the family faves! ❤️
6. Standard Procedure SPF50+: I love this SPF! The good folks at Standard Procedure sent me this a while back, but I’m down to the last drop. The Aus Summer has only just started and I’m gonna need a top up pronto.
7. Balenciaga Towel Skirt: Honestly, by the amount of people that sent this to me when it did the rounds on Instagram – I couldn’t have made this list without including this ridiculously fun, very me Balenci moment.
8. Wynn Hamlyn Denim Shorts: My very first denim memory is lay-buying a pair of dirty denim jeans from Jeanswest. So I’m loving that Wynn has bought it back for his Pre-Fall collection. Need these!! Plus for the Sydney siders – they’ve just opened a Summer pop-up in Westfield Sydney. 🏃🏻♂️
9. Balenciaga x Erewhon Cap: Two of my favs have come together and made this for me. Plus I’m pretty sure Erewhon was one of the first things Ali and I bonded over 🥺 – so it’s very fitting for this to live here!
10. Haulier x The Sunseeker Hauliday Tote: I love The Sunseeker and their collaboration with my friend Jeremy’s brand Haulier is a perfect pairing. Haulier’s Totes are super sturdy and perfect for lugging all you could need to carry. I’d be toting mine between the beach and the pool all summer long!
11. RIMOWA Essential Cabin: Ok, this has been on every list I’ve put together for the last 2 years at least. But Grace just keeps ignoring it thinking I’ll get over it I guess? Wrong. With each passing occasion, I grow more and more attached to the thought of my travel made infinitely sexier rolling around with this.
1. Fenn classic Facial: I’ve heard this is the best in Sydney, need I say more.
2. Made In Stainless steel frying pan: This is sexy, chic and will be the most used kitchen product in my apartment.
3. Gozney Roccbox: Pizza is my love language, I would buy this in a heartbeat if I had an outdoor area at my apartment.
4. Embellish Mercurial Stud Pack: This will be perfect for when I’m feeling uninspired with makeup but want a different, fun look.
5. Ganni Tint Denim Mini dress: Love this little versatile dress, you can wear ‘as is’ or with a little puff sleeve under it to dress it up - I think I found my Christmas Day dress. And how cute will this be styled over jeans in the cooler months!
6. Del Sol Hyaluronic Sculpt Kit: I have been wanting this ever since it launched, this is the perfect summer gift!
7. Kourh Orchid tank and skirt: I will be living in this little set this Christmas, I can’t wait to layer the top with a button up and wear the skirt around Byron with a bikini top!
8. Lem shorts: These look incredibly comfortable, great for work for Friday afternoon drinks at Freda’s!
9. Yellow Performance Velcro Mary Janes: Obsessed with these shoes, they are fem and chunky all in one. I walk everywhere and am also on the hunt for cute shoes that won’t hurt my feet.
10. Glossy by Marisa Meltzer: I may have started reading this already and I can’t put it down. The Glossier story is filled with excitement, grit, magic and privilege.
11. Davis & Waddell – Napoli Salad Oil and Vinegar Bottle: I love making salads and my go to ‘girl dinner’ is flat bread with cheese and a glass of wine so this looks chic and is super practical.
My pastel loving, incredibly kind-hearted and funny friend, Alyce is responsible for upping Australia’s table style game thanks to her brand, In The Roundhouse. Alongside ITRH, Alyce is a strategist at LTK Australia. Prior to this, Alyce was a lawyer and previously co-founded The Daily Edited. With maybe the busiest social life in Sydney, Alyce somehow always finds time for a chat and a champagne with me. I’m truly not sure when she sleeps. Unsurprisingly, Alyce knows how to make a seriously chic Christmas wishlist.
From Alyce:
1. Helle Mardahl: I would like anything from Helle Mardahl - in particular one of these lights.
2. Jardan Cushions: I need these cushions for a quick upgrade to my couch.
3. Edward Waring: I want one of these Edward Waring works!
4. Olivia Bond Puffy Earrings: I feel these earrings will go with everything.
5. Venustus Massage Voucher: I loved the crystal healing experience I had there recently!
She might be the founder of Ample Folk (and creator of my favourite towels in existence - grab some here) but Holly Richards’ most important role is actually as my best friend. She does it very well. When she’s not making plus size products and changing lives in the process, she’s replying to my 75 Whatsapp messages and long and detailed voice notes. Holly and I met 9 years ago when I interned at TV Week Magazine and we’ve been inseparable ever since.
From Holly:
1. Kevyn Aucoin mascara: I’ve had my eye(lashes) on the Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara for the longest time. I tend to get panda eyes because I’m an oily gal and if I’m ever going to wear make up (v rare) it’s going to be mascara. So this tubing mascara, which has been best on ground for years, has long been on my wish list.
2. Gold Class vouchers: I will always and forever be in want of Gold Class vouchers. I LOVE going to the movies and I love it even more when it’s in truest comfort with highly overpriced food being delivered to my seat. Awards season is my favourite time of year and I always try to see all the films nominated for an Oscar before the ceremony.
3. Rocky Road: I want an endless supply of my sister’s Christmas rocky road. It’s a recipe she made up when we were kids and it’s been family lore that she’s makes it every year ever since. This year she’s made 8kg and I’ve already told her that’s not enough.
4. A swimming pool: Is it too much to ask for a swimming pool? As a kid, every single Christmas I asked for two things: a dog and a swimming pool. My brother is hideously allergic to dogs so that was vetoed and when we asked for a pool, my dad would always reply: “we have a perfectly good pool 800m down the road, it’s called the ocean.” We adopted our sweet baby girl Maggie the Blue Heeler x Jack Russell in Feb this year and it’s the best decision we’ve ever made. So surely a swimming pool isn’t too far off, Santa??
5. Le Creuset: Anything and everything Le Creuset. It’s something I’ve always wanted but never been willing to fork out for myself over the years. I’ll take any colour tbh but I am a sucker for the Cayenne. I used to be such an enthusiastic home cook but in the past few years I’ve abandoned it. Maybe some fancy French cookery will help me get back into my chef era?
6. A long lunch with friends: A big old blow out, decadent, don’t-even-glance-at-the-price-list end of year celebration lunch with my husband and best friends Ali and Angus. Our goal is to do this annually but it hasn’t happened for a few years and I’m looking forward to seeing if a certain member of the party can beat 8 martini’s in one day and stay standing. ed note: Angus will not be having 8 martini’s this time, Holly!!
7. Robo vacuum: This is mildly depressing but I’m desperate for a robo vacuum. I would take any Roomba to be honest but also looking for recommendations from anyone who knows a thing or two about AI suckers!
8. Endless morning swims in the Indian Ocean with my family: I am at my absolute happiest and most content when I’m down at North Cott with my family, cackling, duck diving and planning our future. Top it off with an ice latte and a cinnamon bun from North Street and that’s my perfect morning.
9. A two week holiday: I’ll take anywhere, anytime. So long as I have nothing but time to read, eat, relax and think about everything I never give myself time to think about.
10. A whole day without work: Honestly this is the true gift for me. Absolute slob life for at least one day over the break will change me. I run a business and work part-time so I very rarely switch off 100%!
Thank you to all my friends for sharing!
More Smooth Brain Thoughts soon,
Ali xx
Holly is so real for the whole day without work!!!
Loved this! Adding so many things to my list 😂 also I’ve just about got through my Christmas movies