What’s holiday shopping without a little dose of voyeurism? After all, is there any better way to people-watch than to see what people are buying for their most-loved people at the most-hyped holiday? Luckily, you don’t have to venture into the crowds to get a peek into the (online) carts of some of the smartest, design-forward people we know. We think of these friends-of-SNOWE as influencers’ influencers – the people who can’t stop dreaming up brilliant ideas that transform their industries, and, not to be dramatic, their fans’ lives.
We asked them to share their ho-ho-holiday shopping picks for those nearest and dearest to them, with hopes that it will inspire us all to put a twist on the gifting process. From edibles to donations to comfort, they know exactly how to accent their purchases for maximum impact.
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Michele Outland & Fiorella Valdesolo
Co-Founders, Gather Journal
Magazine industry veterans Michele and Fiorella are the brains behind Gather, a food magazine that looks like an art book and reads like it was written by your smartest, funniest friend. Oh, and did we mention the recipes? Three words: champagne onion dip.
They’re gifting…The Cheese Board Set in Oxidized Walnut
PLUS: “Because we are firm believers that cheese makes everything better, we'd gift this set with a trio of our favorite cheeses (Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog, Cabot Clothbound Cheddar, and Cowgirl Creamery's Challerhocker). Add in a donation to one of our favorite food charities, like Food Bank of NYC or Edible Schoolyard, and it’s the ultimate gift.”
Follow them: @gatherjournal and @fifival
Jeff Raider
Founder, Harry’s
Jeff and co-founder Andy Katz-Mayfield created Harry’s because they believed we all need a great shave at a fair price. Not only are they responsible for the best designed razors out there (#TeamSNOWE approves), they’re highly responsible: they donate 1% of sales and volunteer 1% of their time to worthy charities, like City Year, which supports students in high-poverty communities.
He’s gifting...The Bathrobe
PLUS: “My brother just had a baby, and I can't think of anything he'll appreciate more than some downtime... better yet, downtime in a robe, the kind that's softer than any you'll find in a hotel, and that dries lightning-fast so spills (or spit-up) are no big deal. It's best enjoyed with a glass of Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old – also key for celebrating milestones ... like when we can get a full night's sleep.”
Follow him: @harrys and @jeffreyraider
Julia Leach
Designer and Creative Director, Chance
LA-based Julia is obsessed with bringing you classics that travel the world. From the perfect striped shirt to the ultimate pom-pom tote, the celebrated creative director-turned-entrepreneur has a knack for finding and melding high design, minimalism, and joie de vivre.
Photo courtesy of Victoria Pearson/Veranda
She’s gifting… The Champagne Set
PLUS: A bottle of bubbly. “Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a champagne girl. I agree with Dom Perignon that drinking it is like tasting stars, but I like to hunt down lesser known, small-batch vintages and serve unusual champagnes at holiday gatherings. Giving classic flutes and a bucket as a gift is timeless and thoughtful, especially if combined with a bottle of champagne from an unexpected maker. The former will last a lifetime and the latter never goes unconsumed.”
Follow her: @julia_chance
Steven Alan
Founder, Steven Alan
Steven is a master of the edit – and not just in his concept stores around the country, which were one of the first to pioneer the curated, multi-brand experience. His own collection is known for its restraint as much as its attention to detail, characteristics that are carried out from sweaters to sunglasses.
He’s gifting...The Bar Set
PLUS: Booze. “I like making craft cocktails for friends during the holidays – great opportunity to mix high-quality spirits. SNOWE’s bar set has every type of glass you might ever need, including the short tumbler—works great for Negronis. Add in a bottle of gin or amaro from Forthave Spirits – a new Brooklyn-based company specializing in craft botanical spirits – so they have the basics for the perfect cocktail.”
Follow him: @stevenalan
Rachel Cohen & Andres Modak
Co-Founders, SNOWE
How could we leave out our fearless leaders? You might think this foodie couple, known for their wanderlust-inspired supper club and farmers’ market-influenced cooking, might be driven to food-themed gifts, but they’re firmly in the camp of giving the gift of comfort.
They’re gifting...The Fringed Throw & Sateen Sheet Set
PLUS: The gift of great sleep. “We love taking our friends and family up on their offers to host us while we’re traveling over the holidays. How’d we become such popular house guests? It’s 1 part fringed throw, and 1 part our sateen sheet set. The throw is a game-changer when it comes to cozying up on the sofa – not only is it hyper-soft, but the two-tone colorway and on-trend fringe tends to make any living room look like it’s about to be shot for a magazine. And the bedding? Well, it’s our way of saying “thanks for making us so comfortable sleeping here, we’re going to do the same for you.” We’ve yet to gift this set without hearing back about how it’s changed people’s sleep quality. Luxurious, 100% long-staple cotton that’s anything but your typical sateen will do that.”
Follow them: @snowehome @asmodake and @rdcohen