Say NO to Gift Cards

Thomas Kikis

Christmas is almost here and you’re a gift card away from giving up. Not this year. I’ve started early, and hopefully my purchases will steer you in the right direction.

Doorman, Coworker, Cousin, Secret Santa:

1. Believe it or not, guys get razor burn and many of us have sensitive skin. We just don’t complain about it. This is the only shaving cream I’ll use.
l'Occitane Cade Shaving Cream $28 loccitane.com

2. I’ve worn the same cologne for 6 years: Cartier Pasha. This summer I was given a bottle of Narciso Rodriguez For Him and it’s definitely one of the best fragrances I’ve smelled in years. Saks says it has “intoxicating vibrations of lavender…and textured woods”, my neck didn’t vibrate, nor does it intoxicate me, but everyone around me seems to love it.
Narciso Rodriguez for him EDT Spray/1.6 oz. $54 saksfifthavenue.com

For my Mother:

3. My mother’s been looking for a pair of shoes she can wear everyday – running errands, to lunch, and for traveling. I’ll be giving her a pair of Tod’s. I’m sure she’ll say, “You shouldn’t have spent all that money!” But she’ll be glad I did.
Tod's Audrey With Fringe Sale $237 eluxury.com

My sister:

4. I figured once my sister sees my mom’s shoes, nothing will keep her mind off having yet another pair.
Christian Louboutin Lapano Loafer Bootie Sale $538 saksfifthavenue.com

5. In addition to shoes, I’m giving her a 1 year subscription to The Wall Street Journal, since she favors it over the “too liberal Times”.
Wall Street Journal wsj.com

Best Girlfriend, Niece, Secret Santa
6. Everyone loves a big bag to lug their stuff in. And everyone seems to love Marc Jacobs. And they’ll love you for giving them this tote.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Standard Supply Tote $95 eluxury.com

7. It may be $45, but rumor has it that this is the best lip balm out there. Give this gift, and they’ll be thanking you all winter long.
La Mer - The Lip Balm $45 saksfifthavenue.com

What do I want?
8. More sneakers. I really want a pair of Limited Edition Air Jordans that were made in Japan and have been impossible to find. Only 3,000 were made. But, I will gladly and THANKFULLY settle for this pair of YSL sneakers.
YSL Rolling Sneaker $410 ysl.com

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!