“Remember, the big stores don’t do ‘a little Jig’ when they make a sale. Make someone ‘jig’ this year.”
I’ve always put a lot of thought into finding unique gifts at the holidays and if you’re a long-time reader, chances are we probably share similar tastes. So without further ado, let’s go gift-shopping…
For the Paris Lover
Shop the merch of iconic Parisian cafés here. Choose between Café de Flore and Brasserie Lipp and Bistrot Paul Bert.
The only Paris guide you need, Don’t be a Tourist in Paris. We’ve got a special weekend-long 20% discount code on Don’t be a Tourist in Paris books from the MessyNessyChic boutique, using “XmasGift” at checkout.
Organza butcher bag, 35 euros made by Brigitte Tanaka in Paris.
Fan of Fran Lebowitz
This paperback collects her two bestsellers of the 1970s into one volume, Metropolitan Life and Social Studies. Available from Amazon.
The Strand bookstore ball cap, $39.95
Pretend it’s a city and Don’t be a Tourist in New York. We’ve got a special weekend-long 20% discount code on Don’t be a Tourist in Paris and Don’t be a Tourist in New York books from the MessyNessyChic boutique, using “XmasGift” at checkout.
New York or Nowhere merch.
Sheila Bridges Harlem Toile de Jouy Structured Tote, $55 from The Met.
Ceramic Greek Coffee Mug, $16.
For the Miniatures Enthusiast
And just in case you’re wondering what the heck a book nook is. Available from Anarvin, $179. Or from $52, find some more budget DIY options at Uncommon Goods and Urban Outfitters for $45.
Fire escape shelf, $158 from Uncommon Goods
Pac-Man 40th Anniversary mini Arcade Game, $50
Cute little Mice in boxes, $36
For the Work-from-home entrepreneur
Desk plates, $65, from F E Castleberry.
Hotel notepads from Herb Lester.
A goodbye to writer’s block with the world’s best distraction-free writing tool. Invest in a future storyteller with the Freewrite Smart Typewriter.
Rooms of their Own: Where Great Writers Write, $26
The Happy Hour Host
Please Leave by 9 Needlepoint cushion, $78
Hidden Wine Tools in a Book, $45
Drink responsibly cushion, $55
Cabernet Sauvingon Winemaking kit, $65
Holly Golightly sleep mask. Available from numerous sellers on Etsy and Amazon. Make sure to print out the Breakfast at Tiffany’s photo with it! If you’re good with a needle & thread and have a decent fabric shop nearby, you might have a go at making one yourself.
Oven mit, £13.50
Phthalo Ruth – Spicy Marg wall art, from $39
For the Cinema Lover
The New York Herald Tribune shirt became an instant fashion piece when Jean Seberg donned it in the 1960 film “Breathless.” That iconic shirt is now loyally reproduced, down to the smallest detail, with Knickerbocker Manufacturing in Brooklyn. $90 from here.
The Complete Films of Agnès Varda, $174 from the Criterion Collection
Covering the entirety of her singular and influential career in film. $65
Hollywood embroidered pillow, $225.
For the Maximalist
Marbled paper ex-votos, from one of our favourite little stationary boutiques just behind the Seine in Paris, Melodies et Graphiques.
Our friend Ajiri Aki, the founder of Madame de la Maison has the eye of a serious collector, and she has the keys to a collection of timeless French tableware, one-of-a-kind antiques. Shop her linens and tableware here which she will ship to you in time for Xmas morning.
William Morris Wild Tulip Cotton Robe, $79 from The Met.
Whitney Frame, $32 from Anthropologie.
“The Veiled Lady” is a famous bust, after the antique by Monti, 1875 which is part of the great Chatsworth house collection. The Duke gave Copeland permission to reproduce this subject. This product is available in a choice of finishes: Antique Marble, New Marble, Veined and polished, Black and Bronze. Dispatches in 2 weeks, $145 (mine arrived surprisingly quickly).
Robber baroness wall art, $298 from Anthropologie (or go to a flea market and find something similar).
For the Real-Life Wes Anderson Character
Anything from the Very Troubled Child shop.
Honeybee garden gloves, $19. They also come with various embroidery and an herbal tea garden gift set.
Moving tide lighthouse clock. $150.
Hopeless Nostalgic
Retro Point & Shoot Camera Phone Converter, $25
Nirvana Smile Overdyed Crew Neck Sweatshirt, $79
Mystery Date nostalgia board game, $34
Mother Earth
Pregnant woman socks, 15 Euros
Behind the Seams, Dolly Parton book, $25
Home grown basil kit, $15.
I Wet My Plants Mister, £10.90
Tapestry, $39
The book worm
Felt bookmark, $20
Create your own fairytale box by Laurence King.
For People Watchers
Join the Messy Nessy Chic Style Spy club, with our ball caps inspired by characters and moments captured by Nessy from the MessyNessyChic HQ overlooking the iconic Boulevard Saint Germain on Paris’ Left Bank. A little piece of Paris (and its unique people), €33,95 EUR.
People-watchers often moonlight as people painters. Unfortunately, this gorgeous collab between historic French art supplies shop Charvin and Marin Montagut is sold out, but you can find others on the Charvin website, or this one by Moulin Roty is practical too.
Recycled decomposition notebooks from $9.00 by Michael Roger.
Little explorers
Olli Ella See-Ya suitcase, $160
Kids Animail Adventures 6-Month Subscription, $84
Ideal for beginners, Orion’s compact tabletop StarMax 90mm TableTop Telescope is powerful enough to bring the moon, our solar system’s planets and even innumerable bright deep space objects into view. Table top telescope, 200 euros.
