Unforgettable Experiences, Little Luxuries, and Indulgent Extras to Gift This Season

Created with Van Cleef & Arpels

Published on: December 1, 2022

Photo courtesy of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

The best gifts tend to fall into one of three categories: the useful, the thoughtful, or the straight-up extravagant. This roundup is all about that last one: We’re talking bucket-list experiences, the jewelry that’s been on their wish list since forever, and the skin care and tech they wouldn’t spring for themselves.

FOR THE NOSTALGIST

Book them an overnight train from Paris to Venice. Treat them to the mother of all trunks. Or style them for the dinner car (and don’t skimp on the shiny extras, like a vintage diamond-and-onyx bracelet that will match the old-world elegance of the setting).

FOR THE ALPINIST

If their answer to heli-skiing in Patagonia is an enthusiastic “Hell yes,” send them off with something practical (like goggles that won’t fog up), pretty (white-gold earrings—plus a bracelet to match—will elevate any après look), or a combination of both (Fendi skis? Yes, please).

FOR THE WELLNESS ENTHUSIAST

A good body exfoliator makes every shower feel like a full-on spa treatment. Blissing out in a mineral-rich, geothermal hot spring is never a bad idea. And downward dog feels better on a designer mat. Put it this way: If it’s muscle-soothing or skin-renewing, it’s guaranteed to please.

FOR THE QUEEN OF THE COURT

Wrap up a rally-ready look from the limited-edition goop x Lacoste collection with fresh sneakers and a tube of custom tennis balls—she’ll love all of it (see what we did there?). And that rose-gold bangle is endlessly chic no matter which way you slice it.