Finally!
Transparently, I’m sending you this gift guide about two weeks later than I’d initially planned. (Blame life—and Bravocon.) But working on it has become one of my favorite newsletters each year, so I always want to make it better and better each year.
I should also say up front: There are a lot of people here on Substack and beyond who do luxury gift guides, and do them very well. This is not one of those gift guides; in fact, of the 19 gifts below, all but four are below $100, and 11 are less than $50. Sure, there are a few splurges in there—why not?!—but as with every year, I wanted this to be a gift guide that is both a fun read and genuinely helpful to your holiday shopping. And as always, I have contributions from some of the guests who make Gatekeeping what it is. Many thanks to them!
Also! I would be remiss not to mention that a great gift for yourself or anyone else is the gift of Gatekeeping.
Now, without further ado, behold the 2025 Gatekeeping gift guide!
Things to Wear
Beis compactible backpack, $78 (sold out—try the Baggu Cloud Carry-On instead!)
This convertible bag is genius: It’s a crossbody with a larger compartment that zips into the back pocket so it expands into a backpack when you inevitably need more space. So good for travelers and New Yorkers alike.
Bombas build a sock pack, price varies
I’m at that age where a set of nice, high quality socks sounds like a fantastic gift. Bombas really makes the best—from their athletic socks to styles with frilly ruffles, they all rule. Going for the gift set gives you 10% off.
Tarte Petite Kisses Maracuja Juicy Lip Duo, $24 (sold out, try the Maracuja Lip Vault instead!)
Every brand on the planet launched a lip product (or five) this year, but I personally fell back in love with this oldie but goodie. Give the gift of 2017 nostalgia with this duo, which comes with cute charms, too.
Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, $329 $246.75, available on Amazon Prime for last-minute gifting
I have a pair and, unfortunately, they are a very fun gadget. I use them to take pics and videos—especially on trips—and have used them as headphones in a pinch as well. I know they have a zillion other untapped uses but even just with those I think they’re worth it.
Soft Goat Cable Knit Cashmere Sweater, $645
“My dream Christmas present is a cashmere set from Soft Goat! In general I love gifting a luxe version of something people already use/love (in this case, sweatpants), and their cable knit cashmere ones are perfection.” — Priyanka Aribindi, author of Shit I Bought And Liked
Oura Ring 4, $349, available on Amazon Prime for last-minute gifting
“I’m notorious for a tech gift. You really can’t go wrong giving or receiving an Oura ring, mine changed my life and I could totally use the new Generation 4. I’m still waiting for someone to buy me a Birkin Black 25 Togo with gold hardware, but that appears to be perennially out of the budget.” — Allison McNamara, founder and CEO of Mara
Deco Beauty Nail Stickers, $12, available on Amazon Prime for last-minute gifting
These little nail stickers come in a zillion different patterns—Miffy, butterflies, fruits, animals, the list goes on. They’re perfect for kids, of course, but adults would love them too (I speak from experience).
Daphne Goodnight Long Sleeve, $74, and shorts, $62
In this house, we’re Team Paige. Paige DeSorbo’s much-hyped pajama line features this soft and sweet pointelle set, made from 100% cotton. Perfect for fans of Summer House, fans of being comfy, or both.
Things for the home
Kii Arens kitty print, $45
It’s come to my attention that some people are cat people, not dog people. For them, a campy-cute print from artist (and maker of all your favorite concert posters) Kii Arens will have them purring with excitement.
Flamingo Estate Honey, $48
I prefer a fancy honey over a fancy candle, if only because it has more uses. And while this jar is pricey, it’s also nearly 20 ounces and absolutely delicious.
Hotel Kitsch by Margaret Bienert and Corey Bienert, $35 $14, available on Amazon Prime for last-minute gifting
This fun coffee table book documents, you guessed it, kitschy hotels from all around the U.S. and will make you want to jump in the car for a road trip, stat. Give it to your bestie with the promise you’ll hit up your favorite spot (or spots) next year.
Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run by Paul McCartney, $45 35, available on Amazon Prime for last-minute gifting
One cool thing about Paul McCartney is he’ll happily release a coffee table book every year so you have something to gift the Beatlemaniac in your life. This time, he switched gears to Wings, but same concept.
Shutterfly photo prints, starting at $0.20
”Tracking down a photo of a memory that the person you’re gifting keep telling you about and having it framed. My dad had been telling me this story for years of when he was 21 and traveling with his best friend, and so I contacted the best friend to get the scan of the photo! Sweet and nostalgic!” —Hannah Pilkes, comedian and actress
Diptique gold wick trimmer, $68
“The best gift for the person who has everything is a Diptyque gold wick trimmer. totally superfluous, but isn’t that the whole point? If this is a friend you really, really like, you can complete their candle accessory wardrobe with a gold snuffer.”—Dianna Singh, features director at Allure and founder, Dianna Singh
Snoopy Warmies, $35
Continuing in the grand tradition of including something Snoopy in every gift guide, this year I'm recommending this weighted plushy. Like all Warmies, it can be warmed to keep you (or, you know, a child) warm and cozy for a good night’s sleep.
Practical Things
Spotminders wallet tracker, $30, available on Amazon Prime for last-minute gifting
A couple of months ago, I thought I lost my wallet—tl;dr I didn’t, but I immediately bought one of these credit-card-sized trackers to mitigate the three days of panic in the future. You all know someone who needs it (and if you don’t, that person might be you).
Counterpart charger, $44
We gave away these retractable chargers in the gift bags for our latest freelancer event, and I’m slightly obsessed. They’re excellent for travel in particular, as the cute colors make you less likely to leave them in a hotel room, plus you don’t have to worry about tangled cords when packing.
Touchland hand sanitizer set, $45 ($50 value)
The cool kids all use Touchland, I’m told. Give this five-pack of the trendy hand sanitizers to a single clean freak (complimentary) or divvy them up for stocking stuffers.
Hatch sleeping device, $170, available on Amazon Prime for last-minute gifting
“I’m planning to gift the Hatch sleeping device because it helps me to calm down, put down my phone and get ready for bed. I also love that I can wake up to the sunrise without having to touch my phone first thing in the morning.” —Jackie Kim, founder of Maelove
Need that touchland set ✋🏼