The 2024 Gatekeeping Gift Guide
A little distraction in the form of holiday shopping.
Hello!
It’s time for the second-annual Gatekeeping Gift Guide! Did I intentionally send it out early to be ahead of the election? Obviously yes. But that’s just an early gift to you.
Like last year’s, it’s *lightly categorized* by type of thing: cozy things, shiny things, beauty things, and other things. (The beauty category is notably brief by design; I’ll be dropping a best beauty products of 2024 issue soon, and didn’t want it to feel too redundant. BUT I’m aware it’s the Sephora Sale this week.)
Like last year, I’ve also included gift ideas from many Gatekeeping guests. Thank you to those who contributed! Now without further ado, find it all below.
Cozy things
Off Hours Homecoat, $295
I too dream of this fluffy housecoat, which comes in cool colorways and is meant to be like a blanket you can wear. It’s so cute I feel like you can get away with it for dog walks and coffee runs, though.
Varley Betsy Sweatshirt, $128, and Joggers, $120
New Yorkers can now shop their loungewear IRL at their new Soho store, but if you’re not in the city, you can’t go wrong with this plush, soft sweats set (I can’t stop wearing mine!!).
Baggu Recycled Laptop Sleeve, $32
As you can see, Snoopy is very, very warm and cozy in his jacket on this laptop case. Even if you don’t choose this particular print, the quilted case is like a pillow for your computer.
Watercolor Paint Set, $26
I have a premonition that watercolors are the next knitting/pottery. This starter kit comes with 50 colors, a swatch sheet, and brushes to get them started, and is reasonably affordable. And don’t forget paper!
Pura Car Pro, $65
“I will never be mad at a beautiful candle, however these smart diffusers from Pura are such a clever and practical upgrade to fragrance at home and in your car. Also, Pura has a long list of brand partners, so you experience many of your favorite scents in a customizable (and flameless!) format. The second I saw the cordless car model, I checked two gifts off of my guy list.” —Erica Metzger, freelance beauty director, writer, brand consultant + founder of The Beauty Loop newsletter and Virtual Beauty Closet
Lambwolf Dog Toy, $32
Admittedly, this is pricey for a dog toy, but Barney has one like it and it’s so useful. It’s 5’ long, so you can play tug of war or tie it up in knots to hide treats as an enrichment toy. Endless fun!
Beauty things
Glossier You Discovery Kit, $82 *up to 20% off in Sephora sale
If they’re on #perfumetok, teen or otherwise, they likely have Glossier You on their wish list. One up them with this trio featuring travel sizes of the viral scent plus their two new ones, Rêve and Doux.
Milk Makeup Jelly Tint Duo, $75 $38
Anyone who’s hasn’t gotten to try Milk’s viral Jelly Tints (one of my fave launches of the year) will lose their mind for this kit that includes the two newest shades, Fresh and Fizz, plus a makeup brush and bag. (Btw, If you just want to pick up one, they’re also included in the Sephora sale.)
Undo Hairware claw clip, $29
“For friends and easy gifts, I'll keep a stash of Undo Hairware claw clips on hand. The colors are amazing, the quality is excellent, the packaging is so nice to give without much wrapping and the price is both palatable and a nice stretch for a hair accessory. It is a little indulgence that you can use all the time. I love mine so much and have multiples. If I wanted to take it up a notch for a friend I'd also throw in other beauty indulgences. A fancy lip balm, Chanel cuticle oil, Sidia hand serum or the Soft Services Theraplush.” —, retail consultant and founder/journalist at
Shiny things
Roxanne Assoulin Puffed Heart Necklace, $85
Puffy hearts are very of-the-moment, but I really enjoy the element of fun and I like the smaller size of this one. If you want to do something more personalized, you can also get a similar vibe with a bubble-letter necklace like this one from Anthro.
Dorsey Baguette Lab White Sapphire Silver Chain Bracelet, $95
Basically anything Dorsey is wish-list-worthy. But this bracelet looks about 10 times as expensive as it is considering it comes in sub-$100, and comes in gold and other stones too.
Cos Knotted Leather Key Ring, $25
If you, like me, are obsessed with the Miu Miu lanyard, but do not have $500 to spend on a literal keychain, you may be happy to know Cos has a very cute leather lanyard. Plus, it comes in lots of cutie colors!
Campomaggi Afrodite Belt, £280
“Any belt from Campomaggi, especially this one. Discovered this brand in London and have been eyeing her ever since…” —Claire and Chloe Lee, founders of
Other things
‘47 Dueling World Series Hats, $40
For guys, dads, brothers, whomever, ‘47’s line of vintage-inspired World Series hats and tees is pretty much fail-safe. If you have the patience, you can also hunt for the real deal on eBay or Etsy, too.
Penguin Bowling Set Toy, $58
You probably need this made-in-France penguin bowling set, whether you have kids or not. It’s shrunken down for the home—the pins themselves are about 9.5”. But really, they’re just so adorable idk how you can’t not get them.
“I love gifting people little quirky takes on everyday household items that will bring a smile to their faces. This year, I'm eyeing the Coming Soon Loaf of Bread tissue box.” —Leslie Tessler, CEO and founder of Hanni
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten, $21
A MUST-read for anyone who worships at the altar of Queen Ina.
“Anything by Sarah J. Maas. I heard about ACOTAR on TikTok, picked it up in late April, and have now read 12 of her books since May. I finished ACOTAR, Crescent City, and I’m now halfway through Throne of Glass. I can’t pick just one book because I really think you need to read all 16 across the three series to get a grasp on the intricacies of her storytelling and learn all the Easter eggs. SJM is a genius and she’s mother, as the kids says. I would love to profile her for work. Manifesting!” —Jenna Rosenstein, Beauty Director, Harper’s Bazaar
“I'm disturbed by how badly I want a Staud custom dog portrait bag with Simon's face on it.” —Sophie Vershbow, freelance writer and social media and influencer marketing at Eventbrite
"This year, I'm gifting experiences that people want, rather than things (like trips, dinners, spa treatments), unless you are my newborn niece, in which case: you are getting whatever cute thing I find that fits you that week.” —Hilary Sheinbaum, journalist, GoingDry.co founder, and author of Going Dry: a Workbook
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