And, on slightly softer note – we’ve been really moved by this. Check it out, then pay it forward. That’s what the holidays are about, after all.

In honor of the holiday season, I asked a few of my favorite tastemakers to share their best holiday gifts (both given and received). Their answers may surprise you.

CHRISTINA CALDWELL, Online Director, W magazine
“My favorite gifts are always the sentimental ones – my father engraving his vintage Rolex for me, the blanket a friend knitted for the birth of my son, and a very simple gold star necklace from my mom that was the first present my father gave her 35 years ago.”

NEIL BLUMENTHAL, Warby Parker
“Do genetic gifts count? I endowed my teething two-year-old son, Griffin, with a love of Philly-style hard pretzels. Best gift received? Easy. Optimus Prime Transformer when I was eight years old. I’d just seen the animated movie the day before, so I was primed for maximum gift impact.”

LAURA SIEGEL, designer
“I love giving the gift of a surprise! When I was a teenager, my friends and I would plan big surprises for each other’s birthdays. Now I love knitting people gifts personal to them. The most meaningful gift I received was something my great grandfather gave my grandmother on her twentieth birthday: a Spanish silver bracelet with fine cut-outs and detailed engraved designs (her nickname and twentieth birthdate were engraved on the interior). On my twentieth birthday, my grandmother gave this bracelet to me.”

LISA MAYOCK and SOPHIE BUHAI, Vena Cava
“My husband [Shipley & Halmos designer, Jeff Halmos] made me a book of photographs from over the course of our relationship. The cover has a really creepy cartoon pizza from a delivery pizza spot we both love by our offices so I wasn’t sure at first what it was when he gave it to me, but it’s probably one of my favorite things I own.” –Lisa

“My brother and I are taking my mom on a road trip through Mexico wine country for her birthday. It’s a trip that will be both memorable, beautiful, and terrifying. I think life experiences make great gifts!” –Sophie

ROBERT VERDI, celebrity stylist
“The best gift I ever gave was a library of cookbooks all autographed by the world famous chefs and authors. It was months of calling and organizing, but it blew the recipient’s mind. As for the best gift I ever received, it’s a toss up between a drawing that my niece Phoebe did of me for my birthday and a 40k crocodile bag that I received for my 40th birthday. I think it’s a tie.”

ROBIN RENZI, Me&Ro
“I have given lots of jewelry to my friends as gifts – to be able to bejewel the people I love (as it is one of my big passions). I guess one of the greatest gifts I have ever received is to be able to work at something I love to do. That is truly a gift!”

DORIA SANTLOFER, stylist
“There’s a pair of overalls that were mine when I was a baby, which according to my mother, I wore all the time. Over the  years, she has loaned them to several of her close friends who have had babies – they’ve probably been circulated to over 15 different people at this point! I recently gave them to a friend and her new baby and she was very touched – it meant a lot to us both to keep the cycle of these little overalls going. Art is something I really treasure getting, perhaps because it’s a big part of my family and because it’s very special to receive something that someone you love created. When I was born, my father made a painting called ‘Young Love’ for me. That painting is incredibly important to me and has hung in every one of my bedrooms for the past 30 years.”

LAUREN CRAFT, jewelry designer
“The most meaningful gift I have ever received are my Cartier love bracelets from my Dad, which I have never taken off.”

WENDY BRANDES, jewelry designer
“The best gift I’ve given was a surprise birthday party for my husband. All four of his children came – two from across the country – and he had no idea ’til he saw them in the restaurant. One of the best gifts I ever got was in February 2003. I was considering getting a rescue dog but hesitated because she didn’t seem to get along with my first dog. Then they called and said if I didn’t pick up Gigi immediately, they’d take her to the pound. I had the flu, we were having a blizzard, and my husband isn’t a big dog person, but somehow he got across town to fetch a very frightened Gigi for me.”

AMINA AKHTAR, Executive Editor, Elle.com
“My mother gave me her wedding clothes. We’re Pakistani so there are days’ worth of outfits. They don’t fit me but I wanted to keep them in the family. Best gift given? Well, my sister is the same size shoe as me, so every shoe sale, there’s one for her, one for me. It may not sound meaningful, but trust me, it makes her day. I’m also really excited about the gift I’m giving my nephew this year. He likes to play on a keyboard (he’s almost two). So I’m getting him a piano that’s his size.”

JACKIE FRASER-SWAN, Emerson
“My husband loves the scrapbooks that I have made for him over the years. They have pictures from us dating and of our children growing up. I love the Chanel camellia ring that my husband gave to me for Christmas when I was pregnant with our twin girls. It has two flowers, one for each baby. He also gave me two more Chanel camellia flower bracelets for each of our other girls. I wear them all every day.”

STEFANIE SYAT, hair/makeup artist, Pre-Dame
“I find it so fulfilling when I can give the gift of confidence through a simple makeup application or lesson. There’s nothing more exciting than seeing the look on a woman’s face when she sees herself in the mirror for the first time. My goal is always to bring out my client’s natural beauty by highlighting her best features, and therefore that first look in the mirror really surprises her: it’s not a lot of makeup, it’s just the right makeup. Teaching someone who is new to makeup tips and tricks to bring out her natural features and really build an inner beauty is so fulfilling. It seems silly to think a great makeup job can boost confidence, but I hear it quite often. After all, that’s why I started Pre-Dame! To bring professional makeup to the average girl and hopefully build confidence along the way. Updates from past clients are probably the most fulfilling and rewarding gifts I receive – I have some awesome clients!”

Lauren David Peden writes for Rue La La as a Contributing Editor.

Meet Sam, a Manager of Partner Marketing here at Rue. She’s the point person for some of our very important partners, and she makes sure everyone is happy on both ends (and that our marketing looks awesome, of course). Check out the gifts she’s picked for those lucky enough to make her list.

For my husband: ”He’s been hinting around for a new watch and this could be the one. I also think that it will look great on my wrist as well!”

For my sister: ”She’s an avid reader and adores her Kindle. This cover will be perfect for her.”

For my son: ”He’s 14 months old, and reading stories with him before bed is the best time of my day. This was one of my favorite books growing up and I know that he would love it, too.”

Find all these gifts (and lots, lots more) in our Get Gifty: Our Holiday Gift Shop Boutique, open now.

By Anna Kuchinsky, Staff Writer

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Kate Spade Women’s “Rory” Sunglasses. The one accessory your friend will show off all year round? These paparazzi-ready shades that will have her looking like a Hollywood starlet as soon as she puts them on.

The Get Gifty: Our Holiday Gift Shop Boutique is now open.

With just under a week until Christmas, I’m still fighting the urge to go ballistic with a surge protector and a few dozen more strands of twinkle lights.

This season, however, I’m trying my hardest to prescribe to a “less is more” approach when it comes to decking my halls (please note: this does NOT apply to presents). So, I tried my hand at creating a simple (and season-friendly) twinkle light garland that you won’t have to stash in the attic with the waving Santa from your front yard come January.

What you’ll need:
•  String of lights
•  Fabric scraps (I suggest burlap, lace, or grosgrain ribbon)
•  Scissors

How to do it:
1. Cut your fabric or ribbon into pieces approximately 6 inches long (2 inches wide, max).
2. Tie each piece to the strand of lights in a single knot, allowing the two ends to hang down evenly.
3. Use about two pieces between each bulb, alternating in color or material for textured visual appeal.
4. When you’re done, the fabric should cover the majority of the green wire, so that just the lights poke through.
5. Use this to decorate a door archway, your tree, or even the posts of your bed.

By Grace Romanowsky of Valenki By ACE, Staff Writer

How did your road test fare? Share it in the comments below or tweet us at @ruelala.

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“Alpine” Chocolate Leather Insulated Gloves. Those snow gloves – you know, the ones he uses to shovel the driveway? They won’t quite cut it with that dapper peacoat. Give him these gloves and he’ll have you to thank for the flood of compliments.

The Get Gifty: Our Holiday Gift Shop Boutique is now open.

1. The Polar Express
   This holiday blockbuster pulls me in with its spellbinding scenery – similar to the book’s illustrations, which I loved growing up.
2. Home Alone
   Not only is this John Hughes classic hilarious, the dysfunctional McCallister clan always makes me feel better about my own slightly (okay, very) weird family.
3. It’s a Wonderful Life
   Simply put, this touching holiday classic warms my heart better than a cup of hot chocolate.
4. A Christmas Story
   I triple-dog-dare you not to like this classic flick.
5. White Christmas
   With Bing “Mr. Christmas” Crosby himself, this holiday film is as charming as the beloved song.
6. Love Actually
   Not only does it have a killer soundtrack, this romantic comedy reminds us that the holidays are about love, family, second chances, and making memories.
7. Miracle on 34th Street
   No one does Kris Kringle better than Edmund Gwenn in this 1947 classic. Whenever I think of Santa Claus, he still comes to mind.
8. Elf
   Ron Burgundy, Ricky Bobby, Buddy the Elf – when it comes to comedy, Will Ferrell can do no wrong (at least in my book). And when it comes to picking a favorite, Buddy takes the maple-syrup-covered cake every time.
9. A Charlie Brown Christmas
   It’s a tradition – I fall in love with Charlie Brown and his sad little Christmas tree in this anti-commercialism classic year after year.
10. The Santa Clause
    This Disney favorite is a movie the whole family can enjoy – and then rent sequels two and three.

By Keriann Coffey, Associate Blog Editor

What movies make your Holiday hit list? Share them in the comments below or tweet us at @ruelala.

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Candy Cane Oreo Balls
“The crushed candy canes added a minty flavor and crunchy texture that’s seriously amazing, and they look so festive!” —Melissa M., Copywriter

Joyce’s Molasses Cookies
“These are our favorite molasses cookies. The recipe is special in the sense that it’s from my fiancé’s grandmother, who unfortunately passed away some years ago.” —Shaina M., Copyeditor

Six-Layer Bars
“My aunt used to make these bars when I was little, so I snagged the recipe to bake them myself in college. They’re always a hit and perfect for the holidays (or any time of year).” —Brianna L., Junior Copywriter

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
“These are for lovers of all things peanut butter.” —Julia I., Junior Copywriter

Rum Balls
“My father called these ‘decadent’ the first time he tasted them. They’re now the most requested treat not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year.” —Jess H., Copyeditor

And that isn’t all. If you wish it were still pumpkin (rather than peppermint) season, try Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cuffins. Editor Joanna B. says, “They’re dense and cakey, somewhere between a cookie and a muffin. Try baking them in mini muffin tins and serving them for brunch.” And if you’re craving fruit, Raspberry-Pecan Bars are a delicious change of pace.

Sarah R., a junior designer, fell in love with these Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies when her best friend made them for her birthday last year. She uncovered the secret to even more ooey-gooey deliciousness: switching out the crème de menthe chips for Andes Chocolate Mints. And Designer Melinda B., in discovering “everyone’s dream: a chocolate chip cookie meets a brownie,” whipped up a batch of Brooksters for everyone to enjoy.

By Jess Huckins, Staff Writer

What’s your favorite holiday cookie? Share it in the comments below or tweet us at @ruelala.

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Big Buddha “Blaire” Zip Wristlet. The friend who loses everything in that big tote? Make her life a little easier with this zip-around wristlet that just so happens to be the perfect size for her phone, wallet, and lip gloss.

The Get Gifty: Our Holiday Gift Shop Boutique is now open.

We all have them – those friends with interests so specific, they make shopping quite a challenge. Fear not! We have just the things to save the day. Below, some incredibly thoughtful (and totally luxe) picks for those hard-to-shop-for loved ones.

Card shark: They always beat you at Gin Rummy, but this deck is a sure way to upstage their card-game prowess.

World traveler: This paperweight will inspire hours of daydreaming about their trailblazing adventures (even when chained to a desk).

Fashion fanatic: Why limit snow globes to places they’ve visited? This treasure showcases the greatest love of all – Louis Vuitton.

Game-night hostess: These logo-emblazoned Dominoes are the perfect way to subtly remind game-night participants that their hostess has incredible taste.

Stylish academic: Sure, it may not be the most functional globe in the world. But it’s got style – and isn’t that what counts most?

For these unique treasures (and many more luxe accessories), check out our From the Reserve: Accessories by Hermes & More Boutique, opening Saturday, December 15, at 11AM ET.

By Anna Kuchinsky, Staff Writer

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