Dominique's Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide 2024 💖🎁🎄😇

My TENTH ANNUAL??? ew! (it's also huge this year, so prepare yourself)

Buckle up, sluts!

Sorry sorry sorry. HO HO HO!!! 💖🎁🎄😇

WELCOME BACK to the 10th annual holiday gift guide… literally WHAT TF

AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS BABES!!!

This started as a Wordpress blog in 2015 (retro!), moved to the Podcast in 2022, and now it exists on all the channels… Starting with you, Substack… ! Thank you for being here!! Well, thank you for letting me into your inbox. Unless I put you on the mailing list without you knowing, in which case, HAYYY!

This guide is a MASSIVE labor of love each year… the research, the testing, the curation, the begging family members with money to buy me presents journalism of it all… my soul is poured into this gift guide (is that sad? idk anymore).

Plus, as you know, graphic design is my passion so the collages play a big role too! All that time on photoshop… thank God for my blue light glasses. They’re Gucci! 

We’ve got a behemoth list this year (omg yay capitalism!) but hopefully it’s a fun time, a wild ride, an engaging adventure, an inspiring jaunt, an enchanting ecommerce excursion perhaps? 

And I’ll be breaking these down into categories/separate posts, too… Parisian-inspired gifts, fragrance and beauty gifts, home & hobbies, etc, so if this ultra-long list is simply too much for your mind and eyeballs to process, do not fret… there will be smaller chunks to digest bit by bit. I can’t believe I just said digesting chunks that’s so gross I’m so sorry. 

🎨🩰 Home & Hobby Gift Guide 2024 🩰🎨

🪵🌸 Perfume Gift Guide 2024 🌸🪵

🧴💄 Beauty Gift Guide 2024 💄🧴

🇫🇷 🥖 Francophile Gift Guide 2024🥖 🇫🇷

🇮🇹🍹 Italian Summer Gift Guide 2024🍹🇮🇹

👗👠Clothes & Accessories Gift Guide 2024👠👗

Anyway!!! 🙂😀

As per usual, the first half of this is Dominique’s Favorite Things 2024… because I want to be petite white Oprah junior SO badly. This is all stuff I’ve actually tested, used, reviewed, loved; the things that brought me joy this year, the stuff I have in my everyday life. You can cosplay as me with these things! Cool!

The second half, as per usual, is my personal wish list. What I’ve got my sights set on, what I currently think is cool, enviable, niche luxury, real hot girl shit, etc etc. The stuff I’m manifesting, you know? Omg this low key is actually my annual vision board…. For material goods. OMG! But fr, if you trust me as a “taste maker,” then this list is equally important. 

OK so listen, the links in here are mostly affiliate, because this is how I make a living (it’s a labor of love but also a labor of labor because I gotta make money to survive… you get it!!!). Idk how or why that would dissuade anyone but I feel like if we’re all being up front and transparent and honest with each other, you should know… if I tell you about something I love, and then you’re like omg I would also like to experience this joy, and then you buy it? I get like, a dollar sometimes!

This is starting to be like a 27 paragraph diary-entry-intro to a recipe blog post (the real ones know) and you’re like JUST TELL ME HOW TO MAKE THE FUCKING SOUP… so let’s just get down to it…. THE MF 2024 GIFT GUIDE MY DUDES!!!!

START SHOPPING HERE!

The Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Vibes:

Real quick, the themes!

• Purple is the new black; I’m obsessed with purple, having a purple era

• Pink is still pink, nothing will dethrone her

• Parisian-chic is still the vibe, and a little Italian flare has entered the chat

• Angel core, princessy, Venusian vibes…we’ve got some Fiorucci cherubs and angelic energy, all of this brings out your goddess side

• Color seasons have heavily influenced certain selections

• A lot of these are luxury gift ideas… we got bougier this year (but there are still great bargain finds; tons under $100 and under $50!)

• Way more fragrance suggestions this year (for obvious reasons)

• Putting this here in case your boyfriend is Googling on December 23: best gifts for women

DOMINIQUE’S FAVORITES 2024

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS! Recommendations, highlights, best things I bought this year, return favs.

Below is my curated list of what I’d HIGHLY SUGGEST as an excellent gift… for yourself, or for anyone else! Pretty and practical gifts that make for elegant Christmas presents. LFG!

Astrology

Starting off with the stars, these are experiences in lieu of material gifts… cosmic coaching and celestial studies!

Astro Foundations 1 Course with Shannon Aganza: Want to learn the ABCs of astrology? I’ve taken this course three (yes three) times with my mentor and moon mom Shannon, who you’ve 1000% heard on the podcast at least once. Annnddd with this particular course (starting in Jan 2025), I’m the TA this year! I’m so excited to be a part of helping a new set of students begin their astrology journey, personal practice, and maybe one day professional practice. This is a go-at-your-own-pace, self-study course with six live Q&A sessions to dive deeper into course material. SO you can learn the stuff on your own schedule, and then join the meet ups to explore your own chart, clarify certain things, and get support on the study materials. Use my code — AF1THISISFINE25 for a cute little discount :) 

Astrology Reading … With Me! I’m also doing mini readings and some cosmic coaching, virtually from Paris! If you or someone who is into self development/woo woo shit would like a little guidance on your personal star chart, hit me up (ie, use my booking platform) here (I have gift certificates!). This is one of the most unique holiday gifts you can give 🥰

Beauty, Skin & Hair

SEE A SEPARATE BEAUTY GIFT GUIDE HERE

Dior Lip Glow Oil in Berry: one of the best things I bought this year, on a whim, at an airport, as an impulsive treat-yourself-it-was-your-birthday-a-couple-weeks-ago buy: a new hue of my favorite lip oil. This is the fourth I’ve purchased from Dior; I started with pink, rosewood, and eventually raspberry… raspberry was my favorite until I found BERRY, which I assumed would be too dark — it’s not. On my lips, it’s the perfect cool toned, luscious hot pink.  Ever since I discovered I’m a WINTER color season, I started using cooler toned makeup and wearing cooler toned clothes… you guys, REVOLUTIONARY. I’ve been reborn. This lip gloss played a part in my personal revolution, and I will never forget it.

Bondi Sands Technocolor Sapphire: on that same note, I got the cool toned face serum and body foam self tanners from Bondi Sands… I finally feel like I can do a fake tan. And I did it all summer long and it was MAGICAL. I forgot what it’s like to be tan??? I felt radiant?? The fuck??? Now that I'm typing this I’m gonna get up and put some on my face because I’m currently giving “lives with seven dwarves” vibes. But yeah this was a total stab in the dark, but the color was flawless, super natural, buildable, doesn’t get on your clothes after you rinse (unless it’s 94ºF and you’re sitting on a leather chair on a terrace in a white linen mini dress and sweating so much your friends ask you if you need to go to a hospital because you’ve soaked through napkins with sweat alone) (this is a hypothetical I didn’t personally experience this). 

La Bonne Brosse ZODIAC: I got the first hairbrush of my life (THANKS MOM!) this year for my birthday in the most precious shade of ballet pink… and the same chic Parisian company just came out with an astrology-themed collection with a brush for every sign!! The constellation is featured on the back, and if I didn’t already have the pink brush I would FOR SURE be getting a zodiac brush from La Bonne Brosse. (PSA: this is the French version of Maison Pearson)

Nuxe Rêve de Miel Honey Body Wash: one of my favorite French pharmacy brands, and the body wash I’m OBSESSED with (has lasted me almost a year and is refillable!) … the rêve de miel shower gel. I love all things Nuxe, I’ve become a bit of a brand loyalist, but this is probably my favorite product because it makes showertime feel so luxurious… and it’s such an affordable luxury.

Comfort Zone Skincare: my favorite Italian skincare company, on so many levels for so many reasons, makes two of my favorite serums: the Luminant Serum and Sublime Skin Serum. Trust me these are like a facial in a bottle. Luminant brightens and evens your complexion (I like it more than the viral Caudalie vinoperfect serum, which I used for years!), Sublime plumps, firms, fills in, and rejuvenates. It’s like a filler-slash-botox serum, and it’s NATURAL. Their entire line is made from naturally-derived ingredients. This brand is so effing cool you guys. 

Davines Liquid Luster: and now for Italian haircare and my holy grail shine product: the in-shower, rinse-out, twenty-second gloss, Liquid Luster from the Oi collection. This is a salon treatment you can keep in your bathroom, use every couple weeks, and have literally glass hair with mirror shine.  Their conditioner and shampoo is great as well; this is an excellent range of haircare.

Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation: every time I get excited about a viral foundation I have to remind myself, I already have the best of the best. This foundation from Chantecaille is the most gorgeous, weightless, nourishing, second skin, flawless complexion formula I’ve ever tried… it’s a pot of photoshop cream. I feel absolutely freaking radiant when I wear this.

Perfume

for more fragrance gift ideas, check the Fragrance Gift Guide

Thisssss is a tough category to narrow down, OBVIOUSLY. I will say, perfume does not make a good gift (hear me out) because it’s highly personal and requires a LOT of skin testing to ensure it meshes well with your skin, chemistry, environment, mood, hormones, climate, etc. HOWEVER, if you’re looking for recommendations this year to treat yourself or go perfume shopping with someone you love (which would be a GREAT gift slash experience with an attached scent memory… highly recommend) … here are a handful of my favs, including new discoveries this year and a couple greatest hits. 

Sirène, Fragrance du Bois: the most recent addition to my collection, and I got to meet the nose and the team behind it. This is a juicy, tangy but semisweet dark cherry, with a creamy, milky, lactonic note, some sparkling spice, and soft but powerful woods to hold it up (like a sandalwoody japanese incense and supersoft, not-at-all-aggressive oud). Pretty yet powerful, bad bitch, “That Girl” energy. 

Guidance 46, Amouage: the birthday gift of all birthday gifts, my French FAMILY chipped in and got me this exquisite elixir from Omani house, Amouage. Guidance 46 is the extrait de parfum, extremely concentrated, perfectly potent iteration of Quentin Bisch’s Guidance. A nutty-woody-rose-and-pear with saffron, light floral (almost peach-tinged osmanthus and unsweetened jasmine for airiness), creamy vanilla and ambergris, frankincense… it’s categorized as a “floriental” (perhaps my fav category, despite its name), or a floral fruity woody amber. This is NOT an everyday fragrance, IMO. It is powerful, super long lasting, ultrasophisticated, a chef d’oeuvre work of art fragrance.

Cuir Beluga, Guerlain: this was a very beautiful and generous gift this summer from one of my favorite French perfume houses… a soft vanilla suede with heliotrope, amber, a tiny touch of patchouli, and almost imperceptible aldehydes that lift it all up… it’s so gorgeously blended you might not be able to tell any of the notes apart (except vanilla) because it’s so cloud-like, so heavenly… yet simultaneously SO cool-girl (and VERY unisex) with its leather note. But not like, new car smell, grandpa’s jacket, wallet leather… it’s a delicate, luxurious, can’t-quite-place-it-but-I-know-it’s-cool note. 

Sintra, Memo Paris: my ultimate princess fragrance, and last year’s birthday treat. Marshmallow neroli milk, scrumptious but not cloyingly or toothachingly sweet (much less sweet than LDBS). Like… people will want to devour you… but it has edge, complexity, depth, and a stunning melange of notes that make this as artful as it is intoxicating.

Delina, Parfums de Marly: this is not a groundbreaking addition as this is one of the most viral, most popular perfumes in the world currently… but it’s popular for a reason. I absolutely adore this punchy, tangy, juicy, bright, fun-loving and whimsical but elegant and refined beauty, again from Quentin Bisch (he is truly a master). When I wear this, I feel brighter, prettier, lovelier… and I ALWAYS get compliments. 

Iris Cartagena, Bon Parfumeur: I received this in a PR package a few months ago and was blown away… I know unsweetened gourmand isn’t a category, but that’s what this feels like to me… sultry and dark, like a warm sensual breeze on a starlit night, with cacao and rum and vanilla and woods… a dark fairy enchanting love spell, again very cool-girl, very chic… sugar cane and coffee, and of course a stunningly sophisticated iris. This is cozy but not suffocating. SOOO sexy and cool. 

Dior Discovery Set: Discovery sets make a great gift, and I loved so many fragrances from Dior this year that I can recommend this and say for certain you’re gonna have a fun time with it (my fav is Ambre Nuit!). 

Filigree & Shadow Discovery Set: I got to try my first fragrances from Seattle-based perfumery (and American nose, James Elliott) this year, and was literally in tears because of how emotionally-driven, memory-inspiring, and artful these perfumes are. This niche brand takes the ART of perfume seriously, and uses this as a medium of storytelling… PLUS so many of their fragrances are contributing to important causes (read more of that here), and they’re water-based, so they can ship everywhere without issues and are safe for the most sensitive of skin. I’m SUCH a fan of this brand and this nose, on so many levels! And if you want to hear about the art of perfume, how to wear perfume, how to navigate perfume shopping, James did an episode with us on This Is Fine! this year… It's an amazing perfume 101!. 

Home & Hobby

the complete home & hobby gift idea page, here

Diptyque Narguilé Candle: I’ve had a Diptyque candle on my gift guides since 2015, back when it was an aspirational fantasy for me. This one, Narguilé, is my favorite wintry scent from Diptyque (you may remember this candle from last year’s gift guide… I can’t shut up about it). A sultry sweet rich spicy tobacco honey… so warm and cozy, so heavenly, and kind of smells like you’re baking something delicious without being a sickeningly sweet gourmand… it’s elegant, elevated (elegated???) and so chic. If I see this in someone’s home, I know they have taste. 

Nette Candle: Another candle I loved this year was a beautiful gift from a friend here in Paris, the Laide Tomate scent from Nette… notes of tomato vine, basil, violet leaf… these are not notes I’d think I’d like from reading them, but it’s botanical, floral, soft, fresh, almost aquatic in nature… but still slightly grounding. It smells like a gorgeous garden, borderline ethereal. It’s joined the ranks of my fav candle scents, which includes aforementioned Narguilé (plus 34, Roses, Figuier, Mimosa, and basically the rest of Diptyque’s collection), Peony Blush Suede from Jo Malone, and sooo many more I should probably make a candle gift guide (I won’t though).

Silk Pillowcases: I’ll never not recommend silk pillowcases as a holiday gift. Mine from Slip continue to be one of my favorite items that I’ve ever bought (I even travel with them). It instantly elevates the sleep experience, is more comfortable to sleep on, is better for skin and hair, and is not something many people would buy for themselves… one of those things that feels like a nice luxury but not a priority, you know? So get it for that person you love who would be so excited!

Ortigia Sicilia Mug: who knew that when I went to Sicily and wanted to go smell the fragrances at this niche Sicilian perfumery that I’d find my new favorite MUG??? But how cute and fun and chic is this flora-and-fauna print pink mug with gilded accents??? Like are you kidding me? chic!

Five Minute Journal, pink (and hot pink): I’ve been raving about these journals for the past … idk, six years? Maybe longer? I love taking a few minutes to write down some gratitude, a good intention, the day’s highlights… and I’m OBSESSED with the hot pink one at Revolve so I may have to grab that for myself… I currently have the ballet pink (obviously). I go stretches of time not using it, and when I get back in the habit, things just seem to feel better, flow better, go better. ALSO I love that the dates are open ended, so it’s not like a dated diary where you waste pages if you skip days. 

MY FAVORITE SLIPPERS: Reporting live: these are on my feet (as they are every day) and my toes are toasty and the bedazzled croissant and coffee (my daily breakfast) are making me just as happy today as I was the day I received them for Secret Santa last Christmas. They also come in pink?!? You should go get them right now. They have a ton of other cute brooches and themes, like Dog Mom (YES) Pornstar Martini (DOUBLE YES), and ZODIAC THEME (TRIPLE YESSS)

Camino Gummies: legally I am not recommending these and you can only buy them if you live in a legal state in the US :) :) :) :) 

Paris
Francophile Gift Guide slash Parisian Inspired Gift Guide: HERE

Some Paris-inspired holiday gifts, aka my Parisian gift guide for francophiles or anyone visiting Paris this season!

• Angelina Hot Chocolate Mix: a cozy and sweet taste of Paris… the “best hot chocolate in Paris” thing is hotly contested, and while I’m a bit of a Carette girlie myself (geographically tbh), I do love Angelina as well.

• Better Than Cream Gift Card: If you or the person you’re gifting is going to be in Paris, def hit up my favorite aesthetic medispa here in Paris, Better Than Cream. They’re in the 2nd arrondissement (central!) and offer some of the best skincare treatments you can get, at an exceptionally affordable rate. If you’re in the US, especially in NY/LA/etc, this will feel like an insane bargain. I go there for Clear&Brilliant, hydrafacials, and medical botox (it helps my migraines and makes my forehead smooth à la fois lol). Their staff is exceptional, and I truly love this place. You will too!

• Odéon Memo: omg another perfume?! What are you doing here? Lol the jig is up but you can only get this one in Paris so I had to put it on another list… no online shopping for Odéon! 

• Mariage Frères Tea: a returning veteran from last year, yet a continually perfect holiday gift from gay Paree. 

• Bacanha Brut Syrup: I was at raclette night at a French friend's house the other night (that sentence, my God) and she had a handful of these syrups to add to a cocktail or sparkling water… I realized I had seen these at Le Bon Marché and wanted to buy them before… so now, here they are, on my wish list… the violette syrup in particular is DELISH and so chic. French people love adding sirop to their beverages. I love that for them and now for us.

Clothes, Shoes, Accessories

Chic holiday gifts? Kind of! Here’s what I’ve been loving this year in my wardrobe.

Are you fucking kidding me shirt: so listen I don’t actually have this yet, but it’s sooooo ridiculously on brand. (the Wellbutrin hat also sent me)

Carel Alice in Silver: a recent gift for my bday, and already at the top of my recommendations based on comfort alone. I was looking for a comfortable, chic silver shoe (because I destroyed my silver ballet flats on a rainy day trudging through the grass in the Versailles gardens looking for cherry blossoms… long story), and these add a sophisticated heel in a stylish little mary jane style, à la parisienne (funny story these aren’t called mary janes but rather BABIES in french, LOL). And they truly are exceptionally comfortable… I can walk around all day in Paris in these!

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66: So listen, Adidas Sambas ain’t shit, they shredded both my achilles, and I believe I’m entitled to financial compensation. However, in a rage, I ordered these instead, and they’re SO COMFORTABLE AND CUTE. As someone who walks a shit ton — on COBBLESTONES — take my word for it, they’re comfy asf and seriously so chic and not oversaturated. 

Rouje Carla Boots: I wear the shit out of these as well, and don’t mind walking literally miles in them despite them having a substantial heel. The one downside is that you have to add an aftermarket outsole because they’re quite literally NOT ready to wear. This is extremely annoying IMO but they are my ride or die boots so I still love and recommend them. 

Rouje Laly Dress: Same brand, same vibe, different item — my go-to LBD, the Laly Dress.  I wear this dress ALL. THE. TIME. It’s my favorite little black dress. I fold it up into a mini dress for a saucier vibe but you can wear it ankle length when you’re feeling more demure. The sleeves can be worn off the shoulder and it makes a sweetheart neckline. It’s stretchy, comfortable, figure flattering, and effortlessly chic… so Parisian.

Statement Coat: The ultimate Parisian fashion trend I’ve seen this season is a statement coat — a classic wool coat in a gorgeous, striking color. I love wearing my fuchsia, ice blue, and ivory/winter white coats SO much more than my black one (even though it’s the most practical and warm).

Leather Miniskirt Sézane: my go-to Fall uniform: tights+tall boots+mini skirt+sweater. The leather mini from Sézane has been a super elevated, chic staple to mix into this equation, and it’s super high quality for the price!

Repetto Ballerines: I love my Repetto ballet flats, and really want another pair in pink. These are the ORIGINAL ballet flats; Rose Repetto made ballet shoes for the Opéra in Paris in the 1940s, and eventually designed the first ever walking shoe version of the ballet flat, which Brigitte Bardot wore in And God Created Woman. I always recommend the classic Cendrillon style, but personally I’m DYING over these Lisbeth ones… I need to add these to my personal wish list lol. 

—

MY WISH LIST 2024

My actual wish list… Everything I currently want, what I have my eye on, what I’m lusting after… These are what I have my heart, sights, and trend forecasting set on.

shop my personal wish list here

White Gold Earrings

This year at the top of my wish list I have white gold earrings. With the whole winter color season epiphany/renaissance, I made the switch to silver-toned jewelry and DUDE… I’m obsessed. But I want it to be white gold… like Gretchen Weiners, “really expensive white gold hoops,” you know? But for Christmas instead of Hannukkah. I currently have Bottega Veneta dupes, and I LOVE them, but they hurt my ears because they’re shitty cheap metal. Here are some I’ve been looking at… 

• I’m obsessed with these from Celine, as well as these these Messika sliding diamonds are so cute

• ALSO in love with the Bottega twisted hoops… but it’s 400 euros ($650 USD!?) for sterling silver, not white gold, which is low key very insulting. 

• I really love earrings that look like a little croissant twisty like these 18 carat white gold Italian twisted hoops from Tabacco, and these much more affordable ones from Histoire d’Or, but again, silver not white gold, here. These twisted ones from APM Monaco are super cute too.

• I’ve had DIOR earrings on my wish list for an entire calendar year, and I love these Dior Oui hoops… if they were white gold i would've bought them already, honestly. I also like the little Dior CD Studs in silver because they look like two Ds mirroring each other and I can just pretend the D is for Dominique, you know.

• The ones I’ll probably end up buying myself? These sterling silver chunky twisted hoops from one of my fav French ready-to-wear brands, ROUJE! At 120 euros, they’re absolutely overpriced for silver, but I cannot find anything close to this style and it’s not like, a cost prohibitive price IMO.

Amethyst Sweater

My current color obsession is a cool toned, amethyst purple. I found two that I love, from Armed Angels, and La Redoute in Paris. 

Fuchsia Statement Coat

One of my favorite things from this year was statement coats in bright, fun colors. My fuchsia coat is one of the best pieces in my wardrobe, but unfortunately it is made of plastic and from China and literally falling apart so I am in need of a high quality upgrade.  My top three: Essentiel Antwerp (perf style, maybe too warm of color), Des Petits Hauts (perf color, no belt tho), and Max & Co (could be my goldilocks?

Reformation Cuissardes

Cuissardes, or over-the-knee thigh-high boots, are one of my current hyperfixations. They need to be a chocolate brown crocodile, like the Reformation Giles brown croco thigh high boot… Like the Rouje earrings, these are dramatically overpriced for what they are, but again, I cannot find the same boots at a lower price, otherwise I would’ve linked them here. So I’m at an impasse, and desperately lusting after these boots. (These are kind of cool from Ali Express but can I trust shoes from there??? Asking for a friend who is me???)

Guerlain Customized & Refillable Lipstick

There’s a limited edition Guerlain lipstick case — and if you haven’t seen the cases in general, buckle the fuck up (and go to TikTok) because they’re SO COOL and so beautifully designed, and you can have your name engraved on the mirror. The limited edition one is bedazzled with a lipstick which is low key very meta and also exactly my style. The color I’ve been eyeing, since, as we’ve discussed, I’m a WINTER color season, is 870 LE PRUNE INTENSE - SATIN — a deep purply berry color. 

More Clothes, Shoes, Accessories

These are a bit lower priority and things I will likely end up buying early next year when they’re on sale.

• Vintage Fiorucci Tee: the little Fiorucci cherubs are my favorite … it’s angelcore, Italian, cheeky, sort of camp on purpose… I’m a big fan. I found this adorable pink one and want to impulse buy it SO BADLY!!! I could style it so cutely I have the vision!!!

• Black + Silver Purse: I’ve been looking for a nice black leather crossbody bag, maybe vintage, maybe new, idk, but with SILVER not gold hardware, for well over a year. The Jackie from Gucci would be ideal, but I’m not personally trying to drop three to four thousand euros on a purse right now. Maybe another time though? I also really like the Prada nylon bag but again don’t want to pay over a grand for nylon, you know what I’m saying? 

• Saint Sass Tights: The Made in Heaven are my favorite, obviously, but I love these cheeky tights with sassy little messages on them.  

• More Mini Skirts: My favorite winter uniform is a tall boot, a chunky sweater, and a mini skirt… and I’ve been rewearing the same two mini skirts over and over and Over and OVERRRR…. So I’m excited to add a few new colors and styles. Maybe a skort with the back covered because I’m not trying to look like I’m wearing shorts from the back but I DO love the coverage.

• Anthropologie Beaded Bag: I’ve seen SOOO many cute beaded purses in Paris, like the whole purse is covered in beads… the Clio Peppiatt dress style but a shoulder bag version. I’m OBSESSED. Is it practical? Absolutely not. Do I care? Also no. Do I feel as though my soul deserves to own one, that my inner child would be delighted and thus it is therapy actually? Hundy P. 

Parisian Things

Paris Candle from Diptyque: The Paris city candle from Diptyque has been on my wish list for a while for obvious reasons. The mossy botanical floral scent is soooo pretty, and the vessel itself is also quite chic. I’m just like other girls, ie, all the other basic bitches on Pinterest, and I repurpose my empty Diptyque candle jars for other things around my house, like holding Q-tips and cotton rounds, etc. 

Dior Plan de Paris Scarf: I shouldn’t be writing this on the internet but you can find my apartment in the Dior Plans de Paris print, so obviously I need to have a commemorative item from the collection, like this scarf. It would be so cherished and so sentimental. 

Officine Universelle Bully Heliotrope Body Oil: I’m in love with the note heliotrope… It's a flower that has a sweet almondy, vanillic, borderline powdery fragrance. The antiquey, super viral “pharmacie” in Paris, Officine Universelle Bully, had a gorgeous body oil in a stunning heliotrope scent, and I’ve been thinking about it since last summer when I first smelled it and bought it as a gift for my sister in law. 

Marin Montagut “Votre Rue” Personalized Glass: This adorable selection from the iconic gift maker/artist Marin Montagut can add a specific street of your choice… which means I could commemorate my first address in Paris… and that is just too pure, I’m already crying. (Obv that was my first pick choice from this seller, but Rue Princesse mug is a close second)

Skin & Beauty

Sisley Black Rose Masque: Another item that’s a longtime veteran on my private and personal wish list… long time listener, first time caller, the Black Rose mask from Sisley Paris. I got to test this long before my move here when my bestie Olivia gave me a sample size and I absolutely loved it… the texture, the scent, the glow after using it. It’s plumping and smoothing and I’ve gotta say, I love me some plump smooth skin.

Amethyst Eyeshadow: in line with my amethyst obsession, I really want some purple eyeshadow, and have looked at a couple palettes that are on my list now: the limited edition Chanel Les 4 Ombres eyeshadow in Divination and the Lancôme Hypnose palette.

Gel Nail Polish and Supplies: Gel nail polish and a kit with a lamp is on my list this year… this is another big project I’m taking on in 2025… doing my own friggin nails. 70 euros every 3-5 weeks, plus sitting down for one to two and a half hours for someone to do it… part of me loves getting my nails done, part of me hates it, my budget (who are we kidding, I don’t know what a budget is) doesn’t love it, so I’m gonna try to DIY my manicures in 2025. I want all the colors from Le Manoir, starting with Fig – a semi-sheer deep plum, and Rosewater, a sheer vibrant medium pink.

Color WOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray: Apparently this is glass hair in a bottle (like my beloved Davines Oi Liquid Luster in-shower gloss). Anti-static, heat protecting, shine boosting, smoothing spray. I neeeeeed it????

Kérastase Elixir Ultime: everyone says this is the best hair serum on planet earth… and apparently somehow better than the Elseve oil (which is almost the same thing? but 6€)… which reminds me, I’ve also got my eye on the Elseve Glycolic Gloss.

Home & Hobby

The home and hobby gifts section is an island of misfit toys, in a way. But it’s choc-full o’ unique and creative holiday shopping inspiration nonetheless. Bonus: a sprinkle of Francophile gifts!

Paint by Numbers Kit - Paris: yo I want this so bad! I’ve been obsessed with painting for de-compression and I LOVE this little parisian scene.

Glass coffee table: No one is actually gonna get this for me (actually idk anything can happen??) but I’m low key desperate (sorry for the low vibes, universe) for a glass coffee table to replace the heinous ones that came with my apartment. I actually need a pretty major makeover here but that’s another subject for another day.

Amarena Cherry Giant 1kg Jar: so um I was having an emotional PMS crisis and cramps and actually already bought this today for myself (it was only 16 euros!) but amarena cherries are like 42% of my personality. 

Marie Antoinette Bust Candle: I want a Marie Antoinette (my personal Roman Empire) bust for my apartment, but how cool would it be as a PINK TRUDON CANDLE? Probably ridiculous, but I myself am strange and unusual ridiculous too so it fits. 

Croissant Candle (in purple!): DUDE THE CROISSANT CANDLE!!! Have y’all seen this? It makes your house smell like warm buttery freshly baked croissants. I don’t have an oven (nor do I know how to make croissants myself) so this seems like a valid alternative… and also so cute? And would make such a great gift?? (FOR ME???)

Luxury Teste di Moro: My Sicilian summer heavily influenced my personality/wish list this year… I now want some kind of ultraluxe Teste di Moro (the Moor head sculptures). I found these gorgeous, super chic Black & White, almost Mackenzie Childs-esque ones, and these Monochrome ones (love the medium pink and the rich punchy sapphire colors!). I would love to use these as planters on my terrace in Paris. 

Ballet Lessons: more than anything, I really want to take ballet lessons… if I could make that happen this year I’d be so hype. This is abstractly at the top of my list.

DUOLINGO MERCH: Ok listen, do I actually want Duolinogo merch? Not especially… but I don’t NOT want it… and it’s so on brand for me (pro bono Duo ambassador, you know)... so here’s a Duolingo Santa Claus… also I feel like this is a subtle nod to the Barbie movie?? 

Perfume

Guerlain Musc Outreblanc: top of the perfume wish list this year, Guerlain’s heavenly, angelic, cloud-like, milky musk with iris, sandalwood, neroli, orange blossom… breathy, clean, fresh, light, crisp white floral, the tiniest touch of warmth from sandalwood and some amber and ambrette musk mallow… it’s pure perfection, perfect for any season, and layers GORGEOUSLY with other scents, particularly Angélique Noire. 

Astrology & Wellness

Half of this section is some spiritual woowoo stuff I like; the other half of this category, mostly, is just ballet-inspired workout stuff (shocking, lol). My version of wellness has evolved quite a bit over the past decade, and looks different today… 

Pretty Tarot Cards: I’m looking for the perfect Tarot deck to start my practice, and I’m thinking that this French Tarot deck is probably the one!

Goddess and Astrology Pendants from Awe Inspired: I’m in love with the Celestial Mother of Pearl Amulet they used to have an Aphrodite pendant surrounded by pearls, which I still want, but their current one is cute too! but fr I want them to bring back the pearly one it was soooo sweet.

Productivity Planner & Wellness Journal: (in fuchsia or Italian Summer print) I’m such a huge fan of the Papier journals and planners, especially because they’re undated (and thus less wasteful) and have really clearly organized, supportive prompts and sections… so this is a product signed off on by a Virgo, you’re welcome!

Repetto Ballet Gear: bodysuits, leotards, sweatpants – it’s giving rich dancer, it’s giving I’m so delicate and fit, it’s giving my parents put me thru ballet school, it’s giving “oh i just came from dance practice” … I’m cosplaying but that’s OKAY. Everything is fine!

THAT WAS A LOT

If you’re here, congrats on having the attention span of … whatever the diametric opposite of a goldfish is. You should run for president maybe?

I hope this was fun, helpful, engaging, and not an absolute hot fudge sundae of capitalism and overconsumption :) :) :)

I love you all so much. Stay tuned for the video and pod version of this guide if you want. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

xoxoxo
GROS BISOUSSSS À BIENTÔT BYEEEE

Dominique