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With months-long, unprecedented WGA and SAG strikes, 2023 was a doozy for Hollywood: One estimate pegs the economic cost of lost wages and other business impacts at $6 billion. While the holidays in years past have been primetime in Hollywood for flexing those big-spender muscles, some industry observers believe that gift-giving is more restrained this season. “I think it’s generally a tough time for people in the industry after the repercussions of the strikes,” says Laurie Zaks, president of Rosewood Television.
Producer Irena Medavoy agrees. “This holiday season is different,” she says. “It just feels a little bit more quiet.” In other years, she notes, “We used to get Hermès cashmere monogrammed blankets or those big tins of caviar where you could feed 30 people. I don’t see that happening.”
Her go-to gifts this year for friends include irreverent socks from Ayda (the apparel brand started by Ayda Williams, wife of Robbie Williams); fragrances from Thirteen Lune, which spotlights brands by Black and Brown founders and recently opened a store in Larchmont Village; Jennifer Meyer flower rings; Melinda Maria earrings (“People love the hoops,” she says); bracelets from Metal Alchemist; and a new $395 serum, Cell Forté, from facialist Angela Caglia. (“It’s insane. It makes you fucking glow.”)
Sharon Shimony of gift box company Couture Gift — whose clients include Ari Emanuel, Mariah Carey and George Clooney — also sees a shift this season. “We are generally very busy but off quite a bit as compared to last year,” says Shimony, whose go-to’s include candles and fragrances by Maison Francis Kurkdijian, Trudon, Carrière Frères (especially its tomato candle) and L.A.’s own Flamingo Estate (which has opened a holiday pop-up shop, bakery and gingerbread house in Highland Park through Dec. 24).
From left: Angela Caglia’s Cell Forté serum, $395, angelacaglia.com; Couture Gift’s Casamigos tequila crate, $300. “Me and my team put thought and care into every single product we procure for our gift crates and boxes, and research what makes this person tick,” says Couture Gift’s Sharon Shimony.
Courtesy of CoutureGift; Courtesy of Angela Caglia Skincare
However, Sita 1910 boutique owner Cio Soler tells THR she hasn’t noticed a change, noting that her customers are continuing to pull out all the stops. “I’d say this year is stronger than ever,” says Soler, founder of the appointment-only store inside The Peninsula Beverly Hills, where in-the-know execs, stylists and talent go for its carefully curated collection of apparel, décor and gift items. “The tough times and sad stories we are witnessing are almost provoking generosity and thoughtful giving. It’s like the North Pole at Sita; I see a real joy of giving this year,” she says, adding, “I don’t think about labels or what’s hot at the moment, and my clients are also very much past that. Timeless quality, craftsmanship and integrity are most important.”
Jennifer Gwartz, evp of Universal Content Productions, tells THR she’s staying consistent with past years. “This is my favorite time of year to acknowledge my team, colleagues and boss for their support. I prefer to send gifts and a note to as many people as possible as an expression of my appreciation, rather than gift something extravagant to just a few people.”
Gab Waller — the self-described Fashion Sourcer who works with clients like Sofia Richie Grainge and Khloé Kardashian to locate hard-to-find designer items such as Khaite’s Benny Belt — adds that quiet luxury (think Loro Piana and The Row) continues as a trend. “While there’s big demand for Chanel’s often sold-out shearling earmuffs and rectangle sunglasses, there’s been a shift to the ‘if you know, you know’ luxury,” says Waller, who also notes that clients are into home goods by Dior and Hermès, including dinner plates, ashtrays, pillows and, yes, cashmere blankets (which can run $7,000 and more).
Told that the latter gift remains hot for some, Medavoy says with a laugh, “Maybe I’m just not getting them or maybe we’re just not on that list anymore — which, by the way, 100 percent could be. In this town, you’re [either] up or you’re down.”
Mytheresa and Flamingo Estate collab candle, $65, with notes of juniper and orange rind, available at the collab pop-up shop in Highland Park in L.A. through Dec. 24.
Jojo Korsh/BFA.com/Courtesy
Soler adds, “The focus of gift giving should be around evoking emotion where upon opening the present, the recipient will truly feel seen.” This can be achieved without spending a small fortune. “People often think too much about budget, but it’s more important to consider the passions of those you are gifting,” she says.
According to Soler, for those who want to make an impression with their gift-giving, travel escapes are always impactful, especially when the recipients are wellness, golf or culinary enthusiasts. “This gives the giftee that moment where they think, ‘You see me,’” she adds.
SHA Wellness in Spain — to which celebrities, industry executives and royals jet for holistic healing and highly personalized health regimes — is opening its newest clinic in Riviera Maya, Mexico, in early 2024. Closer to home, The Resort at Pelican Hill along Newport Coast is revered for its Italian-esque hillside village setting, two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses, osso bucco and lobster at Pelican Grill, and one of the most coveted spas in Southern California where Nature Bissé facials and body treatments await. The property is also offering festive programming throughout December that makes thoughtful experiential gifts, including a Holiday High Tea and Princess Tea for the little ones. And, for the gourmand wanderlusters on your list, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara is a culinary paradise and home to some of the area’s most desirable restaurants including Angel Oak Steakhouse, San Setto for authentic Japanese creations, Latin American delicacies at O Bar + Kitchen and The Cohiba Experience, a private cigar lounge.
Wine and spirit gifts — like Dos Hombres Mezcal, founded by stars Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston — are always in demand and can be budget-friendly. “Our number one seller is the Casamigos tequila crate,” says Shimony (reachable at sharon@shopcouturegift.com). And, enchant the oenophiles on your list with a premiere subscription to Benchmark Wine Group ($69.99 per month) for early access to rare, limited-quantity wines, dedicated sommelier recommendations and concierge services including winery and restaurant reservations, or a wine club membership to Burgess Cellars where lead winemaker Meghan Zobeck is crafting some of the most elegant, low-interventionist wines in Napa Valley.
Gift giving is even more meaningful when it’s a gift that gives back. Sharsheret, the nonprofit Jewish organization providing support and resources to women and families living with breast and ovarian cancer has their Busy Box filled with games and activities for children to engage with while mom is at the doctor or resting post-surgery. Zuri Mesica, the Beverly Hills-based fine jewelry designer behind The Expression pencil bracelet worn by Zendaya and Leonardo DiCaprio has designed an affordable limited edition style where 100 percent of the proceeds go to education nonprofit Pencils of Promise.
Of course, a deeply heartfelt, handwritten note of appreciation is a rarity these days and something that’s always appreciated. “Greeting cards are mission critical in my humble opinion,” adds Shimony. Founded by Hollywood talent executive Robert Ell, the dazzling, hand-glittered novelty cards by Ellegant Creations always make a statement.
A version of this story first appeared in the Dec. 15 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.