As a treat, we’re asking a handful of friends with wonderful taste to share five gifts for five people in their lives. Thoughtful, personal, full of charm — a little peek into how they think about giving, and the things they can’t wait to wrap.
We’re kicking things off with Caitlin Burke, a tastemaker we adore for her sharp eye, grounded elegance, and the way she finds beauty in the everyday. Caitlin is the kind of person who knows exactly what someone will love before they know it themselves and the friend whose recommendations you always save. So, read on and keep your eyes peeled for our next installment…
“I keep a gift list all year long. If someone mentions something they love or need, it goes in my notes. And I only give things I’d be thrilled to receive myself.” - Caitlin Burke
CAITLIN'S FIVE GIFTS FOR FIVE PEOPLE
La Conica Espresso Coffee Maker: “For my partner, who needs a chic coffee maker if it’s going to live on our counter.”
Moro Dabron Herbarium Candle: “For Tyler and his boyfriend, who always have a candle burning.”
Carlotta Vase: “For Lauren, my best friend and collector of vintage green glass.”
Alma Decanter: “For a photographer friend who loves sculptural objects —
this reminds me of the Arctic ice she just photographed.”
Ichendorf Milano Deco Tall Water Glasses: “For me. Because I adore them, and why not?”
Next, we turn to Sarah Hoover -
a longtime force in the art world and an acclaimed author whose work reshapes how we think about motherhood, identity, and modern life. She’s an eternal source of deeply funny, devastatingly chic recommendations, with that rare combination of sharp intellect and sharper wit; style with spine; generosity with edge. She’s the friend whose honesty lands, whose taste intrigues, and whose advice stays with you long after the conversation ends.
And, crucially for the job at hand, she is a spectacular gift giver — the kind who knows exactly which things spark joy, start conversations, and change the temperature of a room.
“I believe the golden rule applies to gifting too: give people the things you would be thrilled to receive.” - Sarah Hoover
SARAH'S FIVE GIFTS FOR FIVE PEOPLE
Radicchio Salt and Pepper Shakers: “This adorable set would go
to my mother, who like me thinks unsalted butter is an indignity.”
Jacqueline Food Cover: “These genius food covers would go to my best friend Charlotte, who loves to entertain around her fire pit in Connecticut. With these, we won’t have to be waving away summer bugs, which is a hazard when you’re double fisting martini.”
Gem Vase: “Ok these bud vases go to my other best friend Cece, who sets gorgeous tables. The color will mix very well with her existing collection of antique silver. Yes, she’s perfect.”
Ichendorf Milano Fish Pitcher:
“A water pitcher is always a good gift because it reminds your friends to stay hydrated, which is a way of saying “I love you and you’re too pretty to have dry skin.” This one is whimsical as well as beautiful and will liven up any table. Plus you can make a joke about having gorgeous jugs in the card.”
Tilde Napkin: “ It is the nature of napkins that they are constantly getting stained. Therefore a new set is always appreciated. I’d give these to my mother in law, who wouldn’t be caught dead setting her table with paper towels. This set is the perfect amount of traditional, which she would also like.”
