For those of you still seeking that perfect something for him, for her, for them, for yourself, for your pet, or for me; here’s my Last-Minute Holiday Gifting Guide!
For the Eclectic Aesthete
The Limited-Edition “Weeping Bust” Candle by HERETIC PARFUM
Their Verbiage: “A magically haunting 16" candle that's a stunning work of art by day and an ethereal beauty at night. When lit, this surreal sculpture will cry tears of dripping wax—making it a darkly elegant weeping bust that is, literally, illuminating. Unscented.”
My Take: For those of you in the market for a candle to light (or to give as a gift), might I suggest the "Weeping Bust" candle by Heretic Parfum? At once goth and glam, this ethereally elegant objet d’art—designed by Douglas Little and sculpted by George Sellers—is a large candle sculpture in the shape of a neo-classical bust that’s been molded in such a way that the melted wax drips from the bust’s ersatz tear-ducts. This ‘weeping’ effect adds a sense of hauntingly surreal wonder to whichever space the "Weeping Bust" inhabits, making her the ideal present for those hard-to-shop-for people in your life!
Details: $333; available exclusively through Heretic Parfum.
Click HERE to learn more about Heretic Parfum’s Limited-Edition “Weeping Bust” Candle
For the Cocktail Enthusiast
Gin No. 61 by WONDERBIRD SPIRITS
Their Verbiage: “Our Gold Medal-winning flagship gin, No. 61, is made with obsessive attention to every detail. First, we ferment Mississippi Delta-grown Jasmine rice to make the base spirit. Our approach, which borrowed from traditional sake making, sets a beautifully clean foundation for layering the subtly complex flavors and aromas from our botanicals.”
My Take: I used to avoid gin (after one too many hangovers incurred as a freshman at Tulane). That is, until I was introduced to Wonderbird Spirits—they make their gin from rice, using traditional sake-making techniques!—and their delicious Gin No. 41 that doesn’t beat you over the head with the juniper, and is made from ten botanicals (two of which are found on the grounds of their distillery). It’s clean, it’s smooth, and it’s a definite must for the bar of any at-home mixologist.
Details: $48.99; available via Wonderbird Spirits and purveyors of fine spirits
Click HERE to learn more about Wonderbird Spirits’s Gin No. 61
For the Cigar Connoisseur
10-Count Box of Limited-Edition “Sigmund: Chapter One – The Disrupter” Cigars by FREUD CIGAR CO.
Their Verbiage: “This regal, medium body, double corona cigar stimulates all the senses—pleasant, intense, sweet—keeping the mouth clean and perfectly moist. It is a complex and very well-balanced cigar without aftertaste (medium and high notes of wood, walnut, and cocoa throughout, in perfect harmony). An invitation to keep smoking!”
My Take: Put it this way: I know as much about cigars as Butterfly McQueen’s “Prissy” did ‘bout birthin’ babies, in Gone with the Wind. That said, I know what I like, and these cigars are so refined and tasty that on the rare occasion I find myself with a bunch of cigar smokers, these are what I smoke.
Details: $420; available at Eight Lounge at Resorts World Las Vegas, and other purveyors of fine cigars.
For the Design Devotee
South Sea Pearl and Diamond “Encounter” Ring by Sean Gilson for ASSAEL
Their Verbiage: “A magnificent 11.0mm South Sea Cultured Pearl and a half-carat Diamond set on an angle complement each other across an open band of 18K Yellow Gold. Modern perfection!”
My Take: I don’t throw the term ‘Master Jeweler’ around casually, but it certainly applies to Sean Gilson, whose designs for Assael include this South Sea Pearl and Diamond “Encounter” Ring, which is essentially a sculpture that one can wear. Gilson’s trick: Conceiving and then crafting designs that evoke a V8 head-slap for their seeming simplicity, and making them timeless. Gilson’s “Encounter” Ring for Assael is a perfect example of opting for style’s longevity over the fleetingness of fashion.
Details: $2,499; available at select Neiman Marcus stores.
For the Experience Seeker
Gingerbread House Decorating: A Wynn Master Class at WYNN LAS VEGAS
Their Verbiage: “Gingerbread cottages are part of a long-standing European tradition passed through centuries from England, Finland and of course, Germany, home of the Brothers Grimm. Learn how to decorate an exquisite, edible house that would do Hansel and Gretel proud in this interactive demo and workshop, led by Wynn’s master cake artist Flora Aghababyan. Seating is limited. Children five and older are welcome.”
My Take: The Wynn Master Class Series features some of the most unique experiences in Las Vegas, wherein individuals can take intimate “classes” from the experts at Wynn Las Vegas in such disciplines as cooking, entertaining, wine-tasting, DJing, horticulture, and more! With this Wynn Master Class, guests can learn all about Gingerbread House Decorating from Wynn’s dazzlingly talented master cake artist, Flora Aghababyan.
Details: Thursday, December 21 at 2pm, at Lakeside at Wynn Las Vegas. Seating is limited. Children five and older are welcome.
For the Dog Lover
One-Year Gift Subscription to the Dog Macaron Club by BONNE ET FILOU
Their Verbiage: “Treat your pup to the monthly dog box subscription of the Dog Macaron Club. Includes 5 boxes with Lavender, Strawberry, Mint, Rose & Vanilla flavors. Delivery every three months; charged annually.”Top of Form
My Take: First I saw these, online, and bought some for Remy and Riley, who gobbled them up. Then I sent some to some friends with dogs, and their dogs all loved ‘em, too. Great packaging, and handmade with premium human-grade ingredients, with no artificial coloring or preservatives; these gourmet canine macarons are made in small batches, and do not require refrigeration.
Details: $249; available via Bonne et Filou
Click HERE to learn more about Bonne et Filou’s One-Year Gift Subscription to the Dog Macaron Club
For the Admirer of Craftsmanship
Personalized Tequila Casa Dragones Joven Gift Set by CASA DRAGONES
Their Verbiage: “In honor of Mexican craftsmanship, this limited-edition gift set features an original, hand-engraved pepita design on the crystal decanter. This elegant set also includes two Riedel crystal tequila glasses, delicately engraved with the same stunning motif. This set can be personalized with calligraphy where available. Limited Availability.”
My Take: Imagine a tequila that eradicates the need to grimace then inhale, quickly, through clenched teeth. A sophisticated, small-batch, handmade, artisanal sipping tequila that demonstrates the heights of Mexican excellence. Well, there’s no need to imagine: It exists in the form of the Casa Dragones Joven, now available in a deluxe gift set with a personalized calligraphed message! Send them to the ones you love (just make sure to keep one for yourself)!
Details: $385.99; available via Casa Dragones (Use Code PERSONALGIFT)
Click HERE to learn more about Casa Dragones’s Personalized Tequila Casa Dragones Joven Gift Set
Holiday Gifting
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