For the 40th birthday of a rapidly aging millennial who has everything (that matters) but wants more more more.
A Hyper-Specific, Super-Sporadic, Delightfully Chaotic Gift Guide
Convinced she’d evolved past freaking out about turning 40. She was wrong. Has multiple “Late 90s Early 2000s _________ Hits” Spotify playlists. Actively fighting gravity with Botox and SoulCycle. Inner monologue voiced by angsty 17-year-old. Mid-life crisis in 3…2…1…. Grateful for making it this far. Double Aries. Leo sun.
Doen Claire Dress, $398
The antidote to BlackSlipDress-itis, from which so many of us suffer. From the frilly little wings to the dainty bow at the neckline, it’s the celebration dress to end all celebration dresses. And because I’ve been actively attempting to shop the pain away, the Nandi skirt and Teresa Cardigan are now mine as well.
Erno Laszlo Firmarine SPF 30 Moisturizer, $128
Marilyn Monroe was a vocal Dr. Laszlo fan. According to legend, this tinted treatment was her favorite product. Mine is this baby-blue SPF-spiked moisturizer. While there’s no tint to the stuff, slathering it on is like applying the Paris filter, the only way to get me to apply daily sunscreen.
The Gold Album Bespoke Shield Pendant, $3,000
Gold. Enamel. Diamonds. These are the three materials The Gold Album excels at manipulating into achingly elegant custom pendants. Makes me wish we had a family crest, but for now, my initials will do.
Bloom Boom Burgundy Peonies, $315 and up
Call me old-fashioned but is there anything more precious than receiving a heaving bouquet of your favorite flowers?
Sundays Quilt 5-Piece Modular Sectional, $6,250
You know you’re a girl of a certain age when a sectional is at the top of your birthday wishlist. It’s green, it’s stain-resistant, and it’s got removable, washable quilting thingies—how could I resist.
Jamie Haller Ballet Slippers, $495
Ballet core is a thing right now, but a good pair of ballet flats is trend-proof. These come with removable ankle ribbons. Swoon.
Naviva Punta Mita, Prices Vary
All-inclusive hotels conjure images of buffet lines and crowded pools. While Naviva is in fact an all-inclusive, it turns the entire concept on its head. There are 15 individual cottages? tents? mini compounds? outfitted with the kind of luxury trappings you’d expect from a Four Seasons (that’s because it is). The all-inclusive part means that once you step foot on the property—all winding pathways and pristine lawns—you don’t touch your wallet or charge anything to your room. Meals, experiences, spa treatments—it’s all included in the rate.
Cartier Tank Watch, $3,450
A classic for a classic.
Sugarbear Bakes Pavlova, Prices Vary
Stephanie Chens and her cakes have been a part of our family birthdays for five years now. She’s best known for her intricately decorated multi-tier cakes, though my go-to is her perfect Pavlova.
Le Kilt Pleats All Around Micro Mini Kilt, $478
To quote one of my favorite past employers, this skirt—no, kilt—is “a little bit punk rock, a little bit Park Avenue.”
Starling Bespoke Gems, Prices Vary
This is not my first time singing Starling’s praises. But just look at this bloody, vampy garnet!
Jaymes Paper Bespoke Notecards, $350
For writing heartfelt thank-you’s, lusty love letters, sappy I’m-sorry’s, glittering congratulations, silly just-because notes….
Roe Caviar, from $120
Because caviar is a love language.
Nickey Kehoe Scallop Sconce, $450
Because sconces scream “I’m a grownup!” You know: act as if, become as if.
This is hysterical. Thoroughly enjoyed.