In this series actress, writer, director, and entrepreneur Julissa Calderon, best known for playing Yessika Castillo on Gentefied, discusses her holiday picks for different moments – and people you might be thinking of getting a gift for this Christmas. Whether it’s your loved one, your partner, or you just want a Secret Santa gift, Calderon has a gift idea for you to conquer the holiday season and emerge as the best gift-giver of all.
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Hi mi gente linda! Giving gifts is one of my favorite things. And I’m good at it, too — I pay attention. I feel like the key to good gift-giving is catering to people, and that comes from noticing what people like, what they talk about, and what they say they want. So my shopping philosophy is simple because before I go shopping, I always know what each person I love wants. I literally screenshot things they’ve mentioned or take quick notes. Sometimes I even do that months ahead of time.
I also sometimes try to think about things people I love need but wouldn’t get themselves. Just because that’s what I would love people to do for me. I think it’s a really good philosophy, particularly when it comes to people you love. Like, for example, if I’m talking about some of the most important people in my life, this is what I would get them.
For My Mom
Everyone needs a Dagne Dover item in their possession, whether the weekender, backpack, or fanny. My mom already has the fanny, so I’m getting her something to match. Oh, and I love the ash! The Dagne Dover carryall bag is available on dagnedover.com for $185.
Costa Brazil has a candle that I can’t stop thinking about. I want the smell in my house all the time. Worth every dollar. It’s perfect for anyone you love. The Costa Brazil candle is available on livecostabrazil.com for $165 and also amazon.com for $115.
One of those things I think my mom wouldn’t get and that I’d get for her is the Google Nest. If you’re like me and constantly messing with your temperature at home, this is perfect. It makes it so you can control everything from your phone. The Google Nest is available on amazon.com for $84.98.
For My Sister
My sister and I are always talking about makeup, so I gotta start with Fenty Beauty, which I’ve been using for years. Anytime you’re trying to get your lips poppin, their glass lip gloss stays ON. I’ve been using it for years now and nothing beats it. My favorite shade is the Fenty glow. The Fenty Lip Gloss is available on fentybeauty.com for $22.26.
I’d also get her the Fenty skin-tinted moisturizer. This past Summer it’s all I used on my Euro Summer and it was perfect for that Euro sun! The Hydra Vizor Huez SPF 30 Refillable Tinted Moisturizer is available on fentybeauty.com for $50.88 and also sephora.com for $42.00.
Patrick Ta’s powder blush duo is chef’s kiss and the perfect present.I have two shades and keep them in rotation when I’m doing my face. The Major Headlines Double-Take Creme & Powder Blush Duo is available on patrickta.com for $38.00 and also sephora.com for $38.00.
Glamlite is a very unique makeup palette, and they usually have a theme too! Glamlite Makeup Palette’s are available on glamlite.com from prices ranging from $20-34.
Finally, who doesn’t want a bag? I’d get her a Maya Winston. Stunning bags. Maya Winston bags are available on mayawinston.com from prices ranging from $200-300.
For My Best Friend
Vitruvi Essential Oils & Diffuser
I love my house smelling good, and this diffuser is perfect. It’s sleek, pretty, and looks like home decor as it spreads yummy scents. Vitruvi Best Sleep Bundle is available on vitruvi.com for $296.34 and also amazon.com from prices ranging from $21-229.
Then there’s this Jolie filtered showerhead I swear by. Get your friend or family member this filter and a subscription for their hair to shine and skin to be hydrated! The Jolie Filtered Showerhead is available on jolieskinco.com for $165.00.
Your loved ones deserve to know they’re cared for, and these gifts show just that—care. And since now you don’t have to go out and obsess over what to get them, you also also giving them another thing, the gift of more of your time this Christmas. It’s a win-win!
