Welcome to the T List
Discover the latest holiday gift guide from the editors of T Magazine! This year, we reached out to our readers, asking for their most challenging gift-giving dilemmas. Below, our editors provide thoughtful answers to some of the most intriguing queries we received. Stay tuned for a second installment of gift ideas next week. Sign up here to receive our newsletter in your inbox every Wednesday, along with monthly travel and beauty recommendations and the latest stories from our print issues. As always, feel free to reach out to us at tmagazine@nytimes.com.
To Encourage a Teenager Discovering His Style
From left: Sperry Bahama II sneakers, $70, sperry.com; Noah tricolor bandanna, $24, noahny.com; Found Goji red jersey, $100, found.store; Barney Cools Valance short, $79, barneycools.com.
“My teenage nephew just turned 13 and lives in a remote town in Australia. He’s newly interested in clothes and has a clear sense of his style: Ralph Lauren polos and athleisure wear. I want to encourage his budding fashion sense, but I’m struggling to find options for his age that go beyond basic pieces or eBay finds (where sizing is hit or miss, but the vintage looks are appealing). Can you suggest some cool brands for my favorite teen?” — Stella, Sydney, Australia; budget: $20 to $100
Shopping for teenagers can be quite the challenge; their sizes fluctuate and finding affordable pieces that are stylish yet durable can be tricky. For a young Ralph Lauren enthusiast, consider a cotton jersey featuring nostalgic embroidery from the Americana-inspired label Found. Additionally, the Australian streetwear brand Barney Cools offers a variety of budget-friendly men’s staples, including a pair of shorts with cargo pockets that extend past the hem, ensuring both style and practicality. The drawstring waist is an added bonus, accommodating his growth. Accessories are also a fun way to foster his sense of style without the worry of sizing. The American menswear brand Noah’s tricolor paisley-printed bandanna would inject a vibrant touch to any outfit and provide some sun protection. Lastly, Sperry’s hybrid boat shoe-sneakers blend traditional maritime aesthetics with modern comfort, making them a versatile choice for any occasion. — Jameson Montgomery
To Brighten the Home of an Already Colorful Relative
Clockwise from top left: Bahe Kilim pillow, $21, etsy.com; Crow Canyon tray, $34, crowcanyonhome.com; Gregory Nano 16 backpack, $54, gregory.com; Arc’teryx Mantis 1 waist pack, $40, rei.com; Sabre tart server, $41, us.sabre-paris.com.
“I need a gift for my niece, who’s over 60 but identifies as much younger. She’s very particular about her tastes and has a keen interest in home décor. Quirky knickknacks with sentimental value are her favorites, especially those featuring insects, bees, and spiders. Her houseplants are petite, and when they show signs of aging, she simply replaces them. She loves colorful cushions, outdoor exercise, and baking Key lime pie. Shopping for her is a challenge because her small home is nearly full with shelves and wall décor.” — Karen, Bay Area, Calif.; budget: $30 to $50
Your niece sounds like a delightful character — I share her enthusiasm for Key lime pie and vibrant cushions! For the latter, I recommend exploring Etsy, where you can find beautiful kilim pillow covers in various colors from Bahe Kilim, an Istanbul-based company that specializes in sourcing vintage pieces in diverse sizes. These colorful enamel splatter trays from Crow Canyon are perfect for serving a classic Key lime pie; they also help keep the dessert cool while on display. To complement the tray, consider a Sabre Paris cake server available in classic bistro style or a more whimsical striped design. For her outdoor activities, I suggest the lightweight and versatile Arc’teryx Mantis 1 waist pack. However, if she enjoys longer hikes, the Gregory Nano 16 in bright teal or yellow would be an excellent choice. — Carla Valdivia Nakatani
