Almost two seasons into the reboot, RHONY fans are still debating if the cast is delightfully delusional or even messy enough to live up to the OGs. (Brian Moylan’s recaps will tell you everything you need to know, if you haven’t caught up.) As self-aware as this new group is, there’s still plenty of snarky digs and (supposed) fashion-faux-pas callouts to go around, whether it’s about wearing too many logos or unpleasant natural deodorant. So, I thought this particular group of Housewives would have some strong stances on gifting. I spoke to five of them to see exactly what they’d want this holiday. There’s no ill-fitting lingerie or pigeon-related items, but there is mention of the designer who made Racquel’s divisively large engagement ring and something involving mice. Before we get into it, it seems more important here than in any other article to note that none of the products are tied to any of the Housewives (brand deals, sponsorships, or otherwise). Everything below is actually on their wish lists.
Brynn Whitfield’s wish list
Back in the day, my siblings and I would take what little earnings we had from the year and do a Christmas gift exchange. I used to give my sister and grandmother beauty sets, so I was trying to think of which one I’d like to receive. Honestly, I’d like to get more of my favorites from Kérastase. It’s my go-to, because the shampoo is super-lightweight for my dry, porous hair. It keeps my hair soft, especially since I use a lot of heat. I just chopped my hair off, and I’m trying to protect it from more damage.
You can’t go wrong with a museum gift shop, especially MoMA’s. Everything’s so perfectly curated, and I always look forward to its holiday collection. I’ve been eyeing this snow globe, because I collected snow globes when I was little. They’re sweet and nostalgic, and they take me back to growing up in Indiana. This is a cute memento for someone who lives in New York or doesn’t. I want one myself, but I’m actually going to send this to my nieces.
This is the most beautiful, beautiful coat. I will be resharing this once it’s published, because I’m going to be like, “Who wants to buy me this?” I have tried it on three times in the Madison store. They think I’m crazy. It reminds me of Audrey Hepburn in Charade when she’s wearing her sunglasses and the brown hat and coat. I’m trying to convince myself that if I get it, I’ll wear it every day walking around New York. I’m hoping Santa sees this and gets me the set, but I might have to buy myself just that hat and act like I left the coat at home.
Erin Lichy’s wish list
I’m always hosting dinner parties. I have a collection of beautiful plates from different companies, but I’ve been lusting over this specific green set ever since Dior came out with it. I actually think I saw them first in Aspen when Little Nell did a partnership with Dior Home. I just fell in love. I think they’ll look so pretty in the Hamptons for summer hosting.
I cook all the time. My husband loves to cook, and our kids are even getting into cooking. All-Clad is one of my kitchen staples. Our wedding registry included a bunch of All-Clad pots and pans, and we’re actually still using them. That was, like, 12 years ago. They just have great products. I’ve been needing a new knife set, so I did some research and landed on this one. The price point is also really good for what I’d assume is great quality.
I just think this is really cute. I always have matches around. I’m always lighting candles. Sometimes I need matches by my fireplaces in the Hamptons for the fire starter. This is just very pretty, and I’d like one for my house. I also think it would make a nice housewarming gift.
I found this just while shopping online. I have a million carts open at all times that I have to pare down. I thought this would be a great daily throw over a jacket. Also, I like that I could drop off my kids at school and go straight to a workout without looking too disheveled.
Racquel Chevremont’s wish list
I love art books. I think they’re great gifts. I think everyone should have a beautiful book on their coffee table. I want this one in particular because it features all female sculptors. Some of the artists are more well known as painters, but they also sculpt. And I just love Phaidon. They produce beautiful books.
I wear a lot of Nada’s work, and so does Mel. She is the designer who did my engagement ring, so it’s kind of our big gift for special occasions. The pieces are just gorgeous. Once again, female designer — you’ll see a trend happening here with me — because I love to support women designers and artists. This is 18 karat, and the design is just stunning. Nada is Lebanese, and there’s a little bit of influence in some of her pieces, too.
That’s one the kids really want, but who doesn’t like an alcoholic slushie drink, right? It’s on my daughter’s list along with the ice- cream maker. I figure that it’s versatile. The entire family can enjoy it. We could do a margarita night. My kids will get virgin ones, and mine can be a little spicy.
I have a massive television on my wall, and I don’t love the look of it. This turns your TV into a work of art. You can program it to flip through your photographs or paintings on your wish list — Monets or whatever you might want.
I don’t get nearly as much sleep as I should, so I often wake up with dark circles and puffiness. These help clear all that out, and they just feel good. It’s so simple, but even if I’m just around the house watching TV, I feel like I’m having a little self-care moment with these on. I’d love a restock.
I love candles. I have a bunch from this company already and would love another. I think they look absolutely beautiful, and this fragrance combination is just refreshing. It’s also a two-wick candle, so it burns evenly.
Jessel Taank’s wish list
I’m a big fan of experiences versus physical gifts. This one, you can actually take some time to unwind and maybe do something outside of your comfort zone. Aire has massages and packages you can do by yourself or with someone else. It’s just the perfect way to unwind after a busy year or busy season. There’s no phones allowed, too, so you can really disconnect. It’s good for the mind and body. I was actually gifted this for my birthday last year, and I’d love to go again.
This sounds so nerdy. I was at a friend’s house the other day, and she had this incredible-looking frame, and I was like, “What is that?” It’s basically a digital frame that shows your calendar and can sync with your family’s calendar. It lets you look through your day-to-day and monthly to-dos. What I thought was genius is that if you have emails coming in, it basically takes the date from those emails and automatically puts it into the calendar. I get so many emails from my kids’ school, so this would be incredibly helpful. And it looks clean and chic.
This soap is so ridiculously priced, but it is gorgeous and smells amazing. I actually first saw it at the new Warren Street Hotel and have been thinking about it since. I was like, I have to have that in the powder room. I’m hoping that Pavit gets it for me.
Ubah Hassan’s wish list
These are at the top of my list. I saw these at Bloomingdale’s and knew I needed them in all three colors. I can’t pick one. My boyfriend was like, “Why don’t you just get $85 or $100 boots? We’re going to the woods.” I’m like, no, no, no, this is not for rain. This is a fashion statement. I’d wear them like winter boots with some nice pants. They are just gorgeous. I guess I could settle for just the brown and black for everyday wear, and the white would be extra.
I first got a box of this chocolate four or five years ago from a friend. I ate the whole box in like a day and a half. I thought it was this fancy chocolate from Switzerland, but he just got it in Soho. Ever since, I’ve been obsessed. If someone cut me, I would bleed this chocolate. It just has the best flavor. You actually taste the milk chocolate or dark chocolate. My favorite is the little mice. They are so cute. This is the perfect gift for me, and it’s something I keep stock of to gift other people.
I will go out of my way to get coffee from places that use Miele machines. To me, the coffee made with this tastes like I’m in Rome. I have a coffee machine already and it is quite good, but if I had this, it would upgrade my life. I think it has to do with the machine’s filter and how it processes the beans. You just get pure liquid gold. I don’t know. It’s like, there are cars — and then there’s a Bentley. All the coffee machines are making coffee like all cars are driving, but some just feel better. I’m not even a huge coffee drinker, but if I had this at home, I would be.
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
