parker’s 2020 Holiday Gift Guide
I am notorious every year for having a ridiculously long Christmas list that I send to my mother. I probably receive 2% of the things on my list. And that might be generous. That is not to say that my parents do not buy me more than I could ever need; it just means I want A LOT. I love beautiful things, what can I say. At this point, I think the joy is me creating the list and mom reading what outlandish things are on it each year. A Christmas list to me, is an end of year culmination of things that have caught your eye that you think can add value to your life.
I think this year maybe because of everything going on in the world that my list is slightly shorter. I could fact check that. Normally I calculate the total number of items on the list, but more importantly total cost. My 2019 list had 75 items (not bad, actually) and a total estimated value of $50,000. I want to also remind, it is always best to support artists and artisans and makers, this year and every year. That doesn’t mean you can’t buy from businesses but be conscience of the businesses that you are shopping from.
I am not going to share with you the entirety of my 2020 wishlist. Instead, I have selected 15 (initially aimed to only select 10, oops) things that I feel best summarize my list and the 2020 year.
If anyone wants to buy me any of these items, that would be amazing. Also let my mother know, we don’t want to end up with duplicate gifts. Also, freely use this as a reference for other people in your life who might be like me (does such a person exist?). Always happy to give further suggestions and recommendations.
Have a blessed holidays. And happy shopping!
xx Parker
1. The New York Times Sunday subscription
Sunday is the best day, everyone knows that. I want to add the Sunday copy of The New York Times to my weekly ritual. The Sunday issue is loaded with everything that I want and need (Sunday Styles, NYT Book Review, T Magazine, Style Magazine, etc.). A gift that keeps on giving throughout the year.
2. The Official Preppy Handbook by Lisa Birnbach
For some reason, I do not own this classic, essential book. I don’t know why or how. But it needs to get added to my library immediately. I just want to be a prep and so I need the handbook to guide me in achieving this life goal.
3. More Than Just a House: At Home with Collectors and Creators by Alex Eagle
Alex Eagle is who I aspire to be as a creative. What a force. Love her. I also love homes and I love collecting and I love creating and love other creatives like me. What a perfect book that was released this fall. Literally a MUST HAVE.
4. Air Mail by M. McGregor and It’s a Shirt
This past year, my closest friend and life partner shared with me the instagram of M.McGregor. We both fell in love with his artwork. We were often swooning over which ones to buy. We are honestly such bad influences on each other and spending money. His work is really cool. Even cooler though, a recent project of his was painting on white dress shirts (partnered with It’s a Shirt)! I want one of each!! They are all so so so cool. Would I wear it every day? YES. Would I hang it proudly on my wall? YES.
5. Warm and Wonderful x Rowing Blazers Sheep Sweater
OK, yes, we all watch The Crown. I have been a Royal enthusiast for much longer than that. Honestly as long as I can remember. William and Catherine married on my birthday. I even met Catherine in the flesh (wearing an Alexander McQueen sailor dress--perfection). I am also obsessed with Rowing Blazers (remember, I am a wannabe prep). I already own things of theirs. This sweater is everything I want and need in life. Somehow I slept on the VIP pre-sale, the sale, the first pre-order, and all the other orders for it. Luckily it is not too late. RIP Diana. This iconic sweater deserves to live on in my wardrobe. For the record, would also die to have Rowing Blazer’s re-release of the iconic “I’m a Luxury” sweater, which is suitable for me.
6. Sleepy Jones Navy Gingham Henry Pajama Set
Pajamas are an essential Christmas gift for anyone at any age. Nothing is better than a pajama set. Sleepy Jones creates the best. These are made for spending all day in them. If 2021 is like 2020 at all, I will definitely be doing that.
7. Everything by Bode
I literally just want everything from Bode. I am not exaggerating. Everything. I am obsessed. I will take it all. Nothing more to say here.
8. Tracksmith Van Cortlandt Singlet and Twilight Shorts
I am not a runner, and my knee will attest to that fact. I am not a bad runner though. Fairly average I would say. I run the top of the range at Barry’s Bootcamp -- aka “advanced runner”. Regardless, I know I need to have the best looking, classic running ensemble. Tracksmith has that. My drawer full of Lululemon is trembling at the thought.
9. Charvet Leather Slippers
I am Canadian so I obviously do not wear shoes indoor like a maniac. These are the perfect indoor shoe though. Extremely luxe. Wearing these, you emulate the Pope. And I am into that. I would rather the leather than the suede for obvious reasons. Because apparently people are spending a lot of time at home, they are sort of in high demand and hard to get this year. But like, anything for His Holiness, aka ME.
10. Drake’s Madras Multi-Check Scarf
I don’t think a better scarf exists. If we need to circle back to the fact that I am a wannabe prep… we can. Whoever said that patchwork madras can only be a part of summer wardrobes has obviously never lived on the Northern Atlantic like any true prep has. (Some might argue New England, but obviously I need to include myself here, so…). And everything that Drake’s produces is gold.
11. Acne Studios Canada Scarf
I have a lot of scarves, but for some reason I am really feeling the need to step up my scarf game this year. I love an oversized scarf. They are so versatile and warm. It can be a scarf but also a blanket. The Acne Studio’s Canada scarf is a classic and somehow missing from my closet. I would take one in every colour to be honest, but have my eye on this pink one.
12. Polly Fern Stately Home Pets - Romantic Plate
I might be late to the Polly Fern fan club, but I adore her. Very British countryside, and I am so into it. I want all of her ceramics and paintings and creations. I don’t even like dogs and I need this plate in my life immediately.
13. Luke Edward Hall Etienne Tray
If you didn’t know I was obsessed with Luke Edward Hall, then clearly you are new to the Parker O’Connor fan club. He is a creative genius. And I want to own everything he has touched his hands on. He made these trays a few years ago, they are still available and I still catch myself eyeing them.
14. East City Candles Apollo Statue Candle
I mean, we can thank Luke Edward Hall for instilling the need for an Apollo statue candle in my life. I studied Art History and I took archaeology, classic Greek sculptures have been HOT for millennia. Candles are a huge part of my world so this is essential. Plus beeswax, no one should be burning paraffins, it is 2020.
15. Cartier Tank Solo Watch in Gold
Saving the best for last. I have wanted this watch for as long as I could say Kennedy. I don’t even love watches. If I did, I would be geeking out over something much more intricate and over the top. Instead I love beautiful things, and this is definitely beautiful. It is truly a piece that will last for generations to come. Nothing more to say here, but one day my little wrist will have one with my initials engraved on the inside, obviously.