Celebrated for their expert eye, we asked some of the North Shore's top tastemakers to share their guide to giving.
“Creating a timeless space that becomes the backdrop to life’s greatest memories and milestones is what I love,” says principal designer Natalie Konstant of Skokie-based firm Konstant Home. Given her interior design bona fides and her chic home collection with North Shore-based home and vintage boutique ARCH, who better to ask for some unique gift selects for the upcoming holiday season? With her keen eye for architecture and clean, modern aesthetic, Konstant here shares with NS seven curated picks that perfectly suit her tastes—and ours.
For the Product Junkie
“I use Arch Glow’s Botanical Body Oil every day for ultimate skin hydration. The custom rose geranium blend smells amazing, and the oil is light enough to be used on the body and face. This is my go-to gift for the holiday season.” Botanical Body Oil, Arch Glow
For the Stylish Girl on the Go
“Do you love wearing cashmere but hate the dry-clean- only maintenance of it? Same. Kilte’s Cashmere Liz Set is 100% machine washable and dryable cashmere, and I’m never taking it off. This is the chicest outfit for a day out and about or on the sofa.” The Liz Set in black, Kilte
For the Guy Who Wants Nothing
“The perfect response to ‘I don’t need anything’: bacon. Zingerman’s Bacon All Year Club is the gift that keeps on giving. Twelve months of artisan bacon delivered right to your door. This is a tasty and unique gift that every guy is sure to love.” Bacon All Year Club, Zingerman’s
For the Kids
“Finally, a company that makes good- looking kids' toys! I’m a designer, so I am always searching for toys that my kids will love but are also aesthetically pleasing. My kids can’t get enough of this bounce house, and it doesn’t kill my design aesthetic.” Tumble, Play Smol
For the Newly Engaged
“Drinking good wine out of a bad glass is a big no-no. I source Zalto wine glasses for all of my clients because of their beautiful design and lightweight resilience, making them the perfect engagement or wedding gift. Cheers to the happy couple!” Denk Art wine glasses, Zalto
For the Design Enthusiast
“In front of the sofa, under an entry table or at the foot of the bed, the Beau Bench is the perfect addition to any living space. Its soft velvet upholstery is luxurious, while the lacquer base can be custom colored to match any interior space.” Beau Bench, Natalie Konstant x ARCH
For the Ultimate Wellness Seeker
“Who doesn’t want the gift of complete relaxation, all the while looking and feeling better? Sole + Luna’s gua sha facial is the ultimate wellness experience. A traditional Chinese healing method that uses stone tools to lift and sculpt the face and neck, improving circulation and reducing inflammation.” Gua sha facial, Sole + Luna, 1015 Tower Court, Winnetka
It’s only been six years since Trey Gonzales and Kip Helverson decamped from Chicago to Lake Forest, but the pair have already made a stylish impression on the North Shore. Setting their sights on Smith’s Men’s Store (770 N. Western Ave., Lake Forest)—a local institution since 1937—Gonzales and Helverson bought the boutique in 2019, completely renovating and remodeling it to inject a stylish dose of contemporary flair while paying homage to the store’s history. Now, with Smith’s Men’s Store buzzing with new vitality, the dynamic duo are known as expert curators of all things luxurious. As they look ahead to the holiday season, the pair share some of their favorite gifts from the North Shore and beyond.
For the Family (or Friends who are Family) from Kip
“For more than 20 years, I've been treating my family to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's yearly Christmas performance followed by a family dinner. My aim has always been to create cherished memories, and this tradition has continued to be a beloved part of our holiday celebrations. Even though the kids are no longer kids, they still relish dressing up for this special occasion.” Tickets to Merry, Merry Chicago!, Chicago Symphony Orchestra
For the Hostess from Trey
“The day after Thanksgiving, our holiday traditions kick off, which includes lighting Roland Pine candles from Soap & Paper Factory. This scent has become synonymous with our holiday season. They offer an array of candles, soaps, and room diffusers, making them the perfect gift to create your own holiday ambiance.” Roland Pine three-wick soy candle, Soap & Paper Factory
For the Empty Nesters
“Our friends, recently embracing their empty- nest status, are fully immersed in the jet-set lifestyle. She has found the ultimate vacation attire with Travel Sets by Frank & Eileen, a California company that provides both comfort and style. And every guy deserves a top-notch Dopp kit for his adventures: Our friend used to rely on plastic bags, so we upgraded his travel style with a sleek Truefitt & Hill leather Dopp kit, and he loves it.” Montauk travel set, Frank & Eileen; Washbag, Truefitt & Hill
For the New Mom
From Kip: “My niece recently became a new mom, so this is top of mind for me. She received a signet ring with her newborn’s initials and found it thoughtful and personal. It’s a small gift to remember her baby even when they are no longer small.” Sarah Chloe petite signet ring, Mark & Graham
From Trey: “Also, she absolutely adores her Dagne Dover diaper bag—it’s a gift that’s sure to impress, seamlessly blending practicality with a stylish edge, so new moms can effortlessly stay on-trend while taking care of her little one on the move.” Wade neoprene diaper tote, Dagne Dover
For the Host from Trey
“Go for the gold with Vintage Culver Cocktail Glasses. Discover designs that match his unique personality, whether it’s the bold Bull & Bear, exotic safari, tranquil seashells, or whimsical mushrooms.” Mid-Century Modern Culver cocktail glasses, 1stDibs
For the Gentleman from Trey
“It’s no secret—I am unapologetically infatuated with formal attire and the formal season. It’s that special time when Stubbs & Wootton velvet slippers step into the limelight, offering gentlemen a distinguished way to elevate their attire and showcase their individual style." Velvet slippers, Stubbs & Wootton
For Her from Trey
“One day, a friend caught my eye with a stunning charm necklace, and she couldn’t stop raving about Sydney Evan. What’s fantastic about their collection is their ability to customize—you can choose the style and size or even personalize them with birthstones, initials, or your favorite hobbies.” Gold and diamond love and protection multi-charm necklace, Sydney Evan
For the Best Friend from Kip
“Sometimes old- school is best. We have thousands of pictures on our phones, but none on the piano or table. I like to give the gift of a frame with a picture of the recipient inside. This makes it easy for them to display it in their home.” Hilding frame, Ralph Lauren Home
For the Man Who Has Everything from Kip
“While watching HBO’s Succession, I found myself constantly pausing the show to search online for many of the pieces the characters were wearing. Their style exemplified refined comfort and quiet luxury, which aligns with my personal style. We designed the perfect cashmere hoodie as part of our Smith’s Private Label Collection, which is only available at Smith’s Men’s Store in Lake Forest.” Cashmere hoodie, Smith’s Men’s Store
For the Style Maven from Kip
“I’m a fan of Babe Paley, who was known for fashionably wearing scarves. Over the years, I’ve gifted scarves, and several friends told me that it sparked their interest and launched their scarf collection. It’s enjoyable to introduce friends to something new or enhance their existing style. DESEDA in Lake Forest offers uniquely designed, hand-finished scarves that complement an outfit with color and flair.” Silk scarf, DESEDA
Helping people feel their best is a personal passion for Wilmette resident Mar Soraparu, whose decade-plus of experience as an executive coach and life coach, yoga instructor and wellness consultant seamlessly dovetails into her current role as the co-founder and chief wellness officer of River North private club BIÂN. When it comes to gift-giving, it’s no surprise that Soraparu leans toward items that foster calm, comfort and, of course, serious style. As she leans into introducing BIÂN and its virtual options to the North Shore, she shares with NS several of her gift picks for 2023.
For Yourself
“One of the most mindful activities I enjoy is writing a great thank you letter or simple acknowledgment card using this gorgeous stationery bureau. This splurge can be put under the category of ‘self-care’ and meditative—making it all the more worth it.” Stationery bureau in Mara, Smythson
For Your Dearest New Friend
“This bathrobe is one of the funkiest, fun and enjoyable items to gift (or be gifted). While most people have a robe, not many have a mood- altering robe that is sure to raise the vibe, which I love to promote.” Dusen Dusen striped bathrobe, MoMA Design Store
For Your Team
“There’s a new way to thank and engage teams in meaningful ways, which is why the BIÂN Corporate Programs Thought Leadership series is one of the greatest gifts; it provides life-long skill-building and boosts fulfillment and happiness in the immediate term both personally and professionally in the gorgeous new expansion co-working space." BIÂN Corporate Programs Thought Leadership series
For the Dapper Gentleman
“This backgammon set brings simple evenings connecting with friends to new heights with its chic design and mindful aura that is always a conversation starter—and a smooth nightcap after a date, which I tend to recommend.” Eye lacquer backgammon set, Casa Carta
For Your Client
“I call this the ‘Happy Cutting Board.’ I love to bring joy to the daily routine, and there is no better way than spicing up an (almost) everyday activity. These are also wonderful for displaying charcuterie or other hors d’oeuvres.” Multi/confetti cutting board, Fredericks and Mae
For Your Spouse/Partner
“When you’ve gifted everything under the moon, you can resort to an easy weekend restorative retreat with private sound meditation, breathwork, movement, and spa and medspa services that offers the ultimate personal space—mentally and physically. With a partnership with a leading hotel nearby, this is perfect and can be done last-minute.” Staytreat of 1-7 days, BIÂN
For Your Sister
“These gorgeous Dana Rebecca Designs earrings will be a gift that your sister will never forget. They are timeless, elegant, and versatile and show your love for your forever female.” DRD Huggies in 14k white gold, Dana Rebecca Designs
Photography by: from top: PORTRAIT BY KATRINA WITTKAMP; PORTRAIT BY ROBIN SUBAR
