INDULGE guides you to holiday gifts that will make the season that much brighter

The decorations are going up, the city is twinkling, and plans are being made. The holiday season has arrived and our heads are swimming in fantasies of that moment when we present our loved ones with artfully wrapped boxes — colorful and glistening under festive lights — that are sure to inspire instant joy.

But we are also presented with the question of what to put inside those boxes. Who better to guide INDULGE readers to the ideal present for those nearest and dearest than the people who are experts in highlighting the best in fashion, jewelry, food and more — our very own contributors. Whether it be something for the world traveler, the art collector or the best friend who has an eye for luxury, we bring you suggestions that will delight a myriad of tastes and bestow the receiver with holiday spirit.

Jenny Starr Perez, Editor in Chief

“My mom and I have an annual tradition — hitting the shops on Christmas Eve. Even with the rise of online shopping, the crowds on that day are still pretty intense. For us, it’s thrilling to be around people rushing to get those last gifts in. This bizarre magic may be inexplicable to some, I’ll admit. But it’s kept us coming back every 24th for 25 years.”

“Dear Santa, please send all my loved ones — naughty and nice — this Rolex. Enough said.” ROLEX Oyster Perpetual DATEJUST 31 in Oystersteel and yellow gold, with an olive green face set with diamonds, $11,550. Available at Kirk Jewelers; 142 East Flagler Street. kirkjewelers.com.

“I usually buy one bag every season and then wear it everywhere. Something from the handwoven Italian Exclusive Handbag Collection by 120% Lino is the perfect gift for the chic bohemian in your life.” Large Navy, $295. Mini Sugar (light blue), $235. Mini Wisteria (light pink), $235. Available at 120% Lino, Shops at Merrick Park. 342 San Lorenzo Avenue, #1025, Coral Gables.

“I enjoy giving and receiving unique jewelry. This particular piece stands out because ofthe luxurious look of diamonds, combined with the mystical, new-age feel of the design.” Moon Phase Inlay Bracelet by Pamela Love for Mayors, $6,000. Available at Mayors, Shops at Merrick Park. 342 San Lorenzo Avenue, #1000, Coral Gables. mayors.com.

“Our social calendars fill up a lot faster at this time of the year, and many of the occasions we celebrate take place in someone’s home. I always like to bring a gift for the host or hostess and a Diptyque candle is always met with a warm welcome.” Miami candle by Diptyque, $74. Available at Diptyque, Brickell City Center. 701 South Miami Avenue, Space 233B. diptyqueparis.com.

“Miami is one of the great loves of my life, and the expansion and success of Wynwood is something any native should be immensely proud of. Jessica Goldman Srebnick’s new coffee table book celebrating her father’s great legacy, the Wynwood Walls, is a colorful look at a part of the city that no one, local or otherwise, should miss.” Walls of Change: The Story of the Wynwood Walls, $60. Available at assouline.com.

Lesley DeCanio, VP of Advertising and Publisher

“The holiday season for me is all about traditions, like thoughtfully displaying a basket filled with handmade childhood crafts, collected over the years, made by my now grown-up daughters. These colorful and funky treasures date back to their kindergarten days right up through middle school, and include their handwritten letters to Santa. Our entire family gets to enjoy and embrace these memories year after year.”

“If you are in search of a unique gift for your BFF this holiday, visit The Bazaar Project in its new Coconut Grove location. Founder and owner Yeliz Titiz and her eclectic finds will make several on your gift-giving list very happy. Her personally designed, one-of-a-kind mesh cuffs are stunning in either gold or silver; lightweight and ever so chic. Be ready for the compliments!” Available at The Bazaar Project. 2990 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove. thebazaarproject.com.

“A petit vessel of deliciousness was gifted to me last holiday season and now I am happy to gift it forward by introducing you to Therapia By Aroma, a local workshop of essential oils, perfumes and cosmetics located beside fruit plantations and flower fields in Homestead. I’d recommend Fancy Lavender from the Atelier De Parfums collection.” Available at therapiabyaroma.com.

“The NEW Align pants from Lululemon are your ‘downward dog’s’ best friend. Choose from 17 colors for your Yoga enthusiast and splurge on yourself, too. These buttery tights feel like a second skin; they don’t call them a naked sensation for nothing.” Available at lululemon.com.

“A Two Toed Sloth, a Spectacle Owl, a White Handed Gibbon. Give the gift of animal adoption to the conservationist or animal lover in your life. As a sponsor they will love knowing that through the Zoological Wildlife Association, the animal will receive the best care possible and one can visit their exotic adopted ‘pet’ up to 50 times next year.” Call 305-969-3696 or email at info@zwfmiami.com.

“Jammin’ out has never been easier, thanks to the phenomenal sounds made by the JBL Flip 5 speaker. This waterproof system performs well, rain or shine, and is available in twelve different colors; one for every tween, teen or young adult on your list.” Available at jbl.com.

Eric Barton, Contributing Writer and Food Columnist

“After getting bored with the traditional holiday meal a couple years ago, my wife and I decided instead to use the day to take on a culinary challenge, the Kilimanjaro of cooking. So we made a timpano, which took a week of prep. This year we’re thinking cassoulet. It’s entirely untraditional, but it’s absolutely our new tradition.”

“If there’s a cyclist on your list, then you’ll want Rapha, the Prada of bike clothes. London expatsells cycling gear that looks like no other brand, with prints and stripes and patterns as artistic as they are sleek.” Available at Rapha, Miami Design District. 3911 Northeast 1st Avenue, #106. rapha.cc.

Buy experiences, not things, people say, which is why giving someone kiteboarding lessons will be a whole lot more memorable than whatever fits in a gift box. 2-hour private lessons, $360. Available at miamikiteboarding.com.

“If you’re the type who lives in the Miami metro area without ever really hitting downtown, a staycation in the heart of things is in order. Grab a room at The Gabriel, the recently renovated Curio Collection by Hilton hotel, just steps from the People Mover and Museum Park, and a weekend of living like a city dweller.”For more information, please visit curiocollection3.hilton.com.

“Wallets have always been a standard dad gift, and often they were cheap, big-box-store specials. Instead, go for something special, a slim Shinola leather number, a wallet he might just keep for life. Five Pocket Card Case by Shinola, $125. Available at shinola.com.

“It used to be that if you wanted to bring home beer from local breweries, you had to lug around relatively expensive glass growlers. Now, you can fill up cans big enough for a night of drinking. Hit one of the five locations of the Mendez Fuel gas stations, which have growler filling machines.” Available at mendez-fuel.com.

Elysze Held, Contributing Senior Fashion Editor

“In our home, we celebrate Hanukkah. We light the candles and our son has always gotten a present for each day. My husband Jay and I are also lucky to have dear close friends and neighbors who partake in a huge Christmas celebration eating and unwrapping presents for hours. It’s the best of both worlds.”

“This lightweight, 4-wheeled carry-on with a completely flat interior and large external cane is for the friend who loves to jetset from Miami to other exotic shores.” Louis Vuitton Horizon 55 suitcase in orange, $4,300. Available at Louis Vuitton.140 Northeast 39th Street, Design District. louisvuitton.com.

“Sevan’s pieces are striking and not for the faint of heart. I often borrow jewelry from the brand for editorial shoots because they look incredible on photo.” Sevan Bicakci 24K yellow gold and sterling silver carved citrine cuff with white, yellow and brown diamonds. Price upon request. Available at Sevan Bicakci, Miami Design District. 140 Northeast 39th Street #205.

“These bags are like works of art. Beautiful design-meets-exquisite materials.” Ximena Kavalekas Python Caterina Box Bag, $1,650. Available at ximenakavalekas.com.

“For the glamorous Miami fashionista with the heart of an elegant New Yorker.” Roger Vivier ‘Viv’ Tex bootie. $1,395. Available at Roger Vivier, Bal Harbour Shops. 9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour.

“A stay at this stunning property is actually a great present for my husband — while the rest of my options are perfect for me! Meadowood is my favorite resort and spa, in one of my favorite places in the world.” Meadowood Resort, Napa, California. For rates, please visit meadowood.com.

Angela Caraway-Carlton, Contributing Writer and Travel Columnist

“I live for two things: entertaining and the holidays. Every December, I throw a ‘Pancakes and Pajamas’ party at my house for all my girlfriends. Everyone comes dressed in their pajamas or a costume, and my husband mans the pancake bar, serving all the ladies. And, of course, the Champagne flows.”

“My go-to to buy gifts for my gals is anything by Kendra Scott. You can always find a range of high-low priced jewelry, and these colorful, multi- crystal Fabia Gold Statement Earrings scream, ‘Invite me to a festive holiday soiree!’” $198. Available at Kendra Scott, Brickell City Centre. 701 South Miami Avenue, #212a. Available at kendrascott.com.

“I recently discovered That Bouquet created by a South Florida woman who incorporates beautiful fruits, and even chocolates and wine, into these gorgeous bouquets that you won’t find anywhere else.” $15-$150. Available at thatbouquet.com.

“I’m always looking for unique and meaningful gifts, and these hand-painted oyster shell dishes from Grit & Grace Studio are a coastal-chic addition to any kitchen or vanity. Showcase your jewelry or display them on the dinner table with salt or other ingredients.” $40 and up. Available at gritandgracestudio.com.

“I hope my husband reads this — I’m currently coveting the Tulum skirts from Just Bee Queen, created by a mother and daughter who live on Key Biscayne. The wrap skirts can be dressed up or down, perfect for our South Florida lifestyle.” Starting at $295. Available at justbeequeen.com.

“My husband is a wine aficionado and I think he’ll be smitten with Adobe Road Winery’s sleek The Racing Series, a gift box of four ultra-premium, California red wine blends, all inspired by moments on the racetrack created by legendary race car driver and Adobe Road Winery owner, Kevin Buckler.” $279. Available at adoberoadwines.com.

Claudia Miyar, Contributing Style Editor

“I love the pageantry of the season with the lights and decorations creating a sense of wonder. Ultimately though it’s about spending time with loved ones and reflecting on the passage of time and how blessed we are.”

“My favorite items to gift tend to be luxurious and personalized. If comfort can be thrown into the mix, all the better!” Bespoke slippers, custom made to order online or at the Worth Avenue location. Available at Stubbs & Wootton. 340 Worth Avenue, Palm Beach. stubbsandwootton.com.

“Beautiful, feminine and showing off a contemporary design. I think this may be at the top of my wish list, actually!” One-of-a-kind Watermelon Tourmaline True Love Necklace, 18K yellow gold, $13,640. ireneneuwirth.com.

“This bag is just the right size to hold important belongings like your phone, and, if you have kids like I do, small snacks. The structured shape adds a modern element”. Chloé Mini C Bag in embossed crocodile and lizard on calfskin, $1,690. Available at Chloé, Bal Harbour Shops. 9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour; chloe.com.

“I love conversation pieces and these whimsical pillows are literal statement-makers.” Needlepoint Personality Pillows, $98. Available at Jonathan Adler. 4040 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Design District. jonathanadler.com.

“These striking, colorful playing cards bring together two sophisticated pastimes: collecting Hermès items and participating in the great tradition of Bridge.” Couvertures Nouvelles Bridge playing cards, $120. Available at Hèrmes. 163 Northeast 39th Street, Design District. hermes.com.

This story was originally published December 18, 2019 at 11:46 AM.