Elizabeth Taylor’s Guide to Holiday Gifting
We know how stressful it can be to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. However you gift this season, remember that the best presents are those that show you’ve put real thought into them. Though Elizabeth Taylor certainly had access to the best of everything like Gucci, Hermès, and Cartier, what stood out was her understanding of who she was gifting, their unique tastes, and what would bring them joy. Great gift-giving isn’t about the price tag — it’s about the intention and thought behind each gesture, which in Elizabeth’s case, extended even to small details like the color of someone's eyes or practical items like snow tires for family members living in cold climates. Using a list from the late 1990's for specific examples we uncovered a number of thoughtful and practical approaches to classic Elizabeth Taylor style gift giving.
Make It Personal
Whether it was a simple card or a designer item, her generosity came through in the personal connection she built with everyone in her life, even those who might be forgotten in the whirlwind of holiday chaos. When it came to both family and friends, Elizabeth had a knack for knowing exactly what would strike the right balance between luxury and a memory in the making.
Meaningful Gifts That Last
She chose gifts with lasting value, like classic Cartier Tank, Santos or Panthere style watches, Gucci cashmere scarves, sweaters, sweatsuits, and a lot of Louis Vuitton. Her granddaughter, Naomi, inherited Elizabeth’s sharp eye for fashion, so naturally, Elizabeth gifted her a Prada dress. Naomi fondly recalls a Christmas spent with her grandmother when she was six years old. While staying at Elizabeth’s home in Los Angeles, Naomi woke up on Christmas morning to the sight of dozens of boxes under the tree, all addressed to her and wrapped with care.
Inside were exquisite outfits –– silk nightdresses and dressing gowns by Christian Dior, dresses by YSL, Chanel, and Dior, as well as other treasures from Saks Fifth Avenue. Though completely impractical for the rural life in Aberystwyth, Wales Naomi returned to, the gifts were a testament to Elizabeth’s desire to spoil her loved ones in the most thoughtful and meaningful ways. Over time, as Naomi outgrew the clothing, she passed them on to local girls in her community, preserving the memory of her grandmother’s generosity and sense of occasion.
Thoughtful Gestures
For her staff, Elizabeth’s thoughtfulness went even further. A common gift was a surprise check, but Gucci handbags and the latest tech like video cameras, were also thrown into the mix. Elizabeth understood the importance of creating a supportive and generous environment, and these acts of kindness left a lasting impact on those who worked for her.
Luxury Gifting With Intention
One year, Elizabeth was in a Gucci mood, gifting her loved ones with apparel and accessories suited just for them. Another year, she upped the ante with a convertible Cartier belt that every man on her list received. Black on one side, brown on the other, the piece was classic Cartier.
Before shopping, take a page from Elizabeth’s book: choose a brand or theme and stick with it. Personalize your gifts, remembering even those you don’t see often but who’ve left an impact. Ultimately, it’s the thought and care behind each gift that matter most.