10 Things We Didn't Get for Christmas That We're Buying for Ourselves

By Chris Frey
December 27, 2010

Don't misunderstand us: we're beyond-super-grateful for the new iPad, the mini gold hoops and the mini cross-body evening bag. Those were great holiday gifts—and so on-trend. Hey, even the desktop foosball game reserves a special place in our hearts (and on our desks). But when pressed? Yes... There were a few must-have gifts we didn't get that, well, we really wanted. Ok, so maybe we didn't bother to ask. (We knew we shouldn't have done away with that letter to Santa!) And ok, we're picky—or rather, specific. “You’re so hard to buy for!” is a phrase we've heard before.

And we know: personal tastes aside, some holiday gifts are just too expensive, too difficult to find or too frivolous a purchase for others to take on in our name. After all, we don't expect anyone to understand the price tag of a Dries Van Noten cape coat (we certainly don't, though we're sure we'd wear it forever!), or the subtleties of the tones and hues of that specific leopard print scarf. We can’t rationalize why we need a camera that takes “old-looking” pictures when the digital works just fine. Nor can we explain why we'd like to replace durable (but dull) luggage that glides through an airport like a well-oiled machine with a boxy, clunky train case to haul through security.

So once the credit card bills are paid off and the holiday bonuses (we wish!) roll in, here's what we're going to spring for. Someday...

Blackbird Fly Camera

The digital is great for loading last week’s party pix onto facebook, but we're feeling uninspired. The Blackbird Fly has multiple color options, three formats and two lenses, all of which provide the user with fun, vintage inspired photos worth treasuring.
Leopard Cashmere Scarf

Animal prints are having a moment—as they will forever—and we want a print that will feel fresh every year.
Vintage Style Luggage Set

It’s time to put some romance back in travel, and these vintage-inspired cases will do just the trick. Even if too heavy to reasonably pack for long trips, we can use them as storage at home. They are lovely to display.
Organic Moisturizer

(buy it now price, $50)

We've been thinking about switching to organic products for…a very… long... time. It’s time to commit.
Bodum French Press

Sure, it works ok, but the drip coffeemaker is feeling a little clunky on the counter. This sleek French press not only looks great, but it also yields 8 cups and keeps them warm. Perfect for entertaining.
Flip Camcorder

No need to miss fleeting moments or to feel self-conscious carrying around a bulky camcorder with the Flip UltraHD, which fits in the palm of your hand.
Shearling Wedge Boots

We've been promising ourselves utilitarian boots that look chic, but somehow we end up sloshing around in your old wellies. It’s time for an upgrade.
Turkish Kilim Pillow

We're longing to invoke some pattern into our minimalist pad. A graphic throw pillow is a perfect décor pick-me-up and much less commitment than wallpapering or reupholstering.
Dries Van Noten Cape

Timely and timeless, a cape coat is classic. You can wear casually, layered with a chunky sweater and jeans, or for a special occasion and always look incredibly chic. We can imagine wearing this coat for another 20 years.
Hollywood Regency Bar Cart

"Mad Men" has inspired a return to the refined cocktail hour. A glamorous bar cart is a beautiful addition to a home, even if it gets covered with magazines and books when the party is over.