Candice Huffine, one of the faces of Victoria’s Secret’s holiday campaign, knows a thing or two about gift-giving. And this year, the longtime model and owner of the coffee shop One Trick Pony in Westhampton Beach clued us in on her best tip: “No matter how big or small the gift may be, let the receiver know you are really listening,” she tells ELLE.com. “Make it special to them or your relationship together that reminds them they’re seen! It’s the heart behind it, not the price, that I feel means the most.” One example? Huffine’s father needed toilet paper, so she set up an Amazon subscription for it to be delivered to his house every month for a year. Below, Huffine shares what else is on her list, from a vintage gold Rolex to the VS PJs she’ll be wearing all season long.
Worth the Splurge
“A vintage gold Rolex for my wife; a piece of land for me. You said dream, right?!”
Go-To Stocking Stuffer
“Lip balms! This one is my secret weapon all day long.”
Amazon Pick
“Those kind of mundane items that they always forget to buy, fun kitchen items like olive oils or spices, or beauty products. My dad, for example, wanted toilet paper to arrive monthly for a year, and Amazon delivered.”
White Elephant Gift
“Tickets to something: a concert, a show, or a sporting event. Experiences are my favorite gift to give and receive.”
Under $50
“VS PJs!!! A set of pajamas is a win every time for everyone. I literally have friends that start asking me for them in October! My favorite is this flannel set—I love the mixed plaids and would definitely wear this top out with a pair of jeans all holiday season.”
Crowd-Pleaser
“The nice candles people don’t often treat themselves to.”
Best Present I’ve Ever Received
“A black diamond tennis necklace. I had been saying out loud for years that I wanted a black diamond tennis necklace like the one Carrie had in the Sex and the City movie, and that one day I would really treat myself for a special occasion or milestone. Someone very special was listening the entire time and had it made for me last Christmas.”
Digital Director
Claire Stern is the Digital Director of ELLE.com. Previously, she was Deputy Editor of ELLE.com. Her interests include fashion, food, travel, music, Peloton, and The Hills—not necessarily in that order. She used to have a Harriet the Spy notebook and isn’t ashamed to admit it.