Everyone wants to be Emma Chamberlain, or at the very least be her friend. How could you not? She’s effortlessly cool, wildly stylish, and refreshingly low-key. “Low-key” for someone with 16.2 million followers on Instagram, that is.
The internet-influencing, coffee-sipping, art-collecting, sweater vest-wearing 21-year-old is, ostensibly, good at everything, which means her impeccable taste must pertain to all things holiday, too.
I can’t grant you her penchant for posing or her comedic prowess, but I can give you a look behind the scenes at what Emma Chamberlain gifts IRL. ELLE caught up with the social media mogul ahead of the gifting season to bring you the scoop on how to tackle the holidays à la Emma. Scroll through below.
What’s your go-to holiday gift?
Weirdly enough, I always go for a nice robe or a blanket. I feel like everyone appreciates comfort, and many people don’t prioritize their comfort enough. A cozy blanket or robe is something that will make someones day a little more comforting everyday, and that’s a magical gift if you ask me.
Do you have a favorite under-$50 gift?
I adore candles, but I rarely buy them for myself. You can get a super chic candle for under $50 that will work as home décor and a room freshener.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
Anything personal that shows someone pays attention to all of the millions things I ramble about on a daily basis. One time, someone found a Napoleon Dynamite sweatshirt at a thrift store and they got it for me as a gift. I almost cried. Napoleon Dynamite has been my favorite movie since I was a child, and I was so excited. I cherish that sweatshirt to this day. I refuse to wear it because it is so precious to me.
Best gift that can be found on Amazon?
I love painting my nails, but I don’t love using regular nail polish. I bought myself this gel nail kit a few years ago, and it has changed my life. Whenever I need a last-minute manicure, or just want to spend an hour doing my nails and listening to music, this kit is my best friend. I would recommend it to anyone.
What’s the number one thing on your wish list this year?
Honestly, nothing. My days of wish lists are over. I prefer to give gifts now.
Ideal gift in a last-minute scenario?
A book that I own, that I love, but that I’ve already read. I usually don’t read books more than once, and in most cases, the books are better off in someone else’s hands.
What’s a gift you always have on-hand, just in case?
Coffee. I have so much Chamberlain Coffee at my house, there is no possible way I could drink it all. It works out well though, because coffee is the best gift anyway. It’s a gift that I can guarantee will be used.
Considering all possibilities, what would your dream gift be?
A Cartier watch. I recently came to appreciate watches, and the few that I have, I cherish deeply. They are beautifully made pieces that can be passed through generations, and the artistry that goes into making them is unmatched. Cartier makes the most timeless, beautiful watches, and I would probably cry if someone gave me one as a gift.
What item would you gift a fellow fashion lover?
A cool pair of sunglasses is an incredible gift for a fashion lover. Every fashion lover collects accessories. A pair of sunglasses that is a little funkier than what the person would usually choose is the perfect choice because there is a good chance they wouldn’t splurge on them themselves (even if they wanted to). I love these [Gucci sunglasses] because they are unique enough to be eye-catching (no pun intended), but versatile enough to be worn with hundreds of different outfits.
You’re shopping for someone and have no clue what to get. Maybe your Secret Santa is someone you barely know (yikes). What’s the gift you decide is the most likely to please anybody?
When in doubt, go with the funny gift. My mom got me a Squatty Potty a few years ago as a gift, and I LOVE IT! It basically…makes it easier to poop. Do the research yourself. Anyway, this gift is funny, but also incredible. You can’t go wrong with something kind of funny, but also kind of useful.
Go-to stocking stuffers?
Lancôme’s Advanced Genifique Hydrogel Melting Sheet Mask and L’Absolu Mademoiselle Lip Balm.
What’s the best gift to give yourself?
The perfect pair of Levi’s jeans.
Meg Donohue is the Associate Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Her passions include spicy foods, sustainability, and the Y2K remake of Charlie’s Angels. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.