East West Lifestyle

2025 Holiday Gift Guide: Sumptuous Gifts, Unique Ideas & Memorable Experiences

November 19, 2025 By

Images courtesy of Self-Portrait, Shoku LA and Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo.

Agnes Lew

I love the holidays! Most people don’t know this about me, but I’m obsessed with cooking elaborate holiday meals for friends and family, right down to crafting the perfect tablescape. (Martha Stewart and Laura Kim are always on my mental vision board, ha ha.)

As a child, one of my favorite songs was “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” and my favorite day of the year is still Boxing Day. And so, I have curated 12 enchanting picks for this year’s guide: Dazzling gifts to unwrap with glee, unforgettable experiences to cherish under the mistletoe and heartfelt gestures that whisper true holiday care. It is the season’s joyful soul, and I hope these ideas help you spread the cheer far and wide.

Everyday Luxuries

Photo courtesy of Flamingo Estate.

Flamingo Estate: Elevated Essentials

Flamingo Estate is one of my go-to sources for gifts. From bath essentials to scented candles to staples for holiday hosting, everything is crafted with intention and rooted in care. Their curation includes bespoke gifts with customizable candles and bottles of olive oil for a special personal touch. They have a way of turning everyday things—cooking, bathing or simply lighting a candle—into little luxuries. The packaging is as gorgeous as the products, which makes them a joy to give and receive.

Photo courtesy of Bruvi.

Bruvi: Café-quality coffee at home

For the coffee lover in your life, Bruvi is a smart, beautifully designed new machine that makes mornings feel special. It uses a pod system that brews everything from regular coffee and espresso to cold brew and matcha with café-level flavor. The pods are made to break down more easily in landfills, and the machine can even be controlled from your phone, so brewing or ordering refills is easy. With a design that looks as good as it works, Bruvi is my favorite gift for turning everyday coffee into a gratifying ritual.

Photo courtesy of KEF.

KEF: Where design meets immersive sound

KEF speakers make a wonderful holiday gift for anyone who loves music and great design. They bring richness and clarity that make every playlist—whether it’s caroling by the fire or jazz at a dinner party—sound amazing. I especially love the LSX II Wireless HiFi in the “Soundwave edition” by Sir Terence Conran—it’s the ultimate blend of audio technology and style.

Flavors to Share

Photo courtesy of Joint Seafood.

Joint Seafood: Not your typical catch

Joint Seafood has built a cult following, and for good reason. They pioneered a dry-aging process that deepens flavor and creates rich texture in fish—much like the effect of aging beef. Founder Liwei Liao’s cuts appear on tasting menus across the country, and yet you can buy them too. Their Sherman Oaks market offers seafood by the pound, prepared meals and online ordering, making it especially convenient during the holidays.

Photo courtesy of Woody’s.

Woody’s: The non-alcoholic feel-good toast

If you’re like me and get the “Asian glow” from alcohol, this wine is the perfect way to raise a glass that includes everyone. Made from organic California grapes by third-generation winemaker Woody Hambrecht, Woody’s non-alcoholic wines bring joy, sparkle and connection to every gathering. The Sparkling Rosé and Blanc de Blanc are deliciously festive, alcohol-free and perfect for gifting, sharing or simply savoring—any time of the year.

Border Grill: Celebrate with flavor

Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger have spent decades shaping how we experience Mexican cuisine, from their nearly 400 episodes as the Too Hot Tamales on Food Network to their vibrant restaurants today. Read our feature about them here. Give the gift of their bold cuisine with a Border Grill certificate, good for a dining experience in Los Angeles or Las Vegas. Or dine where appetite and art merge at Alice B., their latest restaurant, for California cuisine in Palm Springs. For far-flung friends, consider purchasing a Border Grill Pepper Mill, designed by Milliken’s architect husband Josh Schweitzer. The mill is made in the U.S. from New England hardwoods and is a New York Times Wirecutter top pick.

Photo courtesy of Border Grill.

Unforgettable Experiences

Photo courtesy of Shoku LA.

Shoku LA: The ultimate insider’s table

Shoku LA is one of Los Angeles’ most discreet and coveted dining experiences, available exclusively by referral. Imagine world-class ingredients transformed in a refined yet familiar way, turning celebrated dishes into something truly unique. Intimate, luxurious and whispered about among those in the know, a Shoku evening is more than a reservation; it’s an entry into a private world. Even Quavo, Chantel Jeffries and Harmony Korine were spotted at Shoku’s exclusive F1 Miami Grand Prix event. To request access to the waitlist, contact one of our private bankers and mention the East West Bank Holiday Gift Guide. IYKYK.

Photo by Kristen Loken, courtesy of the San Francisco Symphony.

San Francisco Symphony: A gift of music and imagination

A subscription to the San Francisco Symphony is a gift of artistry and inspiration. From Mahler to bold contemporary works, every performance feels alive with possibility. I love their SoundBox series, which reimagines the concert experience with inventive staging and multimedia. Even if you’re not local, a single performance makes for a memorable outing—and for those nearby, a subscription keeps giving all season long. For a closer look at what makes the Symphony so engaging, read our feature here.

The New York EDITION: Modern luxury nestled in the center of Manhattan

Whenever I’m in New York, it is for back-to-back meetings, so staying somewhere that lets me get anywhere quickly is my idea of luxury. That’s why The New York EDITION is always at the top of my list. Located in the heart of NoMad, the hotel has breathtaking views of Madison Square Park and is just a short walk to the best shopping and entertainment. The property feels residential and inviting, yet sophisticated and classically New York. Perfect for a relaxing weekend stay, a rejuvenating spa treatment or a memorable dining experience, it’s a gift that never goes out of style and a year-round retreat anyone would appreciate.

Photo courtesy of The New York EDITION.

Elegance and Style

Michelle Yeoh wearing Self-Portrait.
Photo courtesy of Self-Portrait.

Self-Portrait: Effortlessly chic for every occasion

Self-Portrait is a London-based contemporary fashion label that offers an elegant range of designs perfect for every occasion. Founded in 2013 by Malaysian-born designer Han Chong, the brand has become a red-carpet favorite among royals, celebrities and style icons alike, including Kate Middleton, Selena Gomez and Michelle Yeoh. Loved around the world by customers for their sculpted silhouettes, refined tailoring and signature lace details, a piece from Self-Portrait is a covetable addition to any modern wardrobe.

Chrissy Teigen (left) wearing Andrew Kwon.
Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images.

ANDREW KWON: Evening elegance

Andrew Kwon is a Korean-American designer whose gowns feel like wearable art. Since launching his label in New York in 2021, he has become a favorite for unforgettable bridal looks, and his eveningwear earns just as much attention. With a background in architecture, he blends structure and softness in the most effortless way—silks, lace and sweeping lines that feel modern yet romantic at the same time. Lucy Liu, Regina Hall and Sophia Bush have all worn his designs. For the holidays, these evening gowns are the perfect gift of elegance for nights meant to be remembered.

Costume Jewelry: The collection of Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo

Photos courtesy of Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo.

This new TASCHEN volume is a vibrant look at creativity and style, featuring 574 pieces from the costume jewelry collection of über art collector Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo—hailed as Italy’s Peggy Guggenheim. The book features gorgeous images of the collection and tells the story of artisans who fled war-torn Europe and rebuilt their craft in New York, transforming imitation gems into symbols of freedom and flair for Hollywood’s icons. The book is the perfect gift for anyone who loves history, glamour and personal style. To mark the book launch and the 30th anniversary of Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, artist Tauba Auerbach created a limited-edition brooch inspired by Patrizia’s collection. Only 100 were made, each handcrafted in Turin by Jamais Sans Toi, a studio known for blending sculpture and goldsmithing. It’s a special piece of art and design—I bought one to wear to next April’s LACMA opening of the East West Bank Commons.

About Agnes Lew

Agnes Lew, East West Bank's Managing Director, Head of Private Banking, leads a team of experienced bankers and financial advisors who provide bespoke banking and financial services for our VIPs. An avid world traveler and art lover, Agnes is East West Bank’s culture connoisseur.