How to buy the perfect holiday gift, according to QVC's Shawn Killinger
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It should come as a surprise to, well, no one, that Shawn Killinger—beloved QVC host and TV personality— is a bonafide expert in the holiday shopping field. Since 2007, she's been "paid to talk and shop," as she puts it, to be an authority on all things fashion, beauty and lifestyle for QVC viewers each week. Naturally, finding the right gift for everyone on her list comes easy to Shawn.
The most memorable gift she's ever received, on the other hand? "A goldfish, [when] I was 8. And my very first nice set of luggage [when] I was 28—a Britto Romero collection by Heys," she tells Reviewed.
And when it comes to the best gift she's ever given, Shawn enlisted the help of her brother, together making it a Christmas to remember. "It was a Rolex, to my late dad. My brother and I both chipped in to buy it. My dad had always wanted one but was [born in] the Depression era and never splurged on himself. I’ll never forget that Christmas morning…he wept, and so did we."
6 tips to finding the perfect gift, according to Shawn Killinger
Have you made your list and checked it twice yet? Ahead, Shawn advises holiday shoppers on how to simplify the gift-giving process and impress just about anyone on your list this season. From luxury gifts to edible treats, here's how the host shops for family and friends near or far.
►Holiday gift guides 2022: Shop for everyone on your list with this ultimate gift guide
1. Treat your giftee to a little TLC
After what feels like an especially long year, most of us just want to unwind during the holidays. Shawn's go-to for a self-care moment? The HoMedics Shiatsu Deluxe Neck Massager. "Pamper gifts are always a hit," she adds, to ease tension during an otherwise stressful time of the year.
For the beauty lover in your life, she recommends the Eleganze 10x/1x Mag Lighted Mirror. "I own it. It’s life-changing to have professional lighting and magnification when you’re putting on makeup."
2. Indulge them with the finer things in life
If you're looking for something truly special and don't mind a bigger budget, appeal to their taste for luxury with a higher-end gift. 'Tis the season to indulge, says Shawn: "You can never go wrong with designer brands: Le Creuset, Dooney, Givenchy! Everybody loves a splurge."
Opt for our best upgrade Dutch oven, the Le Creuset 5.5-Quart Round Dutch Oven, a long-standing cook's favorite that we love for its large handles and even heat retention. Or surprise them with a leather handbag that will complete any holiday outfit: the Dooney & Bourke Florentine Leather Domed Buckle Satchel, a QVC best seller available in eight total shades, including a festive Bordeaux, red or teal.
3. Find a way to their heart through their stomach
Of all the holiday gifts each of us receives each year, sometimes it's the tasty treats that linger in our minds. "Food gifts can bring back fun memories. One year I ordered some of my brother’s favorite foods from his old haunts in college," Shawn shares. And whether you're traveling to visit relatives or attending a holiday party, there's nothing like giving the gift of flavor. "Specialty foods and drinks never disappoint. I love Kevin O’Leary wines and Godiva chocolates," she adds.
This Godiva 36 Piece Gold Gift Box will instantly satisfy any sweet tooth, while this Kevin O'Leary Best of Reserve 3-Bottle Wine Set makes for a one-and-done hostess gift—choose from a Moscato, Rose, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon.
4. Go for experiences rather than gifts
Shopping for the one who has seemingly everything can feel like a fruitless task, but Shawn has a foolproof tip for this Christmas conundrum. "Get an experience gift…like a subscription to MasterClass to learn something new or [go to] a nice dinner at a fancy restaurant. Tickets to a show are also a great option. Last year my husband gifted me tickets to see Andrea Bocelli in concert."
We found MasterClass' curriculum to be highly engaging and were wowed by the level of talent we were exposed to on the platform. There are more than 150 courses for your giftee to enjoy, which cover topics such as filmmaking, sports, acting, cooking, photography and a range of others, so they'll be able to fine-tune any craft they're interested in this season.
Shop MasterClass subscriptions
5. When in doubt, let them pick their own gift
Sometimes, the best gift is the one they get to choose themselves. Shawn recommends a gift card for the one on your list that's notoriously hard to shop for, so they can pick out exactly what they want this year, without the hassle on your end.
QVC carries a wide selection of top brands to choose from, and offers both eGift cards that will arrive directly in your recipient's email inbox—perfect if you're scrambling for a last-minute gift—or plastic gift cards, which come in a sleek card sleeve and can be shipped almost anywhere.
6. Don't forget to take time for yourself
For most people, the holidays go hand-in-hand with, let's face it, chaos. In between hosting large, festive gatherings and cooking (and cleaning up) a whole holiday meal, it's easy to forget to use the time off to unwind and reward yourself for all your efforts. Shawn's best tip for managing holiday stress is simple: "Take some much needed relaxation and time off to enjoy the holidays with family and friends!"
This year, make sure to give yourself the gift of some me time—you deserve it.
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This article originally appeared on Reviewed: 6 holiday shopping tips from QVC host Shawn Killinger
