In the 2010’s, YouTube was flooded with creators, such as Zoella, raving about Maybelline ‘Babylips’ and Lush Snow Fairy bath bombs. With Babylips retailing at around £3.50, and Lush bath bombs averaging at £5, these were fun and affordable gifts to add to your list for Father Christmas.
In recent years, the celebrity gift guide has transformed into something far more luxurious, extravagant, and exclusive. The most infamous list comes from Gwyneth Paltrow and her brand ‘Goop’. From a $39,500 a night Fijian island stay, a $15,000 gold vibrator, and a $396 block of parmesan, Goop’s gift guide details an expansive list of gifts, all possessing an obscene price tag. This begs the question that in a time of the “cozzie livs” crisis, are these celebrity gift guides actually a disturbing reminder of the insensitivity and ‘socially tone deaf’ attitude of the elites?
Goop’s gift guide details an expansive list of gifts, all possessing an obscene price tag
Whilst the items are still shocking and unrealistic, could the guides be used as a ‘guideline’? The Kardashian-Jenner gift guide also ‘broke the internet’ in recent weeks. I know my TikTok for you page was filled with other creators ridiculing the idea that a $2,498 Heat Healer Sauna was an acceptable gift recommendation. Whilst I wholeheartedly agree that these items are utterly ridiculous, some items, perhaps the SKKN $81 face mask, could simply inspire someone to purchase a similar item for a loved one, such as the well-known SKKN dupe product by BYOMA for £13.99.
are these celebrity gift guides actually a disturbing reminder of the insensitivity and ‘socially tone deaf’ attitude of the elites?
Celebrity gift guides do fail to curate an affordable list of products for their fans to purchase at Christmas. However, I do believe if used for influence and inspiration, then there is still be a place for them on the internet and in our culture.
