Welcome to holiday shopping season, aka, one of the most overwhelming times of the year. Throughout the next few weeks you'll be tasked with the complicated mission of buying gifts for friends, family members, and everyone in between; what’s more, each present will need to feel thoughtful and heartfelt. The pressure is on.
Fortunately, this time around, you’ve got a secret weapon: Ariana Grande. Ahead, the pop star (and newly minted perfumer — her first fragrance, Ari, just hit stores!), has shared her seven best tips for streamlining your Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/whatever preparations because, hey, when you’ve got that many famous pals to shop for it’s impossible not to pick up a few pointers. Read on to turn this month’s stress into a whole lot of extra time for eating cookies by the fire — with Grande’s rendition of “Santa Tell Me” blaring in the background, of course.
1. Shop where — and when — ever you can.“Although it’s nice to browse in person, sometimes that just doesn’t work for my schedule. Luckily, there’s so much online now, I can order presents at random times from my phone.”
2. Always have a go-to hostess gift on hand.“I always go with hot cocoa and cookies. Both are big crowdpleasers!”
3. Include your pets in the fun.“Buying my dogs treats, new stuffed animals, and bones is always such a blast.”
4. Never underestimate the gift of time.“No gift is worth more than the experience of spending time with your loved ones — a day with my family is at the top of my own list this year. When it comes to my friends, though, I like to give them a spa day we can share together.”
5. You can’t go wrong with a great fragrance.“I’m giving my Ari perfume to almost all my friends and family members this holiday. I have been part of the whole process — from the scent, to the carton, to the campaign — and absolutely love it! Everyone’s who’s smelled it does, too, which makes me happy and proud.”
6. Be discreet.“It’s hard to keep quiet about a great gift, but worse to ruin the surprise. Resist the temptation to tell!”
7. Don’t take the whole process too seriously.“The very best kind of present has some humor behind it — even if it’s just a funny card tucked inside!”
