Splurging on 18-karat gold or something bespoke isn’t required though: “I love getting silk ribbons and gold thread from a fabric store and making my own bows or weaving the ribbon into braids,” says Marjan. “The thread is especially beautiful wrapped about the base of a pony to conceal your elastic and used at the end of a braid to conceal the elastic.” And though a yard of ribbon might not feel all that giftable, we do recommend topping all presents with a pretty bow that will double as a hair accessory.
Ahead, we rounded up the most fabulous hair accessories—with favorites from Allure editors—destined to surprise and delight everyone on your nice list.
Put a Bow On It
“Jennifer Behr’s accessories are inherently special, but the option to add a monogram turned this bow barrette into a must-gift for me,” says Allure content director Kara McGrath. “In the sea of bows we’re likely to see this holiday party season, a personalized one guarantees your giftee will stand out.”
Avant Garden
You could gift your hostess with a poinsettia…or we recommend you surprise them with a clip in full bloom. One thing is for certain: The latter will last a lot longer.
Cuffing Season
“On my first wear of the Lelet Glossy Double Arch Pony Cuff, my ponytail went from basic to runway chic,” says Talia Gutierrez, Allure’s associate manager of special projects. Experts agree: “Pony cuffs can take simple hairstyles and elevate them in an eye-catching way,” hairstylist Mitchell Ramazon previously told Allure.
Money Clips
A designer bag is nice and all, but so is a Prada (or Loewe) clip—and these accessories are guaranteed to turn heads.
Wrap Star
“My hair has only just become long enough to tie back or up with a scarf, so naturally, I’m obsessed with doing this right now,” says Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen. “Sometimes I like to tie it in a little bow around an otherwise casual ponytail or bun, or I use it as a headband. (If you tie a knot at the top of it, make sure to tuck in the ends, lest you wind up giving less holiday chic and more Rosie the Riveter.)”
Crown Jewel
A headband is the little black dress of hair accessories: A wardrobe staple, appropriate for every occasion. When I have a festive fête on my calendar, there is a good chance I will be wearing a Jennifer Behr headband. In particular, I love Jennifer Behr Czarina Headband, a statement piece adorned in hundreds of crystals that can make my blowout party-ready in three seconds flat. (Shop all my favorite products on my beauty edit.)