Most people around me seem to be feeling it — that moment when Christmas playlists suddenly take over the car, "The Holiday" ends up on the TV without much thought, and hot chocolate with marshmallows feels completely necessary. It is a great feeling, right up until the familiar panic kicks in: finding the right present for the people you love.

And if there is one group that makes this task even trickier, it is people from the art and creative world — rarely impressed by a New Year cup simply wrapped in red paper. Of course, I could share my own gift ideas to save you here, but it felt far more fun to hear from the people you have been watching and reading all year on The Sandy Times. Their picks come with a little more personality than mine alone.

So here we go: KLO, Rhea Jacobs, Ali Cha𧪺n, Noor Taan and Jayesh Veralkar share the gifts they are most excited about this season.

From October onwards, every time I opened Instagram and saw KLO’s daily posts, I found myself wondering: how does she actually survive all these back-to-back gigs? We all know the reality — one set easily runs for five to six hours, standing behind the DJ desk with barely a proper break. That much movement, focus and fun demands serious energy.

And what gives us girls more power than a good outfit? Honestly — nothing. Which is exactly what seems to have inspired KLO’s wishlist: true treasures for any DJ wardrobe. First up — Naked wolf boots. Cool ones, of course, but never at the expense of comfort. KLO follows her golden rule of “comfortable shoes behind the decks”, even if she starts the night in statement heels.

Another standout: full-metal grillz with colourful stones — a proper colour-edition moment that pops even against a full-black outfit.

And finally, something not for KLO’s outfit itself, but for the overall look and feel of the DJ set: the Carmen Condesa mixer. It doesn’t just look beautiful — it sounds smoother, with a more tactile feel that many DJs describe as intuitive and genuinely musical. A truly aspirational piece.

Rhea’s 2025 unfolded under the sign of wellness — setting aside quality time for herself through journalling, choosing matcha or green tea over draining coffee, and spending plenty of calm moments with her little fluffy companion (my personal obsession). The approach clearly worked: strong shoots, great collaborations, and a well-deserved spot among the 100 most influential voices in the region.

And when a strategy works, there is no need to change it. Unsurprisingly, every item on her wish list ties back to that same rhythm.

The Rhé of Light journal — a daily essential for reflection and planning. A beautifully scented Diptyque Baies candle — ideal for evening meditation. A cotton weighted blanket — a simple lifesaver for anyone chasing those precious, restorative hours of sleep. And finally, Solis Therapy’s red light station — keeping her skin glowing for the next 6 am model call, while easing soreness and boosting collagen.

If you start talking about fashion or art with Ali Cha𧪺n, it is best to clear your schedule — a quick chat often turns into a long one. He knows his subject well, and his New Year picks are solid, thoughtful choices pulled from both worlds.

The first pick is a special denim jacket — a simple reflection of his everyday style and a “basic”, yet still statement piece.

The second pick — a perfect fit for his home art collection and a clear reference to his long-standing anime obsession — is a vinyl figure from the AllRightsReserved x FACE collaboration.

And finally, the last pick — the one that proves a long-learned rule — that Ali’s look is never complete without an accessory. The chosen one? The Tiffany & Co. x Nike whistle. It also hints at his sense of humour (my favourite): a whistle he says he would use in real life when someone stays too long in “small talk” mode. Simple, clear and very Ali.

Everything Noor touches is worth keeping an eye on, so her picks came as no surprise — more a confirmation of what we were already expecting.

First up are the Volcano Lamps by Life of Loofah — a release that dropped just last night and has already made its way onto more than just Noor’s wish list. It is something she has been working on for a long time, so of course she is getting one for herself. Because who wouldn’t want a lamp inspired by the elements, bringing warmth, light and good energy into their home? The only real decision is the colour — yellow gets my vote, hands down.

Next is a non-toxic set from MOVE by MATE. With Noor’s latest milestone — becoming a Lagree Fitness trainer — long stretches, sweaty planks and serious workouts now come with an even stronger focus on taking care of the body. This pick feels both practical and very on point.

And finally, a gentle reminder for all of us: when you work hard, you deserve proper rest. Noor’s choice is spending several hours in Wellbeings — a small wish, but one we are happy to pass on to all readers.

Two out of three of Jayesh’s picks aren’t exactly physical objects — which is part of the magic of the season. After all, a wish doesn’t have to fit neatly under a Christmas tree.

First up is Audio-Technica’s Sound Burger — a portable vinyl player that runs on batteries and connects via Bluetooth to your phone — an ideal companion for anyone who travels often but still misses the ritual of playing records at home.

Next comes a trip to Japan — not the typical kind, but one with a clear mission: digging for proper vinyl gems. And if anyone is feeling generous, March tickets would be ideal, perfectly timed with sakura blossom seasonr.

And finally, something simpler but no less important: quality time with family. Since we can’t exactly clear his schedule for him, the next best thing is a good board game — something guaranteed to pull Jayesh away from the rest of the world, at least for a while.