Alison Brie, the celebrated actress known for her roles in GLOW, Mad Men, and Community, has taken on a new and festive role this holiday season. She’s become the face of Macy’s Holiday Gift Guide, stepping into the spotlight as their official “gift guide girl.” But who is this woman, and why is she the perfect pick for Macy’s holiday campaign? Let’s delve into why Alison Brie is the embodiment of holiday cheer and the ideal guide for your gift-giving needs this year.
Brie’s partnership with Macy’s for their 2024 holiday ad campaign isn’t just another celebrity endorsement; it’s a collaboration that feels genuinely organic, as she herself described it to The Hollywood Reporter. For Brie, Macy’s holds a nostalgic charm, recalling her early experiences with the department store. “I bought some of my first makeup in the beauty department,” she shared, highlighting a personal connection that resonates with many shoppers who grew up with Macy’s as a retail staple. This genuine affinity makes her role as the gift guide girl all the more authentic and relatable.
Growing up in Los Angeles, Brie’s memories of Macy’s extend beyond just makeup counters. She fondly remembers browsing the historic Macy’s store on Lake Avenue in Pasadena during her high school years. This wasn’t just window shopping; it was where she spent her own money, purchasing Calvin Klein’s CK One with a boyfriend – a quintessential teenage experience many can relate to. This history with Macy’s underscores why she feels like a natural fit for this campaign, bridging the gap between celebrity endorsement and genuine brand affinity.
Her role as Macy’s gift guide girl goes beyond just posing for photos and appearing in commercials. Brie is actively involved in the campaign, bringing her own holiday spirit and gift-giving insights to the table. She even brought her entire family to New York to partake in the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, a testament to her enthusiasm for the partnership. “I love the parade, it’s iconic,” she exclaimed, revealing her inner child who still gets excited about the Snoopy balloon, a parade fixture that has delighted generations.
For someone who admits to being a “last-minute shopper,” Brie understands the holiday gifting struggle all too well. She acknowledges the challenge of finding creative and thoughtful gifts each year, especially when family members tend to request the same predictable items. This is precisely where Macy’s Holiday Gift Guide, with Brie as its guide, steps in to offer inspiration and fresh ideas.
Brie emphasizes the emotional aspect of gift-giving, noting that “gifts really are how we show affection, they tell how well we know our loved ones.” This philosophy aligns perfectly with the purpose of a gift guide – to help people find presents that truly resonate with their recipients. She highlights the “joy of giving gifts to people,” and the unparalleled feeling of “nailing it” with a perfectly chosen present.
What kind of gifts does the Macy’s gift guide girl personally recommend? Her go-to presents offer a blend of practicality and pampering. For her father, Hugo Boss cologne is a reliable choice, while sparkling jewelry is a favorite for her mother. Beyond these personal picks, she suggests universally appealing gifts like silk sleep masks, pillowcases, and the ever-popular Uggs, recognizing their broad appeal and cozy comfort.
The Macy’s Holiday Gift Guide, fronted by Alison Brie, is designed to cater to a wide range of gifting needs. It offers selections for various recipients, budgets, and occasions, including stylish options for holiday parties. Brie points out that the guide isn’t just about gifting others; it also acknowledges the importance of self-care during the busy holiday season. “Part of this campaign also addresses how the gift guide can help people with things for themselves,” she explains, recognizing the need for self-indulgence amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
Expanding on self-care gifts, Brie shares her inclination towards “things that are stimulating collagen or a great face mask” for her mother, highlighting the trend of luxe skincare tools. She mentions microcurrent and nanocurrent devices like ZIIP and NuFace, as well as the Jillian Dempsey vibrating gold bar, tapping into the growing interest in lymphatic drainage and at-home spa treatments.
NuFace 5-Pc. Trinity+ Targeted Facial Toning Set
Image alt text: NuFace 5-Pc. Trinity+ Targeted Facial Toning Set, a skincare gift idea recommended by Alison Brie in Macy’s Holiday Gift Guide.
Reflecting on her own cherished gifts, Brie fondly recalls receiving a lava lamp in middle school, a nod to the ’90s revival of ’70s trends. This personal anecdote further humanizes her and makes her relatable to a wide audience who have experienced similar gift-giving trends and fads.
Beyond her role as the holiday gift guide girl, Alison Brie remains a busy and versatile actress. Fans can anticipate seeing her in a different light as the villainous Evil-Lyn in the upcoming Masters of the Universe film, showcasing her range and willingness to take on diverse roles. This adds another layer to her persona, demonstrating that she is more than just a holiday ambassador; she is a multifaceted talent with a dynamic career.
Image alt text: Alison Brie smiles radiantly in a promotional image for Macy’s 2024 Holiday Gift Guide campaign, embodying the festive spirit.
As Macy’s prepares to unveil the details of its annual Thanksgiving Day parade, with Alison Brie potentially playing a part in the festivities, the excitement for the holiday season is building. Her genuine enthusiasm for the parade and the Macy’s brand as a whole makes her the perfect representative for their holiday gift guide.
Finally, when asked about her personal holiday wish list, Brie’s answer is refreshingly simple and relatable: “Every year I ask for really fluffy, fuzzy socks. I could never have enough.” This down-to-earth desire further cements her image as approachable and authentic, making her an ideal choice to guide shoppers through the sometimes overwhelming world of holiday gifting.
This holiday season, when you’re seeking inspiration and reliable recommendations, look no further than the Macy’s Holiday Gift Guide, curated and presented by Alison Brie. More than just a celebrity face, she’s a relatable guide with genuine affection for Macy’s and a true understanding of the art of thoughtful gift-giving. Explore the full Macy’s Holiday Gift Guide to discover a wide array of presents for everyone on your list, and perhaps even find something special for yourself. And remember to keep an eye out for those fluffy socks – even the gift guide girl knows the simple joys of the season.
