Weekend Non-Negotiables: Foolproof Gifts, Art Supply Fashion, and “Emily in Paris”

You worked hard enough this week. Let us plan your weekend…

Psst…For more dates worth knowing this week, check out the Skimm+ calendar.

’Tis the season to be inundated with cheer. So, tell us: Which holiday song should be banned immediately?

Vote below:

Happy (almost) weekend. Yes, I should pack for my three-week California trip. But I’ve decided that’s Monday’s problem. So instead, I plan to squeeze every last drop out of my final NYC weekend before 2026. Here’s what that includes:

• Making the perfect espresso. Ever since I got a steal of a deal on this fancy yet classic machine, it’s become my entire personality. But you can’t make good coffee without good beans, so I’ll grab some from a favorite local spot, Paloma.

• Adding to my Christmas collection. While I’m out and about, I’ll also stop by one of my favorite knickknack stores to pick up some kitschy ornaments and a cedar-scented candle — because my faux tree needs all the help it can get.

• Falling back into my pandemic baking obsession. Ever since I binged the latest season of The Great British Baking Show, I’ve been making this tried-and-true focaccia recipe on repeat. It’s perfect for a dinner party, but this time I’ll use it to riff on this famous Brooklyn pizza slice.

• Visiting the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Lightscape exhibit. This is our son’s second time, but he wouldn’t know it because he slept through the entire thing last year (I’ll give him a pass — he was 2 months old then).

• Embracing cozy season. I’ll put on my favorite Uniqlo fleece cardigan (I own three), watch the new hit show from the Breaking Bad creator, and read this book on Japanese minimalism. Fingers crossed it’ll help me declutter in 2026.

— Brittany Doohan / Senior Video Producer / Brooklyn, NY