We met up with Victoire Tardy-Joubert, The Go-To founder and gifting expert, to tell us everything presents – from how to find unexpected gems while travelling to her favourite pieces in The Hoxton shop.Â
You can shop our city edits in our Hox Shops across New York, Chicago, Portland, and Downtown LA all December-long.
 Now let’s get into it…
First up, tell us about The Go-To. What is it? Why did it start? And how has it been going so far?
I’ve always found buying a gift that perfectly matches someone’s personality incredibly rewarding. I would spend countless hours searching for niche brands and gift ideas, compiling them into a curated spreadsheet. My friends caught on and began to use it and share it with others whenever someone was in search of gift ideas.
The Go-To was a natural evolution of this growing gift guide; I had accumulated – a “go-to” online platform specifically designed to discover gifts and I wanted people to be able to spend less time looking and more time finding so they had an extra moment to make a thoughtful selection or add a personalised touch.
The platform launched two years ago and it’s been a whirlwind, but I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s been incredible to hear customers stories, from making someone’s day with a personalised 60th birthday present to newlyweds blown away by bespoke wedding gifts.
When you’re travelling, what are the first places on your list for discovering gems to wrap up and gift to friends and family?Â
I always begin by asking friends who are familiar with the area, as well as local concierges, about their favourite streets for discovering unique, one-of-a-kind items. This approach has led me to uncover the most incredible brands and hidden gems all over the world, from Venice to Tokyo. There’s something truly rewarding about exploring on foot, seeing the products up close, and feeling that rush of excitement when you stumble upon something special.
Is there a shop or product Stateside (specifically in New York, Chicago, Portland or LA) that you have been to and love, or have saved and definitely want to check out when visiting next?
I’m a huge fan of vintage shopping in New York and, every time I visit, I seem to discover something new and unexpected. I’ve found incredible vintage ashtrays, unique accessories, and all sorts of quirky items that you just don’t see anywhere else.
The best gift you ever gave (and received) and why?
The best gift I’ve ever received was a vintage bracelet from my grandmother, engraved with my birthday. It’s a piece I’ll treasure forever, both for its sentimental value and the thoughtfulness behind it.
As for the best gift I’ve given, it has to be our Custom Monopoly Board. The process of putting it together was almost as much fun as gifting it! You can personalise every detail, from the streets to the cards, making it completely unique to the person you’re giving it to. For mine, I included all our favourite restaurants, bars, and special spots—turning the game into a true reflection of shared memories and inside jokes. It really is a gift that keeps on giving, with every play sparking new memories.
Do you prefer to gift something off a wish list or surprise the receiver?
Always a surprise! Unless I know that there is something very specific that they have been dreaming of.
Ok… now for the gifting hot seat. Name a product you’d gift for these scenarios.
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They have everything… A Bespoke Cashmere blanket. There’s always a holiday house it could go in.Â
https://thegoto.com/products/bespoke-camel-cashmere-blanket
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They’re luxe, but I don’t have the bank account for luxe… Vintage Champagne coupes. So chic and more affordable and fun than luxury brands. https://thegoto.com/collections/la-loueme/products/set-of-4-amber-flutes-1
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They’re obsessed with travel… The perfect weekend bag. https://thegoto.com/products/personalised-weekend-bag
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They wish their home looked like a hotel… Slippers. I feel like that is the ultimate hotel feel. https://thegoto.com/products/the-ceo-of-relaxation-slippers
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We’re sorta/kinda dating… A coffee table book that hints to an interest I think is always a safe bet, and shows you know them without it being too serious. https://thegoto.com/collections/graphic-image
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We’ve been together for ages… A personalised tennis case with your initials on so you can have his and hers. https://thegoto.com/products/personalised-tennis-racket-case
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For the kids, nieces, nephews, and friends’ kids under five … I think children’s backpacks are such a cute gift. You can do different colours and personalities. https://thegoto.com/collections/for-kids-and-babies/products/personalised-childrens-backpack
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For the teens… Fun jewellery pieces or personalised phone cases are always a safe bet. https://thegoto.com/collections/hotlips-by-solange
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The sorta-good-for-just-about-anyone gift… A fun game that everyone can enjoy or that is just a great decorative piece in a home. https://thegoto.com/collections/maisongames
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Your top picks from our gift shops at The Hoxton this season… The eye masks are a definite Christmas favourite. The perfect stocking filler – useful as well as fun! https://thegoto.com/collections/jeumont
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