Ayamé x Pinterest: 56 Gifts for the “Main Character” in your Life

When it comes to curating the perfect festive mood board, Ayamé knows exactly how to strike the balance between thoughtful and trendy. Partnering with Pinterest this season, she’s rolled out a chic gift guide featuring hand-picked items perfect for your closest friends, your family, and those cheeky self-gifting moments that define the holidays.

As searches for “shopping wishlist” skyrocket by over 950%, Pinterest is the ultimate destination for seasonal inspiration, with Ayamé’s guide standing out among over 1,000 others from creators and celebrities alike. Whether it’s a monogrammed clutch or that must-have statement piece, Ayamé’s list combines practicality with a touch of indulgence, embodying her signature blend of style and fun.

In our chat, Ayamé opened up about her personal approach to holiday gifting, the items that made her list, and why self-gifting might just be the most underrated part of Christmas.

NW: Could you tell us a little bit about what the "main character aesthetic" is and how we can embody that in our festive wardrobes?

Ayamé: Main Character aesthetic is, just being that girl, and, taking everything about yourself, and being very confident in it, the good and the bad. It is about wearing it and saying, “this is me”, because there's some main characters that are villains, some main characters that are heroes but it's just about being the one. Obviously be a nice person though, not a villain. 

NW: What would your go to Christmas party outfit be, if you were wanting to give your version of main character energy?

Ayamé: Here's what I'm thinking: for any Christmas party, red is the ultimate main character—bold, vibrant, and totally unapologetic. To complement that statement, it’s all about the little details. For example, on my gift guide, there’s a personalised hair clip that lets you add your name. It’s touches like that—unique, thoughtful, and undeniably you—that make the whole look come together. Pair the boldness of red with those customised accents, perfect.

NW: What would you say are the top three most “Main Character” options on your gift guide?

Ayamé: I mean, I can never say no to the Louis Vuitton Nano Speedy bag—it’s just such a classic. And when it comes to gifts, I love pieces that have that little extra flair. For example, there are these cocktail glasses I’ve been eyeing: one shaped like a shell and another with a bow. They’re just so chic and say, Yes, I’m that girl. Then there’s the claw clip—I’m obsessed, especially when it’s personalised. Speaking of personalisation, I think anything custom-made, like a hairbrush with their name on it, makes the perfect gift. It shows thoughtfulness, like, I didn’t just grab this last-minute; I had it made just for you. Absolutely perfect.

NW: So you have mentioned the personalised claw clip, but I was wondering if there were any other key accessories that you felt completed a main character look? Whether it is a handbag or some jewellery or even just the way you've done your nails, any accessories that really cement a look as “main character”?

Ayamé: That point about nails, spot on! I love a unique nail design—it’s such an easy way to show off your personal style. Bag charms are another thing I’m really into right now. Take the Coach cherry bag charm, for example—it’s just such a fun, playful detail. For me, it’s all about personalisation, whether it’s adding your name to something, picking out charms that reflect who you are, or rocking nails in a design that catches people’s attention. It’s those small, thoughtful touches that make you stand out. Like, someone might notice, Oh, her nails are purple with stripes—interesting, she’s got a vibe. It’s all in the details.

NW: Now, at this time of year I feel that it would be quite hard to make a main character outfit with the horrible weather. It's all a bit cold. You're wanting cozy more than attention grabbing. How would you merge comfort with a bit of glamour for the festive season?

Ayamé: Definitely wrap up and stay cozy—knits are the way to go. I’ve got this off-the-shoulder knit piece on my gift guide that’s perfect for keeping warm while still feeling festive. Whether it’s a fun take on an ugly Christmas jumper or a more chic knit with a twist, make sure it has that little something extra. Layer up to stay warm, but don’t forget to keep the glam alive—a good makeup look or statement accessories can pull it all together. When you arrive at the party, shed the layers and let your stylish side shine through. Cozy meets classy, every time!

NW: Similarly, it's quite a stressful time for some people, you're very busy, lots going on. How can you stay emotionally full of main character energy during the stressful holiday season?

Ayamé: The holiday season can be overwhelming—I know I find myself running in every direction, feeling stressed and frazzled. But in those moments, I remind myself there’s always something to be grateful for, even in the chaos. It could be as simple as saying, “Well, I have to do this, but at least I also get to do that.” Even on the worst day—maybe it’s freezing, raining, and everything feels like it’s gone wrong—you can still find that little silver lining. Maybe it’s your family saying they don’t want to spend Christmas with you but you end up making a bowl of soup, sitting quietly, and enjoying a moment of peace. That small act can remind you that not everything is bad. And, just to clarify, my family hasn’t bailed on Christmas—that would be wild! But the point is, it’s about finding the small joys, no matter what.

NW: Even better, now you can enjoy a soup and spend time with the family, win-win!

Ayamé: Yeah, I love soup. It's soup season.

NW: What would be your go to main character energy soup recipe?

Ayamé: Butternut squash soup just has a vibe, doesn’t it? Don’t get me wrong—tomato soup is classic, and potato and leek? Always solid. But when you say, "I’m making butternut squash soup," it just hits different. It’s cozy but elevated, giving a little ahh, yes.

NW: There's something almost quite professional about it. Everyone can do a tomato, not everyone can do a good butternut squash.

Ayamé: Butternut squash is just one of those veggies that makes you go, "Oh, interesting, interesting." It’s got that something special, you know? So for me, butternut squash soup, maybe spiced up just right, would be the perfect go-to. But okay, enough about soup!

NW: This is my last question, but it is a very important one. If you were planning a main character energy Christmas day, what would that look like, from your morning rituals to a big, festive evening look? Could you talk me through your plan of action?

Ayamé: So, here’s my plan for Christmas—it’s pretty much the same every year, but this time, I’m hosting! Step one: wake up, pour the Buck’s Fizz, and stay cozy in festive pajamas (maybe red, green, or even something furry—options are key). Breakfast is smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on sourdough, all fresh and fancy, so everyone’s like, “Wow, we really did this.” You’re all sitting there in your matching PJs, and the vibe is immaculate.

Next, it’s gift time, and here’s where I shine. My main-character energy is in full effect with personalized gifts—like a chic hairbrush, sea glass cocktail glasses, or a monogrammed hair clip. Everyone opens their gifts and thinks, “She nailed it this year.” And, of course, you bask in the compliments.

Then it’s time to change into something festive—red with thoughtful little touches, like chunky gold hoops, sparkly nails, maybe even gold gems. You’re serving effortless glam. Afterward, the main event: Christmas dinner. Honestly, cooking it is one of the most stressful things ever (last year, I almost dropped the turkey and cried), but you pull yourself together, get everything on the table, and the applause rolls in.

By the end of the day, you’re the host of the season. Between the brunch, the glam outfit, and the perfectly cooked turkey, you’ve embodied main-character Christmas energy. It’s the perfect mix of chaos and triumph!

NW: Thank you very much for taking some time out of your day to have a chat with me. I'm looking forward to buying lots of presents from the gift guide for all my family members.

Ayamé: It's honestly the best thing you could do for them.