With the holidays fast approaching, we're busier than ever shopping for everyone on our list, sprucing up for parties and spreading seasonal cheer to loved ones near and far.
And while it's easy to get overwhelmed with the endless tasks and tiny details of the season, Hugo Boss fragrance ambassadors Gwyneth Paltrow and Ryan Reynolds have some smart strategies to help you survive the chaos.
The two stars took time out of their busy schedules to chat about their holiday traditions and offered some useful tips for making the most of this special time of year.
When it comes to holiday shopping, Gwyneth and Ryan both agree that nothing is better than personalized gifts filled with special sentiment.
Paltrow admits to planning months in advance to ensure that her presents are simply perfect.
"I generally start my Christmas shopping at least two months before. I like to get things personalized, my gifts usually require some advanced time. I'm definitely a planner!" she shared. "I'm a solo shopper, I spend a lot of time searching for things on the Internet and I have a master list of people I need to get presents for. I start thinking about it a few months in advance…it takes some preparation."
Impressive!
Meanwhile, Ryan explains that he's more of a last-minute man, but that's not to say he doesn't gift from the heart.
"I'm the same as a lot of guys, so I leave it to the last minute. I'm usually working up until the holidays, but I go towards the sentimental with gift giving, it could be anything," he said. "Thank God for online shopping…that's saved my life!"
Wondering what is the one-size-fits-all gift that can do no wrong? Fragrances, of course.
"Fragrances are very personal. It's an elevated version of one's self. I like giving people something new to try, you should have a slight repertoire at home," Reynolds explained.
In agreement, Paltrow sang the praises of bottled perfume, as well.
"I think fragrance is a great gift because it's an opportunity to try something that maybe you wouldn't have bought for yourself. It's a nice time to trying something new," Paltrow emphasized. "It's such a warm time of the year and it's so nice to give gifts, I really enjoy it!"