There are few more compelling characters – perhaps, none with more good taste – in reality TV than Tim Gunn. When he burst onto the scene with the first season of Project Runway he quickly made his way into the hearts of fashion-loving folks everywhere, including ours. His keen eye, expert wardrobe, and stern, but caring demeanor gave us a fondness for him we’d previously reserved for only our favorite teachers. That fondness, along with the catchphrases that come from his unforgettable way of speaking, have propelled Tim to cult-level status. Since moving on from Parsons School of Design where it all began, Tim has become chief creative for Liz Claiborne, and co-wrote a book about his signature and expert style.

We’d take Tim’s advice on just about anything when it comes to living well, but we were especially excited to kick off this season full of holiday wishlists from a few of our favorite folks (here are last year’s wishlists) with this shopping guide from Tim.

Read his expert take on hostess gifts and what to stuff under the tree, then, if you’re here in L.A., join him yourself this Saturday inside the World Market at the original Farmers Market. To kick off their 5th annual “Share the Joy” campaign, World Market is hosting Tim Gunn as he meets the first 200 fans with canned food donations beginning at 1p.m. Start your weekend in good holiday form this Saturday, November 15!

Roll over each of Tim Gunn’s picks below for a tip on proper holiday gift shopping straight from the good man himself…