Talking Shop with Troye Sivan


“I spend the holidays back home in Australia, and since it’s summertime there, swim trunks are a must,” says Sivan. “I love these because they’re super comfortable and dry quickly.” The straight-leg trunks, which are made from recycled polyester and elastane, have a 20-inch outseam and are slightly stretchy. Their tie also lets you loosen and tighten the waistband as needed.
“I love to cook and be in the kitchen, especially during the holidays at home,” says Sivan. “It sounds not that exciting, but I’d love a new Microplane since mine’s getting a little dull. It’s one of my favorite kitchen tools to zest and finely grate ingredients. Some knives would also be a great gift.” When Sivan is home, he always stops by his favorite kitchen-related shop in Melbourne, too. “I absolutely love it because you can get anything and everything you could possibly need for cooking,” he says.
“A coffee table book is always a thoughtful and nice gift — I love photography, design, architecture and typography,” says Sivan. “For those into fashion, this Acne Paper book from Acne is such an easy yes.” It has 568 pages showcasing work from the magazine’s archive, plus there are a few new essays to read, too.
“I have several friends who collect vinyls, so I always like to add one to their collection,” says Sivan. “I listened to Role Model’s album a lot this past year, so that’s one I’d gift.” The deluxe version of the album has four new songs and is split across two 12-inch vinyl records, both of which you get with this set.
“Any sort of art or photography is really personal and sweet — it does not need to be fancy or anything like that,” says Sivan. “As long as it’s something that the person thinks I’m going to like, all the meaning is there for me. I really love a family photo album or something like that, too. I find that to be super, super meaningful.” When he gives his loved ones art or photos, or needs to get gifts he received framed, Sivan usually goes to a local framer. But in a hurry, he opts for West Elm’s Floating Wood Gallery Frames because they come in various sizes and finishes, like white, black, wheat and walnut. You can buy the frames individually or help your loved one create a gallery at home by buying them in sets.
I’m a reporter at NBC Select who writes our Talking Shop series, interviewing people like Chace Crawford, Dorinda Medley, Miranda Kerr and Brooke Shields. To write this article, I interviewed Troye Sivan about his favorite gifts to give and receive.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.