If you take a look at Popsugar's 2026 year in review, we've clearly doubled down on the joy and playfulness that nostalgia brings, from our talent to our storytelling. So when we were tasked with dreaming up the perfect way to kick off the holiday season,
there was really no better destination than Claire's. I mean it's hard not to feel a little giddy walking inside the lavender walls stocked high with jewelry, trinkets, and toys. For many of us, Claire's is not only one of the first places our parents let us shop, but it symbolizes a major style milestone: our first ear piercing. To capture (and celebrate) that very feeling, we invited guests to a Popsugar x Claire's Holiday Piercing Party where they could experience several gifting stations, sweet treats, and of course, get a new piercing of their choosing.
On the first Friday of November, guests enjoyed a reprieve from the gloomy weather inside the Claire's Upper West Side location and leaned into the seasonal cheer. Upon entry, they were welcomed by adorable holiday decor, a ceiling covered in pink, blue, and purple pastel balloons, and over six stations to experience during their visit.
Up first, guests were prompted to create two custom stockings, one for them and one for a friend, which they could stuff full of items from Claire's highly-curated, under-$10 selection. While they waited for their embroidery to be finished, why not enjoy a sweet treat from Milk Bar dunked in a cup of hot chocolate? The room was buzzing about how delicious the chocolate syrup and sprinkle rim was — in a custom Popsugar x Claire's cup, of course.
As they took a leisurely stroll around the store, influencers and editors were able to book a slot for an ear piercing, bedazzle a Claire's x Loops Beauty gift set, and make a wish with Popsugar's social team. It was truly an afternoon that felt like the ultimate trip to the mall and made us all ready to conquer our holiday shopping.
To step inside the party, keep scrolling through all our photos below.
