Originally published on 11/24/25

Most people know Ellie Kemper from her work in The Office and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and while that still remains true, there’s another small-screen role that the 45-year-old actress is making headlines for. That’s right, we’re talking about her now viral “Kohl’s Mom” role, in which she plays a mother shopping at–you guessed it—Kohl’s! Woman’s World recently caught up with Kemper to talk more about this collaboration and found out which products she actually wants to get in her stocking this year. Read on for more. 

Ellie Kemper talks about her new role as the ‘Kohl’s Mom’ 

Over the past couple of months, Kemper has been appearing in a series of commercials as the “Kohl’s Mom.” In them, she helps shoppers figure out what to buy and what not to buy in a fun, sweet and hilarious way. 

“My partnership with Kohl’s is one of the most organic partnerships I’ve ever done,” Kemper told Woman’s World. “I feel like this character is probably the closest to me in real life that I’ve ever played. Kohl’s Mom is all about bringing some joy and some levity to life while also getting the job done, so I feel like, especially during this holiday season, it’s been really fun to partner with them in terms of thinking about how we can add some sparkle and joy to the season without becoming overwhelmed.” 

Speaking of holidays, the actress said that she’s “hosting my family for the first time this holiday season, which can at times be overwhelming, and then I have to remember to take time for myself to kind of reset and keep in mind that the objective is to be together and to have fun.” 

“So I’m looking forward to spending a lot of time with my family. I think that’s probably what I’m looking forward to the most, and all that comes with it. So I will be cooking, I will be cleaning. I will be doing a lot of stuff,” she continued. 

Ellie Kemper shares what she wants to receive this holiday season 

Even though she will be hosting this holiday season, there are some things Kemper has obtained from Kohl’s to make it easier. 

“One of the most valuable items in my kitchen is my Keurig, which is just a constant flow of coffee. And that caffeine supply is invaluable, so Ialways look forward to that,” the actress said. “One thing that I’ve introduced to the rotation already, which I think is going down in history as the best thing ever, is the Ninja Creami. You can make your own ice cream and we’ve been experimenting with peppermint ice cream, and it’s delicious.” 

What Kemper wants from Kohl’s is a different story. 

“It might be controversial, but I want a bathrobe,” she said. “I know that some people think, ‘Doesn’t mom have enough bathrobes?’ And the answer is no. I  love a cozy bathrobe, and I’d love a new one. So that’s certainly at the top of my list.” 

“I also wouldn’t be opposed to Santa just bringing me some jeans,” Kemper continued. “I love jeans, and that’s another item I would say is a favorite of mine from Kohl’s—the LC Lauren Conrad Jeans. It sounds super basic, but when they’re coming from someone else, they’re a wonderful gift to receive.” 

Ellie Kemper reveals what she doesn’t want for Christmas

If Kemper doesn’t get a bathrobe or jeans, she’s not worried because, “I’ll take whatever is given to me and it’d be pretty hard to give me something that I would reject.” 

Be sure to catch Ellie Kemper as the Kohl’s Mom during your commercial breaks, and stop by Kohl’s to see her favorite holiday finds. 

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/celebrities/ellie-kemper-wants-this-one-kohls-gift-this-christmas-exclusive