When it comes to my holiday gift list, I always put a lot of thought into each item to make sure it’s something I’d truly enjoy and use – especially in my “cozy” (i.e. small) apartment. I think the same way when picking out a gift for someone else. I want any gift to feel purposeful, rather than adding clutter, and I’d hate for anyone’s hard-earned money to go toward something that might go unused. With that in mind, my list of recommendations is a mix of practical essentials and a fun splurges I would be thrilled to gift or receive. Below, you’ll find a curated selection of ideas that have made it onto at least one of my wish lists over the years – happy gifting!
Everyone needs a clock and some of us still require an alarm other than our phone to wake us up in the morning and this one does the trick. Merging analog, since they say the light on digital clocks can affect sleep, with the needs of modern times, this clock is a great option for any aesthete. It has a mechanical chime that gradually wakes you up and a hidden digital display to make setting the clock a breeze. Even though it’s made from premium materials, it’s also repairable making it built to last.
Whether you know someone who’s really into cooking for their family or loves hosting guests for dinner parties, chic dinnerware is a must. Not only does it make the food appear more appetizing, but it sets the tone of the space it’s being served in. This minimalist collection, which includes a plate, bowl, and cup, is adorned with dots, lines, circles, or squares resulting in symmetrical patterns juxtaposed on naturally flawed porcelain. The versatile pieces would work alongside a monochromatic tablescape just as easily as it would one adorned with lots of color.
If this collaboration had been out a couple of years ago when I bought my Fellow electric kettle in black, I would have jumped on it. It’s perfect for making hot tea or pour-over coffee, as it heats the water to the perfect temp in less than a minute. It’s limited edition so if you know anyone who needs to up their coffee or tea game, this blueberry colored (plus pops of Raspberry and Mustard) kettle is such a great gift.
I may not need a carafe, but this one from NUDE Glass makes me think I do. The entire Juno Collection, which includes the carafe, a cake dome, mini serving plate, serving plate, and a set of glasses (sadly the glasses are sold out), is incredible – all handmade from lead-free crystal in shades of opal grey, clear, and apricot. The carafe features an interlocking cylindrical vessel with an apricot colored top that’s designed to look beautiful sitting on a kitchen counter, shelf, or on a bedside table whether in use or not.
Along with elevating the dinnerware, adding complementary flatware is a must. If you know anyone like me who had the same IKEA flatware for 15 years, this modern set is the perfect option to replace it. When I upgraded to this exact design, it made cooking and eating the prepared food feel so much better. The contemporary shapes work for takeout or weeknight dinners, but they also are stylish enough to be used at a dinner party.
I’ve been in love with Gustaf Westman’s Chunky series since I first spotted it on social media last year. The oversized silhouettes and curves are so playful and unique and I want them all, especially in pink. If you know anyone that loves fun ceramics or that enjoys a special cup for their morning brew, this one will definitely become their favorite.
Do you know someone who misses actual photographs outside of their smartphone? This printer delivers postcard-size photos to anyone wanting to post friends and family on their fridge, add to a frame, or to catalog memories in a photo album. It’s compact and makes printing easy direct from your phone. There’s even a free Hi-Print app where images can be personalized prior to printing.
We all have at least one person in our life that loves puzzles and is always looking for a new one. This one from Piecework, who makes a ton of really cool puzzles, is colorful and super cute. If only it would magically become three dimensional and edible!
Organization can be your best friend and when things are neatly contained in beautiful objects, suddenly it’s more than just storage. These colorful jars from Amsterdam-based POLSPOTTEN do just that by leaning more toward objets d’art. Each mouth-blown piece comes in a different vibrant color creating a decorative set that your loved one will find joy using every day, whether in the kitchen for dry goods or in the bathroom for cotton balls. The set also comes in a more muted two-tone option for those that prefer it.
For those that love watching birds or just enjoy spending time outside, this organic modern birdhouse would be an ideal addition to anyone’s outdoor space. It comes in four fat lava glaze colors – Avocado, Blue, Orange, and White – so there’s an option for everyone, whether they want it to blend into the surrounding greenery or pop against it.
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