What makes an item gift-able? It has to occupy that sweet spot between indulgent and utilitarian, and between wish-you-had and you-already-own. Below: five handy lists of products I’ve tried and loved, received and loved, or loved to gift in the past, sorted by recipient.
For the Go-Getter
Ember self-heating coffee mug, from $100 | via amazon.com.
Keeps your coffee (or tea, or soup…I guess) heated to your desired temperature through all those morning meetings.
Allbirds wool runners, $95 | via allbirds.com.
For those on-the-go overachievers who combine errands, a run, and a social commitment all in one fast-paced outing. Part casual sneaker, part sport shoe, and always polished looking.
The Daily Edited personalized saffiano wrap case, from $60 | via thedailyedited.com.
This is my own phone case style at the moment - minimal, monogrammed, and professional.
Mark & Graham foil pressed personalized notecards, $59 | via markandgraham.com.
Some people are so on top of their shit that they send actual personal correspondence regularly by mail, and on personalized stationery. I am not one of these people. But in case you know someone, this is a solid option.
For the Self-Care Enthusiast
Aesop intensely hydrating citrus duo, $72 | via aesop.com.
This was a hit when I gifted it to a family member a year or two ago. Aesop is some high-quality stuff with a great natural ingredients ethos.
Ouai scalp and body scrub, $38 via sephora.com.
Fabulous, satisfying texture, plus Ouai makes some of the freshest body care scents around. Apparently the internet loves this too, so I feel justified in putting this on my list.
Sunday Riley power couple set, from $21 for various sizes | via dermstore.com.
I was recommended this lactic acid and retinol nightly skincare kit by friends, and haven’t stopped using it for three years. It’s the best thing to happen to my skin since aging out of the chaotic teenage years.
Nécessaire body sets, from $40 | via necessaire.com.
There are a number of things I love about this small brand’s range of body washes, lotions, and scrubs, including their silky textures and unisex, atypically muted, high-end scents.
For the Fitness Buff
Bala weighted bangles, $65 for 2lb pair | via shopbala.com.
These inconspicuous ankle/wrist weights add a little something extra to a long walk or home workout, perfect for quarantine times.
Purist stainless steel 18 oz water bottle, from $46 | via puristcollective.com and REI.
This sleek bottle is not only nice to look at, it has a glass interior coating to stop even coffee from leaving behind a lingering taste.
Arctery’x Rho LTW neck gaiter, $39 | via arcteryx.com.
Not quite a scarf, this is just enough for for an active person to stay warm during an outdoor winter workout.
Shashi embellished grip socks, $18 | via carbon38.com.
For pilates and barre enthusiasts who also love a bit of bling.
For the Homebody
Pottery Barn monogrammed marble and wood coasters, $25 a set | via potterybarn.com.
Winter is coming, which means it’s leave-your-hot-coffee-mug-on-random surfaces time. These pretty things will save many a tabletop.
Smeg variable temperature kettle, $220 | via amazon.com.
For those who love a retro decor look, this is Smeg’s update of their popular fixed-temperature kettle style.
Byredo scented candles, from $45 | via nordstrom.com.
These are beautiful enough to gift a particularly hard-to-please recipient. Plus they come in a range of unusual, intriguing fragrances you won’t find elsewhere.
WeMo wi-fi enabled plugs, $75 for a 3-set | via amazon.com.
These incredible timesavers integrate right into Apple HomeKit and can be controlled from your iPhone, making a nightly routine of switching off various lamps and other powered items a breeze.
For the Pet Parent
Paw PupProtector waterproof blanket, $298 | via paw.com.
A cute, washable, easy-care, waterproof blanket to protect your nice couch from inevitable animal accidents.
The Foggy Dog plaid bow tie collars, $45 each | via thefoggydog.com.
I think I remember TFD getting into the pet bow tie craze before other stores did, and they still make some of the cutest, most thoughtfully designed ones around. I confess I haven’t sent these particular ties to anyone (yet), but wish I’d thought of it in time.
Various brands - cat backpack, usually $30+ | via amazon.com.
These adorable things let your cat come along on hikes, bike rides, and errands. But not all cats are cool with being clipped into one of these, so definitely check with your cat-owning friend to see if their kitty is chill.
The Cat Ladies organic pet grass kit, $16 | via amazon.com.
If your cat is like mine and enjoys nibbling at all the faux (or real) decorative greenery in your home, distract them with this easy-grow kit that comes in a cute container.
Bonus List: For the Person Who Has Everything and Is Very Hard to Impress, and You’re Just Flipping Out
Disclaimer: I have never purchased these things for myself or anyone else.
Tiffany bone china box, $175 | via tiffany.com.
This just tickles me because it looks like the storage box a pair of earrings by the jewelry house might come in.
Norm Architects for Menu portable LED lantern, $180 | via dwr.com.
I have looked at this so many times and thought, How cool. You can carry it to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Bang & Olufsen Beosound balance, $2,250 | via neimanmarcus.com
I’ve seen enough movies to know this is exactly the kind of art object-looking speaker tech-y thing a rich person would have in their home atop a custom made rare wood console table near where the great room feeds into the study.
Hermès Avalon III throw blanket, $1,550 | via hermes.com.
In case someone you know just craves a beautiful blanket they will never be able to machine wash.