Gifts so good, even your pickiest friend will ask where you found them.
Gifts so good, even your pickiest friend will ask where you found them.
If you’ve ever wondered what professional shoppers actually buy, this is your chance to find out. Our editors spend the entire year testing, researching, and obsessing over products—so when it comes time to gift-give, they know exactly what’s worth wrapping. Think of this as your shortcut to impressing everyone on your list without spending hours scrolling.
This curated roundup features the kinds of finds that make you look effortlessly thoughtful: beautifully designed home essentials, little luxuries that spark joy, and under-the-radar brands that deserve a permanent spot on your bookmarks. Each pick was hand-selected by our editorial team, blending insider taste with real-world practicality—because a truly chic gift is one that feels personal, intentional, and a little bit unexpected.
What makes editors so good at gifting is simple: we see everything. New launches, cult favorites, the things that go viral for a month and disappear just as fast. We spend our days asking questions like, Does this feel well-made? Would I actually use this? Would someone in my life be excited to open it? And every now and then, we come across something that checks all the boxes. Those are the gifts that make it onto the list.
This year’s lineup showcases a mix of functional favorites and conversation-starters. There’s the luxury Scrabble set from Frontgate, which turns game nights into a full-on design moment. It’s the kind of gift that sits out on a coffee table all year because it looks that good. On the other end of the spectrum, the Gradient Puzzle from Areaware is a peaceful activity that doubles as art once it’s done. Editors love gifts that create an experience, and both of these do exactly that.
You’ll also find little luxuries that elevate everyday rituals, like Flamingo Estate’s Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle—an editor favorite for its fresh, green, sun-warmed scent that instantly changes the mood of a room. The Blue Speckle Flower Mug from Yowie is another standout. It’s sculptural, joyful, and makes a morning cup of coffee feel like its own small ceremony. If you’re shopping for someone who loves to host, Neffi Walker’s margarita and mezcal tasting glasses offer a modern, artful update to barware. It’s perfect for people who treat their home as an extension of their creativity.
These gifts share a common thread: they’re beautiful, useful, and a little surprising. They’re the kinds of things you give when you want someone to feel considered by reflecting who they are and how they live.
Our goal with this guide is simple: to make gifting easier, more joyful, and far more intentional. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, a host, or even yourself (we approve self-gifting), consider this your editor-approved blueprint. These are the gifts we reach for year after year—the ones we gift proudly, knowing they’ll be used, loved, and remembered.
This elevated Scrabble set transforms a classic family game into a true statement piece. With its rotating wooden board, embossed tiles, and premium construction, it’s designed to live on your coffee table—not in a closet. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who appreciates beautiful objects, thoughtful design, and a good-natured competition during the holidays.
This design-forward puzzle shifts beautifully from one hue to the next, creating an ombré effect that feels more like modern art than a tabletop activity. It’s a thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys tactile, meditative projects. Once completed, it’s pretty enough to frame.
Beloved by editors and designers alike, this candle smells like a sun-warmed tomato garden at peak summer. It’s green, bright, and completely unexpected—exactly the kind of scent that turns a home ritual into a small luxury. Beautiful packaging makes it instantly giftable.
This blue speckled flower mug is the kind of gift that instantly feels personal. Handcrafted with soft curves and a sculptural silhouette, it brings a little joy to every morning ritual. Perfect for tea, coffee, or slow moments at home, each piece is slightly unique, making it a thoughtful present for anyone who loves beautiful, functional design.
These smoky, sculptural tasting glasses from Neffi Walker bring a sophisticated twist to margarita and mezcal nights. Hand-blown with a weighted base and warm amber tone, they feel equal parts modern and ceremonial—designed to slow you down and savor every sip. Whether you’re gifting a cocktail lover or upgrading your own bar cart, these are the kind of glasses that turn an ordinary drink into a full experience.
This compact milk frother turns any kitchen into a home café. With settings for hot foam, cold foam, and perfectly steamed milk, it elevates everything from morning lattes to evening hot chocolate. Sleek, easy to use, and surprisingly powerful, it’s a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves bringing a little barista-level comfort into their daily routine.
This five-piece kitchen set blends artistry with practicality. Each piece — from utensil holder to canisters and spoon rest — features MacKenzie-Childs’ hand-painted enamel design. The heavy-gauge, glazed-steel build offers durability, while the pattern elevates everyday kitchens into stylish, collectible spaces. It’s a show-stopping gift for anyone who loves both beauty and function in their home.
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by Nneya Richards | February 8, 2023
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