As holiday season draws near, you may find yourself wondering what to gift the loved ones in your life. Giving and receiving gifts, in addition to being one of the famous “love languages,” is also an art form; finding just the right gift that you know someone will treasure, and seeing their joy at your thoughtfulness, is truly one of life’s great pleasures. It’s not about the expense or the size; it is the love behind the action that matters most.
We’ve put together a list across a range of categories, from design gifts to fashion gifts to experiences, and organizations to which you can donate. Whatever kind of gift you’re after, it’s here – at an array of price points, too.
Find the best design gifts, as well as fashion, beauty, and more with our holiday gift guide:
Best Gifts for the Design-Lover
If there’s one thing that falls by the wayside during the holiday season, its productivity (not just for work, but for, like…life). For people who want to stay a bit more organized but also like to stay analog, try the Productivity Planner, which lasts for three months and is made to not only help you time-manage, but also reflect on achievements big and small. The planner includes daily mindfulness prompts and has an ADHD-friendly design, making it a great gift for a wide range of needs.
Danish brand AETHER makes Japanese-style incense that burns all the way down, so you’re not left with any residual waste. Their incense is hand-rolled in Japan, with a delicate yet rich scent that blends Hinoki Cypress, Sandalwood, and Osmanthus. The gift set includes a gorgeous ceramic incense burner, a pack of incense in spare wooden box, and a small round travel burner, which can be placed in any cup or bowl while traveling, making it easy to take your ritual anywhere.
What’s better than a well-made mirror? One that doubles as art! The Gaze Mirror by Danish brand Muuto is the perfect blend of sculptural and functional, making it ideal for any space in the home. Mirrors are particularly ideal for small spaces, where added light and reflection can really open up the room. This is a wonderful gift for someone who has a small(ish) or dark(ish) space and wants to add that pop of light, while keeping the aesthetic interesting.
This mouth-blown glass carafe by Danish designer Louise Roe has a stunningly simple, appealing rounded shape with a layered, bubble texture captured within the glass. The stopper recalls classic cut-crystal carafes. It’s an object to be kept on the table, as well as a way to have water, juice, or liquor to pour out. An every day item, elevated.
For the food-obsessive in your life, there’s no better gift than a top-quality extra virgin olive oil. This one comes in a gorgeous metal canister with a stainless steel pourer that makes it easy to keep on the table or kitchen counter.
First made in silver in 1962 by renowned Danish designer Henning Koppel – whose piece, the Koppel Pitcher, has become a Danish design icon – this jug has been produced for the first time in stainless steel. It is, if we may say, an absolutely perfect little piece of design. With a slightly puffy handle that makes holding and pouring easy, a low and wide body that’s still sleek, and the reflective shine of the material, this is an item that will last a lifetime and never go out of style.
Swedish brand Aarke makes beautiful kitchen items including their well-known carbonator and sleek, stainless steel coffee machine. If you already have the coffee machine, their new thermal jug is a great addition; now you can make your coffee and move it over to the dining table or desk so you can pour out warm coffee all day long. Even if you don’t have the Aarke coffee machine, this thermal jug is so useful for when you have guests over for tea or coffee, or like keeping a warm pot going all day. Bonus: the jug is dishwasher-safe.
There’s candle-holders, and then there’s this candle-holder from Reflections Copenhagen. Playful, colorful, and impeccably made, this piece will draw the eye to any part of the room, from the dinner table to the coffee table and anywhere in between. This is a design piece for people who like to go big, but stay elegant.
Perhaps not a gift you want a loved-one to unwrap at a family event, but a wonderful gift for a romantic partner nonetheless! The stainless steel version of this dildo does have quite an elegant look; maybe even something to keep out on the coffee table (..or not)? Warm it in warm water or put it in the fridge for sensual temperature play.
There’s nothing more thoughtful than a beautiful, hand-written card. Whether it’s to accompany a gift, or the card is the gift itself (it really is the thought that counts! Gifts do not have to be expensive to be special!). This card set from Danish brand Koustrup & Co includes eight standard size cards as well as envelopes in a lovely storage case that’s easy to slide into your bookshelf. They have a range of designs, but we love the Hilma af Klint set, with depictions of her symbolic, colorful artwork.
Best Gifts for the Fashion-Lover
If you’re looking for a classic jumper that you’ll be wearing for years – decades, even – to come, look no further than this alpaca-and-cotton blend cable knit from Norwegian brand O.A. Devold. Made in Italy from an archival pattern, the unisex jumper is light enough to be worn year-round, making it a constant part of your wardrobe.
Maybe this one doesn’t seem so exciting at first, but have you TRIED a fabric shaver? Well what’s stopping you?! If you have beloved knits that are starting to get little pills and bits of lint, or a lovely wool coat that’s looking dull, a fabric shaver is a game-changer. This one from Swedish brand Steamery is automatic and rechargeable, making it easy to use again and again. It also works on upholstery, making your textile-covered chair look a bit sharper. This is a great gift for someone who loves thrifting or is trying to have a more sustainable approach to clothes, as it can really improve the look and lifespan of your items.
Created by French, Denmark-based artist and illustrator Aurelia Durand, this stunning, large silk scarf is the pop of color your wardrobe so desperately needs this time of year. This is a limited edition item with a run of only 100 pieces, so snap it up while you can!
The subtle pattern, plissé texture, and fluid silhouette of this top make it an easy one to dress up or down. Pair it with jeans for an easy and comfortable look, or match it with the maxi skirt for a stunning look that’s chic and timeless.
The shoe of the moment is the classic, preppy boat shoe. But guess what! It never went out of style, and it never will. This leather or suede version by Swedish brand Vagabond is high quality and has a thick sole. This is a great daily-wear shoe that elevates your outfit and keeps the look classic.
Swedish brand Toteme’s range of bags are destined to become classic – perfectly balanced between modern and classic with each architectural silhouette. This brown croc-embossed bucket bag is ideal for every day use, roomy but not oversized, and sleek but not precious. This bags will last, and be chic, for a lifetime; it’s an investment for sure, but one that will pay off in terms of cost-per-use.
Danish made-to-order fashion brand Nadia Wire produces everything in Denmark with yarn from European suppliers. The pieces are fashion-forward and make getting dressed fun again. If you’re looking for a gift for someone who is into sustainable fashion, ethical fashion, and really loves to wear something unique, Nadia Wire is the way to go! This dress is form-fitting while still being comfortable thanks to the soft weave.
Best Gifts for the Beauty and Skincare-Lover
Sometimes you just need a good old fashioned lipstick. This one by American brand Merit is a wonderfully hydrating and lightweight formula, with good color payoff and a range of hues. The packaging is classic too, with a look that makes it a joy to pull out of your cosmetics case. There are both satin and matte formulas; the satin formula adds a bit of dimension along with color, while the matte version as a flatter, more lived-in look. A bonus: the website product description notes if the color is neutral, cool, or warm, which is helpful with understanding how it will look against your skin.
For the haircare fanatics, Davines is one of those brands that just always gets it right. The OI Liquid Luster is a rinse-off treatment that goes on after shampoo and before conditioner, and only takes a few moments to work. It gives glossy hair that’s also soft and silky, and without any build-up.
What if an essence could not only provide skin benefits but also ensure your other skincare products are optimized? That’s what Swedish skincare brand MANTLE has created with Organ Essence, utilising mSkinPreserve™ technology, which is used to preserve transplant organs during transport. Use it after cleansed skin, ahead of your additional skincare, to improve skin barrier, hydrate, and reduce oxidative stress. Having used it, we can attest: it will fast become a hero product in your routine. For a skincare science nerd, this is the ideal gift.
For people who love skincare more than they love make-up, but still want really great make-up…there’s ROWSE. Our EIC never wears foundation, so she was thrilled to find their Tinted Glow Serum. It’s an elevated version of the skincare-meets-makeup Venn diagram because it actually does what it promises: delivers a lovely glow and even tone without any of the bulk or caked-on feeling of foundation. Their Lip & Cheek Balm is the perfect “throw it into your bag” cosmetic thanks to the sweet little tub. The colors are vivid but not overpowering, and the formula is creamy, practically melting into your skin. On top of it all, ROWSE packaging is gorgeous, so you’ll love having it out on your bathroom countertop.
Time to get polished! A body scrub is a luxurious addition to any shower routine, and this one is excellent. With a herbal but subtle scent and hydrating feel, as well as lovely and easy-to-access packaging, the body polisher ensures smooth skin.
Cult beauty favorite brand Violette FR is created by renowned makeup artist Violette. One of the brand’s bestselling products is Boum Boum Milk, a hydrating spray that reduces redness. This is the kind of product that you’ll end up having in your travel cosmetics case, your bathroom, your gym bag….it’s just that good. For skincare-lovers, this is a must-have. Bonus: this product is vegan.
Best Gifts for the Jewelry-Lover
American jewelry brand Mejuri’s puzzle stacking rings are a playful and personal gift. Each thin, stirrup-style ring comes with a birthstone. There is also a pavé and plain band option. The rings are made to stack, and everyone’s stack is totally individual. Get your family’s birthstones, or stones that represent something special. The rings are coated with 18K gold vermeil, which is five times stronger than gold plating and won’t wear off easily.
Helsinki-based jewelry studio Mannstrom, founded by Matilda Mannstrom, creates organic shapes in precious metals and semi precious, or precious, stones. “The Kit” is a brilliant gift because it’s many pieces in one. It comes with a stone-bead necklace, velvet rope, amulet, and large pendant that can be worn in many combinations.
Danish brand Pandora recently launched their lab-grown diamond collection, and these simple bezel earrings are absolutely perfect for daily wear. Their sterling silver is 100% recycled, and the 0.3 karat weight of the earrings is the ideal size for a look that’s luxurious but not over-the-top.
A classic for a reason. The Koppel watch was designed by Henning Koppel, who has designed some of Georg Jensen’s most iconic pieces, including the Koppel Pitcher. The watch is unisex and timeless, making it an ideal gift for anyone looking for a quality timepiece.
Danish goldsmith Charlotte Christina Larsen has a boutique and workshop in Copenhagen, Facon Facon, that’s ideal for finding your next piece of fine jewelry. But if you’re not sure what you want, or you’re interested in creating a custom piece as a gift – maybe using jewelry you already have but don’t wear – we recommend contacting Charlotte via her website. She’ll help you design your dream piece, then make it by hand. She’s especially skilled with custom wedding rings and bands.
Best Gifts for the Travel-Lover
Adding to their highly useful Lite series, Australian brand Bellroy has done it again with their nylon carry-on suitcase. This is a great gift for someone who travels a lot for short-ish periods of time. We’ve tested this piece for up to a week and it fit everything we needed. The ultra light but strong material means you can pack it as much as you want without having to worry that the bag will burst, and the wheels didn’t snag at all. Inside, there are multiple zippered compartments that act as packing cubes, as well as an outer compartment for items like your passport and wallet while on-the-go. Look, we love everything from Bellroy, so you really can’t go wrong no matter what you choose, but this is a very useful suitcase.
The thing about traditional travel containers is that they tend to leak, and also are not made to keep product fresh. These containers from RIES are not only much more sturdy than your typical travel container, they also have an airless pump so that even your active skincare won’t expire. As a cool extra, you can order each canister with a pre-made label such as “Face” and “SPF.”
One of the harder items to come by when traveling is haircare beyond shampoo and conditioner. This travel set from Crown Affair includes a leave-in conditioner, mousse, and finishing gel. Now you can make sure you can get your head looking perfect regardless of where you are!
Best Gifts for the Book-Lover
This classic of Danish literature is a three part series both considered memoir and auto-fiction. Finally published in one volume in English in 2019, The Copenhagen Trilogy by Tove Ditlevsen has quickly achieved international status (which it already held domestically) as a masterpiece. Both unflinching and propulsive, this is a book that explores the interior life of a woman, her creative life as a writer, and her addiction to opiates.
Looking for a great holiday book that combines mystery, intrigue, and lots of glamour, all tied together with cross-cultural understanding and a lot of great dialogue? Lucky for you, the debut novel by Ram Murali has it all, and it’s loads of fun. This book is an ideal gift for murder mystery-lovers, but anyone who’s into fiction will want to dive in.
In this stunning cookbook, NY-based, Sydney-bred Hetty Lui McKinnon makes the case for salads as the ultimate comfort, community food. They’re big, they’re nourishing, they can easily be shared; what’s not to love?
Anyone remember the original Dossier magazine? Founded in NYC and focused on art, it was a cult-favorite that burned bright. Founder and Editor-in-Chief Skye Parrott has relaunched Dossier this year, reimagined to include travel and culture as well as art. The magazine itself is beautifully-made; this is a great gift for those who love luxury and culturally-rich global travel.
While we love brick-and-mortar independent bookstores best of all, sometimes you’ve gotta buy a book online! When you do, choose Bookshop.org, which supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
Give Back
As anyone who has, or has had, a loved one with Alzheimer’s (or any kind of dementia) will tell you, this disease is cruel and draining – both for the person affected and those who support them. Alzheimer’s Association is a global leader in pushing forward Alzheimer’s and other dementia research, early detection programs, and quality care initiatives. Their work is invaluable and will, we truly believe, one day lead to breath-through medications, therapeutics, and even cures.
Standing Together is a “grassroots organisation bringing together Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel to mobilize for peace, equality, and social justice.” The organisation notes, “As the largest Jewish-Arab grassroots movement in Israel, we are committed to creating an alternative to our existing reality and building the political strength to make this transformation possible.”
The Innocence Project works to free people who have been wrongfully convicted as well as advocate to prevent wrongful conviction. They are particularly concerned with transforming the systems that result in wrongful convictions. A wrongful conviction not only derails a life, but entire communities and generations, and the systems that uphold wrongful convictions, including the death penalty, are a danger to the progress of social justice.
Freedom of speech practiced by journalists across the world is essential to protecting human rights. Providing firsthand accounts, interviews, and witness to what is going on in the world is what shapes our understanding of our world, and of history. Committee to Project Journalists works to defend journalists around the world who may be punished or imprisoned for carrying out this important work. We need access to impartial, investigative work globally, and CPJ ensures that they’re able to do so.
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