Things We Think You Should Buy (for Someone Else):
A holiday gift guide curated by us for everyone – really, everyone – on your list.
Gifts aren’t everything, but they’re definitely something. They’re how you show the people in your life that you care-that they’re worth wrapping paper that takes too long to cut straight and a cheesy card you couldn’t resist buying.
We know that you know that we know that it's the thought that counts when it comes to gifting. We also know that thinking those thoughts for your mom, sister, boyfriend's mom, the colleague you drew for Secret Santa is… a lot.
But before you clear out the Shoppers gift card rack, let us to make the case for a season of thoughtful, unique, and frankly, much more fun gifts this year.
Things a good gift does:
Nº 1 Makes its receiver feel ~ seen ~
Edging past, "I love it!", the best response to a great gift is a jaw drop (maybe some tears) or more realistically a, "How'd you know?!"
Nº 2 It says what words might not.
Whether it’s a “thank you”, “I love you”, “I know you, know you”, or “I think you'd love this,” a good gift skips the awkward hug and speaks for itself.
Nº 3 It cements your status as best gift-giver in the group.
Because who doesn’t love being that person?
Nº 4 It makes you feel incredible.
Few things are as satisfying as giving someone the perfect gift - thinking about it, wrapping it, and watching their reaction? Unmatched.
Full transparency, though: one of us will always ask the other, “Do you want to know what it is?” no matter how many times the other says no. (A December tradition)
What makes a bad gift?
It’s forgettable.
It sits unused for months (or longer).
Signals that you couldn't think of literally anything else to give them. Like, literally anything else.
Still with us? Good.
Take a scroll through our guides below:
For “them”
His Mom / That New Friend / Your Boyfriend’s Brother / Her Dad / That Colleague You Drew for Secret Santa / Your Boss
Basically just neutral gifts.
Metro Folio Kit by Monos
Also a really great option for the boyfriends who love to ask, "Can you just put this in your purse?"
Marshall Emberton Speaker
Great gift for the friend who loves a cottage weekend or hosting pre-drinks.
Cabana Notebook by Papier
Can be personalized with all kinds of ridiculousness!
Roma Heirloom Tomato Room Spray
Great for someone who loves to cook, garden, or can't stop talking about their trip to Italy last summer.
Chess Mirror
We love an interactive coffee table display.
Replica Jazz Club Candle
This one is foolproof.
Tre Amici Holiday Wine Catalogue
A duo or trio wine pack is perfect for your boss, your neighbour, your child's very tired high school law teacher, or anyone else that falls into the grey, semi-socially obligated section of your list.
Best Books to Gift (Both Coffee Table and To Read)
PSA: The most personal category on this list. We recommend gifting the people you love a book you love.
NYT 36 Hours: Europe
Perfect for Aeroplan point collectors and your uncle who has a restaurant recommendation for every city.
Joan Didion: What She Means
Get this for the friend who needed a wellness check after finishing The Year of Magical Thinking.
EAT NYC: Iconic Recipes That Celebrate the City
Menu Design in Europe
Customer review: one of us gifted this to the other a few Christmases ago and has had gifter's remorse ever since (buying a gift so perfect that you want to keep one for yourself) and has just ordered her own copy!
My Year of Rest and Relaxation
Very funny, very smart, and (believe it or not) a very significant portion of one of our Master's theses. Do not gift this to your mother.
The Dutch House
Gift THIS one to your mother!
Beautiful World, Where Are You
Anxious People
Very close to perfect.
Homebodies + Hosts, & Your Friend with the Nicest Apartment
Farmer’s Market Tote
Because your 'hosting friend' is probably your 'farmer's market friend', too.
Enjoy Your F***ing Dinner Plate
Good Morning Espresso Cup
Warning: this gift is a gateway drug to an entire cabinet of anna + nina dishware
Heirloom Tomato Candle
Pairs well with candles shaped like blocks of cheese, loaves of bread, and bottles of wine.
More is More Get Loose in the Kitchen Cookbook
Bottle Opener in 70’s Panel Clique
Genuinely, everyone needs this.
The Hard-to-Shop-For
The one who has everything, "wants nothing", and/or never adds to their wishlist
Our Place Always Pan
Also a very thoughtful housewarming gift!
MasterClass Subscription
Gifting subscriptions is a lost art; some phenomenal options include New York Magazine (Grub Street, specifically), a witty substack, and the Patreon of their favourite podcast.
Zodiac Handmade Ceramic Mug
((and broke the mould))
Perfume Discovery Set (Le Labo)
Two-Toned Ford Huggie Earrings
Chrome Beauty Bag
Picture this in your carry-on. Book a flight immediately.
Assouline Books
For anyone with a collection of these (Mom, scroll away!), the Assouline display stand is also an amazing option!
Gifts You Secretly Want to Keep:
Sisters, Best Friends, Friends Who Are Like Sisters
Crocodile Print Laptop Cover
Way cuter (and much better priced) than the Heaven Mayhem version.
Lisa Says Gah Nail Stickers
May we suggest: oysters, baguette, tomato, cheese, and sardines over Bubble Bath?
This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things Needlepoint Pillow
Hatch Sunrise Alarm Clock
There is absolutely a podcaster with a discount code for this one.
I Think the Two of Us Could Be a Good Idea Mug
Or a bad one. Who's to say?
Gifts Your Mom Won’t Return
(We make no promises – we know that lady loves a store credit)
Silk & Snow Hand-Knitted Weighted Blanket
Eberjey Gisele Long Pajama Set
Monogram these! (It’ll make them final sale ;))
A Whirley Pop!
Why wouldn’t she love perfectly popped popcorn?
Aura Digital Picture Frame
Since she can’t return a picture of her kids, why not give her about 1000 of them?
Byredo Bal d'Afrique Eau de Parfum
The unofficial scent of Moms everywhere.
Emi Jay Big Effing Claw Clip
She’d probably return this if she saw the price so perhaps just take the idea
OSEA Body Oil + Cream
The least oily-oil (compliment)
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
For the mom who’s always got one in—or both. Perfect for multitasking pros who need to hear their kids and their podcasts.
Dieux Tattoo Forever Eye Mask - A cool mom fr.
Leah Alexandra Spark Charm Diamond Zodiac
Better, less corny alternative to that MAMA necklace: gifting your mom your (and we guess any sibling's, if you're feeling generous) zodiac sign!
For Him
We're big believers in buying your boyfriends gifts you can use too.
Stocking Stuffers, Budget Makers, etc…
Those little extra somethings
MINI Maldon Sea Salt Tin
For the chic sodium lovers, a must
Baggu Bags
Bags you can put inside of other bags for when you need a bag!
The New York Review of Books Magazine! – or any magazine!
Leopard Egg Cup
Can be used for so much more than just an egg.
Disposable Camera
Because nothing says “holiday spirit” like delayed gratification.
You made it to the end of the post.
If you’re still staring at your list wondering what to get that one person, don’t panic. We’re good at this and would love to help you. Send us a message anytime (here or on here) if you need help finding the perfect gift, or just want to share your own gift-giving genius (we’re here for it).
Wishing you all the best this holiday season—may your presents be perfect and your wrapping skills be just good enough.
Happy holidays!