Gifts

The Gifts We Want to Give in 2013

Published December 15, 2013

hands holding brown wrapped tiny package from World's Smallest Post Service

By Kim O'Connor and Wirecutter Staff

All year long we focus on the best objective items—the practical and proven and most logical pieces of gear. The holidays give us a chance to think about the whimsical, magical, memorable, endearing and extraneous things we can’t help but want and want to give.

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Also...After you’re done looking at our ideas from this gift guide, you will want to glance back at our guides from 2011 and 2012, which are filled with items that have aged very well, as all non-edible gifts should.
You’ll also find some great suggestions at the New York Times, WIRED, New York Magazine and Cool Hunting, which were the sources of a few of our ideas below.
P.S. If you end up choosing an oddly-shaped gift, this wonderful Lifehacker guide will help you wrap it.

The research

Wrapping paper - starting at $2.50 ($10 as pictured)

The right wrapping paper is what takes a gift from good to great. If you’re looking for something unusual (and reusable), these fabric wraps ($10) can’t be beat. If you prefer a more explicit holiday theme, try these patterns with elves, sleds or abstract shapes. (If you prefer something in holiday colors that you can use through the rest of the year, try this cool red and white paper, an ikat pattern or a zebra print.) For more of a glitzy Gatsby vibe, try silver stripes or something gold: an Art Deco-inspired pattern, embossed paper or patterns that are more subtle. Finally, for pretty patterns that pull from the rest of the color spectrum, try one of these cool florals.

Under $50

Geek Dad: Awesomely Geeky Projects and Activities for Dads and Kids to Share - $11

When I was a kid, my dad and I would usher in the science fair season by dusting off the World Book encyclopedias and finding a project. (Somehow they always seemed to involve dish detergent.) I wish we’d had this book, which is filled with cool ideas for DIY experiments, projects and crafts.

Swedish Cakes and Cookies - $14

This is a Swedish classic. In its native language it's called Sju sorters kakor, which means ‘7 kinds of cookies.’ That’s how many cookies you're supposed to put out when you invite someone over for fika (coffee break). First published in 1945, every Swede has a floury, butter thumbprinted copy. (The publisher claims that one copy has been sold for every Swede.) The book is slim but dense, and the recipes are really accessible. Aside from the cookies, there are lots of recipes for bullar (sweet buns) which the Swedes (and I) can eat by the kilo. It's a great gift for the Scandophile or the cook who has everything (but probably not this).

Cocktail-making gear - $15 / $20

Most people have that self-designated house party bartending friend, and it’s time to upgrade their gear. The simplest additions are the $15 Oggi Marilyn Tall and Slim Cocktail Shaker and the $20 Chef'n FreshForce Citrus Juicer. The press-style juicer provides the best tasting lemon and lime juice, and the cobbler-style shaker comes apart easily without leaking—which means more drinks for you.

Super Graphic: A Visual Guide to the Comic Book Universe - $15

This collection of infographics by Tim Leong (the former digital director at WIRED) is witty and insightful enough to impress the dorkiest comics fan. But even for people who can’t nod along knowingly with the Chris Ware Sadness Scale, this book is beautiful enough that anyone can appreciate it.

Modern art cookbook - $18

There’s a certain type of person (and I’m one of them) that actually enjoys the challenge of a psychotic baking project. This amazing cookbook, which was written by the pastry chef at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, is packed with such undertakings. The cover cake alone could take anywhere from a full day to a holiday weekend.

The Flower Recipe Book - $19

For anyone who’s ever come home with a fancy bouquet only to find that it looks weird in the vase, this floral “cookbook” is a step-by-step guide for building better arrangements.

Map journal - $20

Beautifully designed, the Map Notebook is perfect for the traveler who finds journals vaguely mortifying. Pages on the right-hand side are structured like a map with a compass and a dotted grid. Pages on the left-hand side are blank for directions or more traditional thoughts and feeeeeelings.

Coffee gear - $22

Know a morning zombie who loves coffee but still runs to the cafe to get some? The $22 Clever Coffee dripper from our coffee guide will make a great gift. It’s the easiest way for a brewing novice to get better coffee super fast. If they don’t have a grinder (and they’ve gotta have one), pair it with the $129 Encore grinder.

The Wes Anderson Collection - $25

As the name implies, this book is a collection of interviews and essays about Wes Anderson films, along with behind-the-scenes photography and art. Buy the hardcover version for the Anderson fan in your life, because the Kindle version ruins the spreads. Hey, did you guys know that Mr. Fox was played by a puppet, not an actual fox? Crazy, right?

Kaufmann Mercantile brass candle lantern - $25

Ideal for “camping trips or power outages,” this brass lantern protects tea candles from the wind with its 4-inch-tall back. Also available in copper. It’s best given with a set of our favorite tea candles.

StubHub gift certificate - $25 and up

While it’s a nice gesture, gifting someone with tickets to an event can be presumptuous. (Do you really know if the recipient will be available to see Beyonce on some random Tuesday four months from now?) If you know someone like me who’s forever flaking on buying tickets before a concert sells out, give them a StubHub gift certificate instead. It will help take the sting out of having to pay some jerk 10 times the face value of the ticket.

Hobo knife - $26

Based on the tool used by transients in the early 20th century, this pocketknife doubles as portable flatware (and god knows what else). Folding flatware for eating outdoors = inspiration for adventure.

Beard oil - $28

Do men oil their beards? You learn something new every day. According to its intensely butch description on the website, Burroughs beard oil has notes of a “dusty carpenter’s workshop” and the “deep leathered richness of a cobbler’s apron.” Probably beards should smell like those things, plus the packaging is really superb.

Cool Tools book - $28

This beautiful, thick coffee table book is filled with the best 1,500 user-submitted reviews from legendary gear site Cool Tools over the last few years. Unlike Wirecutter, which focuses deeply on common tools, Cool Tools heads off in several and seemingly all directions, providing recommendations for tools you might not have even realized you needed.

Tiny Instagram slide projector - $35

The Projecteo, an adorable mini projector, recaptures that old-school charm of slideshows and combines it with the modern convenience of camera phones. Choose nine of your favorite images in Instagram, and Projecteo will develop them onto frames of 35mm slide film inserted in a wheel that’s mailed with the projector.

Maui pineapples (or other local perishables, shipped express mail) - $36

mr_pineapple camper van with maui pineapples

I make a habit of shipping pineapples to people I miss or want to thank. But you could Fed Ex someone anything from your part of the world that they can’t get and expect them to love it. (New Yorkers can send pizza; Maine folks, lobsters, for example.) What’s fresh from your part of the world?

Library of Flowers bubble bath - $36

This bubble bath, from Colorado Perfumery Library of Flowers, is made from a combination of teas, floral extracts and cocoa butter. Ideal as a gift for someone who would appreciate a long soak in a hot tub. Maybe you can pair this gift it with a sea sponge.

Cork bath toy - $36

Designer Daniel Michalik is mainly interested in two things: cork sculpting and next-level bathtime shit. These clever Contraband cork boats are obviously great for children, but I suspect there are also plenty of adults who’d take the boat, a nice drink and some snacks to the bath and make an evening of it.

A beautiful collection of maps - $39

Most of us rely on GPS or phones to find our way through the world. But A Map of the World: The World According to Illustrators and Storytellers is all about illustrative cartography—artful maps that tell stories that go deeper than the logistics of getting from here to there.

Glass treasure box - starting at $39 ($69 as pictured)

Delicate boxes and trays are surprisingly useful for storing random stuff in a bedroom or office. This bright translucent box--made by littala, a Finnish brand that got its start as a glass factory in the late 1800s--will reduce clutter and dress things up without making someone search endlessly for what they’re looking for. One or more would make for a great standalone present, or you can use it as fancy packaging for something else. Check out these cool puzzle boxes ($30) if you prefer wood.

Hourglass lip treatment oil - $42

My beef with most luxe lip treatments? Their pot-style packaging gunks up fingers, and not-so-clean digits can contaminate the product. This lip treatment features a built-in 24-karat gold-tipped applicator, which has naturally antibacterial properties, and it nourishes lips with more than two dozen oils.

Dog bow tie - $43

A bow tie collar so your pawed best friend can look its best. I like the one with the skull and crossbones.

Palm tree pocket square - $43

For the guy in your life who could add a little punch to his handsome-but-slightly-boring repertoire. By The Hill-side, who make the same print in a bandana but who also have plenty of accessories in other prints that would make good presents. I like this selvedge chambray scarf made from Japanese fabric and this colorful herringbone scarf for cooler days, too.

Custom leather luggage tag - $45

Understated but easily recognizable, these leather luggage tags would look great on a rugged duffel or a fancy luggage set. Plus they’re manufactured, hand-dyed and stamped in the U.S. Via Real Simple.

Corkboard map - $48

There’s something very satisfying about keeping track of where you’re going and where you’ve been. For travelers or college students planning a semester abroad, this corkboard map will look cool on the wall whether it’s plain or pinned with photos, papers and string, Carrie-from-Homeland style.

The Monocle Guide to Better Living - $48

From the inside flap on Monocle magazine’s Guide to Better Living: “For its first-ever book, the editorial team looks at one of their core themes: how to live well. The result is The Monocle Guide to Better Living, an original, informative, and entertaining collection of writing, reports, and recommendations.”

Purse flasks - $49/$59

These 2 or 3-ounce flasks are thin and small enough to tuck into a purse or dress pocket. And they’re 92% tin pewter, ensuring they won’t taint the taste of hooch.

Botanical press - $50

For botanists, crafters and romantics, this scientific-grade botanical press has a lot of old-school charm. Try the mini version ($16) for tiny treasures (and hands).

Slow cooker - $50

A slow cooker is a great present for anyone who works all day and doesn’t have the energy to cook a big meal at night. It’s the kind of thing that a lot of cooks won’t get for themselves but will use if they have it. Most recipes can be boiled down to meat + veggies + spices + liquid—easy enough to throw together in the morning and leave simmering all day, ready for dinner at night. What better gift than the gift of time?

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Under $100

Luxury hair oil - $55

Rodin’s fancy hair oil, a cult classic, smells amazing and helps tame psycho winter hat-head without weighing down hair or leaving a gross product film. Designed by the style icon Linda Rodin, the pristine packaging is as much part of the price tag as the product itself--the kind of extravagance that’s hard to justify buying for yourself, but is much appreciated in a present.

Big Sur scents in a bottle - $55

My favorite part of unpacking after a camping trip is the smell. Juniper Ridge gathers wild plants by hand from the backcountry and distills their scents for use in colognes, air fresheners, incense and soaps. As a native of Northern California, I have a special place in my heart for Big Sur’s mix of redwoods, ocean mist and wild sage, but they also have blends from Caruthers Canyonin the desert, the Siskiyou Pacific Northwestern forest and the Yuba River in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Juniper Ridge also has $10 incense that smells like a campfire with white sage.

Container garden - $55

These compact urban gardening kits by EarthBox can transform a tiny balcony or porch into a nice spot for organic produce. Hippie magic!

Stingray hair stick- $62

This hair stick is cast from the serrated spine of a stingray. Adds instant style to a quick French twist. Also available in silver.

Espresso cups - $65 for set of two

Espresso sets from Heath Ceramics, a company founded in 1948 in San Francisco, are hard to find most of the time, but these red ones from their holiday collection are in stock and ready for gifting. For tea drinkers, check out their unusual teapots ($77), which hold in heat with a cork stopper. Honestly, anything from Heath Ceramics could make a great gift.

Stacking totem cups - $65

Modeled after Pacific Northwest totem poles, these porcelain cups don’t exactly scream ‘authentic replica.’ But, hey, we love them anyway. They’re great for a round of hot toddies, and they’ll look cool stacked up totem-style on your friend’s counter when they’re not in use.

Sugahara bedside night carafe - $75

A glass carafe the color of a city sky at summertime dusk, with a cap that doubles as a glass. Ideal for quenching thirst in the middle of the night. Made by Sugahara, an 80-year-old maker of glassware.

A year of Amazon Prime - $79

On top of the indignity of having to wait up to eight business days to receive your purchases, Amazon’s Super Saver shipping minimum just went up to $35. Also, one day, drones.

Moon dominoes - $80

These pretty wood dominoes have been silk screened with the phases of the moon. Romantic, right?

Doggie DNA test - $80

Do you know someone who has always been curious about the mysterious origins of the mutt in their life? Help them settle the question with a simple swab of the gums and the Wisdom Panel 2.0 Dog DNA Test Kit.

Timex Weekender (night/natural) - $84

A cheap but classic watch face combined with a rugged, down-to-earth and stylish leather band.

Fracas solid perfume - $85

This sleek silver compact gives Fracas, a fancy fragrance made by a master perfumer more than 60 years ago, a modern makeover. Solid perfume is a little luxury that makes travel more sensuous, but as anyone who’s had the misfortune of breaking a bottle will attest, it’s also quite practical for everyday use. Via NYT.

Quadcopters - $90 to $1,200

My friend Eric Cheng runs Wetpixel and Skypixel and knows a lot about aerial drone photography. He says a great model to start learning how to fly quadcopters with is the Blade Nano QX RTF, which costs $90. It would make a great gift for someone just getting into quadcopters. If you’re looking for a more serious drone, the $1,200 DJI Vision 2 just came out; it has a built-in HD camera, wireless monitoring to an iPhone and GPS hovering capabilities. (They have a version coming out with a mount for GoPros, too.) Here’s a guide of Eric’s that you might find useful for getting into drone photography.

Bigshot DIY digital camera - $90

You could give kids digital cameras. Or you could get them a camera they have to build themselves so they can learn how to appreciate the technology behind their photos before they take them.

Kara Kustom copper pen - $90

Hand milled out of copper with a bolted-on clip and ball-bearing click mechanism, this pen has been designed to last a long time. Cartridges are replaceable using the popular Pilot G2 ballpoint insert.

Bluetooth speaker - $91

Everyone has a friend who loves music but listens to it on inadequate audio gear. Headphones are lonely and speakers in every room are impractical for most. This Bluetooth speaker is the best of its kind, plus it’s loud enough enough for two to dance to, despite its being the size of a fist.

Radiolaria necklace - $9

Give someone an interesting story to tell when their new black rubber necklace catches the eye of a curious stranger: its organic shapes were cut with a water jet.

Calling cards - $95

There’s a big overlap in people who are special enough to stay in touch with and people who don’t have business cards. These cards from my personal stationer, Terrapin, are $95 for 100 cards; they’re printed on 110-pound 100% cotton white stock. They’re also appropriate for those who have identities beyond their job description or corporation. As a bonus, the cards also come with the copper plate that they were made from for future runs.

National parks print- $98

A nice piece of Americana for anyone who loves spending time outside, this vintage-inspired print shows the nation’s 59 national parks.

Worry beads - $100 and up

We all have bad days (or months, or years), and sometimes it’s hard to know how to be there for the people in your life who are having a hard time. These beautiful strings of wood beads help keep worried hands occupied, and someday they’ll look just as good artfully strewn on a dresser, forgotten when everything’s grand.

Under $200

Kindle Paperwhite E-book reader - $119

A Kindle is a great gift for frequent travelers who always stuff their carry-on with books, or for heavy readers who don’t have much library space left—people who haven’t given up on pulp but would appreciate a jumpstart into e-books. It also makes reading accessible for gadget-oriented teens who have a little trouble dredging up the desire to switch from Tinder and Snapchat to reading.

Reuben kit - starting at $135

Can't find a proper Reuben sandwich in your town? Never even tried one? Ship the experience of an authentic cold cuts-on-rye feast to a nostalgic nosher from world-famous Zingerman's Deli in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Even comes with instructions so you don't mess up the masterpiece.

Topo Rover pack - $139

There are two ways to go with bags: leather forever, or schoolyard colors for yesteryear appeal. For a little extra bit of fun, fill the bag with pens, bubble gum and some badges from Best Made Co.

Lego Architecture Studio - $150

The sheer scope of this monochromatic set, which contains more than 1,200 pieces, is in itself inspiring. But if that’s not enough, it also comes with an epic booklet on architectural styles and building tips.

Affordable night vision monocle - $175

I don’t know anything about night vision monocles, but this first-generation model has 5x zoom. At $175, it makes for an interesting gift. It has 79 user reviews at Amazon and an average of 4 stars, making it the most highly-rated model under $200. But, obviously, some Vietnam vet in the comments likes to remind the rest of us that it’s not ideal for battle and more for watching deer in a backyard at night. *shrugs/buys it anyway*

Luxurious pet taxi - $180

The cats and small dogs in your life would no doubt appreciate a Sleepypod, which combines the comfort of a bed with the convenience and mobility of the dread plastic pet taxi. You can even buy a special heating pad(!) so they don’t catch a chill on the way to the vet.

One-piece merino-wool-hooded ninja-suit thermal underwear - $190

This is a new kind of thermal underwear suitable for anyone who spends more than a few hours outdoors at a clip. Airblaster makes non-hooded and non-woolen versions for about $100 (with pizza or hawaiian prints on them!) but this full suit seems to be the best. Hoods are great for regulating temperatures, and wool is great at keeping you warm or cool (whether you’re wet or dry) and has natural anti-bacterial properties. A weekend camping in this won’t stink worse than if you were wearing cotton. The one-piece design should keep drafts down, it’s stretchy (4% lycra) and there are zips and flys for using the outhouse, too.

$300 over-ear headphones or $200 in-ear headphones - $300 / $180

If you know someone with a love of music, headphones in this price range ($300 for over-ears or $180 for in-ears) will help them rediscover their old collection with new clarity. Either of these pairs of headphones will reveal details that the listener never would have caught with a lesser set. It’s like hearing the Beatles for the first time, again. If that’s too much we have recommendations at $150 and $100.

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Splurges (over $200)

The best binoculars - $230

For a little more than you’d spend on a cheap seven-inch tablet, you could get someone you love these binoculars with far higher resolution.

Table grill - $275

It's in your best interest to equip all of your loved ones with grilling gear so you can eat delicious foods together all through the year. The porcelain Eva Solo table grill comes equipped with a wooden trivet to facilitate tableside sliders (an amazing thing I just invented)—just make sure you're outside. As a bonus, it has a handle so you can haul it to the lake when the weather warms up.

The good knife set - $350

New cooks sometimes make the mistake of not treating themselves to decent knives. Come to their aid with this kit, which is a good set for most; if the price is too high, you can always start with our recommended single chef’s knife for $40.

National Geographic: Around the World in 125 Years - $363

The art publisher TASCHEN trolled through National Geographic’s photo archives (including unpublished work) for this amazing three-volume set, which celebrates the magazine’s 125th birthday.

Hard graft flat pack bag - $370

I’ve been admiring this handmade bag from afar for a few years now and it’s never gone out of style. Chances are if you give it to someone, they’ll use it for the next decade to carry their laptop to their favorite library, coffee shop or work spot (and think of you every time they do). Available in leather and a more subtle wool-felt-and-leather version.

A set of 18 Audubon field guides - $375 for full set

These field guides, offered in a set by Best Made Co., respectively cover everything from butterflies or fossils to the night sky. The set of 18 is $375 but you can buy individual copies at Amazon for about 30% less (about $16 each). Maybe just one or two guides, plus our favorite binoculars, would make a good set.

City quilt - $450

These white quilts are pretty and warm, but look closer—they’re actually hand-stitched maps of cities. Choose from a dozen different spots across the U.S. and Europe to find a place that means something to the recipient and then customize it by requesting hand-embroidered details (like marking a special spot) for no extra charge. Or, if you’re crafty yourself, try your hand at one of these super-affordable DIY kits ($38) from the same company.

Nelson night clock - $460

Some design classics become so ubiquitous that they just feel generic. The Nelson night clock is iconic, yes, but it still has enough personality to make someone smile whenever they check the time. It’s also the kind of classic thing someone will hold on to for the rest of their life.

Camera - $750

The RX100 Mark 2 is the ideal gift for most people trying to buy a great camera for someone they love. Great enough to be a serious photographer’s sidekick secondary or a serious step up for someone used to a camera phone, it’s the only camera we can picture being right for almost anyone. For an inexpensive alternative, try an Instax Mini50 camera, which is the best of its kind and only $100.

Stocking Stuffers

Red envelopes (for holding cash and gift cards) - 45 cents for 10 packets

Instead of stuffing money or gift certificates into a lame card from Walgreens, pick up some of these snappy packets from Pearl River instead. Red envelopes filled with cash are the traditional currency for special occasions like Chinese New Year (January 31, if you’re wondering). Just keep in mind the amount you give should always be an even number.

Emergency clown nose - $5

How often do you get to hand out silly stocking stuffers that were designed by professional clowns? Seize the day. And a nose. Honk honk!

Astronaut ice cream sandwich - $5

While not everyone gets to grow up to be an astronaut, we all have within us the potential to become adults who eat lots of freeze-dried ice cream. Help your friends recapture their youthful enthusiasm with a few of these crinkly silver packets filled with unmeltable ice cream sandwiches. What other form of ice cream can your friends take into a bar and eat with a Guinness while cracking off bites for attractive strangers, anyhow?

Metal straws - $9 for two

Give these metal straws to friends who love making homemade smoothies, juices and milkshakes and save them from single-use plastic versions. Pair them with this clever brush for easy cleaning.

Punch-out safari friends - $9

These sweet safari animals are made from recycled stock and printed with vegetable inks, just in case your little genius decides to gnaw on the pieces instead of assembling them. Via NYT.

Match safe - $10

For friends who are into camping or lighting cigarettes for mysterious strangers, this tiny nickel safe keeps matches safe and dry.

A package from The World’s Smallest Post Service - $10.50

From the tiny postmarks to The Small Times newspaper that’s used as packing material, these parcels from The World’s Smallest Post Service are the cutest things ever. Inside there’s a wee symbolic object with a clever message (choose from a template or write your own); we like the Christmas tree light or, for New Year’s, the confetti and the miniature disco ball.

Hands-free magnifier - $12

The charming little Project Partner Hands-Free Magnifier sharpens your view and provides an extra set of hands.

Hot honey - $12

Anyone who likes to cook would appreciate a supply of chile-infused honey to drizzle on special foods. Great for finishing dishes but also your secret weapon in cocktails, salad dressings and marinades. Via NYT.

Oyster knife - $13

Give friends who love seafood an oyster knife so they can have it at home. It doesn’t look like anything special, but Amazon users and Cook’s Illustrated rated this Dexter-Russel oyster knife highly thanks to its wooden handle and sturdy but blunted blade. Instead of opening an oyster with a steel chain link glove, place an oyster in a kitchen towel on a steady countertop and pry it open from the hinge. (Here’s an America’s Test Kitchen how-to video.)

Yves Saint Laurent coloring book - $13

While going through some old family records, my mom found a document that listed my dream occupations as “fashion designer” or “working with dolphins or cats.” (Cats?) I’m not sure where it all went wrong, but I do know I would have enjoyed the YSL: Prêt-à-Porter: Coloring, Activity, and Inspiration Book way back then—or even now.

Animal crayons - $15

Moo. Quack. Woof. Meow. Ribbit.

Hot chocolate whisk - $16

This beautiful handmade wood whisk is a molinillo, a traditional Mexican tool used to froth hot chocolate. I like making mine with cocoa powder, sugar and almond milk, or you can try this incredible mix.

100x pocket microscope (with iPhone adapter) - $19

Give your friends the ability to see the invisible things all around them. This pocket microscope has 100x magnification, LED lighting and an iPhone adapter in the box. Alternatively, this $45 USB microscope works with a computer.

Glowfob - $22

A little glowstick in a steel cage meant for a keychain or the end of a zipper pull on a backpack or tent. The glowstick recharges itself in the light.

Swiss Army Knife - $24

The $24 Victorinox Huntsman is a well-rounded Swiss Army Knife with 14 tools. It’s not particularly special by itself. But I would give it as a gift because when I was nine I begged my parents for a Swiss Army Knife just like my father’s to take to Boy Scout camp. I still have the one I received. The gift itself is fine, but the story makes it much more meaningful. Maybe you can dig some object out of your past and give a copy to someone for the same effect.

Patagonia Expedition sewing kit - $30

This kit has basic needles, thread and buttons for shirt and pant repairs, but also an awl and heavy-duty nylon thread for quick fixes in the field to boots, bag straps, gloves and other equipment. Ideal for the person in your life who not only loves to adventure, but who loves getting into—and back out of—trouble.

Indigo socks - $35

Made in Japan, cotton blend, quarter length.

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Last minute additions

Moon nightlight - $6

This tiny lunar lamp is an inexpensive way to inject wonder—and happy warm feelings—into someone’s dark bedroom at night.

Instagram marshmallows - $20 for nine

Did you know we live in a magical Willy Wonka world where you can turn Instagram photos into marshmallows? Well, they’re called Boomfs and they’re practically guaranteed to amaze and delight. Give ’em to someone you love with a big mug of hot chocolate. Via A Cup of Jo.

Wool coaster set - $26 for four coasters

Made from recycled wool and leather, it’s fun to imagine what these coasters were in their former lives. A nice green gift for anyone who could use a hint of pattern on hard tabletops and countertops. Via A Cup of Jo.

Colorful Takenaka Bento Box in emerald green (or almost any color) - $32

This pretty lunch box is BPA-free, microwave/dishwasher safe and has two levels. Maybe your giftee can use the twin compartments to hold something savory and sweet in it or fit in a second portion for a loved one. If emerald isn’t your color, there are many options.

Theracane self-massager - $35

While not as wonderful as an actual massage, this Theracane massager allows whoever receives it to hit up knots on in places previously unreachable on their neck and back. The first time they use it, it’s almost guaranteed to send chills down, well, their spine.

Tree Houses: Fairy Tale Castles in the Air - $46

A 300-page book filled with tree houses by Taschen.

Crystal tumblers - $46 for two

These small but stunning glasses are mouth-blown and hand-polished with a polishing compound that is typically reserved for optical lenses, ensuring that each tumbler shines brilliantly. What’s more, they’re dishwasher safe. A nice addition to the bar for drinkers or anyone who appreciates beautiful, durable things.

Optical illusion vase - $50

This vase, inspired by a bee’s-eye view, uses a magnifying lens to maximize the visual impact of a single bloom. The perfect gift for people in small spaces. Via WIRED.

Enamel locket - $90

A polished modern take on a Victorian accessory, this brass and enamel necklace is designed to hold a small photo or lock of hair close to the heart. Perfect for anyone who’s stylish and sentimental. Bonus: be a thoughtful creep and put a photo of yourself inside!

Booze - various ($90 as pictured)

Spirits are great go-to gifts for friends and family who like to tipple. Whether searching for an obscure new find or an old favorite, there are solid picks at almost every price point. (We’re excited about Parker’s Heritage Promise of Hope bourbon, which gets rave reviews and raises money for ALS research.) Also, if you’re a procrastinator, liquor can be your best friend: it’s available pretty much everywhere, and it’s far less obvious than a gift card printed off your inkjet. For inspiration, check out the great guides at Drinkhacker, New York Magazine, and Forbes.

Meet your guides

Kim O'Connor

Wirecutter Staff