Gift Guides: The Living Room

Art by Be.Franke

The multi-purpose catch-all room of the house. Equal parts movie theater, playroom, employee break room and general chaos. It's where we finish the day and spend our weekends - a source of comfort and central hub of activity. Below are a few items to enhance that space or enjoy within the space as now more than ever we go about our living within these four walls. 

Because when will we ever wear real shoes again? Wool House Shoes with a leather sole from Kyrgies or some deliciously fleecy moccasins Lucky Dip Sheep Slippers from Sheepers on Etsy.

If ever there was a year to get into puzzles - this is it. Moon Puzzle, Cut Flowers, Hometown Map, Geodes, Charley Harper, Artichokes, and Fanfuckingtastic.

For a puzzle that results in a lasting piece of art - paper sculptures that create insects, masks and florals for adorning their walls. Honey Bees from Studio Roof. For a more sculptural take - check out this dog from American Design Club.

For building more than just a puzzle, an 8-foot-long series of interlocking pieces that creates their own fairy tale that can be built and re-built, told and re-told over and over. Story Box by Laurence King available stateside from Barnes and Noble.

For taking the storytelling a step further - a whimsical story to bring to life with their sketches.  What Happens to Night During the Day? from Supereditions available at Covet + Lou.

And for stories the whole family can participate in (and cherish for years) - an amazing email correspondence subscription that sends beautiful questions and prompts to loved ones and compiles responses into a printed book with photos. A beautiful way to stay connected during COVID and commit some family history to paper. StoryWorth.

For telling all these stories to while cuddling on the couch - a teddy bear made from real sheepskin. Little Cuddle Bear from Elks & Angels.

Because we could all use a little time away from our screens - a series of coupon-style ideas to tear out and take on. Offline Activities Booklet available at General Store.

For improving the air quality at home and looking good while doing it - a simple compact air purifier with three-stage filtration guaranteed to make you breathe a little easier in the months ahead. Airmega 150 from Coway.

For after work hobbyists - I've found nothing as relaxing as stitching away on my cross-stitch, which I understand makes me sound like a grandma. This pattern focuses on a flower a day making it easy to pick up and put down. Flower a Day Cross Stitch from Carolyn Manning. I also love the patterns from Stitch Modern, Emily Peacock and Charley Harper.

And for other hobbies - for the knitters an amazing hand-dyed yarn from The Violet Valentine on Etsy.

A simple Pom Pom mold from Pom Maker.

And for the less textile-inclined - a compact set of watercolors for a little post dinner painting.  Nomad Portable Watercolors from Prestigify.

For armchair travels around the world, or at least as far as their ears can carry them. A novel mechanical radio and app combination that combines 18 interchangeable city keys with real radio stations in those locales. Tune in at the touch of the button and feel transported somewhere far away. The City Radio from Palomar.

For plotting future in-person travels and your current playlist - a map that re-draws the world with destinations charted song title by song title. World Song Map by Dorothy.

For welcoming travelers to your window - an easy to hang (or mount) transparent bird feeder for viewing feathered friends up close. Dewdrop Window Bird Feeder from Gardeners.

For elevating a weekly bouquet to sculptural centerpiece - a beautiful wooden vase in a variety of sizes and light or dark finishes. Add in a frog for the inspired florist in your life. Walnut Bell Vases from Bloomist.

For spreading hope - in the window or on the wall. Together We Will See it Through from Oxford Pennant.

Because candles have become ritual during COVID - a sort of close to the day ceremony of winding down. There are no shortage of favorites out there from Le Labo to East Fork to this special formula intended to bring your vibrations to a higher level (it definitely sounds like it smells good). Also of interest a refillable candle  with a bright woodsy scent, these retro tins and  I'm craving something else - something oversize like a whole hearth on the coffee table. Turns out this Paddywax candle is just the right thing. Availalble at UpWest or Huckberry.

For coupling with that candle routine - a dramatically long set of matches meant for display. Calligraphy Fireplace Match Jar from Skeem Design.

For spinning tunes on a Sunday - a fully Bluetooth equipped turntable ready to stream TSwifts latest through your home speaker system, on vinyl. Automatic Bluetooth Turntable by Audio Technica on Turntable Lab.

For displaying and enjoying the latest moments from loved ones no matter how geographically distant - an ai-equipped, new generation digital frame that boasts good looks, a matte screen, and an easy to use app for managing a steady stream of snaps. Carver frame from Aura (note they have several options to match your recipient's decor). 

For foregoing the overheads and creating a warm evening ambience - a quirky lamp with plenty of personality to add to an end table, bookcase or desk. Cantilever Lamp from Gantri.

For next-level blanket fort building - an oversize set of tinkertoy-esque poles and connectors that snap together to create any number of structures ready for hideouts. The Ultimate Fort Builder Kit from Lakeshore Learning.

Because it's exactly what the couch requires. Sweatpant Overalls. Swoveralls from the Great Fantastic.

Finally for spoiling them rotten while wrapping them in the most deliciously chunky-knit weighted blanket, in cotton, tencel or velvet. The Napper by Bearaby. Seeking couch snugglers at a lower price point? Don't miss this pomegranate beauty, this Turkish delight, or this amazing NASA-issued puffy. Also faux fur fauxever (I'm sorry that's awful).