Something More

For when something little just won’t do it - or at least won’t do it alone. These stand-alone gifts for close friends and family keep the budget under $100.

For fun and function - a joyfully colorful cutting board. The only challenge is picking which color. Fairy Floss Recycled Cutting Board from CookDineHost.

For fluttering and flying - comfortable backpack-style wings in the most beautiful shade of blue. Butterfly Wings by Jack Be Nimble on Design Life Kids. The firefly option is also compelling.

For anyone still carrying currency (and a sneak repeat on the guide) - a cheeky card case with a peek-a-boo window. Capable Card Case from Hard Graft.

For wearing their cocktail of choice with pride - Embroidered Negroni Sweatshirt from The Refined Spirit.

For the #cleantok obsessed and making sure they don’t miss a single spot - a Dremel Power Scrubber set complete with Scrub Daddy pads available (of course) on Amazon.

For a different type of clean - a sculptural and totally over the top soap & soap dish combo designed to erode with use. White Grapefruit Bouton Set from Umé.

For couch potatoes - the perfect caddy that puts everything they need at their fingertips with a self-balancing cupholder that promises no spills. Couch Console.

For the opera box or checking who is visiting the bird feeder - a compact and elegantly vintage set of binoculars. Brass Folding Binoculars from Garrett Wade (this entire site is a treasure trove of gifts for Dads, Uncles and Grandpas).

For endless creativity - a paper roll for budding artists, to pair, of course with this. Melissa & Doug Wooden Tabletop Paper Roll available on Amazon.

For fun and games - a favorite from this year and two that I’ve had my eye on. Earth, Lacuna and Wavelength.

For candy necklace memories - a colorful strand of gemstone beads. Rainbow Stone Necklace from Anthropologie is a good stand in, but I’m asking for the materials to make my own.

For the podcast obsessive - a soft solution for falling asleep to the sound of their favorite host without the tangled cables or uncomfortable earbuds. SleepPhones available on Amazon.

For keeping an elevated house blend in the cupboard (instead of the bottle I decant ends of other bottles into) - fully customized whiskey from Oak & Eden.

For a more DIY approach, whether aging whiskey or cocktails - a charred American Oak Barrel for smoothing out the edges and imparting a signature flavor to whatever they are mixing. Oak Mini Barrel from Motor City Barrels.

For lovers of a different spirit - a classic balloon shaped G&T glass reminiscent of how they are served at bars across the UK and Europe (vs our rocks glass at home). Vintage Gin Tonic Glasses from Nude Glass.

For a magically lit from within glow - a colorless radiant highlighter stick for swiping on cheek bones, collar bones and anywhere else they want to catch the light. Highlight Stick in Lit Up from Westman Atelier (go with mini for a stocking stuffer version).

For a design-forward desk accessory - an updated version of a classic flip clock featured on the guide many years ago. Cloudnola Flipping Out Text Clock available at MoMA Design Store.

For instant blanket forts everywhere - a bag of ripstop ‘blankets’ with weights and velcro loops for a tent to suit their every environment. Tote-a-Fort available on Amazon.

For cutting down the tree, singing a round of carols or popping out for an emergency re-supply from the liquor store - a hat that has their holidays covered. Wagoneer Chrismas Tree Cap from Uncrate. Or for something a little sportier…

For a touch of pattern play - or a full blown maximalist, the most deliciously patterned and ruffled bed linens that only look better when mixed and matched. Go grand by getting them a full bed’s worth. Pillowcases by Society of Wanderers.

For the budding tiktok star - an iPhone grip with a number of compatible accessories from ring lights to tripods boasting smooth video capture and built-in charging. SnapGrip & accessories from ShiftCam.

For seasonally appropriate snuggles - a soft and sweet polar bear from Sweden’s Bukowsi Bears.

For further snuggles and a pop of color in the nursery - a gorgeous baby blanket from a heritage brand. Smith Rock Organic Cotton Baby Blanket from Pendleton.

And, for the most soft and snuggly - a sherpa jacket in the best seasonal hue. Womens Sherpa Fleece Jacket from LL Bean.

For the memory of a special meal or favorite haunt - a matchbook photo print from Meet your Matches with lots of NYC and Philadelphia options, plus a few from other corners of the globe (including an interesting golf collection for the Masters fan in your life).

For melting butter, chocolate or anything else where a small pot is all that’s needed to do the job - a classic and charming saucepan in an array of cheerful colors. Dansk x Købenstyle Saucepan from Food52.

For flipping through for inspiration - be it travel, design, or cooking. 100 Trips Around the World from The New York Times, Menu Design in America from Taschen, and Maydan from DC’s beloved restaurant.

Finally, for having that ‘how does this place smell so good’ hotel lobby experience in their own home - an app driven diffuser with a built in scheduler that means that they can wake up to Sea Salt Grapefruit and relax to Charcoal (both favorites in our house). It’s also worth stocking up on the most realistic Christmas Tree smell, Frasier Fir. Pura Diffuser.