The Gifts We Want to Give in 2019

Lue Brass Serving Utensils (price varies depending on item)

You can never have too many serving utensils, especially around the holidays. I own several utensils in the Lue Brass collection made by Japanese metalworker Ruka Kikuchi. They always stand out on a crowded table, and when I put them to use at dinner parties, friends regularly ask where they’re from. I’m fond of their slightly irregular shape and the tiny surface scratches that evoke their handmade origins—no two pieces are exactly alike. Their natural patina develops over time as the metal oxidizes, which gives them that coveted old-world charm. Of course, if you prefer your pieces shiny and new, you can always clean them using brass polish, but I think they look best with a bit of character. Functional and stylish, the Lue Brass utensils are the perfect gift for cooks or anyone who loves to entertain.

Chaco Custom Sandals ($130 at the time of publication)

In Los Angeles, most of the walking I do is to and from my car, but I also do the occasional easy hike on weekends. For a pair of sandals that would look good in both situations, I turned to an American classic: Michigan-based Chaco. I’ve worn my pair constantly since I received them, and I’ve gotten compliments even from someone as glamorous as The Supremes’ Mary Wilson (she even asked me to type out the URL for Chaco’s website on her phone). Through the company’s custom shop, you can mix and match colors and patterns of the straps, footbed, and soles to make a truly unique pair. The sandals are made to withstand rigorous outdoor activities and are under warranty for life; for the extra-zealous adventurer, however, Chaco also has a repair program where it will fix any part of your sandals for a small price.

Àplat Canvas To-Go Tote (about $45 to $65 at the time of publication)
We’ve noticed stock issues with some variations of this item. We’ll update this article once it’s available again.

I live in New York, where transportation is a struggle. And that definitely applies when I’m trying to bring a homemade dish over to someone else’s home, whether it’s a verdant kuku sabzi for a Samin Nosrat–inspired dinner party or velvety papas con rajas y crema ácida from My Mexico City Kitchen, a selection from my cookbook club. As I stir and season, I have to think a few steps ahead: Can I strap this platter onto my bike rack? Will a bowl’s contents slosh in a tote? But friends gave me the Àplat Canvas To-Go Tote this year for my birthday, and now I have a foolproof—and stylish—way to ferry my contributions. I love the look and practicality of this tote so much that it’s my new go-to gift for friends who love to cook as much as I do. The sturdy, flat-bottomed, two-handled canvas bag nestles a baking dish, a Dutch oven, or a bowl for easy carrying. It comes in a creamy canvas with a choice of nine accent colors, and in two size options (standard for holding dishes as big as a pie plate or a Dutch oven, and wide for a larger roasting pan).

Studio Arhoj Sip Cup (about $25 at the time of publication)
We’ve noticed stock issues with this item. We’ll update this article once it’s available again.

The tiny handmade Sip Cups by Studio Arhoj come in a wide range of colors to match your giftee’s personality—my favorites are Static and Fluffy Unicorn—and each cup is the perfect size for a small tea or coffee, a scoop of ice cream, or a snack. The drip glaze makes every cup look and feel unique, and the smooth rounded bottom feels friendly and comforting in your hand while you enjoy a tasty treat. The studio also makes the slightly larger Quench Cups, the much taller Slurp Cups, and the handled Chug Mugs all in the same style, if one of those shapes is more your giftee’s speed. I just can’t resist the Sip Cups—they’re so wee and cute! I own two, and I’ve given several. They’re the perfect thoughtful indulgence for someone you appreciate.

Hightide Book Rest ($15 at the time of publication)

We do a lot of reading at the table in our house. Lately, much of it is reading to our preschooler while holding her baby brother, so I was pleased to find this clever folding bookstand, which keeps my hands free and holds the book at a comfortable angle for both of us to look at. It adjusts to three gradients and has page holders that rotate smoothly into place. I use the book rest in the kitchen, too, so I can quickly refer to a recipe without dirtying my cookbook or iPad (plus, it doesn’t take up much of my workspace). The book rest’s clean-lined design looks modern and conveniently packs flat. I love the industrial aesthetic of the enameled steel, as well: It reminds me of the metal bookends you find in libraries.

Gathre Mat (price varies depending on size)
We’ve noticed stock issues with some variations of this item. We’ll update this article once it’s available again.

We received our first Gathre mat, a Micro, as a gift when our second child was born. Made of bonded leather—a blend of faux leather and natural leather fibers—the mat is waterproof and easily wiped clean, which makes it great as a travel changing mat for our son (as our generous friends recommended) or as a placemat for his older sister. I recognized immediately how useful this mat could be, especially with our menagerie of kids and animals, and since then my collection has expanded to include the Micro+ (which goes under the dog and cat’s water and food bowls), the Mini (which doubles as a playmat for tummy time for the baby and a splash zone for the toddler’s overly exuberant mealtimes), and the Midi (which spreads out to hold a picnic in the park or serves as a tablecloth in a pinch). Any of them would work well as a workbench or crafting mat for handling small parts, too. The sueded back keeps the mats from sliding around, and the thin, supple material packs down neatly and compactly for unfussy transport or storage. Best of all, these mats come in tasteful, subdued colors that look great in any setting, as well as in fun prints for a nursery or for play.

The House Book (price varies; used)

Several years ago, I received a used copy of Terence Conran’s The House Book as a housewarming gift from a friend. Since then, it has ended up on every coffee table in every living room I’ve had (and I’ve moved a lot). First published in 1974 and now out of print, The House Book and its faded cover don’t make for the most beautiful coffee-table book, but every time I put it away, I soon find myself hauling it back out when I need home inspiration or advice. The images, whether of a messy children’s room, a maximalist ’70s psychedelic bedroom, or a rustic country kitchen, have the lived-in feel of an actual home. And the book dispatches no-nonsense guidance for all types of dwellings, covering everything from delineating space in a rented studio apartment to acting like a decent person when you hire contractors for home repairs. The House Book is a great gift for anyone who is in the process of trying to make their house feel like their home. You can pretty easily find used copies on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Thriftbooks.

Block Shop Table Linens (price varies depending on item)

The simplest way to make any dinner party feel elegant and special is by using linens. These table linens, made by Los Angeles–based textile company Block Shop, come in a variety of bold colors and fun geometric prints that will liven up even the most basic table setting. Whether you’re having a few close friends over for a low-key dinner or a full-on crowd for the holidays, these table mats and napkins create a warm environment. They’re a great gift for someone who enjoys entertaining but wouldn’t necessarily splurge to get napkins and place mats for themselves. Of course, giving linens as a gift can be tricky if you’re not sure what the recipient already has at home. But the great thing about the Block Shop prints is that they’re so versatile, they’ll tie in nicely with almost any solid-color napkins someone may have, so they can mix and match. And the runners don’t have to be used exclusively on a dining room table—they look lovely draped over a credenza or dresser too.

Skinny Dip Teacups ($16 each at the time of publication)

Traditional Chinese tea tastings can seem a staid affair, full of low murmurs of appreciation for the smell and color of a tea as you steep and taste over and over again, sipping from shot-glass-sized cups. But the Skinny Dip Teacups add some levity to the proceedings, with simple illustrations of reclining nudes peeking at you through your pu’er. The inky-looking outlines have a loose (leaf) playfulness, and the three designs are each wonderful in their own way. And after all, you’re sitting with friends drinking hot leaf water—it’s best not to take it all too seriously.

Wingspan ($60 at the time of publication)
We’ve noticed stock issues with this item. We’ll update this article once it’s available again.

Many people do not identify as “board game people.” I believe, however, that Wingspan may charm them yet: Every person I’ve played this game with has said they would buy it. Wingspan is designed for ages 10 and up, and a combination of medium-weight strategy, simple rules, and captivating art makes this avian-themed game easy to reach for again and again. Each of Wingspan’s 170 different bird cards has illustrations that rival those of Audubon and includes facts about the pictured species. As my friends and I played our cards, we took turns showing them off, reading the blurbs aloud, and snapping photos to share the beautiful drawings on Instagram. Beyond the fact that this game is just delightful to look at and play, I’m in awe of Wingspan’s backstory: Bird enthusiast and health-policy consultant Elizabeth Hargrave created it as her first game in her spare time. Be sure to read more about her process, and get ready to preorder her forthcoming games Tussie-Mussie (about the Victorian language of flowers) and Mariposas (about monarch butterflies).

Hay Sowden Tin (about $30 for a set of four at the time of publication)

My small New York City apartment lacks sufficient storage space, which means a lot of items I’d rather hide in a drawer or in a closet have to remain out in the open. These colorful tins, designed by George Sowden, are a fun way to store mundane items you use often but don’t necessarily want to draw attention to in your home—such as unsightly cords, cell phone chargers, or other odds and ends. Their tall, narrow shape doesn’t hog too much space, and I love how they add a splash of color to an otherwise boring office shelf. They’re even useful in the bathroom, where they’re the perfect vessel for keeping cotton balls or an accruing collection of lotion and perfume samples (which is something many people have in common). I purchased a set of these tins for the new Wirecutter test kitchen, and I’ve found them useful for storing coffee, various dry ingredients, and cookies. They’re functional and pretty dang cute.

The Books of Earthsea: The Complete Illustrated Edition ($30 at the time of publication)
We’ve noticed stock issues with this item. We’ll update this article once it’s available again.

This massive, illustrated collection of Earthsea, the magical series by legendary science fiction author Ursula K. Le Guin, makes a great gift for fantasy lovers (or dabblers) of all ages. It’s got magic and wizards and dragons and grand adventures, but it also explores how to accept who you are, what it means to live and to die, and what effect the world’s power structures have on marginalized people—and what effect people can have on those structures. The Complete Illustrated Edition puts all five novels and eight short stories in the right order and includes thoughtful essays from the author about each entry and brilliant illustrations by artist Charles Vess.

When I finally devoured the whole 5-pound, 1,000-page tome last year, I was so sad no one had introduced me to it as a kid when I was deeply obsessed with Harry Potter. Everyone should read this! Apparently a TV adaptation of the series is in the works, too.

Fog Linen Waffle XL Bath Towel ($85 at the time of publication)
We’ve noticed stock issues with this item. We’ll update this article once it’s available again.

Fog Linen’s XL waffle towel is highly absorbent and durable as heck (not a loose thread after a year’s use). And after multiple washes, it has become as soft as a cotton ball yet remains gently exfoliating thanks to the waffle weave. If, like me, you despise heavy, bulky terry towels, I think you’ll love these thin and quick-drying towels. If I wrap one around my waist after showering, it will be dry in 30 minutes, a treat in hot weather (because it cools me off) and a boon in the winter (because it doesn’t chill me like perpetually damp cotton terry). I wouldn’t usually spend $85 on a textile, but I am thankful I splurged on this. When I was in Boston, I sprinted across town to get it at the Fog Linen HQ in Cambridge, in the 90 minutes I had before my train for New York left. Most worthwhile sprint ever.

Blackwater & Sons Custom “Diamant” Return Address Label – Rubber Stamp with Inkpad ($75 at the time of publication)

If you notice that this item is out of stock, check back in a day or two to see if it’s back. These stamps are made to order by a small business, so availability is a bit more variable.

Blackwater & Sons custom return-address labels are an ode to a bygone age in penmanship. Mimicking traditional Spencerian script, the stamped label dominates the corner of an envelope, a triangular garden of flourishes, curlicues, and serifs. Are they over the top? Assuredly. For someone who has a deep-seated love for classic stationery, it’s an elegant way to mark your letters and packages without needing to take out a fountain pen (or even to learn how to use one). It’s a gift that’s joyously over-the-top, and who knows—maybe it’ll even get folks back in the habit of writing letters to people they care about. Just make sure the recipient isn’t planning on moving anytime soon before you buy it. Keep in mind these are made to order, so plan for three weeks between ordering and receiving (although the shop aims to get the stamp to you quicker). And if you think $75 is a bit rich, you can purchase just the digital file (about $30), which arrives faster and can be printed directly on envelopes or any other stationery of choice.

Ichendorf Milano Alchemy Decanters ($110 at the time of publication)
We’ve noticed stock issues with this item. We’ll update this article once it’s available again.

I know Ichendorf Milano’s Alchemy Decanters make a great gift because I received one this year for my birthday, and I’ve been drooling over its beautiful shape and warm, radiant colors ever since. Made from fine, thin glass, this decanter is a perfect gift for family members and friends who frequently host guests or throw parties. Regardless of whether your gift recipient is into the science behind wine, the Alchemy Decanter adds a delightful element to the simple act of pouring each time you open a fresh bottle. When filled with red wine especially, the amber color of this decanter’s neck and the wine’s ruby-red liquid play off each other like twinkling gemstones. But it’s beautiful no matter what, and it would be equally delightful to use and look at filled with water or juices, too. If your friends are cocktail people, Ichendorf’s Caipirinha and Tequila Sunrise pitchers are equally drool-worthy.

Hajime Okamoto 2020 Fish Calendar ($15 at the time of publication)

Buying someone a calendar seems like a cop-out gift, one where all you know of the recipient is that they too suffer the passage of time. But Hajime Okamoto’s fish calendars are different. Each month features an enormous watercolor rendition of a sea creature, vividly bold and striking. They leap out from across the room, catching your eye (and maybe your appetite, depending on your views on seafood). The pages are printed on heavyweight paper, and at 15 by 17 inches, they’re easily repurposed for other uses. We reused the past months of the 2019 version as gift wrap, often to more acclaim than for the present tucked inside.

Birthdate Candles ($40 at the time of publication)
We’ve noticed stock issues with this item. We’ll update this article once it’s available again.

Based on astrology, numerology, and tarot, these Birthdate Candles indulge the part of you that’s secretly (or not so secretly) a little into yourself. Each hand-poured candle has a personalized scent and character reading based on the day you were born. Whether you know someone who seriously stalks their ruling planets or is just a casual horoscope lurker, these candles feel special to display at home (yes, I bought one for myself) and are easy to give anytime you’re looking for a no-brainer present.

We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend.