'Tis officially the season for gift-giving. For us, it’s 31 days of gift giving; for a month, we’ll be providing gift ideas for everyone on your list—from your hard-to-please parents to your ’90s-loving BFF and even your spoiled pet. Filled with creative picks that got our pulses racing, our Unwrapped holiday gift guides will make Christmas shopping a breeze this holiday season.
Here's the simple truth: The greatest gift you can give a host is granting them with your company. There is nothing a seasoned party planner loves more that having guests attend one of their famed soirees, enjoy the food and wine, and participate in great conversation with their other circles of friends. The holidays are probably the only time these hospitable individuals appear on Pinterest and dig into their old Domino copies (the ones pre-closure in 2009), looking for themes, table setting ideas, signature cocktails pretty enough for the clear jar pitchers they've been storing away, and, of course, recipes for their annual Christmas party.
While no host will be disappointed by a good bottle of wine (and we emphasize good) gifted to them, you will be one of the many guests going that route come the gathering. For proof, just observe the bottles of wine filling up the fridge at a faster rate than the doorbell ringing. And while there is nothing wrong with that, especially if you know your host's favorite grape variety and vineyard or brand of Champagne, this year calls for more creativity. Plus, what better way to snag an invitation to the next party than with a gift that slays? Ahead, 20 of our favorite picks.
August Morgan, Plastered Cocktail Napkins, $36 for a set of four, available at August Morgan.
Is there anything more perfect than these cocktail napkins? Maybe only these "Whino" ones.
Little Box of Rocks, Cocoon (Housewarming) box of crystals, $38, available at Little Box of Rocks.
Witchy and spiritual hosts will love this box containing carefully curated crystals—like obsidian arrowhead, citrine, rose quartz, white sage, and clear quartz—that will rid the home of its negative energy and energize the space.
Soma, 6 Cup Water Filter Pitcher, $29, available at Soma.
Replace your host's outdated Brita and upgrade them to a Soma pitcher. Not only does this carafe boast a sleek design and sustainable, plant-based filters, but for every filter purchased, Soma donates clean water through their partnership with charity: water, which is helping in the fight against the global water crisis.
By Terry, Impearlious Baume de Rose Deluxe, $245, available at Net-A-Porter.
Instead of bringing a bouquet of flowers, surprise the hostess with this cult-favorite nourishing balm, in an extra-large size, which comes encased in a limited-edition box packed with roses. It's truly fitting packaging considering the miracle formula features pure rose essential wax, not to mention that it's just downright pretty.
Leif, Botanist Candle in 'Fig & Magnolia,' $48, available at Leif.
Has your host killed every plant that you've brought them? That's okay, so have we. Give them this candle featuring the prettiest botanical design and the most delectable smell. Just make sure to leave it under the tree once you leave.
Corkcicle, Corkcicle Air, $24.95, available at Crate & Barrel.
Chances are your host already has a corkcicle for all the times they forgot to chill a bottle of white wine or hosted unannounced guests. The newest upgrade, Corkcicle Air, boasts an aerator that adds oxygen to wine as it chills it.
Island Creek, Oyster of the Month Club, $100 for 50-count box, Island Creek.
Wine club is so last year. Instead get your gastronomy-loving recipient a chance to receive oysters every month.
Molton Brown, Mesmerising Oudh Accord & Gold Festive Shower Gel Bauble, $15, available at Molton Brown.
Practical and festival, this gift makes for a perfect stocking stuffer and tree ornament.
Jonathan Adler, Aphrodite Salt & Pepper Shakers, $48, available at Jonathan Adler.
King of whimsy and quirky, Jonathan Adler brings these "provocative orbs" this holiday season. Make for a perfect ice breaker at any party, these host shakers will make the host's job just that much easier.
Craighton Berman Studio, Manual Coffeemaker, $59.97, available at CB2.
In the last few years, coffee making has moved away from capsules and machines and back to manual labor. To blame? Instagram-perfect appliances like this stunning glass carafe coffee maker. We would buy this just as a piece of decor.
By Kilian, Vodka on the Rocks, $295, available at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Is your host's favorite drink vodka on the rocks? There is no other gift that they'll love more than this unisex fragrance boasting spicy notes of coriander and cardamom mixed in with rose, lily of the valley, and sandalwood. Warn them that they can't drink it—they will be tempted to.
Jo Malone, Christmas Miniatures Soap Collection, $45, available at Jo Malone.
The "guest soaps" are so cute, your host will have a hard time unwrapping them for actual use. That's okay—they make for great decor.
Katz's Delicatessen, Taste of New York, $150, available at Katz's Delicatessen.
Any former New Yorker will go crazy over this set from the famous Katz's deli (you know, the one that was made famous in that When Harry Met Sally scene), featuring all of the restaurant's favorite things: pastrami, corned beef, salami, knishes, pickles, bagels, hot dogs. With Chanukah taking place this year, this set couldn't be more perfect. We'll have what she's having.
The Coveteur: Private Spaces, Personal Style by Stephanie Mark and Jake Rosenberg, $22.48, available at Amazon.
Brought to you by the editors behind the most Pinterest-worthy website out there, Coveteur; there is truly no better coffee table book to gift this year.
Williams-Sonoma, Himalayan Salt Plate with Salt Plate Book, $49.95, available at Williams-Sonoma.
Your host may never know what they're are missing out on until they try a steak on a Himalayan salt plate. But once they do, they will forever be in debt to you for introducing this cooking slab into their kitchen.
Banquet, Mythic Linen Napkin Set, $28, available at Catbird.
A perfect combination of whimsical and feminine, these napkins, featuring Banquet's signature Ancients motif, will brighten up any kitchen or mood.
Umbra, Geo Wine Charm and Bottle Topper Set, $20, available at Wayfair.
Yes, your host probably has a ton of bottle toppers, but look how cute these geometric charms are! They're every modern design-lover's dream.
Tipsy Scoop, three-pack winter holiday ice cream, $36, available at Tipsy Scoop.
BOOZY ice cream. Need we say more? Oh yeah. It comes in a three-pack set. Eat irresponsibly.
Draper James, Oh My Stars Trinket Tray, $32, available at Draper James.
It's in the stars for the astrology-loving host to fall in love with this trinket tray perfect for holding keys, jewelry, or watch. Or just to stand pretty on its own.
Plum, wine appliance, $1,499, available at Plum.
We'll be first to admit that this gift is way over any Christmas gift budget. But, this makes for a perfect group gift should you be looking to delight a true wino. Intended to be used for single glass pours, this state-of-the-art machine preserves, appropriately cools, and automatically dispenses wine. Place two bottles of wine inside Plum and watch the machine automatically photograph and identify the label down to the varietal and region from its database of more than six million. Plus, it just looks cool.
Check out more of our Unwrapped gift guides here.
