2023 Holiday Gift Guide
For hosts and homebodies alike, from $20-$250
For hosts and homebodies alike, from $20-250
This year’s holiday gifting guide is all about honoring the loved ones in your life who delight in creating captivating spaces and hosting meaningful celebrations. And for the sanctuary-seekers who like to exist peacefully in their spaces with thoughtfully chosen items: we’ve got well-made, comforting finds for all home connoisseurs alike. Pieces range from $20-$250 with a focus on emerging, independent, and sustainable brands.
Image via UrFancyShop
Kaleido Tea Towels Set of 2, $28
These tea towels portray Josh Itiola’s painting that began as an exercise in child-like exploration of space, simple shapes, and lines. Interpreted into playful linens for your kitchen or bathroom, fold them in multiple ways to display various patterns, furthering the fun.
Rex Design Oyster Plate, $235
I love the playful nature found in everything from Rex Design. I have the berry bowl, which would make a sweet gift as well!
Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask with Gift Box, $50 | 15% off with code SAMLANDRETH
I can’t make a gift guide without including my very favorite loungewear brand: Lunya has the most inviting pieces to choose from and this is a perfect first item if you’ve never taken the plunge and makes a dreamy stocking stuffer. You can browse their other items here.
Vintage Gifts & Decor
I put together a list of favorites from Etsy, both handmade/new and vintage: candlestick holders, glasses, enamelware, wrapping paper and what have you.
Frantoio Galantino Olive Oil With Hand-Painted Ceramic Splatter Jug, $50
Delicious as both a finishing and cooking oil, this extra virgin olive oil from Frantoio Galantino is made from cold-pressed olives and boasts a grassy aroma and light taste. The beautiful ceramic jug this oil comes in makes it great for gifting and for repurposing as a vase when the oil runs out.
Selena Liu Serving Friends, $55
These wooden serving spoons will bring joy and humor to any dining table, and they’ll also look gorgeous in a utensil holder on the counter. I recommend these year after year—they’re truly perfect for even the most casual home cook because… everyone makes salad. Right?
Flamingo Estate Candle Set, $174 ($130 on sale)
This natural candle set includes the Ancient Agrigento Olive Tree Candle, Night Blooming Jasmine & Ionian Bergamot Candle, and Douglas Fir & Ancient Vetiver Candle. A cozy, wintery gift for anyone.
Our Place Oven Mits, $36
Premium quality silicone and cotton twill materials offer snug comfort and flexible functionality. With a built-in magnet and a convenient hanging loop, the Hot Mitts can be easily stored within reach, not in a drawer. The food-grade silicone is super easy to clean and is machine washable.
Estelle Colored Glass Set of 2, $85
Handmade in Poland and named for the founder's grandmother who instilled in her a love of treasure hunting for beautiful finds, these stem wineglasses are tinted with vintage charm.
Tekla Burgundy & Pink Stripe Pure New Wool Blanket, $240
Cozy up with this Oeko-Tex and Woolmark-certified brushed virgin wool blanket.
Nordic Ware Naturals Big Sheet Pan, $26
A practical gift that keeps on giving: this one will get endless use and looks lovely under the tree wrapped up in a giant bow—speaking from experience!
Esmé Scarf, $180
This mohair scarf is designed in Los Angeles and made in Peru. Available in several colorways—a perfect gift for the chillier months ahead.
Areaware Kirby Vase, $55
A Kirby is a ceramic vase for floral arrangements, small bouquets, or a simple stem. Think of it as a best bud vase to keep you company. They are happiest when sitting around near soft, cozy things. They are content no matter where they are placed in your home – they just feel lucky to be there.
Wooden Salt & Pepper Grinder, $36 for 1 or $72 for 2
These beautifully handmade wooden salt and pepper grinders bring ease to your kitchen and dining room with their timeless beechwood finish. The grinders are adjustable to achieve just the right size to add the perfect flavor to your dishes.
Gantri Hula Table Light, $248 | Sam20 for $20 off
Hula Table Light is a careful collaboration of both direct and indirect lighting, designed for small spaces that need an extra boost. Inspired by the ways in which lighting affects well-being, Felix Pottinger created Hula as an answer to the shrinking spaces inevitable to city living. The light that flows up through the top of the diffuser creates an illusion of higher ceilings while the light that comes through the bottom brings a warm glow on any surface. All of Gantri’s lighting would make such a thoughtful gift: they offer seemingly endless unique shapes dreamed up by independent designers and 3D printed out of sustainable materials.
Brightland Artist Capsule, $150
This is another gift idea I recommend year after year—I’ve had this set last me about 9 months, making it an amazing investment and each oil ads a unique element to my dishes. The basil oil is my favorite: it’s amazing on pasta, poured over soft scrambled eggs with pecorino and of course, in salad dressing.
Mackenzie-Childs Carving BoarD, $218
A smart, sophisticated checker carving board that’ll allow for some nice countertop beautification and carve meats in style at a moment’s notice. The check pattern comes from a mix of acacia and rubberwood, and there’s a well outlining the surface to catch any juices.
Soap Dish + Organic Soap Bar, $19
The Bubble Buddy soap is hand-made in Italy and certified organic: it’s mild enough for all surfaces, a perfect multi-purpose cleaner. This soap is also gentle enough for your hands so if it's near the sink you can use it for both handwashing and dishes.
FINAMILL SPICE GRINDER: CREAM, STAINLESS OR BLACK ($63) & SALMON, RED OR GREY ($44)
This is the best thing I’ve bought for my kitchen. Super efficient and makes any recipe where you’re needing tons of freshly ground spices significantly easier.
Fly by Jing — Tis the Seasoning Box, $95
Everything a home cook needs to fire up their fave Sichuan flavors: Sichuan Chili Crisp: Chengdu Crunch, Xtra Spicy Chili Crisp, Zhong Sauce, Mala Spice Mix, and Fire Hot Pot Base.
Our Place Home Cook Apron, $45
Their new go-to kitchen uniform is meticulously designed for form and function. It’s made from premium, durable cotton twill for durability.
Dusen Dusen Taper Candles, $35
Taper Candles come in a variety of playful silhouettes and whimsical colors—a bit of joy for your tabletop. Burn them, or don’t! They look great either way. Designed by Areaware in collaboration with Dusen Dusen—a brand known for its bold, original patterns.
Vitruvi Diffuser, discounted with code SAMLANDRETH10
For more of my favorites, visit this post on my most-loved brands, my kitchen brand raves & reviews, and for quick links, head over to Objects.
Hope you found something great for someone you love! You can a look at past gift guides here.
Disclosure: I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you decide to buy any of the products I refer to and promote. All opinions are my own.