The Good Design Journal
11 Gifts So Good You’ll Have to Buy Two (One for Them, One for You)
The festive season is creeping in. And so is "The Dread."
The "what-do-I-get-my-brother-in-law" dread. The "my-best-friend-has-impeccable-taste-and-literally-everything" dread. The "I-need-a-Kris-Kringle-that-isn't-a-total-joke" dread. You scroll until your eyes blur, and every "curated gift guide" starts to look exactly the same.
This is not another generic gift guide. It’s a tactical solution to that annual gifting panic. We’ve rounded up 11 pieces that solve a specific problem, whether that's "my best friend has too much taste" or "what on earth do I get for Kris Kringle?"
These are the clever, the beautiful, and the unexpectedly perfect finds that make you look like a genius. The kind of gifts-so-good, you’ll definitely be tempted to keep one for yourself.
1. The "Wow, You Shouldn't Have" Gift
NEW WORKS Aura Table Mirror Sculpture
This isn't a mirror; it's a "table sculpture". For that person on your list with intimidatingly good taste, this is the thing they want but would never buy for themselves. It’s a pure, indulgent design flex, and it instantly wins the "best gift" award.
2. The Host Gift That Isn't Wine
MAISON BALZAC La Vinaigrette Bottles (Set of 2)
Showing up with another bottle of wine is fine. Showing up with this sculptural, jewel-like set is a power move. It instantly makes their kitchen counter look 10x more sophisticated. It’s the perfect "thank you for having me" gift that feels infinitely more thoughtful.
3. The "Let's Actually Hang Out" Gift
PRINTWORKS Classic Games Backgammon
In a world of digital everything, this is a tactile, analog excuse to turn the phones off, pour a drink, and actually connect. It’s so good-looking, they'll leave it out on the coffee table as a permanent challenge. It's less a gift and more an invitation.
4. The "Stop Stealing My Phone" Gift
KONGES SLØJD My First Camera
Let's be real: your camera roll is 90% blurry photos of the carpet, thanks to your kid. This pocket-sized digital camera is the antidote. It’s a real, functional gadget built for small hands, with a preview screen, selfie mode, and even built-in games for when they're tired of playing paparazzi. It’s durable, USB-charged, and the included neck strap means they (probably) won't drop it. It's a gift for their creativity, but it's also a gift for your phone's sanity.
5. The Upgraded Essential
TOOLETRIES The Back Scrubber & Hook
A back scrubber? Hear us out. This is not the plastic loofah-on-a-stick from the chemist. This is a sleek, sand-coloured, silicone tool that looks intentional. It’s the definition of a small, daily luxury they would never buy for themself. And that's the secret to a perfect, unexpected gift.
6. The "Where'd You Get That?" Light
FATBOY Bolleke Mini La Surprise
This is the gift for the person who loves a gadget. It's a portable, rechargeable, glowing sphere that you can hang literally anywhere. Balcony, kid's room, tree branch. It's playful, practical, and has a very high "ooh" factor.
7. The Small, Sculptural Moment
FERM LIVING Niche Piece, 32cm, Aluminium
Sometimes the best gift is one with no defined function at all. This sculptural, aluminium piece is pure form. It’s an artful moment for a coffee table, a beautiful catchall for keys, or just a piece of tactile metal that feels good to look at.
8. The Ice-Breaker
PRINTWORKS Play Board Games Tumbling Tower
This is the perfect thing to bring to a family gathering. The minimalist, tonal tower looks like a small sculpture on the coffee table, inviting guests (and kids) to interact. It’s a chic alternative to a chaotic board game and a great excuse to start a little friendly competition.
9. The Daily Luxury
ADDITION STUDIO Hand Wash & Hand Moisturiser Duo
Everyone has hand soap. Not everyone has this. This duo set is a serious upgrade for any bathroom or kitchen sink. It’s a functional gift that feels incredibly luxurious, and a scent they'll associate with you every time they use it.
10. The Smart Stocking Stuffer
FERM LIVING Mercury Water Globes (Set of 2)
For the plant-obsessed friend, these glass water globes are brilliant. They look like beautiful, hand-blown glass sculptures while also keeping their plants watered when they go away on holiday. It's thoughtful, practical, and genuinely clever.
11. The "Just Add Ice" Gift
ZONE DENMARK Rocks Ice Bucket w/ Tongs
This is a piece of classic, grown-up hosting infrastructure. It’s sleek, functional, and signals that they take their entertaining seriously. Pair it with a nice bottle of something, and you've just won Kris Kringle.
What do I get for someone who seems to have everything?
Don't buy them more "stuff." Buy them a better version of something they already use. Upgrade their daily hand soap, their back scrubber, or their olive oil bottle. Or, go for a pure, sculptural object with no function at all, like the NEW WORKS Aura Mirror or a 101 Copenhagen Tray.
What's a good "Kris Kringle" gift that doesn't feel cheap?
Think small but mighty. A beautiful candle, a unique set of glasses, a design-led game, or a smart gadget. The goal is thoughtfulness, not price.
Is it okay to gift a "functional" item?
Yes, if it's beautiful. A (FERM LIVING) teapot or a (ZONE) ice bucket is a fantastic gift because it's something they'll use constantly. It’s an investment in their daily routine.
You’ve Got This. No, Really.
The annual gift-hunt-dread is real. But maybe the problem isn't the people you're buying for. Maybe it's the pressure to "get it right."
The truth is, a thoughtful gift isn't about the price tag; it's about the "aha!" moment. It's the thing that says, "I saw this, and I immediately thought of you."
Our "Perfect Find" edit is built on this idea. It’s a curated solution to the "what do I get them?" question, filled with playful, thoughtful, and unique objects for everyone on your list.
Ready to be the best gift-giver in the room?
