The Good Design Journal
A Cure for the Common Kris Kringle (And Other Gifting Nightmares)
"I just got you a little something."
It’s one of the best phrases in the book. It’s not a grand, showy gesture; it’s a small, personal, thoughtful one. But finding that perfect "little something" can be a unique kind of challenge. It needs to be special, but not too special. Thoughtful, but not over-the-top.
This is the very specific dread of the Office Kris Kringle, the Teacher's Thank You, and the "just-because" gift.
So, we've created a focused solution. This is our edit of accessible, beautifully designed objects that nail the brief. These are the thoughtful details, the clever tools, and the small luxuries that prove a considered gift doesn't have to be a grand gesture.
Here is our guide to finding the perfect "little something."
For the Office Kris Kringle
(The brief: Impress them, but, you know, not in a weirdly personal way. Keep it under $150.)
The "What Is It?" Object
FERM LIVING Niche Piece, 9.5cm, Aluminium
This small, sculptural, aluminium piece is the perfect KK gift. Why? Because it’s beautifully useless. It’s an artful object for their desk, a paperweight, or just a tactile thing to fiddle with during a Zoom call. It’s guaranteed they don’t already have one.
The Desk-Side Upgrade
FERM LIVING Vuelo Cup, Cream
Everyone at the office has a sad, stained mug. This is the antidote. A single, beautifully formed cup that makes their morning coffee or afternoon tea feel 10x more civilised. It’s a simple, daily upgrade they'll appreciate.
The Safe (But Very Chic) Bet
BLACK BLAZE Bush Walk Scented Candle
When in doubt, a great candle is always the answer. This one doesn't just smell good; it comes in a striking glass container that makes it look far more expensive than it is. It's a classic, can't-go-wrong gift that feels genuinely luxurious.
For the Host (Who Probably Has Everything)
(The brief: A "thank you for having me" gift that isn't another bottle of wine.)
The Pro-Level Decanter Set
MAISON BALZAC La Vinaigrette Bottles (Set of 2)
Instead of bringing wine, bring something for the table. This stunning, jewel-like set for olive oil and vinegar is a major style move. It’s the kind of thing they'll leave on their counter permanently.
The Indulgent Glassware
FERM LIVING Ripple White Wine Glasses (Set of 2)
A host can always use more beautiful glasses. This set of two Ripple wine glasses is a perfect, contained gift. They are mouth-blown, textured, and feel amazing to hold. It’s a small touch of luxury for their next quiet night in.
The Artful Catch-All
FERM LIVING Oyster Bowl, Brass
This small, sculptural brass bowl is a guaranteed winner for a design-lover. It’s a beautiful object in its own right, perfect for holding jewellery on a nightstand, keys at the entryway, or just looking good on a stack of books.
For the Teacher (Who Really, Really Deserves It)
(The brief: Something genuinely relaxing and thoughtful, to thank them for the year.)
The "Reset" Button
ADDITION STUDIO Hand Wash & Hand Moisturiser Duo
Teachers spend all day in a high-sensory environment. This luxurious hand care duo is the perfect gift of calm. It's a functional, beautiful, and genuinely pampering "thank you" they can enjoy for weeks.
The Slow-Down Tool
FERM LIVING Still Teapot
After a full year of school-bell deadlines, this gift is an invitation to slow down. The clean, minimalist glass teapot is perfect for a quiet morning ritual. Pair it with some nice loose-leaf tea, and you’ve given the gift of a proper break.
The Chic Desk Tidy
FERM LIVING Pebble Box, Medium, Sand/Cream
Their desk is probably covered in paper clips, pens, and... who knows what else. This beautiful, sculptural box is the chic-est hiding place. It’s a small piece of calm and order for their workspace, which is a gift in itself.
For the Grown-Up Stocking Stuffer
(The brief: A small, clever, delightful object that fits inside a stocking.)
The Unexpected Shower Upgrade
TOOLETRIES The Back Scrubber & Hook
This is the gift no one knows they need, but everyone will love. It's a sleek, silicone scrubber that looks (and feels) a thousand times better than a plastic loofah. It’s a small, daily luxury that is genuinely useful.
The Smart Gadget (for Analog People)
FERM LIVING Mercury Water Globes (Set of 2)
For the plant-lover in the family, this is a stroke of genius. These hand-blown glass globes look like small sculptures and water their plants while they're on holiday. It’s clever, beautiful, and solves a real problem.
The Instant Guest-Room Fix
KOBN Hand Towel, Umber
A single, beautifully rolled or folded luxury hand towel is a perfect, tactile stocking stuffer. The rich texture and earthy tone of a KOBN towel can instantly upgrade a bathroom. It's a small piece that delivers a big, hotel-like impact.
Is it weird to give a gift to a teacher/boss/colleague?
Not at all, as long as the gift is thoughtful and appropriate. The key is to avoid anything too personal. Stick to high-quality, universal items: a beautiful candle, a stylish mug, a design-led notepad, or a luxurious hand wash. It's a gesture of appreciation, not an obligation.
I'm stuck on a Kris Kringle. What's a guaranteed "win"?
The best KK gifts are things people want but would never buy for themselves. Go for something with a bit of a "wow" factor that's still practical: a clever gadget (like the FERM LIVING Water Globes), a game they can leave on their coffee table (like PRINTWORKS), or a single, beautiful glass (like a Maison Balzac Coupe).
How do I make a "small" gift feel special and not cheap?
It's all about presentation and perceived value. A luxurious hand towel (like one from KOBN or Aura Home) rolled and tied with a ribbon feels incredibly special. The same goes for a beautiful box of matches, a sculptural candle holder, or a stylish tea pot. Choose something with a unique texture, a beautiful material, or a clever design.
Gifting Made (REALLY) Simple
Gifting doesn't need to be a grand, expensive gesture. Often, the most memorable gifts are the small, unexpected ones: the "little something" that shows you were paying attention and you appreciate them.
Our "A Little Something" edit is a collection of these moments, all under $150, ready for anyone on your list. It’s a solution-focused list that proves a thoughtful, considered gift is always the right size.
