The Good Design Journal
Small Christmas Gifts for the People You've Been Meaning to Thank
You've probably got a few names on your Christmas shopping list already. Then there's the neighbour who's accepted an extraordinary number of parcels on your behalf, including one you promised yourself you weren't going to order.
And the colleague who rescued your presentation five minutes before a meeting when you accidentally opened the wrong version.
These people haven't asked to be on your Christmas list. You'd just like to acknowledge what they've done for you throughout the year, preferably without making a grand occasion out of it.
The good news is that you probably know more about their habits than you realise. You might know very little about their taste in furniture, but you've certainly noticed a few other things.
Which gives us somewhere rather good to begin.
The Colleague Who Knows the 9am Version of You
There's a particular familiarity that comes from working alongside someone.
You might never have visited their house, but you know their coffee order. You've seen what they carry to work every morning, and you can probably recognise the expression they make when another meeting invitation appears in their calendar.
These are useful details when choosing a small Christmas present.
And given how much of the year you've spent together, there's probably someone who deserves a little thank-you.
BLOOMINGVILLE Nini Stoneware Espresso Mini Cup, Blue
Every workplace seems to have someone who's rather particular about their coffee.
They know exactly how they like it, rarely deviate from their order and have probably mentioned the coffee machine they'd love to own.
If your colleague happens to be an espresso drinker, BLOOMINGVILLE's Nini Cup could be a lovely little find.
Measuring just 6.5cm across and 5cm high, it's made from stoneware with a playful, hand-painted blue pattern.
The decoration varies slightly between pieces, giving each cup its own appearance. It's also dishwasher and microwave safe, so the recipient can enjoy using it without adding another delicate object to their washing-up routine.
It's a particularly nice choice for someone who enjoys collecting interesting ceramics, especially if you know they make espresso at home.
And if they've spent the year recommending their favourite coffee beans to you, they've practically done half your Christmas shopping research already.
ENKEL STUDIO Keep Pouch, Silicone, Compact, Caramel
Then there's the colleague whose bag appears to contain everything they've ever owned.You know the one. They can produce a pen, a charger and an emergency snack at a moment's notice, yet somehow spend several minutes searching for their earbuds.
ENKEL STUDIO's Keep Pouch could give some of those smaller belongings a place of their own.Made from flexible, food-grade silicone, the compact pouch measures 17cm wide and 11.8cm high, with a 500mL capacity.
It has a secure zip-seal closure and a clear panel on one side, allowing the recipient to check what's inside without opening it.
The pouch can accommodate smaller belongings such as lip balm and earbuds, or be used for snacks. It also folds relatively flat when empty and rinses clean with water.
It's a practical little present for someone who travels between home and work with an impressive collection of belongings.
If they've ever emptied their entire bag onto the desk looking for one small object, they'll understand the appeal.
The Neighbour Who Deserves a Parcel of Their Own
At this stage, your neighbour may know your delivery schedule better than you do.
They've accepted parcels while you were at work, kept an eye on the house when you went away and never made a fuss about it.
Although, after the fifth delivery in a week, you might have started feeling slightly embarrassed about knocking on their door.
Christmas is a lovely opportunity to thank them.
The challenge is choosing a present when you might know the outside of their house considerably better than the inside.
A smaller household gift can work well here, particularly when it's useful without requiring you to make too many assumptions about their taste.
ENKEL STUDIO Dry Tea Towels, Waffle Microfibre, Sand/Caramel (Set of 2)
Tea towels might not sound like the most exciting Christmas present.
But for a neighbour whose home you don't know particularly well, a good set can be a sensible choice. They'll get regular use, and you don't need to know whether the recipient has room for another decorative object.
ENKEL STUDIO's Dry Tea Towels come as a coordinated pair in Sand and Caramel.Each measures 40 x 60cm and is made from lightweight microfibre, with a waffle-textured weave designed to absorb moisture and dry quickly.
They're useful for drying glassware and dishes, while the machine-washable material makes them practical for repeated use.
The colours are understated enough to work alongside different kitchen finishes, and the set makes a considered little present when wrapped with a card.
There's no need to explain the practical benefits of tea towels to someone who has a kitchen. You can devote the card to thanking them for everything they've done throughout the year.
Perhaps leave out the exact number of parcels. Some figures are better kept private.
ADDITION STUDIO Hand Wash
Of course, some neighbours become good friends.
You might regularly stop for a chat or have spent enough time together to know a little more about their tastes.
If you've noticed that they enjoy beautifully presented bath and body products, ADDITION STUDIO's Hand Wash could be a lovely choice.
The formula includes native Australian ingredients such as Kakadu plum and snowflower, with cedarwood and frankincense oils contributing to its distinctive fragrance.
It's presented in a generously sized bottle, making it an attractive addition to a bathroom or kitchen sink.
At $49.90, it's a more substantial thank-you than the tea towels, and one I'd reserve for a neighbour you know reasonably well.
Fragrance is personal, after all. If you've never discussed their preferences, there's no need to conduct an elaborate investigation into what they keep beside the sink.
A little knowledge of the recipient goes a long way here.
Come In, the Kettle's On
You know the friend whose house you're always dropping into?
You'll say you're only staying for half an hour. They'll put the kettle on, you'll get comfortable, and suddenly it's considerably later than you planned.
You've probably had hundreds of conversations around their kitchen table, which means you know a fair bit about how they like their tea or coffee.
You might even have a favourite cup at their house. Whether they've noticed is another matter.
HAY Barro Cup/Mug, Burgundy (Set of 2)
If your friend appreciates an interesting cup, HAY's Barro Cups are rather lovely candidates.
Designed by Portuguese designer Rui Pereira, they're made from terracotta in Portugal and finished in a rich, high-gloss Burgundy glaze.
The Barro collection takes its name from the Portuguese word for red clay, reflecting the material at the centre of the design.
Each cup has a rounded form and compact proportions, with a diameter of approximately 8cm. The set contains two, suitable for hot drinks or even a small dessert.
The deep Burgundy colour gives the simple shape plenty of character, particularly when the cups are arranged alongside other ceramics.
They're a lovely gift for someone who appreciates beautiful everyday tableware, especially when you've spent enough time in their kitchen to know what they already enjoy using.
And if you're lucky, they might put one aside for your next visit.
ENKEL STUDIO Coaster, Freckle (Set of 4)
Some friendships have been conducted almost entirely over cups of tea.
There's usually a familiar spot at the table, and by now you're both quite comfortable settling in for a long conversation.
If your friend regularly has people around, ENKEL STUDIO's Freckle Coasters could make a lovely little thank-you.
The set contains four coasters made from rubber, with irregular outlines and a distinctive speckled finish.
Their non-slip surfaces help keep drinking glasses stable while protecting the table from scratches and water rings.
They're water repellent and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, making them practical for everyday use.
The Freckle pattern gives the coasters an unusual appearance, particularly when arranged together, with their curved outlines making a change from conventional round or square designs.
A useful gift for the friend who's made room at their table for you more times than you can count.
For All Those Dinners at Theirs
Some friends have fed you an extraordinary number of times over the years.
It might be an impromptu Friday dinner or a Sunday lunch that lasts well into the afternoon. They've become the person who regularly suggests you come over, and you rarely need much convincing.
If you've spent plenty of time in their kitchen, you'll probably have a good understanding of what they enjoy using.
Perhaps they're particular about their cooking ingredients. Or maybe you've noticed how much they enjoy arranging the table before everyone sits down.
Either way, there are some rather good gifting opportunities here.
DESIGNSTUFF LUYO Oil & Vinegar Bottle Gift Set, 700mL, Black
For the friend who's serious about their cooking ingredients, the DESIGNSTUFF LUYO Oil & Vinegar Bottle Gift Set is a practical present with some particularly nice design details.
The set includes two matching cylindrical glass bottles, one for oil and one for vinegar.
Each has a matte Black silicone sleeve around its lower section, providing additional grip and helping protect the glass from knocks.
At the top, precision dripper spouts allow for controlled pouring, whether the bottles are being used during food preparation or brought to the dining table.
The matching shapes also make an attractive pair on the kitchen benchtop, particularly for someone who prefers keeping their frequently used ingredients out rather than tucked away.
Presented together in a gift box, they're an appealing option for a friend who enjoys cooking and appreciates good kitchen equipment.
And given how many meals they've made for you, a little something for their kitchen seems quite appropriate.
FERM LIVING Flow Napkin Rings, Brass (Set of 4)
Then there's the friend who brings out the cloth napkins.
You'll arrive for a perfectly ordinary dinner, and they've already chosen which napkins to use. Sometimes they've even folded them.
If you've noticed this particular enthusiasm for setting the table, FERM LIVING's Flow Napkin Rings could be a beautiful addition to their collection.
Made from solid cast brass, the set contains four individually shaped rings, each with its own flowing, irregular outline.
The rings measure approximately 6.8cm across and 1cm high, with their sculptural shapes allowing fabric napkins to sit in loose folds.
The brass has a warm metallic finish that will develop a patina over time. FERM LIVING recommends wiping the rings with a dry cloth and handling the delicate surface with care.
They're particularly well suited to someone who already enjoys using cloth napkins, giving them another way to arrange the table.
And if you've ever watched your friend rearrange the napkins several times before dinner, you'll know this present has found its person.
The Friend Who Turns Any News Into Drinks
Got a new job? They'll suggest a drink.
Booked a holiday? That's apparently another reason to get together.
Some friendships have developed their own little rituals around celebrating good news, even when the occasion isn't particularly grand.
If there's someone who's been there for your good news throughout the year, Christmas is a rather nice opportunity to return the favour.
Especially if you know they enjoy interesting glassware or have a soft spot for good bar accessories.
FERM LIVING Ripple Cocktail Glass Champagne Saucers, Clear (Set of 2)
For the friend who enjoys a glass of something sparkling, FERM LIVING's Ripple Champagne Saucers make a lovely present.
The set contains two mouth-blown glasses, each featuring the distinctive vertical ripples of the brand's Ripple collection.
Unlike a traditional champagne flute, the saucers have broad, shallow bowls, measuring approximately 10.5cm across and 11cm high.
Each holds 150mL, making them suitable for sparkling wine or a cocktail served in a classic coupe glass.
The vertical ridges catch the light through the clear glass, particularly when the glasses are filled.
Because each piece is mouth-blown, slight variations occur between glasses, giving the pair their own character.
They're dishwasher safe, too, which is convenient when a celebration has extended well beyond the original plan.
The set is presented in FERM LIVING gift packaging, making it particularly appealing for someone who enjoys beautiful glassware.
After all, there's every chance you'll be invited over to help put them to use.
FERM LIVING Orevo Corkscrew, Stainless Steel
Some people own a perfectly functional corkscrew and have never given it another thought.
Others would be quite delighted by one that looks like a small piece of sculpture.
FERM LIVING's Orevo Corkscrew is firmly aimed at the second group.
Cast from stainless steel with a mirror-polished finish, its rounded form is inspired by orfèvrerie, the French tradition of fine metalwork.
The design measures approximately 7.9cm wide and 8cm high, with a substantial weight and a smooth, reflective surface.
Its sculptural upper section provides a grip for turning the corkscrew, while the polished metal gives the familiar utensil a completely different appearance from a conventional bottle opener.
The finish can be maintained by wiping it with a damp cloth, avoiding abrasive cleaners that could mark the surface.
It's a wonderful choice for the friend who enjoys opening a good bottle of wine and appreciates the design of the objects they use.
Especially if you've spent the year finding reasons to raise a glass together.
The Friend Who's Been There Through Everything
Then there are the friends you know particularly well.
They've helped you through the difficult weeks, celebrated the good ones and probably heard more about your life than anybody reasonably needs to.
You've spent enough time together to know their preferences, right down to the little objects they enjoy having around their home.
Which means you can afford to choose something a little more personal.
DESIGNSTUFF RUND Bubble Silicone Tray, 22cm, Sand
If you've noticed that your friend enjoys keeping their bathroom or kitchen accessories arranged together, the DESIGNSTUFF RUND Bubble Tray is worth considering.
It measures 22.4 x 12.4cm, with a shallow silicone form and softly rounded edge.
The raised lip provides a defined area for smaller objects, including two soap bottles beside the sink.
Its Sand colour gives the tray a gentle appearance, while the durable silicone is easy to wipe clean.
It's a familiar household object approached with a more playful shape, which makes it an interesting gift for someone who appreciates the design of the products they use every day.
And because you've spent time in their home, you may already know exactly where they'd enjoy putting it.
That's a rather nice advantage over choosing a present for someone whose home you've never seen.
BLACK BLAZE Mushroom Incense Burner, Silver
You probably know whether your friend enjoys burning incense.
Perhaps it's part of their evening routine, or you've noticed a collection of incense sticks beside their favourite chair.
If so, BLACK BLAZE's Mushroom Incense Burner is a rather wonderful little present.
Made from solid brass with a silver-plated finish, the burner takes the form of a miniature mushroom.
It measures just 5cm wide and 4.5cm high, with a highly polished surface that catches the light across its rounded cap.
The mushroom shape gives the burner an unusual appearance, making it interesting to look at even when it isn't being used.
The brass can develop a natural patina over time, although its polished surface can be cleaned with a dry or damp cloth without chemical cleaners.
It comes presented in a gift box, making it a lovely choice for someone who already enjoys incense and appreciates decorative objects with a little personality.
And really, if you know someone who'd be delighted to receive a tiny silver mushroom for Christmas, you've probably chosen the right person.
Small Christmas Gift FAQs
Is it appropriate to give a colleague a Christmas present?
It can be, particularly if you have a friendly working relationship or want to thank someone for their help during the year.
Keep the workplace context in mind. Some organisations have policies around gifts, and others organise a group Secret Santa instead.
Choose something that suits your relationship without making the recipient feel obligated to give you a present in return.
How much should you spend on a Christmas thank-you gift?
There's no fixed amount.
Think about your relationship with the recipient and what you're comfortable spending. A small present can be appropriate for a colleague or neighbour, while you might choose something more substantial for a close friend.
The price doesn't need to reflect the size of the favour. A thoughtful choice and a personal message can be just as meaningful.
What can you give someone when you don't know their taste?
Begin with what you genuinely know about them.
A colleague's coffee habits might suggest a small espresso cup, while a practical household gift could suit a neighbour whose home you haven't visited.
Be cautious with highly personal products, especially those involving fragrance.
If you're unsure, it's perfectly reasonable to ask someone who knows the recipient better.
What are good Christmas gifts for someone who loves entertaining?
Think about what they already enjoy using when friends come over.
Someone who collects interesting glassware might appreciate a pair of champagne saucers, while a friend who regularly uses cloth napkins could enjoy decorative napkin rings.
The more you know about their habits, the easier it becomes to choose something they'll genuinely enjoy.
Is it okay to give someone a practical Christmas present?
Certainly, particularly when it reflects something they appreciate.
A set of good tea towels can be useful for someone who enjoys their kitchen, while a storage pouch could suit a colleague who's regularly travelling between home and work.
The important consideration is whether the product suits the person receiving it.
What should you write in a Christmas thank-you card?
Mention the reason you're grateful.
You might thank a colleague for helping with a difficult project or acknowledge a neighbour who regularly collected your parcels.
It doesn't need to be elaborate. A few personal sentences about something they've done can mean more than a generic Christmas message.
A Little Thank You, Long Overdue
Most of these people will probably insist they didn't do anything particularly special.
Your neighbour might wave away the parcels, while your colleague may barely remember the afternoon they helped you through a difficult deadline.
You remember, though.
Christmas gives you a good reason to acknowledge those little acts of generosity before another year begins.
And whether it's a small present for someone at work or something more personal for a close friend, choosing a gift based on what you know about them is part of the pleasure.
Add a few words about why you're grateful. They've been rather good to have around.
