Between holidays, birthdays, graduations, and other celebratory, it’s likely that you’ll find no shortage of opportunities that call for finding gifts for coworkers, roommates, friends, and family. Some are born with the natural talent of choosing the perfect present within budget while also finding time to dress it in crisp wrapping paper and a double-knotted bow. Others aren’t as blessed with gift-giving talents, leading to anxiety-fueled shopping sprints ruined by overthinking—and, more often than not, ending in a dreaded gift card (i.e. the ultimate sign of defeat)
While finding something special for close friends and family may be a bit easier—robes for moms and slippers for dad, perhaps—the question of what to gift a general acquaintance is more of a gray area. After all, these individuals occupy a different role: not quite best friends, yet undeniably intimate due to the shared rhythms of professional life, the sanctuary of a shared home, and the possibility to become a more lasting relationship in time. For these kinds of nuanced relationships, there’s a fine line between gifting something thoughtful and unintentionally offensive. To avoid the post-underwhelming gift reveal and the awkward conversation that follows, here are 22 gifts vetted by the AD team that pass the vibe check.
For Someone Who Enjoys the Finer Things in Life
Mother of Pearl Spoons (Set of 6)
Caviar never went out of style, but it is definitely having its moment. Now that everyone is pairing fried chicken with Ossetra or bagels with cream cheese and Sterlet, it’s the perfect time to elevate this already luxe experience with mother-of-pearl spoons and forkettes.
Aesop Bathroom Essentials Bundle
Fragrance-centered gifts are always a pleasure to get, and Aesop subtly signals that you know your way around high-end soaps, whether it’s displayed in the bathroom or kitchen.
Officine Universelle Buly Baume
There’s nothing that says “this is mine and mine only” quite like a personalized monogram on leather goods. This baume and case from the French apothecary brand Officine Universelle Buly is made for beauty enthusiasts who take pride in their products.
Rorra Countertop System
For aspiring “almond moms,” the Rorra Countertop System puts standard water faucet filters to shame. This sleek, stainless-steel system is designed to reduce plastic use and contaminants while delivering crisp, clean water.
Le Labo Candle Discovery Set
There are many gifts that may seem impersonal at first but are universally appreciated. The Le Labo Discovery Set is one such gift—while it might initially appear generic, each lighting session reveals just how well you understand someone’s fragrance preferences.
Morris & Co. X Ettinger Medium Jewellery Box
Some keepsakes are meant to be kept safe and hidden away. For their most precious valuables, an incognito jewelry box is a casual gift for those who’d rather invest money in some not-so-casual goods.
For Someone with an Arts & Crafts Corner
“Judd” Hardcover Book
This coffee table book explores the works of artist Donald Judd, who transformed the landscape of modern sculpture and furniture, and it seems like his job is still ongoing when a book detailing his work has the ability to easily transform any coffee table and space.
Eggone Japanese Ikebana Kit
Rooted in minimalism, understated elegance, and Japan’s deep reverence for nature, ikebana helps you explore new forms of flower arranging that isn’t just buying a bouquet from the grocery store and throwing it in a clear vase.
Wabi-Sabi Kintsugi Repair Kit
Some people can be quite clumsy, and the experience of having to trash something valuable due to mishandling is truly heartbreaking. Thankfully, 15th-century Japanese artisans developed a solution that not only restores the object but makes it even more beautiful than it was before.
For the One Who Likes It Piping Hot
Gustaf Wesman Chunky Cup
Everything is getting chunkier—from planters to lamps, and now mugs and plates. Since its inception, Gustaf Westman has embraced this trend, adding a playful, whimsical touch that transforms everyday moments—like pouring coffee or eating toast—into mini displays of modern art.
Williams Sonoma MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Tea Kettle
For your work bestie who savors a steaming cup but seeks a more refined take on the traditional kettle, this enameled steel tea kettle, hand-painted with care and crowned with a sculptural knob, brings a posh touch to any kitchen.
For matcha aficionados who appreciate having control over how intense and earthy the flavor of their cup is, the Cuzen Matcha Machine serves as a personal matcha café right in your kitchen. The starter kit takes the leaves to the powder right to your cup in latte form, in minutes time—saving those minutes that would’ve been used walking to the café.
If They Prefer a Peaceful Night In Over a Party
Siren Basics Ultra-Plush Bunny Robe
Robes are often the go-to gift when you’re at a loss for what to give. But when it’s the ultra-plush Siren Basics Bunny Robe, it’s not just a gift—it’s a statement that says, “I care about your comfort.”
Brigade New Yorker Jacquard Blanket
No matter where their tastes lie, everyone loves a blanket—making them great gifts for coworkers who get chilly at their desk or your roommate who’s been complaining that their bedspread looks too bare. Not only are they incredibly functional for cold weather and comfort, but throws like the Brigade New Yorker Jacquard Blanket transform any plain white comforter or sofa setup.
Waterproof Picnic Blanket
While some prefer the energy of a party, others are drawn to the calmness of a nature-filled picnic. This Persian rug–inspired waterproof blanket brings style and practicality to any roommate who is constantly looking forward to any outdoor gathering or movie night in.
Lefant M310 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
There are plenty of uncomfortable conversations you’ll have with your roommate, and cleaning is bound to be one of them. To spare yourself from those awkward moments, let the robot vacuum do the talking—and the work—without ever feeling like you’re telling them to clean up their mess.
Shark CryoGlow Cooling & LED Face Mask
The Shark CryoGlow Cooling & LED Face Mask not only attacks aging, eye bags, and acne, but it also helps you skip the trial-and-error of skin care with this derm-approved mask.
If They’re Dedicated to Making a House a Home
Deco 79 Resin Abstract Candelabra
The sleepy aesthetic isn’t complete without a handheld candelabra. While not historically accurate to the ‘achoo’ era, this resin piece serves more as a decorative statement than a functional prop for wandering through a 17th-century Victorian home in toulite pajamas and a nightcap.
CB2 Eve Smoked Coupe Glasses (Set of 4)
There’s nothing better than a cocktail served in a moody glass. Handblown with a flat rim, this smoked four-piece set features well-loved optic-textured glass, a design element that’s popping up in glassware everywhere.
Gohar World Personalized Host Gloves
Hosting often has been more about style and dressing up than the dining experience itself. These personalized hand gloves add a touch of campy charm to the experience of enjoying a home-cooked meal.
For the Casual Collector
Joss & Main Handmade Marble Chess Set
Chess is one of the oldest games in history, and just when you think you’ve seen every white and black checkered board, rook, and bishop, this polished marble onyx set proves that chess is more than just a game—it’s a centerpiece.
Audio-Technica AT-LP70X Fully-Automatic Turntable
In an effort to avoid disrupting the sound ambiance in a shared living space, a portable speaker may seem like an easy fix. However, a record player is a more thoughtful and curated choice, perfect for showing affection for both music and collecting.
Emelie Mata has been a journalist for 15 years, and she's been writing about home and garden news for the last five. She loves her job because it gives her an opportunity to share tips with other people who are trying to improve their homes, and she finds that the best part of writing home and garden news is getting to meet the people who read it.
