Don’t get me wrong. I love giving gifts. The process of finding the perfect gift for that one friend who is so picky or for that parent who always tells you they don’t need anything or for a partner who you want to surprise—I don’t find any of it cumbersome at all. In fact, tracking down these special items is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season!
But the downside of the gift-sourcing process is that, inevitably, I want to buy things for myself, too. Often, I buy one thing for a friend and then get the same thing for myself if I can’t stop thinking about it—in a different color or style, of course. I really can’t help it. But hey, if I’m obsessed with them, hopefully, my gifts be well-received by my friends and family, too.
To help you get a head start on gift shopping this year, I’ve compiled a list that I’ve saved for my loved ones (and maybe myself). Take a look below.
All of the products featured are available for purchase via the Shop app, powered by Shopify, and have been independently selected by Who What Wear editors for this article.
Give this serving board to your friend who loves to host. It will definitely elevate their charcuterie board–making. It’s inspired by the mosaic tiles of the Greek islands.
Dining at home is a lot more fun with these packets. And this sampler is safe to give to the person in your life who doesn’t consider themselves the best home chef. It’s a sampler of six best-selling sauces and recipes that you can easily make in an Instant Pot or air fryer.
I’m planning on buying two of these this year—one for myself and one for my sister. After a very difficult year for the Asian American community, I’m feeling especially moved to display pride in my heritage.
Everyone needs at least one throw blanket, right? The linen in this blanket was woven, dyed, and stone-washed in a tiny village in India.
The design on this notebook is absolutely stunning and unique. It’s great for anyone who wants to start a journaling routine in the New Year or someone who’s always doodling or writing.
This blend comes from Birch Bark Coffee Company, a brand owned and operated by the First Nations that offers organic, fair-trade, and Small Producers’ Symbol–certified coffee. When you purchase a 12-ounce bag from the company, it’ll donate $2 toward the purchase of a Belkraft water-purification unit to provide First Nations communities with access to clean drinking water.
Help someone start 2022 off right (and organized) with this planner/desk calendar. It features yearlong pages, monthly pages, project pages, and to-do-list pages.
Why not give the gift of self-care this holiday season? This kit has everything you need for a wind-down routine: a calming and soothing face and body balm, a refreshing soap, and lip balm infused with organic essential oils.
Plant parents—both veteran and aspiring—will appreciate this unique planter. The piece is glazed and features a drainage hole.
The moon design on this pillow is hand-printed with nontoxic ink. It’s a great piece that works with a lot of different décor styles.
With turmeric and sandalwood scents, this candle will smell so homey, earthy, and fresh. The candle jar has a pretty iridescent finish, so you won’t want to throw it away when the candle is all gone—use it as a catchall.
Whoever you give this to will have a lot of fun tasting all the authentic Japanese goodies found inside. The box features 20 to 24 snacks, candies, and teas, plus a guide so you can learn all about the products.
The Italian leather on this iPhone case makes the whole thing so luxe, sophisticated, and grown-up. It comes in three colorways: Noir, Grey, and Mocha.
This five-piece chocolate set makes for a great stocking stuffer. It’s filled with chef-curated chocolates: Almond Truffle, Firecracker Truffle, Rosemary Salt Caramel, Strawberry Seductions, and Wild Truffle.
Each of the Lucky No. Candles contain healing crystals. And the ones in the Extra Lucky collection are extra large and have a 120-hour burn time. The candles’ coconut wax can also be used as a body moisturizer.
This utility apron is perfect for the person in your life who loves to try out new recipes and even create their own. The striped design has two large pockets and an open back for breathability. It can also be used for studio or workspace activities.
Here’s another fun stocking stuffer: a colorful luggage tag. Gift your friend with one from their hometown or their favorite place to travel.
This pretty sleep mask features a print that’s botanically dyed using flowers and plants. The soft, silky material feels so luxe.
Hand-painted with a traditional Spanish lebrillo design, these bowls are so beautiful and eye-catching. Use them to serve nuts or olives at a cocktail hour or for your morning bowl of yogurt.
This set has it all for cooking up some delicious meals: two bottles of organic sazón, two bottles of organic adobo, and two pins. (Those are just for fun.)
Bring the spa to your friend’s house with this gift set. It features self-care items, including a bath soak, a toning mist, a soy candle, an all-natural soap bar, dried greenery, a matchbook, and caramels.
Add some motivation to a loved one’s space with this art print. Present it to them in a frame for a complete look.
Puzzles are another great way to wind down and pass the time, either solo or with friends. This 1000-piece puzzle features a fun and colorful design that’s perfect for décor lovers. Every purchase of this item will support Every Mother Counts, an organization that works to ensure access to quality, respectful, and equitable maternal care.
With a playful squiggle design, this hair clip will work with different hair types and hairstyles. Hair accessories aren’t normally a go-to gift, which makes this one even more exciting and unexpected.
This set features candles inspired by some iconic women of the ’70s: Cher (jasmine and rose water), Dolly Parton (peach and lily), and Stevie Nicks (white sage and neroli). Who wouldn’t want to have these “ladies” in their home?
Whether your loved one is crafty or not, I think they’ll still appreciate this succulent kit. It comes with everything you need to build your own arrangement: a vase, pebbles, and, of course, the plant.
This one’s for the bibliophile in your life. It’s a chart where you scratch off all the classic novels you’ve read—think Anna Karenina, 1984, Beloved… You get the idea.
Jewelry organization just got a little chicer thanks to these ceramic jewelry trays. The set comes with three different-colored trays that you can display altogether or in separate areas of your space.
The cool thing about this diffuser is it’s cordless, so you can move it all around your house. You can keep it in your bedroom for your bedtime wind-down and move it to the bathroom when you’re doing your skincare routine or taking a bath.
This 88-page guided journal has prompts and action items to help you get to know yourself better. It can be used as part of a daily journaling routine or when the mood strikes. That’s the best part—it’s totally flexible.
