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Gone are the days of sweet, saccharine gingham. Instead we’ve been seeing retro-cool checkerboard everywhere, from the streetwear fashions of model Gigi Hadid to the check-bedecked restaurant La Sasteria from the daring Spanish design firm Masquespacio. The pattern is equal parts nostalgic and fresh, plus everyone loves it, which makes it a prime choice for holiday gifting. 

Here, we’ve rounded up our favorites, including an updated take on the great love affair of your teens—your Vans, of course!—and punchy lampshades crafted from recycled scrap paper. Now you can start making your list and, um, checking it twice.

Colorful Basket
Maseko Multicolored Cylinder Pouf #1, Missoni Home ($1,325)
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Punch up classic checks with a vibrant palette, seen at work on this fresh and modern cylinder seat by the playfully luxurious Italian label Missoni. 

Checker thermal mug
Hot Stuff Thermal Mug, Ban.do ($14)
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Your coffee will stay hot while you sip from this cool thermal mug, which is sure to impress colleagues on a Zoom call.

Checkerboard
Acrylic Checkers Set by Edie Parker, Moda Operandi ($1,895)
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With less events on the calendar, try to brighten up a friend’s day by gifting a set of acrylic checkers—instead of Edie Parker’s famed acrylic clutches—and cozy up for a game beside the fire on a Saturday night.

Green dinner plate
Vichy Green Kate Dinner Plate, En Soie ($104)
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Swoon-worthy ceramics, hand-painted and glazed with a 14-karat gold rim, ensure guests will be feeling festive at your next dinner party.

Green Napkins
Check Napkin, Dusen Dusen Home ($12)
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An electric jumble of jazzy checks create a jacquard napkin that is merry and bright, serving as an alternate take on winter green at a holiday table. 

Checker Apron
Woven Apron by Design Imports, HSN ($26)
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A modern twist on a traditional print, this apron features two pockets perfect for holding a cell phone, trusty wooden spoon, or any must-have cooking tool for the Great British Bake Off fan in your life.

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Pink Le Micro Vanity Mini Checked Leather Shoulder Bag, Jacquemus ($324)
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Tote your earbuds in style while sporting this handmade mini shoulder bag with painterly checks. 

Black and White throw
Checkerboard Baby Alpaca Throw, Jonathan Adler ($345)
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Who wouldn’t want to cozy up in a hand-loomed Peruvian alpaca throw? Thankfully the black and white color scheme goes with almost any decor. 

Colorful Fabric
Checker by Alexander Girard, Maharam ($118/yard) ($118)
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Designed in 1965 by the director of stalwart brand Herman Miller, this checkerboard fabric is as hip now as it was then. We think it would look great on a well-loved sofa.

Broen Checkers
Swedish Flatweave Rug, Marc Phillips ($80/sqft) ($80)
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You’ll want to watch your step atop Marc Phillips’s stunning Swedish flat-weave rug, which makes a subtle statement in any room. 

Checkered Vans
Vans Moma ComfyCush Era Sneakers, Vans ($75)
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A new collaboration between the Museum of Modern Art and beloved sneaker go-to Vans will have kids of all ages walking on sunshine. 

Yellow Lampshade
Chamomile Yellow Lampshade, Rosi de Ruig ($102)
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Jaipurian cream and yellow recycled paper is handwoven in West London to create impactful lampshades in two sizes, both of which would glow in a WFH office.

Checker Sidetable
Chess Table, Moooi ($1,171)
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This trippy chess table will have your most competitive friends calling “checkmate!” all year round. 

Checker hoop earings
Silvertone Checkerboard Hoop Earrings by Lauren G. Adams, QVC ($76)
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Guests won’t miss these glamorous hoops, even from 6 feet away at the socially distant event of the season.

Checker Straws
100-Pack Biodegradable Checkered Straws by Strawsss, Walmart ($23)
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A jolly pack of eco-friendly straws makes every sip an occasion. Sip, sip, hooray!

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