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It’s that time of year. You know, that time when you have to look into a crystal ball and ask yourself, “What does Uncle Jeff, who I see only once a year, want for Christmas?” And if you don’t have an Uncle Jeff, you certainly have a sassy best friend with expensive taste, a grandmother who keeps (and collects) everything under the sun, or a dad who always says he just wants a card.
Among Domino staffers, we’ve encountered every difficult-to-shop-for type out there. So consider this your editor-approved guide on how to keep even the most picky loved ones feel seen, with 100 specific yet crowd-pleasing gift ideas.
For the Host With the Most
Composing a photo-worthy table setting and making sure everyone is having fun, all while preparing a full-on feast, is no easy job. But we all have that one friend who manages to pull it off with aplomb every time. And while they might have their go-to pieces, gifting them the cookbook of the season or a graphic oven mitt is a wonderful way to show your appreciation, all while encouraging them to keep the parties coming.
Serving Bowl by Conran Shop
Nordstrom
u0022Antechinusu0022 Cheese Knife by Alessi
Amazon
Amante 1530 Aperitivo Amaro
Amante
More Is More: Get Loose in the Kitchen by Molly Baz
Amazon
Wilshire Tablecloth
Furbish Studio
Alfredo Salad Servers by Georg Jensen
Burke Decor
Striped Oven Mitt
Dusen Dusen
Jabali Mezcal
Yola
Multicolor Small Confetti Cutting Board by Fredericks u0026 Mae
Ssense
Yellow Straight Medium Glass
Nickey Kehoe
Mini Stripe Cocktail Napkins (Set of 4)
Heather Taylor Home x Domino
Larch Wood End-Grain Premium Round Cutting Board
Food52
The Alpine Aperitivo
Doladira
Large Napkins (Set Of 2)
La Double J
For the Spa-Goer Who Leaves Yelp Reviews
Who could say no to a gift that promotes relaxation and respite? If your gift recipient loves a spa day and, let’s just say, knows what they like, don’t let that discourage you from gifting in their favorite category. A supersoft Skims lounge set, a plush Drowsy eye mask, and a hinoki bathtub caddy are fit for even the most particular of friends.
Shearling Wool Slides by Jake Arnold
Parachute Home
Soft Lounge Rib Sleep Set by Skims
Nordstrom
Grande Heirloom Claw
Machete
Total Body Glow Trio
Osea Malibu
Hinoki Bath Caddy
Jinen
Le Glaçon Facial Ice Roller
Doré
Planta Futura Cactus Soap
Nopalera
Check Hand Towel
HAY
Lavender Haze Eye Mask
Drowsy
Big Lauda Long Robe
OAS
Walden Meditation Cushion
Walden
CAST Coffee Cup by Kinto
Amazon
For the Green Thumb Who’s Already Planning Their Spring Garden
There’s nothing prettier than a lush plot of green, but the same doesn’t always go for tools to maintain it. Watering cans or clippers can quickly pass their prime, and replacing their dirt-coated ones with beautiful versions will make them love their hobby even more. If they’re really into gardening, a Lettuce Grow Farmstand will be the gift they truly never stop talking about.
The Farmstand
Lettuce Grow
Sentei Ikebana by Niwaki
Goodee
Contour Planter by Andrew Molleur
DWR
Plant Daddy Kit by Sowvital
Goop
Variegated Pink Lemon Tree
Bloomscape
Hori Hori Classic
Barebones Living
Plant the Box Scented Candle by Kobo Candles
Goodee
Bodega Clog
Seavees
Rainbow Chard Seeds by Plant Good Seeds Store
Amazon
Haws Indoor Watering Can
Williams Sonoma
For the Little One With an Already-Stocked Playroom
Especially for the nonparents out there, it can seem like the kids in their lives have more than enough toys cycling through. There are plenty of toys that can stand out in a playroom while sticking around for the long haul, from a wood espresso machine to bean-shaped chalk, as well as a potion-making kit and cookie-themed puzzle that will keep them occupied for hours. And if they have a passion for fashion, look no further than a Mini Rodini puffer jacket, which is bound to be a hit on the playground.
The 90s! For Babies!: A Totally Rad Counting Book
Amazon
Holiday Cookie Tin Puzzle
Piecework Puzzles
Gathre Nightfall Blue Foam Kids Arc Playset
Crateu0026kids
Magic Power Potion Necklace Kit
Super Smalls
Bean Chalk by Nikolas Bentel
Areaware
Kids Multicolor Color Block Beanie by Bobo Choses
Ssense
Babyccino Maker by Tenderleaf Toys
Maisonette
Friendly Bear Money Bank
Good Friend
Toy Taco Truck by Candylab Toys
Amazon
Kids Blue Lemons Puffer Jacket by Mini Rodini
Ssense
For the Home Cook Who Outshines You at the Potluck
Shopping for someone who would undoubtedly win Top Chef is intimidating to say the least. Whether you’re just looking to get them a little something like an olive oil upgrade or blow their mind with a pizza oven or an heirloom-worthy ladle, the below gifts are anything but amateur. There’s more where that came from in our gift guide dedicated to food-related buys.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2-pack)
Rubirosa
Pi Prime Pizza Oven
Solo Stove
100 Essential Restaurant Recipes from the Authority on Where to Eat and Why It Matters
Amazon
Chef’s Knife Set
Hedley u0026 Bennett
Stone-Finish Ladle by Astier de Villatte
Abask
Cuisinart 14-Cup 50th Anniversary Edition Food Processor
Williams Sonoma
Geo Salt u0026amp; Pepper Grinder Set by Bodum
MoMA Design Store
Trizor 15XV Professional Electric Knife Sharpener by Chef’sChoice
Amazon
Pasta Maker Set by Gefu
Food52
The Resting Stone (Set of 2)
Material Kitchen
For the Adventurer Who’s Always Planning Their Next Excursion
While we’re big fans of gifting housewares, spending time at home is last on the priorities list for some. Travel-related buys, like a graphic Italian leather luggage tag or fabulously retro binoculars, will make them even more excited for their upcoming trip. And when they get on their next red-eye with the luxurious silk neck pillow you got them, their good night’s sleep will be all thanks to you.
Nocs x OV Provisions 8×25 Waterproof Binoculars
Outdoor Voices
Medium Train Case
Leatherology
Jet Setter Travel Pillow by Slip
Revolve
Luggage Tag
Clare V.
Cashmere Donegal Beanie
Alex Mill
The Bigger Carry-On
Away
Men's UNEEK Sneaker
Keen
Perfect Brew Pour Over Set with Camp Mug by Stanley
Amazon
Day Bottle
Bink
Getaway Car Keytag
Various Keytags
Mini Hozuki
Snowpeak
Sports Chair
Picnic Time
For the Decorator With an Appreciation for the Finer Things
There’s nothing wrong with high standards, but there’s a lot of room for error when shopping for someone who has a very clear idea of what they like. You can’t go wrong by keeping it classic, like with an Elsa Peretti Tiffany & Co. dish, but the real way to impress them? By introducing a new-to-the-market item like Diptyque’s seasonal candle or a just-released book on decorator Mario Buatta. If you’re looking for the gift that keeps on giving, the Loftie lamp will spark joy on their nightstand while also improving sleep hygiene night after night (hello, sunrise alarm!).
Glass Chanukiah
Via Maris
Thumbprint Dish by Elsa Peretti
Tiffany u0026 Co
Loftie Lamp
Loftie
Mario Buatta: Anatomy of a Decorator
Amazon
Shetland Throw by Ezcaray
Goodee
Brass Matchbox Sleeve
Matilda Goad
Llorente Recycled Glass Vase
Hawkins
Délice Scented Candle
Diptyque
Smoking Lips Incense Holder by L'Objet
Bloomingdale's
Pink Antique Tray by Les-Ottomans
Ssense
Tomato Candles by Nonna's Grocer (Set of 3)
Goop
Mushroom Earthenware Tureen by Bordallo Pinheiro
Matches Fashion
For the Teen Who Thinks They’re Cooler Than You (and Is)
There’s no dancing around it: Teens are tough. They’re too old for toys but have no use for, say, an artisan-made tea towel. We went straight to the source and tapped the actual teens in our lives for gift-giving intel. And the result? A teeny-tiny projector, retro film camera, and tattoo pen that lasts up to two weeks. (Don’t worry, their parents will forgive you for that one eventually.)
Puffy Lunch Bag
Baggu
Pastel Gradient Phone Case
Casetify
Milky Lip Set
Tower 28
Kodak M35 35mm Reusable Film Camera
Amazon
Mini Projector for iPhone
Amazon
Kids Purple u0026amp; Green Micro Basket Tote
Marni
Fine Tip Tattoo Marker
Inkbox
Crystal Embellished Insulated Water Bottle by Collina Strada
Nordstorm
Big Plans Bundle
Poketo
Essentials Bead Box
Susan Alexandra
For the Friend Who Says “Seriously, No Gifts!”
Some people just don’t want more stuff. But if we have anything to say about it, they’ll at least be receiving a thoughtful stocking stuffer. Everything in this category is under $45 but will bring them a priceless amount of joy, especially the artist-designed chocolate bar pack that will last for weeks of sugar cravings.
Little Bowl by Departo
Afternoon Light
Five Bar Milk Collection by COCO Chocolatier
Food52
Hand Cream by Salt u0026 Stone
Amazon
David Hicks Playing Cards Set
Cabana
Citrus Rosemary Syrup for Cocktails and Sodas by Raft
Amazon
Vegetable Brush with Oiled Beechwood Handle by Redecker
Amazon
Candy Cane Candles
Hu0026M Home
Mavis Notepad Set
Papier
Lip Conditioner
Ilia
Archivist Matchbox by Anthropologie
Anthropologie