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I keep seeing memes about the need to add more “whimsy” to our lives, and you know what? They’re onto something. It’s been a year, and we could all use a little more delight, a little more frivolity.
In that spirit, to kick off gift-guide season, I’m sharing a few things that’ll bring a smile to your recipient’s face and a touch of unexpected playfulness to their day. There’s something here for everyone: the homebody, the hostess, the bookworm, and the friend who has everything (except, perhaps, a tiny sweater for her dog). Happy gifting.
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A knitted triangle bandana* that adds a pop of color to any basic winter sweater or coat. ($38, Free People)
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Cozy and classic shearling-lined moccasins* but in a rich, eggplant purple. $100, Free People
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A ceramic candle snuffer full of character for the friend who takes mood lighting very seriously. ($95, Nickey Kehoe)
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A set of hand-marbled scalloped trays for your rings, keys, nail polish, tarot cards, forgotten bobby pins, etc. ($85, Inner Child)
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A set of three pretty snack spreaders for the friend whose charcuterie boards are legendary. ($36, Big Night)
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A gorgeous box of cider and spice caramels that taste like fall in a wrapper. ($32, Le Bon Garcon)
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Love this mochaware dessert plate for a cozy treat. ($36, Nickey Kehoe)
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A swan candlestick holder from a small ceramics studio. ($72, St. Bingo)
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A vintage Wedgwood Peter Rabbit mug. Pair it with some lovely tea and package it up nicely. ($22, Poshmark)
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Nothing says “I am full of whimsy and was a pleasure to have in class” like a personalized book stamp. This was a reader favorite gift last year! ($12, Etsy)
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A teeny tiny midcentury modern phone chair that gives your device—and your eyes—a little rest. I mean, c’mon! ($74, Lazy Jamie)
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A delicious 1,000-piece puzzle for a slow weekend morning. ($42, Le Puzz)
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A playful dice charm to add to their stack. ($98, HART)
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Nothing is more whimsical than encouraging a new watercolor hobby. ($24, Amazon or Emily Lex Studio)
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A hand-painted pasta bowl made in Italy that makes Sunday night bolognese feel just a touch more charming. ($68, PORTA)
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Teddy loafer slippers for shuffling around the kitchen, making tea. ($65, Rothy’s) These shearling scuff slippers also look great for under $50 (Quince).
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This cult-favorite lip balm set with the most delicious-sounding names like “Butter Mochi” and “Sakura Shaved Ice.” ($39, EADEM) See also: a body product that smells like dessert and this vanilla body cream I love.
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Never knew how badly I needed a Scottie dog in a turtleneck sweater until this very moment!!! ($60, Jellycat)
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A sculptural spiral notepad. ($50, Flores Paper)
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A vintage French plate from the 1800’s with a rebus riddle. Pair it with some freshly baked goods. ($65, Etsy)
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A beautiful clothbound edition of Pride and Prejudice for your favorite classics lover. They’ve got other titles, too. (Barnes & Noble, $25; Amazon, $15)
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A pretty leather journal* with refillable pages and charms. Slightly over $100, but I love the color and had to include. ($120, Free People)
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A clever pencil shaving necklace for the teacher, artist, or writer in your life. ($49, Etsy)
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Carly Kuhn’s Character Study: Observations from a Very Curious Artist, the perfect coffee table book for your art-loving friend who notices everything. ($23, Bookshop)
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A tiny knit dog sweater, because someone’s pup simply needs this work of art. (And yes, they sell a matching human cardigan.) ($95, Loeffler Randall)
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I see your triangle scarves and I raise you a handknit fairisle fish lambswool bonnet. ($98, Etsy)
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A set of vintage silver swan placecard holders, for the most whimsical host in your life. ($64, Etsy)
Happy gifting! Stay tuned and subscribe for a few more gift guides rolling out this month.
*=sponsored mention
Stuck on someone? The Downtime Gifting Hotline is open! Tell me about your trickiest gift recipient in our reader chat, and I’ll answer my favorites in an upcoming letter. (There are already great suggestions in the thread from other readers, too, btw, like one for “husbands who buy themselves what they want when they want it.”)
Continue reading last year’s guides:
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