1. A vintage-inspired doormat with hexagonal tiles they can arrange into any saying they please — PG or X-rated.
Letterfolk is a Utah-based, couple-run small biz owned by Joanna and Johnny Galbraith. Their sturdy mats come with 150 interchangeable tiles.
Promising review: “I love the aesthetic of this mat and that I can easily switch out the tiles to write a different message or create a new design on the same mat. It’s a great creative outlet. The size is perfect for my kitchen and would also be nice as a welcome mat at my front door.” —Lil Miss Babe Rescue Dog
Get it from Amazon for $73.13 or Letterfolk for $75+ (available in two sizes and two colors).
2. A 39-piece tool kit for anyone living on their own for the first time ever. Whether they’re building a new bed frame or hanging up their favorite pieces of art, I bet they’ll appreciate having an Allen wrench set and hammer handy.
What’s included: 10-foot tape measure, claw hammer, 6-inch slip joint pliers, bit driver, bit connector, scissors, utility snap-off knife, four precision screwdrivers, eight SAE hex keys, 1-inch screwdriver bits.
Promising review: “A relative recently bought a home, so I gave a set of these tools to her. She loves them and put them to use right away. I love all of the different tools that came with the set, making it a versatile and cost effective option. It’s easy to put everything back in its place in the carrying case and keep everything organized until the next time you need it. You don’t have to go digging through a drawer. The red color is an added bonus that jazzes things up and makes you want to use your tools more often. I have a pink set that I love to pull out and show off a little bit. After all, who says you can’t be girly AND handy?” —J Moon
Get it from Amazon for $19.54+ (available in nine colors).
3. A Framebridge gift card so they can finally frame that print they bought two apartments ago. And we’re not talking any old frame, no — they’ll get to pick *exactly* what they want and then it’ll be handcrafted before being shipped back to them.
Get it from Framebridge for $25+ (e-gift cards and physical gift cards are available).
4. A “Toast to the Host” set of six wines with an assortment of reds, whites, and sparklings, so they can relax after a long day of assembling furniture or spending four hours trying to set up a bidet that promised “30-minute installation.”
Get it from Winc for $130+ (available in 6 or 12 bottle sets).
5. A stunning, heirloom-worthy East Fork dinner set — in delicious hues like panna cotta, morel, amaro, and butter — worthy of their first meal in their new home.
What’s included: Breakfast bowl, everyday bowl, cake plate, side plate, and dinner plate.
East Fork is an Asheville, North Carolina-based small biz that’s been throwing and firing pottery since 2009. Today, they are a Certified B Corporation, Climate Neutral Certified (meaning they offset and reduce all of their greenhouse gas emissions), and they “partner with local non-profit, grassroots organizations and individuals working toward racial equity, community reconciliation, and the liberation of folks who’ve been systematically oppressed by white supremacy, patriarchy, and heteronormativity.”
Promising reviews: “I love everything about these dishes. We got a few sets of two different colors, but hope to add a few more if a limited run color pops up that we love!” —Kara D.
“I’ve been eyeing all of the beautiful dishes on East Fork’s site for years, and finally took the plunge. I’m so glad I did — I absolutely love how they look in my kitchen and feel in my hands. 🙂 The fact that EF is a B Corp is icing on the cake!!! Thrilled with my purchase!” —Chris R.
Get it from East Fork for $156 (originally $162; available in nine colors).
6. A crystal cocktail shaker that’ll also benefit *you* in the long run as whenever you visit, they can whip up a welcome Manhattan.
Promising review: “I was ‘inspired’ to purchase this cocktail shaker while watching Grace and Frankie. It is far more beautiful in person than pictured on Amazon. It is a very high-end looking crystal piece and substantial in size and heft. It arrived in a lovely box that can be wrapped up for gift giving. I would definitely give this shaker as a gift, it is just that lovely. It has a nice nearly invisible gasket to prevent leakage of your favorite cocktail as you shake, shake, shake. Don’t hesitate to buy this cocktail shaker!” —C. Nolan
Get it from Amazon for $22.89.
7. A beautiful cake stand you can gift as is or add an assortment of homemade (or store-bought — I don’t judge!) goodies to so they have something to snack on as they finish unpacking that last box they’ve been putting off.
Promising review: “Not only does this cake stand look pretty on my counter, it’s sturdy enough to hold whatever you want to show off! People tend to eat with their eyes, so the clear acrylic dome does just the trick! Not only does it look like a glass cover, it provides a seal on the wooden stand that provides days of enjoyment for your cupcakes, bagels, cakes, and croissants.” —linda j davis
Get it from Amazon for $39.95.
8. A bedside carafe and glass so they can keep H2O within arm’s reach and not have to make a midnight run to the kitchen when they get thirsty. This is something that’ll come in particularly clutch if their kitchen and bedroom are on completely different floors now!
Promising review: “Nearly considered letting THIS be what my ashes are put in, are you KIDDING ME?! It’s gorgeous, exactly what I was hoping for, and I cannot wait to gift it at Christmas. So chic but very retro-inspired in a new way. The lid being the cup…game changing. BUY IT.” —Colin Harris
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in five colors).
9. A set of two square minimalist vases that look like they was lifted from an art museum. Add fresh blooms or a dried bouquet and you’ve got a complete gift!
Promising review: “I love these vases. They are very pretty, interesting, and well suited for an organic-modern style home. They were also a little bit bigger than I anticipated, so that was a pleasant surprise. They sit well on their own, or you can add botanicals, but I find that they display perfectly as is. Unique and playful home decor.” —Laura H.
Get it from Amazon for $31.99+ (available in two colors and give styles).
10. A eucalyptus shower bunch to make their bathroom feel like a straight-up spa even if they haven’t organized their medicine cabinet or hung any towel racks quite yet.
Charlotte, North Carolina-based Etsy shop Eucalyptus Blooms sells all sorts of fragrant products from scented potpourri and sachets to lavender-infused loofahs and soaps.
Promising review: “So impressed! It made such a difference in my shower. It was a major upgrade to the space and the experience. Arrived in great condition and looks just like pictures. Plus the included hook made for quick, easy, and sturdy hanging. Highly recommend!” —Tara Finkelstein
Get it from Eucalyptus Blooms on Etsy for $11.99+ (originally $17.99+; available in three sizes or a bundle of two or three).
11. An all-in-one Omsom set with 10 noodle boxes so they don’t have to worry about stocking their pantry on top of everything else they’ve got going on.
Omsom is an Asian woman–owned small biz from sisters Vanessa and Kim Pham. Their noodles, sauces, and sets are a love letter to their family and culture.
What’s included: Soy Garlic Saucy Noodles (3), Coconut Lemongrass Curry Saucy Noodles (3), Chili Sesame Saucy Noodles (2), Garlic Black Pepper Saucy Noodles (2).
Promising review: “This makes dinner so easy. We get the protein out, sauce it, and have an amazing meal made in minutes.” —Antonio C.
12. An irresistibly soft Barefoot Dreams microfiber blanket that costs a pretty penny, but reviewers say it is SO worth it.
Get it from Nordstrom for $180.
13. A decorative fruit bowl or catchall dish if their style could best be described as “looks like Joanna Gaines picked it out.”
Promising review: “I bought this as a gift for a friend. The packaging was very cute and well secured to prevent the product from breaking. I love artsy, minimalist, yet cute house items. So this bowl was the perfect choice for an entryway keys, wallet, etc holder. Will definitely buy one again for myself!” —evelinxt
Get it from Amazon for $39.84 (available in three colors).
14. A set of funky coupe glasses because chances are they’ve already got normal wine and lowball glasses but nothing like these babies.
15. A hand-blown Chemex coffeemaker from which they can brew the baddest cup of coffee their kitchen ever did see. This way, they won’t have to change out of their slippies and venture outside to secure their morning caffeine fix.
Promising review: “I was uncertain about Chemex at first, but the product received consistently glowing reviews so I had to try it. This coffee maker brews the most delicious coffee I’ve ever tasted in my life. I fully taste the flavor of my beans and it’s smooth whether I have my coffee iced or hot! Definitely recommend and will never use another coffee maker!” —Courtney
Get it from Amazon for $47.03.
16. A ‘Sunday Morning’ candle that the studio says is “reminiscent of whiling away at the local farmer’s market, sifting through luscious fruits and freshly picked flowers.” I mean…sign me up immediately!
To be more specific, the vegan soy wax candle features notes of pear, bergamot, jasmine, gardenia, and amber woods.
Brooklyn Candle Studio is a woman- and minority-owned small business operating out of a 2,000-square-foot workshop in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Their candles are made from 100% soy wax (which is derived from American-grown soy beans) that is petroleum-free, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and 100% vegan. Every candle is wicked, poured, and labeled by hand.
Promising review: “The scent is pleasant and subtle, which I prefer as strong artificial smell gives me a migraine. It is a perfect candle to light to start the day. Now it’s part of my morning routine!” —Ellie P.
Get it from Brooklyn Candle Studio for $30.
17. Or if one candle isn’t enough, a gift card for Vellabox (or a subscription) if they’re the king/queen of *ambience* and could benefit from regular re-stocks.
Vellabox is a Columbus, Ohio–based small biz that partners with artisans from around the US to deliver eco-conscious, small-batch candles straight to people’s doors. Every box highlights a different maker and their best seasonal scents.
Get a gift card from Vellabox for $50+ (available in larger quantities) or start a subscription for them for $12+/month.
18. A cult-favorite Fellow electric kettle for those who obsess (and I mean obsess) over their at-home brews. A dial allows them to adjust the temperature by individual degrees and a hold button means they can keep their water at the perfect temp once it’s done.
The design features a fluted, no-drip spout and a degree dial that allows you to set the temperature between 135 degrees F and 212 degrees F and even hold it there for a full hour.
Promising review: “We waffled about getting this kettle. Surely the cheapie electric one we had would do the trick for amateur pour-over enthusiasts? No. Wrong. This is superior in every aspect. The temperature holding feature is amazing — no more heating up the water, forgetting you started, and having to heat it up again. Definitely more consistent in temperature, creating more consistent cups of coffee.” —Emily A.
Get it from Amazon for $165+ (available in five colors) or Fellow for $195 (available in nine colors)
19. A starter matcha set with everything they need to whip up their favorite Shrek-colored drink.
What’s included: Large matcha bowl (Chawan), natural handcrafted bamboo whisk (Chasen), traditional tea scoop spoon (Chashaku), ceramic tea powder caddy with matching whisk holder, and stainless steel sifter.
Just FYI: you have to buy matcha separately, so don’t forget!
Promising review: “Absolutely stunning! Quality pattern and packaging! Delivered swiftly! It will make a perfect gift (will buy it for myself next time). Thank you!” —Svetlana M.
Get it from Amazon for $27.99.