If you, like many of our editors, are looking for the best gifts in 2021 to give and receive (yes, it’s totally acceptable to make your very own wish list), consider this your official guide to easing the burden of holiday shopping. While there are so many trinkets and baubles to choose from, if you do a little digging sometimes, you’ll come across a winner that surprisingly could work well for everyone on your shopping list. Throughout our searches, we have unearthed some special finds that are worthy of giving to not just one, but a few of our family members and friends.
Back in September, Mai Morsch discovered (and fell in love) with Yuzu’s soothing candles. They’re so lovely that she’s thinking about giving them to all of her loved ones this year. I, for one, am contemplating giving all of my besties a fancy pair of pajamas. Everyone should feel like a queen at home—even while lounging on the couch.
Ahead, 25 Vogue editors describe their vision of the best gifts in 2021 to give (and receive) for the holidays.
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Ciarra Lorren Zatorski, Associate Fashion Editor
The holidays are about bringing people together, and what better way to do so than through chic homeware and cheerful games? This holiday season, decor and games are on the top of my list as both are equally effortless to give as they are to receive. Enter the below Loewe candle, which has been a staple accent to my minimalist apartment for quite some time, and now my go-to scent to share with my friends and family. As I’m quite the sucker for a good old-fashioned game night, this L’Objet tic-tac-toe set not only fulfills my inner game lover, but seconds as the perfect table-top trinket to bring a cheerful elegance to any living space.
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Taylor Anderson, Associate Manager Social Media
I am a huge fan of bringing luxury to the practical gifts that I give. I am looking forward to giving this Stagg EKG electric kettle to my family and friends. This kettle is best because it has a quick heat time and to-the-degree temperature control, meaning you can ensure you have the perfect cup every time.
As far as what I am looking to receive, I’ve recently discovered Bea Bongiasca’s rings and have been in love ever since. I often wear black, so when it comes to accessorizing, I try to incorporate color as much as I can. The unique and colorful design makes for a fun pop of color on any outfit.
Madeline Fass, Market Editor
Come Thanksgiving, my entire family is going to be outfitted in matching shearling Birkenstocks. Consider it the gift with instant gratification! Who needs goofy coordinating pajamas when you’ve got these to wear? As for myself, I’d also happily accept something cozy and shiny, say soft shearling jacket from Stand Studio and this sculptural ring from Simuero.
Rickie De Sole, Executive Fashion Director, Vogue.com
Jewelry! There is no better gift to receive in my mind than the gift of jewelry. These are three timeless rings that I would love to unbox this holiday season. All three of these are timeless and would pair well with just about everything.
Corey Seymour, Senior Editor
I’m an evangelist about audio quality—it’s one of those “you don’t know what you’re missing until you hear it” things, and it doesn’t matter if you mostly listen to pop, or experimental music, or podcasts: These noise-canceling buds will make whatever else you’re used to feel useless. They’re as good at canceling the noise around you (from subway sounds to other people talking) as they are at enhancing the music you’re listening to—there are entire parts of songs I’ve listened to for decades that I’ve heard for the first time with these in my ears.
I commute to the office on a motorcycle, and almost every morning as I hit a brief stretch of the FDR Drive at about 50 mph, part of my brain is wondering whether I really zipped my flimsy canvas backpack up all the way or if maybe one more small bump will see my laptop bouncing off the pavement on its way into the East River. Which really makes this molded-panel, carbon-fiber-detailed, magnetic-zippered, leather-handled Halo Backpack—a collaboration between the design teams of luggage specialists Tumi and supercar maestros McLaren—almost a necessity, no? The USB port for on-the-go recharging? That’s as practical as could be. The very need for a “performance backpack”? Hey, it’s the holidays. . . grant me this one wish, would you?
Emily Farra, Senior Fashion News Writer
I’m still not over losing my beloved Partow cashmere neck-warmer in a Shanghai taxi. It’s been oddly difficult to find a similar version—something as warm as a scarf, but without the hassle or bulk. Alex Mill’s ribbed cashmere warmer slides over your head and lays neatly under your coat—and it fits in your pocket when the subway is overheated. I think I need one in every color, but it’s also the perfect gift: luxe, affordable, and seriously practical.
Eliseé Browchuk, Experiences Production and Marketing Manager
Nothing feels more festive (and chic!) than sipping some bubbly from a smoked coupe glass. With an influx of holiday-themed fêtes upon us, I’m sure every host or hard-to-shop-for friend on your list this season could put this dainty pair of Champagne saucers to good use. And since my schedule will likely be filled with these said soirées, I’d be ever grateful to find Chopova Lowena’s Golly belted dress at my doorstep. I love the playful prints, pleats, and mixed metal hardware, making this number easy to dress up or down for any occasion.
Atalie Gimmel, Manager of Social Media
I have always dedicated my Black Friday shopping to refreshing my tech lineup, and this year I’m focused on getting a personal device that’s easy to carry around. And to pair with the device, why not give a gift that I’m also getting for myself; this pair of chic blue light glasses will protect my eyes while using said personal device, and be a great stocking stuffer for my friends!
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Elise Taylor, Senior Living Writer
I’m on an interior design kick, so this Christmas, I’m asking someone to give me one of Huldra of Norway’s table lamps, which are fringed, fun, and simply fantastic. As for what I’m giving? These playful cocktail napkins from Houses and Parties, which say “dresser”, “roadie” and “nightcap.” (A quick explainer from Houses and Parties founder Rebecca Gardener: “A Dresser is a drink for primping. A Roadie is a drink for traveling (on foot). A Nightcap is the drink that you regret.
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Michella Oré, Beauty Assistant
I have no doubt the new Holiday Collection from Cuup would bring a smile to everyone’s face. Crafted from Lurex, the buttery soft material makes this underwear perfect for lounging in but also an elegant piece to wear under all those holiday fits, thanks to its shimmery finish.
Charlotte Diamond, Associate Fashion Editor
Fresh herbs level up every home-cooked meal, and having given some to my mom last holiday season, they are the gift that keeps on giving. Her once lowly basil plant is now over one foot tall! The lovely aroma of fresh herbs and the satisfaction that comes with “harvesting” your own thyme for roast chicken or picking basil for a last-minute Caprese is truly unbeatable. I will continue doling out fresh herbs for many years to come!
I’ve worn the same pair of huggies in my upper piercing for a couple of years, so it is safe to say that I am in desperate need of a swap. I am a big fan of all of Maria Tash’s mini hoops, and have my eye on this particular earring with a delicate diamond drop.
Chandni Vyas, Senior Manager of Analytics
I’m a huge fan of Jay Shetty’s book, and I think my friends and family will really enjoy it going into the new year.
I’ve been searching for a commuter backpack now that we’ll be returning to work. I love how compact it is and especially love that it has a USB charging port.
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Julie Tong, Senior Commerce Editor
I’m currently in the phase of refreshing my home decor, and I’ve had my eye on a few key maximalist pieces from Gucci’s new home line. I’m hoping to finally make at least one of these mine this year! Hint. Hint.
I’m a big fan of giving cozy gifts for the holidays and think my mom will enjoy these plush slippers by Brooklinen and a spa-like waffle robe from Parachute to relax and unwind as we close out the year.
Lilah Ramzi, Features and Commerce Editor
I’m giving a couple of people on my list the latest Slim Aarons book because, honestly, what’s better than marveling at photos of attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places? And for myself, it’s absolutely going to be something vintage. I’ve been eyeing this 1980s pale pink coat for some time now.
Hamish Bowles, Editor at Large
I love these midnight silk pajamas from The Sleep Code, a pampering decadent way for anyone to settle in for sleep or seduction.
I adore cards and I have a great nostalgia for Kenny Scharf, whose work I was first exposed to in sensuousness with his club room at the Palladium in the 1980s—an incredible place that I experienced on my first ever trip to New York! So anything from this Kim Jones collaboration with Kenny and Dior would tickle me pink.
Michael Philouze, Menswear Editor
Not only is the Hermès x Apple watch effortlessly stylish, but I also love the idea of merging traditional expertise with futuristic technology. Plus, it never hurts to have a bit of organizational help right on my wrist.
Fashion may be a hard gift to give, but I think this Comme Des Garçons tote bag is perfect. It’s simple yet sleek and goes with everything. And, unlike other gifts, a tote bag like this will probably be used more every day.
Alexis Bennett, Commerce Writer
This universally flattering fragrance is so enchanting; there isn’t a day that goes by without someone complimenting me on how good it smells. The eau de parfum is quite a splurge, but the hair mist comes in at under $100. It’s a delightful way for everyone on my wish list to get a whiff of the fancy scent, courtesy of moi. And if anybody asks, I’ll be more than overjoyed to receive this gorgeous wallet. The money green color is divine, and it’s the perfect size to swap in and out of every handbag.
Irene Kim, Production Coordinator
I’m a lazy shopper and tend to stick to the basics like home products when gifting during the holidays. Hasami Porcelain’s mugs and bowls are very on par with social media’s uncompromising aesthetic. The products are super minimal and come in neutral shades, making it a versatile gift for all your friends and family regardless of how much an Instagram foodie they may be. On the other hand, after seeing this bag on our street stylers at the Paris spring 2022 shows, I’ve been coveting Coperni’s Swipe bag. The only downside is that there are too many colors and variations to pick from- I don’t know which one I want more!
Kiana Murden, Beauty Commerce Writer
This holiday season, I plan on gifting my loved ones Sijo’s Eucalyptus Sheet Set. I definitely have a soft spot for super practical gifts, so knowing my friends and family will have a luxurious slumber is exciting to me. What’s special about these sheets is how silky soft they are, as well as the fact that they are sustainably crafted from 100% Tencel lyocell—an added bonus for my eco-conscious giftees.
Like most of us, I’ve certainly purchased my fair share of pots and pans. But oddly, I’ve never had a cookware set that is thoughtfully designed, highly efficient, and doubles as kitchen decor too. However, now that I’ve moved, I’m committed to sourcing the best of everything for my apartment so Caraway’s beautiful cookware set is at the top of my wishlist. While I have my heart set on either the sage or cream color, I’d be happy to receive any of the brand’s non-toxic, ceramic cook- or bakeware.
Jessie Heyman, Executive Editor
If you feel like your jewelry collection is lacking in literary romanticism, U.K.-based jewelry brand Alighieri, whose gilded treasures were originally inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, will make any bookish aesthete swoon. Their astrology series pendants are perfect for any star-gazing friend. I’ve personally got my eye on a sculptural statement ring: The Silhouette of Desire. Rather perfectly named, don’t you agree?
Mai Morsch, Associate Market Editor
I recently discovered Baina’s charming checkered towels, and now they are at the top of my list this holiday season. I always appreciate a cheery home upgrade going into the new year. That’s why I plan to give my family and friends my all-time favorite Yuzu.Online candle. The fresh scent is sure to get them through the cold winter months!
Alexandra Michler, Special Initiatives Director
I will be giving these Batsheva x Laura Ashley oven mitts to my friends and family. Everyone loves to hibernate in the winter with cozy nights in! It’s always nice to have functional accoutrement that brings a bit of happiness.
I hope to receive this ruby stone necklace from MG Stones, similar to the one we shot on Paloma a few months ago in Jorden Bickham’s jewelry story. I love that the designers, two former Vogue editors and friends, have made an elegant, modern update to a classic stone pendant with the leather cord. Fingers crossed I have made the nice list this year!
Clarissa Schmidt, Commerce Producer
As we slowly transition back to the office this upcoming winter, I’m wanting a pair of durable boots that can get me from A to B in New York City, but also for all my upstate visits when I go home. With snow and slush elements surely to come, these lightweight, water-resistant boots are definitely on my holiday wish list this year—and would go perfectly with the cozy sweaters I hope to receive! I think everyone on my holiday shopping list this season is craving a bit of warmth and comfort, so what could be more dreamy than easing into super-soft slippers with a hot cup of coffee?!
Frēda Salvador Brooke rain resistant boot
Alex Mill Abigail turtleneck
Tkees Ines shearling slide
Ember Temperature control smart mug
Lauren Valenti, Senior Beauty Editor
Year after year, come fall, I’m counting down the days until I can wrap myself in one of Norwegian brand Holzweiler’s impossibly cozy and sumptuous alpaca-blend scarves. They’re hygge incarnate, and I want nothing more than to share the wealth and spoil loved ones with one of their beautiful checkered or monochrome styles.
Speaking of hygge, it’s my firm belief that there’s no greater cold-weather indulgence than a soft and fluffy statement coat. With its utilitarian zipper, snug oversized shape, and lush merino shearling, the Kala III from New York outerwear brand The Arrivals is my ideal combination of wintertime boho-chic and easy, toss-on-for-a-lazy-coffee-run wearability. What I wouldn’t do to slip into it on a chilly day like today!
Holzweiler fringed checked alpaca-blend scarf
The Arrivals Kala leather shearling coat
Ella Riley-Adams, Senior Living and Beauty Editor
Last year I gifted multiple mushroom grow kits and they were a hit—perfect to nurture in the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year I’ll definitely be expanding on that theme with Smallhold’s new cookbook, Mushrooms in the Middle. A number of chefs have come together to create a collection of recipes that center on fungi. And if that weren’t delightful enough, all the proceeds go to the Fungi Foundation, an organization dedicated to mycological education and conservation. For my favorite people, I’ll pair the book with some Dusen Dusen oven mitts to further their adventures in the kitchen.
Mushrooms in the Middle: A Smallhold Cookbook
Dusen Dusen oven mitt
Steff Yotka, Senior Fashion News Editor
I was recently in Austin and picked up a couple of rollerball remedies to gift for the holidays. This formula of lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary, and clove called Thieves or sometimes Four Thieves is a remedy for protection and health that dates back to the last big pandemic (the bubonic plague). Even on the other side, it feels like, of COVID, I think we could all use a little more good energy. As for what I’d like to get, I’m always collecting weird ceramics and “ceramic wine goblet” has a nice ring to it.
The Herb Bar Thieves Ready to Roll essential oil
Tableware ceramic wine goblets
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Originally posted from “VOGUE” by Alexis Bennett
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