Dwell Picks: 26 Gifts We’re Loving This Year

From a cozy throw blanket by a Los Angeles designer featured in this year’s Dwell 24, to a stylish, insulated cardigan and a toaster oven that could change your life, treat yourself or someone on your gift list to the items we can’t stop talking about. 

Jack Balderrama Morley, Managing Editor:

"I used to look forward to getting a little chocolate in my Advent calendar every December, but now caffeine gives me a better boost for making it through the darkest time of the year. I like how Copper Cow Coffee pays their farmers more than average, and a Vietnamese-style brew is a nice change of pace from my typical American drip, so their Advent calendar tops my wish list."

"I tried—and loved—these chocolates at the Queens Night Market, a weekly food festival in Queens, New York. Now, I’m getting a bunch for little gifts."

"These stylish plant stakes, featured in our November/December issue, are made by an emerging Philadelphia designer. They’re one of my new go-to housewarming or any-occasion gifts."

"From our September/October cover designer, these woven blankets look and feel great. I bought two to give for presents but haven’t been able to part with either yet."

Ian Zunt, Digital Marketing Associate:

"A friend of a friend designed the first Chillbies back in 2019, and I’m mad that I’m only now finding out about them. I’m hesitant to give up the ease of my beloved summer footwear as we head into the damper months, but I’m hopeful that these are the perfect in-between shoe. This year, I’m asking for a pair of the Original Chillbies slip-ons, but I might also have to go back for the Chillbie Mids boots when the snow comes in New York…I’ll keep you posted."

"Dad, don’t read this! He’s a phenomenal cook, but he’s lacking one little thing that would step up family dinners: a tiny whisk. He thinks they’re hilarious—I know this from watching countless YouTube cooking videos with him—and I think it’s time he upgrades to five inches. This one from Brightland is the cutest."

Mike Chino, Senior Editor:

"No one expects to receive a really cool soap dish, which makes this a great gift for pretty much anyone. The pink colorway reminds me of the barrel-vaulted ceilings that crown some of my favorite projects. You can also pair the dish with some terrazzo soap for a match made in heaven."

"This toaster oven changed my life. If you know someone who has tried warming up pizza—or god forbid, french fries—in a slot toaster, add this to your gift cart immediately."

"My Rumpl Puffy blanket cozies up all of my off-grid adventures—and the Portland, Oregon, company recently branched out with a set of snuggly merino wool numbers that play nicely at home. For indoor/outdoor gifting, these options have you covered."

Suzanne LaGasa, Creative Director:

"This book stopped me in my tracks. The colors, cover type, illustrations, textures, and the story itself, they’re all delightful. I won’t just be gifting this to kids this year."

"Buying local always makes a gift feel more special to me, even if in this case it means purchasing imports from West Africa. The owners of Al Maktoum Goods, a small shop in Brooklyn, partners with the AGOWA Cooperative in Senegal to source fair trade baskets and textiles. They’re a beloved permanent fixture at the Fort Greene farmers market. I love the storage hampers with bulbous lids and baskets with leather handles—each one is unique and makes a sweet gift for anyone who appreciates handmade items."

"A friend recently shared this menorah with me, and even though neither of us are Jewish, it was impossible to not admire its sweetness. According to their website, Judaica Standard Time ‘explores the space between faith and design’—and it shows. The ceramic menorah was designed by Ariela Nomi Kuh of Camden, Maine, and manufactured in Portland, Oregon—setting up a good precedent for connection."

Erin V. Mahoney, Senior Marketing Manager:

"After a lengthy kitchen renovation, my sister-in-law deserves a spanking new apron, too. I’m gifting this apron from Food52’s own line. The skirt has built-in potholders (brilliant!) and it comes in three different sizes for home cooks of various ages."

"In the 2014 SNL sketch ‘Back Home Ballers,’ Leslie Jones raps about the many bowls at her mom’s house—and their myriad contents. I have something in common with the elder Ms. Jones. Indulgent yet functional, bowls make near perfect gifts. I love these from The Citizenry. They can dress up an apertivo hour or serve as bedside table catch-all."

Jenny Xie, Executive Web Editor:

"Perfect for outdoorsy types, Oregon brand North Drinkware makes goods that bring their favorite landscapes inside the home. Their Lake Tahoe blanket, created in partnership with Pendleton, features a topographic map of the alpine lake and surrounding peaks. Also, check out their glassware sets, which feature famous mountains molded into the bottom." 

"Gestalten publishes the dreamiest books, not least of which is this collection of gorgeous homes by the sea."

"Lightweight yet warm, simple yet tailored, this cardigan from cult-favorite brand Snow Peak is—dare I say it?—the perfect layering piece for all seasons."

"If you’re not going to be able to see your loved one in person, might I suggest the gift of greenery? They’ll be able to pick the perfect plant for their own home situation, and from my experience, everyone loves having a new potted friend."

"Here’s an unexpected gift at an affordable price point that’s sure to get a lot of use: This flameless gadget is perfect for lighting candles, incense, sage, and more—and it comes in a variety of colors."  

Sam Daly, Associate Editor:

"This is at the top of my wish list this year! Filled with gorgeous photography and mouthwatering recipes, I’m even more inspired to dabble in a plant-based diet when everything looks this good."

"I can’t wait to gift this to my favorite people with young children. The magazine covers are a joy to look at, and the activities inside are perfect for kids to work on with their parents."

Sarah Buder, Articles Editor:

"This sculptural mug is by Viviana Matsuda, the San Francisco designer behind ceramics studio Mud Witch. I loved Matsuda’s work before she was featured in this year’s Dwell 24, but after I read in our September/October issue that her squiggly creations are inspired by the body positive movement, I admired her designs even more."

"This set of towels by Dusen Dusen have long been on my wish list. I love pretty much everything designer Ellen Van Dusen does—I already have her Check bedding duvet set!"

Looking for something else? Check out the rest of our holiday gift guides here.

More Dwell Picks:

21 Things We’re Obsessing Over This Fall

The 9 Products Our Team Never Travels Without

Our Favorite Cookbooks, Just In Time for Soup Season