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Collection by Kelsey Keith

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Person Who Has Everything

We're kicking off a month of Dwell-approved holiday shopping lists with this roundup of the best unusual gifts to give your friends and relatives who seem to have it all.

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Monthly subscription boxes have been all the rage in 2013; this one from Svbscription takes a specialized approach, packing each edition with full-fledged artisan goods. Past issues have explored themes like travel and "the unexpected" (pictured here); the next boxes will hold treasures surrounding the idea of "Maker" (featuring collaborators like James Corner Field Operation) and the company's first release geared specifically towards females, with gifts from Le Labo and Marimekko. W1 box, $589 at Svbscription.
Monthly subscription boxes have been all the rage in 2013; this one from Svbscription takes a specialized approach, packing each edition with full-fledged artisan goods. Past issues have explored themes like travel and "the unexpected" (pictured here); the next boxes will hold treasures surrounding the idea of "Maker" (featuring collaborators like James Corner Field Operation) and the company's first release geared specifically towards females, with gifts from Le Labo and Marimekko. W1 box, $589 at Svbscription.
One way to bring joy to even the most serious adult's heart? A new bicycle. Try it and see (we recommend getting in bright green to be extra festive).
One way to bring joy to even the most serious adult's heart? A new bicycle. Try it and see (we recommend getting in bright green to be extra festive).
Another tactic is perishable items that look good enough to display on a kitchen counter. This line of Greek olive oil fits the bill--it even won a Red Dot Design Award for packaging in 2012. FIVE Organic extra virgin olive oil, $49 each at Ultra Lavish.
Another tactic is perishable items that look good enough to display on a kitchen counter. This line of Greek olive oil fits the bill--it even won a Red Dot Design Award for packaging in 2012. FIVE Organic extra virgin olive oil, $49 each at Ultra Lavish.
Games are never not a good idea. Plus, you can play them once the novelty of this year's Santa haul wears off. This dominoes set from American designers Fredericks and Mae are beautiful objects to boot. Moon Dominoes, $80 at The Primary Essentials.
Games are never not a good idea. Plus, you can play them once the novelty of this year's Santa haul wears off. This dominoes set from American designers Fredericks and Mae are beautiful objects to boot. Moon Dominoes, $80 at The Primary Essentials.
Some people say you can't be too rich or too thin. We say you can't be too smart! Bone up on science facts and the wonders of the natural world with this complete set of Audubon Field Guides. Audubon complete series, $375 at Best Made Co.
Some people say you can't be too rich or too thin. We say you can't be too smart! Bone up on science facts and the wonders of the natural world with this complete set of Audubon Field Guides. Audubon complete series, $375 at Best Made Co.
We know of a few Danish design icons: Hans Wegner wishbone chairs, Georg Jensen silver, Verner Panton pendant lighting... Now add Christiania cargo bikes to that list. Designed in 1984 in the hippie municipality inside Copenhagen, these bikes are now the transportation mode of choice for parents on the go. Christiania Boxcycle, $2,950 at Adeline Adeline.
We know of a few Danish design icons: Hans Wegner wishbone chairs, Georg Jensen silver, Verner Panton pendant lighting... Now add Christiania cargo bikes to that list. Designed in 1984 in the hippie municipality inside Copenhagen, these bikes are now the transportation mode of choice for parents on the go. Christiania Boxcycle, $2,950 at Adeline Adeline.
A cactus sits nicely in this fired-clay vessel from La Gardo Tackett.
A cactus sits nicely in this fired-clay vessel from La Gardo Tackett.
Instead of giving something tangible to someone who has it all, consider giving to someone who has very little. Many non-profit organizations sponsor gift drives, including the UK-based Good Gifts. One effort we particularly like is a funding initiative for subsistence farming in Rwanda. 20x10 foot greenhouse for growing hydroponic food in Rwanda, £1,200 at Good Gifts.
Instead of giving something tangible to someone who has it all, consider giving to someone who has very little. Many non-profit organizations sponsor gift drives, including the UK-based Good Gifts. One effort we particularly like is a funding initiative for subsistence farming in Rwanda. 20x10 foot greenhouse for growing hydroponic food in Rwanda, £1,200 at Good Gifts.
Document all that gift-giving with Fujifilm's Instax camera, a bite-sized Polaroid-type camera with a case that looks like a vintage Leica. Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic camera, $210 on Amazon.
Document all that gift-giving with Fujifilm's Instax camera, a bite-sized Polaroid-type camera with a case that looks like a vintage Leica. Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic camera, $210 on Amazon.
For the literalist, these I-beam bookends will get the job done with heft and architectural influence. The finish is nickel-plated steel. $250 for the pair, from Ralph Lauren Home.
For the literalist, these I-beam bookends will get the job done with heft and architectural influence. The finish is nickel-plated steel. $250 for the pair, from Ralph Lauren Home.