Dwell Picks: 18 Gifts We’re Planning to Give (or Hoping to Get) This Year
The ideal wishlist, according to team Dwell, includes sustainable linens, colorful face masks, and patent leather combat boots.
The ideal wishlist, according to team Dwell, includes sustainable linens, colorful face masks, and patent leather combat boots.
After 2020, we all deserve a good gift, whether from a loved one or self-bestowed. From a coffee subscription to an impossibly-elegant trash can, our editors have thought of something for everyone.
Anna Gibertini, Articles Editor:
"For myself, the Alessi Anna G. corkscrew is appealing. I like the idea that someone rendered my likeness (and name!) into a functional object that brings people together."
Alessi Anna G. Chrome Corkscrew
Anna G. is one cool chick in chrome. Instead of the colorful polyamide worn by the original, the Alessi Anna G. Chrome Corkscrew is a bit more glamorous in a chrome-plated gown. She is made entirely out of hard-wearing zamak to withstand many nights of bottle-opening revelry. Designed by Alessandro Mendini. Alessi, known as the Italian design factory, has manufactured household products since 1921. The stylish and fun items offered are the result of contemporary partnerships with some of the world's best designers of unique and modern home accessories.
"For my mom, I’m going to gift her a Driftaway Coffee subscription, which will be her first time using a subscription service. Her local grocery story stopped carrying her favorite coffee, so it’s the perfect time for her to try something new."
Driftaway Coffee Subscription
Personalized subscriptions matched to your taste & connecting you to your farmers.
Jenny Xie, Executive Editor:
"Cuyana’s philosophy of ‘fewer, better’ means you're buying timeless pieces that won’t end up in the landfill. This understated, pebbled-leather case keeps jewelry and trinkets out of sight and well organized."
Cuyana Leather Jewelry Case
Carefully designed with a tab for earrings, rings, and a pocket—a place for every piece in your collection.
"This sustainably made, organic-cotton duvet cover is easy to layer with additional throws or quilts, but adds a bit of texture and intrigue with its stripe pattern."
Coyuchi Rippled Stripe Organic Duvet Cover
Textural, dobby-woven stripes traverse soft, organic cotton to create a duvet cover that’s vibrant yet versatile. Prewashed for softness, it'll look as relaxed and inviting years from now as it does today.
"Trash cans can be sexy, too. I love that this sorter allows you to reuse your stash of plastic bags and keeps your waste and recyclables in one place. Plus, it's on wheels, so you can roll it out to your prep space whenever you're cooking."
Yamazaki Home Tosca Concealed Rolling Trash Sorter
Forego an enormous garbage can and instead opt for this simple, rolling solution that will allow you to make use of your plastic bags. Face the solid side outward to mask the garbage behind. Simply wrap two garbage bags on the upper hooks and easily begin sorting your trash. Paper trash, plastic recycling, whatever the situation calls for.
"Based in Hudson, New York, and queer woman–owned, MINNA partners with artisans in Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, Uruguay, and Bolivia to make their gorgeous home goods. I have heart eyes for all their pillows, but this alpaca-wool number sounds especially cozy."
MINNA Julie Pillow Terracotta
Playful Geometry. The Julie Pillow in Terracotta is named after the artist Julie Mehretu. This ultra-soft pillow is handwoven by an artisan co-op in Lima, Peru out of 100% alpaca wool. Features a detailed embroidered stripe and contrasting backside in a solid terracotta color.
Camille Rankin, Managing Editor:
"When it comes to handbags, I’m a tote gal, and I’d be over the moon if I got a Jaunt Petite wool felt tote from Graf Lantz. It’s the perfect size, it’s made in the U.S. (L.A. to be exact), and the color blocking is fabulous. I’m partial to Ember (hint, hint), but really any color will do."
Graf Lantz Jaunt Petite
Engineered down to the millimeter to distribute weight and load equally between multiple panels, the Jaunt has always been about the balance of strength and beauty and developed to maintain integrity for the design, the carry, and the make. The Jaunt Petite's color blocking and zig-zag construction continue to captivate and charm. Its sturdy frame features a magnetic snap closure, two interior hanging pockets, and vegetable-tanned leather detailing. Still big enough to fit a 15" laptop the tote can hold up to the hustle and bustle of a busy lifestyle, and take a punch or two. Sewn in our LA factory the Jaunt Petite is made from our premium, Merino wool felt for lightweight, weather-resistant and durable properties. The 3mm wool felt is extremely strong and allows the bag to hold its form and structure. Trimmed in hand-finished vegetable-tanned leather.
"Ever since we bought a house a few years ago, my husband has become something of a gentleman gardener, so I’m sure he’ll like this bright red pruning knife from Victorinox."
Victorinox Pruning Knife M
Whether for home gardens or professional environments such as tree and plant nurseries, a pruning knife is an essential tool for cutting back branches and saplings on bushes, shrubs and trees. The Victorinox Pruning Knife M features a carefully honed curved blade designed to make pruning jobs swift, simple and precise. Formed of stainless steel, its blade is fitted with a sturdy nylon handle.
"All I can say is: I. Want. These."
The Office of Angela Scott Mr. Hardy Boot
A shining statement piece, this combat boot is perfectly suited with interchangeable laces for an extra 'pop' of personality.
Ian Zunt, Editorial Fellow:
"With winter fast approaching, I figured I’d start at the top of my weatherproofing with this adorable bucket hat from Rains. They took the easy summer shape and pulled it down just a bit to create the perfect F/W hat."
Rains Bucket Hat
The Bucket Hat is made in the recognizable Rains light weight fabric and comes in a very classic design. Inside the hat is a soft breathable fabric to improve the comfort and fit.
"Forget matching your accessories to your shoes—this year is all about the bag and mask combo. Baggu is reinventing the essentials while proving that functional doesn’t mean boring."
Baggu 3-Pack Clay Organic Cotton Adult Face Masks
These vibrant masks are made from quilter's cotton that effectively blocks respiratory droplets while remaining breathable. They're constructed with a nose wire and adjustable ear loops for a snug, comfortable fit, and a pocket that lets you insert a filter for added virus and particulate barrier.
Maris Berkowitz, Sales Production Manager:
"I’m all about gardening right now, so this year I'm getting everyone plants. For the little kids on my list, I'll be gifting fun-shaped mini succulents; for the friends, the plant parent set or marble queen pothos; and for the family, orchids."
The Sill Hoya Heart Plant
This Hoya kerrii plant is commonly referred to as the Hoya Heart because of its heart-shaped leaves. This single leaf cutting is partially rooted, and comes handpotted in your choice of earthenware planter. One of the most infamous plants on Instagram, everyone needs their very own Hoya Heart in their houseplant collection.
The Sill Plant Parent Set
Jumpstart your indoor jungle with our favorite plant picks! Choose between 3, 5 or 7 low-maintenance houseplants. Plant picks change seasonally and will arrive in nursery pots ranging from 2.5" wide to 6" wide in diameter. A variety of sizes are included in each box. It also makes for a great gift for any budding plant parent!
The Sill Purple Orchid
Often called the beginner orchid or ‘moth orchid’, the popular pet-friendly Phalaenopsis orchid is one of the easiest varieties of orchids to grow as a houseplant. Indoors, it will typically bloom about once a year, for up to three months. After a blooming cycle, the flowers will wilt and fall off. This is the Orchid's way to store up energy to re-bloom again next season. Total height including planter measures around 18" tall.
Samantha Daly, Associate Editor:
"My family loves our cats a little too much, and we have a truly insane cabinet full of tea, so this is kind of a no-brainer."
Cat Person Catnip Tea for Two
In the 1600s, catnip tea infusions were a common way for people to relax and unwind after a long day. We’re bringing it back with new, catnip tea pyramids sourced from a certified organic farm. Enjoy a cup for yourself and cool one down for your cats for a special tea time ritual with you and your fur babies.
"A warm robe is a must during the wintertime! I'm gifting my sister this ultra-cozy number this year."
Brooklinen Super-Plush Robe
Inspired by the luxurious feel of our Super-Plush Towels, our Super-Plush Robe is made of combed, long-staple Turkish cotton and has a substantial 380 GSM weight. Feel like you’re lounging in luxury every morning with our first-ever wearable item! The robe features a piped collar, cuffed edges, deep pockets, and a sturdy waist tie.
"On my wishlist: this shiny new collab from two of my favorite brands."
Boy Smells x Ganni Park Life Candle
Park Life weaves notes of warming ginger, soothing basil and festive fig with clarifying sage, comforting clove, creamy tonka bean and rustic sandalwood to create a multi-sensory experience that transports the body and mind to an autumnal parkscape on a brisk fall afternoon. This candle collaboration is housed in Boy Smells' iconic graphic packaging.
"I spend a lot of time cooking these days, and this turner has been life-changing!"
Material The Soft-Edge Turner
Easy-going, flexible, and stylish. Must-have qualities that make this turner your pan’s best friend. Our BPA-free silicone spatula is designed with the ideal amount of give around the edges, making it easy to scrape, mix and flip without worry. Its reinforced nylon core provides stability and strength. What more could you ask for in a cooking utensil (and perhaps friend)?
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