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.

Dec 16, 2020 - 09:34

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.

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."

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."