Shopping·11 min read

Gifts That’ll Zhuzh Up Their Home and Kitchen

Gifts That’ll Zhuzh Up Their Home and Kitchen
Design: theSkimm | Photo: Urban Outfitters, Brightland
October 21, 2022

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The past few years have seen us all spend more time in our homes than probably ever before. Which means lots of us have devoted energy to organizing, redesigning, and curating all our stuff — and perhaps even mastering our home-chef game. But we’ve also gotten used to (and maybe a lil’ tired of) our surroundings. So a thoughtful home-related gift can really make a splash. From the cutest tiny waffle maker to weighted blankets and a big, bold houseplant, this guide has lots to love. Bonus: Most of ’em do double duty as housewarming gifts as well.Want more holiday gifting ideas? Check out The Shoppes at Skimm Ave. for our recs for everyone on your list.

Spicewalla

A spice set for your favorite grilling pro…

This set of three spice blends from an HQ’r-fave brand includes Carolina BBQ, cowboy grilling, and honey & herb rubs to ensure they won’t get bored of the same old seasonings. And if you’re looking to spend a little more for the devoted home chef, this collection of 10 grill and roast blends or this 10-pack of BBQ seasonings and dry rub blends have even more to offer. Psst...for 15% off, use code SKIMMWALLA15 at checkout. ($19.99, Spicewalla)

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Urban Outfitters

A smile to brighten up their tissue box…

It’s a bummer to be stuck home sick and miss out on all the holiday fun. But this happy little tissue box cover will make things feel sunnier at home — even when it’s no longer sniffle season. ($40, Urban Outfitters)

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Verloop

Faux flowers that are great for anyone who doesn’t have a green thumb…

Houseplants can be a lot of work, and cut flowers — even the most showstopping ones — fade after a while. So why not give the gift that keeps on giving with this six-pom-pom “flower” arrangement made from yarn and metal wire. It’s the perfect permanent living room fixture. ($28, Verloop)

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Otherland

Candles that’ll cozy up their space with wintry scents…

Any one of these six seasonal candles from cult-fave brand Otherland makes a great, slightly luxe but not too over-the-top gift. They’re all vegan, hand-poured from coconut and soy wax, and have a burn time of up to 55 hours. Oh, and they’re beautiful to look at. ($36 each, Otherland)

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Brooklinen

A mug for lazy winter mornings…

This handmade stoneware mug with a rubber-dipped handle has a rustic, unique-but-neutral vibe that will make it stand out in any kitchen cabinet. Perfect for long mornings in bed…or long mornings daydreaming about still being in bed. ($40, Brooklinen)

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Bearaby

A weighted blanket for the sweaty sleeper in your life…

Maybe you’re shopping for a generally anxious person who also complains about being too hot all the time. Maybe that person is you. Well, here’s the weighted blanket of their (or your) dreams. Unlike other blankets that use beads as filler, this one’s made from a super-breathable, handmade Tencel/cotton/spandex knit and looks as cozy as it feels. And it can even go in (front-load) washers and dryers. It comes in three different weights, from 15 to 25 pounds, and six color options. Sweet dreams. ($269+, Bearaby)

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Food52

A set of wineglasses that’ll add a pop of color to any dinner party…

Prepare for possible squeals of joy when this box gets opened. These super-popular handblown Polish wine glasses are a chic and distinctive addition to your giftee’s kitchen. Choose stemmed or stemless glasses, in rose, blush, smoke, or a set with two of each. ($170+/set of 6, Food52)

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Bloomscape

A big houseplant that’ll become the focal point of their living room…

Maybe check before getting this for your friend’s tiny apartment — but if your giftee has a green thumb and a big space to fill, this climbing Monstera plant will be a bold and welcome addition. Pick from five different colors for the included plant pot, and make their home feel instantly more tropical. ($169, Bloomscape)

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Amazon

A cookbook for the friend with a major sweet tooth…

Claire Saffitz’s last dessert-themed cookbook was a New York Times bestseller…and just in time for the holidays, here’s a new one that promises even easier recipes for the baking enthusiasts (or, in her words, “dessert people”) in your life. It’ll look nice sitting out on the kitchen counter, too. Psst: This one comes out in early November so hit pre-order for now. And for more great holiday gifts from Amazon, check out our storefront. ($29.99, Amazon)

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Ghia

A dairy-free hazelnut spread they’ll want to drizzle on waffles, desserts, and more…

If you’re not drinking these days, you may know the brand Ghia for their alcohol-free beverages. But here’s something else to love (and give to all your friends): a vegan, gluten-free hazelnut chocolate spread they won’t want to share. ($32, Ghia)

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The Container Store

A guac storage container that’ll keep it from browning overnight…

There’s only one bad thing about guacamole, and that’s how quickly it tends to go brown. This storage container to the rescue: The push-up bottom of this gadget helps remove as much air as possible so your favorite snacker can keep up to 24 ounces of it in the fridge fresher for longer. Time to guac and roll. ($21.99, The Container Store)

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Anyday

A set of bowls for anyone who mostly cooks in the microwave…

A microwave doesn’t just have to be for heating up last night’s leftovers. Here’s a set of four glass bowls designed for fresh, creative microwave cooking. Their tight-fitting lids make them great for fridge storage, too. ($120, Anyday)

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Amazon

A pepper mill for your partner who won’t shut up about "The Bear"…

Is everyone you know going to appreciate a $200 pepper mill? Probably not. But if you’re shopping for someone who’d love this, you’ll know. At under 7.5 inches, it’s not huge, but it’s ultra powerful and can produce a wide range of textures, from coarse to very very fine. (There’s a reason the Kickstarter for this thing raised over $1 million.) ($199.99, Amazon)

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Great Jones

The cutest casserole dish in town…

You know that friend who wouldn’t stop gushing about their colorful Great Jones sheet pans a couple years ago? Well, if they don’t already have this casserole dish, it’s the logical next step. Pick from five colors, all with the same pretty patterned design. ($75, Great Jones)

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Amazon

A tiny waffle maker they’ll actually use…

At only 4 inches across, this is basically a stocking stuffer, and it may just be the most delightful (and useful) one they’ll ever get. This Skimm Fave waffle maker comes in lots of different designs — leopard print, anyone? — and is incredibly fast and easy to use. Major win. ($12.99, Amazon)

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Grovemade

A desk shelf that’ll instantly elevate their home office…

This handmade piece is a super thoughtful gift for someone you’re looking to splurge on (hey, maybe that person is you) who’s still perfecting their WFH sitch. It comes in six colors and will help keep their workspace streamlined and organized. ($260+, Grovemade)

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Uncommon Goods

A stairway to cheese heaven…

For the foodie who has a favorite cheese store and knows the staff by name. This customizable board is anything but boring: It folds out into a four-level serving situation. Plus, stainless steel serving utensils are stored in a drawer at the bottom. Lookin’ Gouda. And for more great holiday gifts from Uncommon Goods, shop here. ($56+, Uncommon Goods)

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Brightland

An olive oil set they’ll probably want to buy again for themselves…

Whose day wouldn’t be made better by some olive oil, Champagne vinegar, and orange blossom honey? We won’t blame you if you want to stick around after this gift is opened in hopes of getting a taste. Bonus: It also comes with a pretty gold-colored spout to use with the olive oil bottle. Psst…we’re also big fans of this mini olive oil and vinegar set that’ll add a little pizzazz to their charcuterie board. ($88, Brightland)

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