This holiday season, resist the urge to load up on stocking stuffers at big box stores, where you’ll find cheap, fast goods that are likely to, much too soon, end up in the trash or donation pile. Instead, consider filling each stocking with just a couple of choice gifts that will bring joy day after day. Below, some great-looking, practical-minded ideas.
Above: To-do lists are more satisfying when they’re in a stylish notebook. We’re enamored with Laika’s considered A5 Stitched Notebooks featuring simple graphic designs on the covers and matching colored stitching for the binding (e.g., yellow cover design has yellow stitching on the inside); $7.40 each at Utilitario Mexicano. Above: Got a knitter on your list? Handa Textiles offers some chic knitting patterns, including one for this striking pair of wool Cosmos Mittens; $7. Above: Miss the smell of sharpened pencils? We do, too. For a hit of nostalgia, consider gifting this Vintage Pencil Bouquet ($8) from Boston General Store. “All are sharpened into a satisfying point and bundled in bouquets of twelve.” The sets are available in two sizes, regular and short—”for those of you who appreciate the satisfaction of using a pencil until it sharpens down to ‘golf pencil’ size.” Above: Here’s something that few of us have but we could all use for better-looking homemade flower arrangements. Niwaki’s Kenzan Flower Frogs are $11.25 for the mini set; $14.25 for the medium; and $22.50 for the large on Bloomist. Above: These Hinoki Sachets hold fragrant shavings from Japanese cypress trees and can be placed in drawers and closets; in a bowl to freshen any room; or directly into a bath; $8 at the Japanese American National Museum. Above: For those who can’t start the day without buttered toast: These Iris Hantverk Butter Knives are made from beech wood and available with a green or black handle at Makié; $14 each.
Above: These colorful Pot Grabbers from Utilitario Mexicano are so inexpensive—just $5.90 each—you may want to consider getting one (or two) for yourself as well. (See DIY Idea: Natural, Hand-Woven Potholders Will Have You Revisiting a Childhood Craft for more recommendations.) Above: This pair of sexy, lacquer-coated bamboo Black Chopsticks is $20 at Anzu. The sharp taper makes it easier to pick up small foods like beans. Above: Water cup? Toothbrush holder? Flower vessel? Let your recipient choose its use. Crow Canyon’s Enamel Catalina Tumblers are dishwasher-safe and can hold up to 14 ounces; $17 each at Salter House.
Above: And now for the most expensive item on our list: Waxed Linen Food Wraps by London-based Wax Atelier. The reusable wraps are made from English linen with beeswax, pine resin, and jojoba oil—and dyed with flower heads, roots, and wood bark. Primary Essentials carries them in two sophisticated palettes (indigo and ivy).
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