Guest Picks: 20 Exquisite, Understated Holiday Gifts
These ceramic cups are perfect for tea or cocoa and will remind the recipient of winter's simple pleasures.
These fig-shaped bud vases would be such a surprise inside their humble little wooden box. They hold a single bloom each, making them perfect for simple arrangements.
If your friends like to bake, these rustic wooden dough scrapers will be well received.
Salt and pepper are the most basic ingredients for any meal. These grinders would look great whether you're serving a three-course feast or plain mac and cheese.
A gift of vintage spoons will always be appreciated. These brass ones are on trend, and the wood handles keep them from looking flashy.
Why not inject a little quiet humor into your gift-giving? This bookend will raise a smile if your friend is an avid reader.
Diminutive bowls and spoons are a lovely way to present condiments, or even flavored salts. And if your friend isn't a regular host, these are small enough to pack away neatly between dinner parties.
There's something so appealingly tactile about this brass bottle opener. Heavy, polished and intriguing, it's both beautiful and useful.
Just because it's understated doesn't mean it can't be playful. This wooden version of the New York skyline would be a cute souvenir for someone who loves the city that never sleeps.
What better way is there to balance practicality with tailored style than a herringbone tweed iPad cover?
This a very special votive holder, and it illustrates understated chic perfectly. What else would you expect from Calvin Klein? This little gold box uses a mirror to bounce a single flame around for a twinkling display of light.
Quality crisp linen napkins will be appreciated by everyone. I love the range of neutrals in this collection.
So you have a cyclist in the family? This bike bag has a utilitarian vibe, but the soft leather and large buckles spell quality.
Even minimalists enjoy some comfort. Soft pale gray knitted pillows and throws are wonderful to receive. You can never have too many, and these cable-knit options are quite luxurious.
Do you have someone artsy on your list? This calendar of retro camera photos is functional and like art in its own right.
Remember those executive desk toys from the '80s? This is the infinitely more tasteful present-day version: an intriguing puzzle that looks like sculpture.
I love these tiny crumpled coffee cups and saucers. They're so unassuming yet beautifully crafted.
You can still keep the focus on craftsmanship for gadget lovers. This radio will look great in the most understated of homes.
In a world dominated by electronics, a simple notebook is a refreshing change of pace. This one is a reversal of the traditional: Its black pages are intended for metallic pens. It could be something for your loved one to write down their New Year's Resolutions in.Next: 50 Ways to Wrap Holiday Gifts in Style
You'd never guess, but this carafe is made of glass. It may have a subtle matte texture and slim lines, but it's sure to be a talking point at the table.
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