gift guide: practical, pretty, whimsical, and witty gift ideas

My favorite part of giving gifts is that moment when the person opens the package, sees what the item is, and you can tell from their expression that you nailed it. I spend a lot of time carefully thinking about the right gifts for each person we give to, and even when I go a little over budget, it's usually worth it to achieve that perfect fit.  

I still have a lot of shopping to do for my own family, but I put together a few things that I hope can help you as you shop for yours. Let me know what you like!

When your green bean casserole needs to look its best, or snacks need serving, try one of Judy Jackson's hand-sculpted ceramic bakers. The set of six is dishwasher and microwave safe and comes in varying sizes and shades of grey. 

Hand-Thrown bake set, $98, anthropologie.com

Featuring illustrations nearly as lush as the Brooklyn-based florist's arrangements, this letterpress calendar/set of 8x10 prints was produced by Sarah Ryhanen of Saipua in collaboration with Brown Parcel Press.

Perennial calendar, $45, saipua.com

Vibrant birds (looking a bit like really sophisticated paint-by-numbers art) adorn this set of drinking glasses.

Bird's Nest drinking glasses, set of 4, $50, wolfum.com

An adorable porcelain dish for sweet treats or a cute place to stash your rings when you're not wearing them.

Chihuahua candy dish, $28, cwonder.com

For your friends who are always on a wine tour, these candles infuse a room with delicious notes such as refreshing pear and vanilla or warm woods and bright cherry, respectively.

Limited edition Estancia Chardonnay and Estancia Pinot Noir candles, $44 each, or $80 for both, daynadecker.com

No-brainer: A Bluetooth-enabled clock radio means no more messing around with those little plastic trays or being unable to dock your device after you've upgraded your phone. 

Albergo clock radio with Bluetooth, $299.99, tivoliaudio.com

A chic, well-padded, water-resistant bag to transport all your tech and then some. 

Westmore Sonic backpack, $99.95, shophex.com

Either sitting on a desk or wall-mounted, this dock lets you watch videos, consult a cookbook, browse the web, or hold your calls—literally—and keep your own hands free to accomplish other tasks.

Universal Hand Dock, $65, shophorne.com

This pirate and his parrot help you start the party regardless of whether you're trying to open a bottle of rum or a bottle of red.

Pirate corkscrew, $16.50 gentsupplyco.com

I love a good camo print (here on a leather strap) and that the watch face itself is disguised by a pyramid-shaped golden cover. 

Vince Camuto Women's Gold-Tone Pyramid Covered Dial Camouflage leather strap watch, $150, amazon.com

Bright, preppy, and a little bit retro, these generously-sized lockets are backed in sterling silver, which can be monogrammed in one of 11 fonts.

Enamel Locket necklace, $149, markandgraham.com

Your teen isn't listening to you anyway, right? But with built-in headphones, maybe he'll at least wear his hat when he goes out. 

Men's Plated Headphone hat, $58, echodesign.com

A star-patterned bag is fun but not too juvenile, and this one can fold up into the front pocket when not in use.

Fold-Away tote in Black Star Cluster, $40, saturday.com

This kinetic sand feels totally different than you think it will, and provides all the fun of the beach without the problem of finding gritty stuff where you don't want it.

Sånd, $19.99, brookstone.com

Let their imagination soar when they design their own superhero cape with a variety of crafty materials. Then keep an eye out for when they try to soar off the sofa.

Superhero Cape kit, $45, blueribbongeneralstore.net

Chalkboards and magnetized wooden buildings and accessories allow kids to be little city planners and imagine foreign adventures. London and a generic town are also available.

Machi Wood+Magnet Town: Paris, $41, aplusrstore.com

Half the fun of having kids is observing the world through their eyes. See what they zoom in on with this beautiful eco-friendly wooden camera.

Wooden toy camera in pixie nautical, $40, twigcreative.com

images via retailers listed

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