Wrong House's Gift Obligation Index
Unexpected picks for the hard-to-shop-for and have-to-shop-for.
By Lila Allen and Dan Howarth
‘Tis the season for giving! Here at Wrong House, we know that deciding what to get someone—and, crucially, how much to spend on them—often boils down to obligation. There are those you want to buy for, and others you have to. So not only have we hand-picked a selection of design-forward gifts for the holidays, we’ve also devised a helpful matrix that plots out which ones we recommend for whom. From the low-budget-but-imperative office Secret Santa or family White Elephant exchange, to the loved ones you want to surprise and spoil just because you can—and everyone in between—we’ve got you covered.
1. AI? Nah—let’s keep our most sacred thoughts offline, fam. This stylish stationery from British pattern purveyors (and my all-time favorite store) Liberty is perfect for any budding writers, emotional beings, or obsessive list-keepers in your circle. —DH
$16 at libertylondon.com
2. Picked your permanently stressed colleague in the office Secret Santa this year? The Nodpod weighted eye mask can provide them a moment of zen, even at their desk. —DH
$38 at havenwellwithin.com
3. Which of your friends needs to up their entertaining game? Big Night’s Aperitivo Spoons can easily elevate a charcuterie spread or a round of caviar bumps. —DH
$36 at bignight.bk.com
4. When everyone else at the party brings wine to the host, why not show off your good taste with this sculptural little wedge dish for nuts, candies, or wasabi peas? —LA
$54 at housesandparties.com
5. A magazine after Wrong House’s heart, for your irreverent designphile pal. They may have admired Nest for a while, but haven’t splurged on a secondhand copy yet. Be that kind of friend. —LA
$40 at availableitems.com
6. Sometimes you need to wash your hands of a task like gift-giving. With this chic Loewe bar soap, you can leave your recipient’s palms smelling delectably tomato-scented at the same time. Everyone wins. —DH
$65 at mytheresa.com
7. I’m on a personal campaign to bring back framed photos, which don’t get nearly enough love. Still: No one wants to buy their own picture frame. This year, try sending your cousin or other faraway pal a sweet pic of the two of you. —LA
$68 at luluandgeorgia.com
8. For the friend who’s short on space but big on forgetting to take her jewelry off before bed, this trinket dish should do the trick. —LA
$40 at fredericksandmae.com
9. Ira Rosen (the father of cult-favorite jean-maker Judi Rosen) creates one-of-a-kind wood puzzles—some of them delightfully lewd. This Ménage a Trois edition is naughty without being over-the-top. —LA
$325 at judirosen.com
10. Few people probably think about gifting a bottle opener, but it’s an item that’s dearly missed when not immediately at-hand. This cool geometric design by FS Objects will upgrade your dad’s bar cart or man cave. —DH
From $55 at fsobjects.com
11. If your bestie recently converted from being a “candle person” to an “incense person,” you can’t do much better than this brutalist incense column by Sugihara Fine Furniture. I recommend pairing it with Astier de Villatte’s Palais de Tokyo stick incense. —LA
Incense column: $450 at assemblyline.co
Incense: $170 for three packs (should last you a while!) at abask.com
12. Whoever you prefer to spill the tea with, the Diva teapot will add extra sass to the gossip session. The pink porcelain with gold threading emanates a very Dolores Umbridge vibe, and if you’re really trying to impress your mother-in-law, there’s also cups, saucers, and trays in various pastel hues to complete the set. —DH
$680 at bergdorfgoodman.com
13. Throw a rock at Il Buco Vita and you’re likely to find a good (read: safe) pick for an aunt or uncle—or whoever on your list has you stumped. This limited-edition dish is a collab between Il Buco’s cofounder Antonello Radi and John Derian, and it taps into the ongoing tinned-fish craze. You really can’t go wrong. —LA
$136 at ilbucovita.com
14. Colored glassware is making a comeback, and I love the amber tones of this cocktail set that your significant other can use to make you a martini at home (instead of spending a small fortune at a bar). A worthwhile investment, IMO. —DH
$315 at l-objet.com
15. For the couple that can’t agree on anything—a well-crafted Dumae dish filled with Swedish gummy candy should be a crowd pleaser. —LA
$100 at dumae.co
16. If you and your boss are on gifting terms, a luxe hand wash—such as this exfoliating, laurel-scented number from Diptyque—is always a solid pick. (Controversial opinion, but “obligation gifts” like these are always best when they’re easily regiftable.) —LA
$82 at diptyque.com
17. Socks are an obligatory holiday gift in my family. If you have an avid architect in yours, this set from Dodo Socks is patterned with five famous faces and their recognizable motifs. A perfect stocking stuffer, and a perfect stocking! —DH
$20 at dodosocks.com
18. Most moms love a kitchen accessory, and this sculptural ceramic butter dish is low stakes, high impact. It’s stylish, handmade, and also dishwasher and microwave safe. —DH
$84 at pigeontoeceramics.com
19. I just got back from an Amazon river cruise, and aside from the incredible wildlife, this local botanical gin made a lasting impression. It’s delicious mixed with a premium tonic water, and equally stunning on the shelf thanks to its beautifully illustrated label. —DH
$34 at passionspirits.com
20. In my opinion, you can never have enough tea towels—especially when they’re beautifully constructed and humbly elegant, like this linen one from East Fork, which was woven in northern France. To step it up a notch, present it wrapped around a bottle of your favorite wine. —LA
$38 at eastfork.com
21. Literally everyone likes a candle shaped like something else. I think it’s coded into our DNA? These cherry-tomato candles are delightful and can be divided among a group, or kept together for a fun arrangement. (Imagine how cute they’d be on a summertime birthday cake.) —LA
$35 at takamichibeautyroom.com
22. I got turned onto Mackenzie’s Fisherman Hand Scrub—which is made from walnut husks and smells like a fresh lemon—at Nickey Kehoe last year, and haven’t looked back. A well-priced cadeau for gardeners, cooks, and other hands-y folks in your life. —LA
$16 at fishermanhandscrub.com
*Obligatory disclosure! Some links on this post are affiliate, and Wrong House may receive a small commission if you make a purchase.