Welcome to the ELLE DECOR Small Luxuries Guide: our expertly curated list of covetable designs for the holiday season and beyond. Here you’ll find exquisite little treasures for everyone on your list, from the impossible-to-buy-for aesthete to the ingredient-obsessed foodie, the beloved family pet to the friend who is always redecorating. With so many hitting the under $500 sweet spot, it will be hard not to snap up a little something for yourself. Go ahead—you deserve it.
Because a competitive streak deserves to be chic
Andrea Hasler Haut Construct (front) and Pimp My Ride (back) Jigsaw Puzzle
Art x Puzzles (x Verbier 3-D Foundation)
Art x Puzzles makes owning a work of contemporary art more accessible by turning a selection of pieces by notable artists into limited edition jigsaw puzzles. This is a double-sided design, featuring two photos by Andrea Hasler.
$150
Geometric G Playing Card Set
Gucci
Raise the style ante of your weekly poker game with a deck of cards clad with Gucci’s geometric monogram, housed in a matching zippered case made of Demetra, the fashion house’s own plant-based leather.
$320
Scrabble for Anthropologie Game
Anthropologie
Scrabble has taken the bored out of its original board game design with a colorful special edition that resembles a garden, with geometric “hedges” around the border, butterflies in the center of the rotating game board, and floral letter tiles.
$148
Forbidden Fruit Jigsaw Puzzle
Piecework Puzzles
A thousand pieces should be enough to keep your crew occupied until the clock strikes midnight, ushering in the new year on a (relatively) healthy note—and a heavy dose of visual vitamin C.
$38
Couvertures Nouvelles Playing Cards
Hermès
A vintage 1962 Jacques Eudel design, depicting horses covered in different blankets, has graced Hermès blankets, scarves, and, now, playing cards, just in time for those fierce holiday games of go fish.
$145
Sky Dice Set
Georg Jensen
Serious players apparently roll with their own dice. We’re seeing many versions this holiday season and are especially intrigued by this Scandinavian modern set, housed in an engravable stainless-and-leather traveling case.
$49
Turn the tables on humdrum hosting—and turn heads
Cannage Mug Set
Dior
Guests at Christian Dior’s Paris fashion shows once took in the action from Napoleon III–style chairs with cane seats. This iconic pattern has been reworked by Cordelia de Castellane, creative director of Dior Maison, for the house’s collection of Limoges porcelain tabletop. In two colors.
$550
Blue Pulled Napkin
Creative Women
Each of these cotton napkins is handmade from start to finish—spinning, weaving, dyeing—in Ethiopia, using age-old weaving traditions and azo-free dyes. The raised blue “stripes” are hand-stitched; the others are created by hand-tying warp threads while still on the loom.
$22 each
Ramona Coupe Glasses
Anthropologie
Cocktail, mocktail, bubbles—offer guests their beverage of choice in a colorful coupe. The wide brim design enhances the imbibing experience, and a weighty stem steadies the hand after an evening of sip-and-repeats.
$56 for a set of four
Birchwood Plate
Tisch New York
This rich, malachite-patterned birchwood veneer plate elevates your tablescape to expert stylist-level. It’s from Tisch New York, a tabletop company founded by a former Harper’s Bazaar fashion editor, with an artful range that channels today’s trends into super-stylish yet utilitarian pieces.
$38
Cubi Blu Espresso Cup Set
La Double J
The princess of pattern, J.J. Martin, collaborated with Ancap, an almost 60-year-old legendary Italian porcelain manufacturer, to create a set of barista-approved espresso cups bearing her trademark geometric Cubi print.
$185
Beautiful Numbers Glassware
Stefan Sagmeister for Lobmeyr
The leaves depicted on this series of beer tumblers were planted in a lush garden that graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister encountered in Mexico. He then tapped Raxenne Maniquiz to create the botanical illustrations that Lobmeyr’s artisans ultimately hand-painted on each glass.
$344 each
Flight Glassware
Fferrone Design
Chicago’s iconic Marina City towers inspired Windy City–based designer Felicia Ferrone’s latest barware designs, a collection of glassware with architectural curves. Each piece is handcrafted of fluted borosilicate glass, a miracle material that is beautiful but also oven-, microwave-, and dishwasher-safe.
$180–$230
Ceramic Sugar Bowl
Gunia Project
Time to infuse a bit of style—and whimsy—into the oft-overlooked sugar bowl. We love the colorful details that the Ukrainian brand infused into this accessory; best of all, if you like the look, there’s a whole tabletop collection to match.
$180
Harvest Placemats
Elizabeth Lake
A set of cheery linen placemats for the modern host who takes pride in a table well set. These are handmade in Portugal and feature very sweet appliquéd blue and white fig leaves circling the edge. They’re sold as a set of two and also available in a golden yellow or a natural linen.
$135
Pretty candles and accessories guaranteed to spark joy
Bread Fruit Candle
Ysnay
Holiday travel this year may not involve the tropics, but a little bit of the Caribbean can be found in this bread fruit candle, handmade in Martinique from a blend of soy and beeswax with a wood wick. Each of the seven essential oil scents will burn for 70 hours.
$119
Maple Burl Matchbox
Glaze
This handmade match box is one of a limited edition of just 56 matchboxes using burls hand-picked for maximum grain from American lumber yards. Matches are included, and you can opt to personalize your gift with a message or monogram for a small additional fee.
$185
Lady Day Ceramic Candle
Harlem Candle Company
A candle inspired by the white gardenia Billie Holiday wore in her hair, with notes of jasmine, ylang-ylang, coffee flower, sandalwood, and vetiver, housed in a reusable covered ceramic vessel with an apropos floral pattern.
$98
Folium-Scented Candle
And Objects
Designer Martin Brudnizki creates richly layered interiors that tick all the sensory boxes. No surprise that his new candle designs do the same. Folium infuses a space with fresh notes of green leaf, ylang-ylang, and neroli for 50 hours, leaving a festive Murano glass vessel in its wake.
$140
Cloud Cloche
Skeem
A footed ombréd glass cloche makes an intriguing, and surprisingly functional, container for matches. The snow globe–inspired, handblown design incorporates a flint for on-bottle striking and 120 matches tipped in red (or white, for you monochromatic types).
$38
Sea Urchin Votive
Lisa Eisner for Commune
Jeweler Lisa Eisner is known for bold, sculptural designs sported by the likes of Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Lady Gaga. Her home collection, created exclusively for Los Angeles–based design firm Commune, is a series of small functional sculptures including incense holders and this bronze votive, inspired by creatures of the sea.
$600
Swirl Multi Candelabra
Tom Dixon
This sculptural candleholder is sure to make waves on any table. Its polychromatic ripples are created using a resin composite that incorporators leftovers from the marble industry, and we bet you’ll also recycle it for your holiday spread year after year.
$470
Kitchen necessities for the gourmand in your life
Caviar Tasting at Home
Petrossian
One must indulge in the finer things to develop a seasoned palate for them. And what’s finer than Petrossian caviar? This sampler includes one tin each of Royal Ossetra, Alverta, and Baika, sized for 2 to 8 people, from the 100-year-old family-owned Maison.
$299–$1,207
Slinky Verde Apron
La Double J
J.J. Martin’s eponymous brand has become synonymous with fun, colorful, archival patterns on pretty much everything. This apron is a new design that, she claims, makes wearers look so good, it doesn’t matter if they can cook.
$120
Heritage Electric Kettle
Haden
The tea lover in your life might appreciate this matte black beauty made by a British company that’s made kettles for 75 years. While retro in style, it has all the modern technology, from built-in water filters to lights that indicate when the water is steep-ready.
$79.95
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Flamingo Estate
There’s olive oil, and then there’s olive oil—the special stuff that’s best enjoyed pure, drizzled over warm crusty bread. Flamingo Estate’s is a blend of Arbequina, Arbosana, and Koroneiki olives organically grown in Paso Robles, California, handpicked when ripe and processed the very same night into the deliciousness that’s in this bottle.
$39
Italian Chocolate Tins
Baratti & Milano
Chocolate makes for the perfect stocking stuffer, and you can’t go wrong with a gourmet selection from Baratti & Milano. With an assortment of creme, hazelnut, and cappuccino flavors, there’s something sweet here for just about everybody on your list.
$98
Ode Coffee Grinder
Fellow
Cult coffee brand Fellow’s grinders are coveted by connoisseurs who know that the grinding of the beans is almost as important as the beans themselves. This new white model sets the gold standard with 31 grind settings and a minimalist design that can proudly hold its own on any counter.
$299
5-Inch Chopper
New West Knifeworks
A colorful addition to any cook’s knife repertoire, this beauty was handmade in Idaho using high-performing steel with an ergonomic handle of aerospace-grade fiberglass. No wonder it’s been dubbed “the Cadillac of its kind.”
$259
Charcuterie Board
Etu Home
This showstopper of a charcuterie board is made from sustainably-sourced European timber and finished with 100 percent plant-based, food-safe wax. The navy (shown here) is sold out, but we adore the black version.
$140
Su Chili Crisp
Yun Hai
We all take plenty of heat during the holiday season...why not up the ante with this seriously addictive chili oil from Taiwan- and New York–based company Yun Hai? The fiery five-spice mix—made from a generations-old Taipei recipe—is the perfect mate for dumplings, pizza, or whatever else needs a kick.
$14
Toaster Oven
Balmuda
This minimalist toaster oven is so efficient it could replace both a conventional toaster and oven (for those not prone to whipping up 10-course meals). The compact Japanese countertop design is a minimalist’s dream—and a great option for those tight on space—that uses steam to masterfully make toast in five modes (ranging from artisan bread to pizza).
$299
Stylish sundries for even the most difficult to please
Lapis Ashtray
L'Objet
Even if you’re not one to smoke, this indigo tray makes for decidedly stylish storage. Made of porcelain and accented with bright, 24-karat gold, it’s a standout on any console or cocktail table. If the blue doesn’t tickle your fancy, it’s available in malachite and leopard print too.
$225
Wrapping Paper
Eskayel
While it may seem counterintuitive, gift wrap makes a wonderful gift for those of us who never seem to have enough on hand. This set is quite special, as the paper is marbled by hand, using a thousand-year-old intricate process, to create these dynamic patterns with colored oils.
$70
Ceramic Planter
Base Ceramics
This year, don’t let your friend’s pathos and peace lilies wither on the vine. Catalina Parra’s ceramic vessels will keep plants looking vibrant year-round—perfect for those whose new year’s resolution is to cultivate a green thumb.
$140
Book Cartomancy Paperweight
Ginori
Gio Ponti was the art director for Ginori from 1923 to 1933 and designed dozens of items for the legendary Italian porcelain company, including this limited-edition paperweight, rendered in hand-painted porcelain with 24-karat gold pages.
$611
Color Block Pen and Pencil Set
Tiffany & Co.
Got notes? Make sure you’re jotting them down with some of the most luxe pens and pencils on the market, then. Treat yourself or friends with this set of writing instruments from Tiffany & Co.—after all, few things get as big a reaction under the Christmas tree as the coveted blue box.
$500
Glass Dog Bowl in Aubergine, Set in Charred-Oak Dog Bowl Stand
Mr. Dog New York
Your pup deserves to dine from a statement set crafted completely by hand. Each bowl is individually created by Los Angeles–based master glassblower Nate Cotterman and sits in a charred oak stand made by Omar Muniz, a Brooklyn-based woodworker.
Bowl, $235–$350; Stand, $130–$160
Hand-Painted Porcelain Box
Augarten
You can’t go wrong with Augarten porcelain. Give friends and family a luxe new place to store their bits and bobs with a sleek new storage box from the 300-year-old manufacturer.
$305
Flowerpot Portable Table Lamp
& Tradition
Verner Panton’s iconic Flowerpot lamp, which made its debut in 1969, has been reimagined in a more petite version that is also portable, making it perfect for road trips and outdoor gatherings.
$315
Because baby, it’s cold outside
Trompe L’oeil Pigment Throw
Saved
A delicious cashmere throw designed by Brooklyn-based artist Sean McNanney to mimic the facade of a grand Italian building, realized in fine, sustainably sourced Mongolian cashmere. In three sizes and colors (lime, pigment/blue, plaster/beige).
From $1,475
Maharam Angles Pillow
Paul Smith
Looking for a gift for the fashionista in your life? Don’t just go for another pair of shoes or a jacket—make sure they have something stylish for the home, too. This pillow was inspired by a scarf from Paul Smith’s A/W 2005 menswear show, so its colorful geometries are sure to be eye-catching in any setting.
Dip-Dyed Throw and Pillows
Johanna Howard Home
Johanna Howard brings a Scandinavian sensibility to her designs, woven and hand-dyed with an ombré effect in small pots over an open fire by Peruvian artisans. The lightweight throw and velvet-backed pillows are made from 100 percent baby alpaca.
Throw, $450; square pillow, $359; rectangle pillow, $300
Cathy Callahan Patchwork Bolster Pillow
Garza Marfa
We love the poppy colors and classic patterns that are indicative of Garza Marfa’s style. Bring a bit of the Texas look to the Christmas tree with this vibrant linen bolster.
$234
Petal Blanket
Gregory Parkinson
Gregory Parkinson never met an ikat he didn’t like. Here, he used it as a border for a jacquard blanket, because he “loved the insane colors mixed together.” These colors are a bit muted by his usual standards; similar blankets sold on the site are much bolder.
$450
Blue Eden 19-Inch Pillow
Livvy and Neva
Interior designer Keita Turner is an avid collector of antique textiles that she upcycles into fanciful decorative pillows. This one was created from cloth dinner napkins that once belonged to her grandmother, so only six are available.
$375
Patchwork Pillow with Ruffle
Everyone needs at least one statement throw pillow, and few spark as much joy as the colorful, ruffled offerings from In Casa by Paboy. Designed in Naples by Paboy Bojang, who fled his native Gambia to seek asylum in Italy, these cushions are all sewn by a small team of fellow migrants.
$130
Cloud Cotton Quilt
Parachute
Everyone could use a bit more sleep, so bedding makes for an easy universal gift. This particular quilt from Parachute comes in a range of elegant neutral hues, from blush clay to soft moss.
$259
Rima Pillow
Kissweh
Kissweh was founded to give craftswomen living in the refugee camps of Lebanon the opportunity to earn a fair living from their skills. Each pillow is completely hand-embroidered with intricate patterns inspired by age-old Palestinian needlework motifs, albeit with a modern twist.
$380
Helena Madden is ELLE DECOR’s market editor, and covers all things product and trend, from flatware and furnishings to kitchen and bath. She previously worked as a staff writer at Robb Report, where she covered luxury news with a focus on interior design.
