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Shopping for someone who has everything? Looking for one present that’ll delight several people on your list? Here are ten ideas to make things a little easier this year.
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1. Trinket Dishes
$40
Useful and chic, trinket dishes, or “catchalls,” can be good for anyone on your list with a nightstand or an entry table—and you can find them to suit a variety of styles. DC hairstylist Shannon Marie Sheridan, who often gives catchalls, loves the vintage ones at the local website Rare Form and also hits up Libby & My in Union Market. One of that shop’s popular “bathing beauty” dishes is on her own nightstand.
2. Olive Oil
$25
A beautiful bottle of high-quality olive oil is a classic gift most people can use in the kitchen. Public-relations professional Ashley Arias is especially fond of the oil—plus balsamic vinegar—from Dimitri Olive Farms ($18 to $45 a bottle), a local family-owned Greek brand available at area farmers markets.
3. Monogrammed Duffel Bags
$159
McLean plastic surgeon Navin Singh says one of his favorite things to give has been duffel bags from L.L. Bean, which he has monogrammed for a personal touch. This one comes in five timeless color combinations.
4. Locally Made Candles
$36
Local candle maker Handmade Habitat offers a line of “typewriter note” candles ($36). They come in five scents—designed for coziness, clarity, love, self-care, and rest—and can be inscribed with a custom message printed on a vintage typewriter. Design one to fit everyone on your list (with a bulk discount) or personalize each.
5. Apple AirTags
$29
Style blogger/influencer Kelly-Lynne Russell Guy often gives loved ones AirTags for keeping track of keys, luggage, and other easy-to-misplace items. “My family is perpetually losing things,” she says. “Even last year’s AirTags.” Fancy it up by adding an AirTag holder, from brands including Anthropologie (starting at $15) and Hermès ($299, pictured; in-store only).
6.Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
$29.99
Jamie Fortin, owner of the Alexandria romance bookstore Friends to Lovers, says this novel has universal appeal: “There is something delightful about cuddling up in winter with a story about adventure and found family. I love the idea of someone giggling when they learn the plot twists and closing the book with a comforting sigh, like I did with my first read.”
7. Needlepoint Pillows
$95
Dawn Crothers, who owns the event-rentals company Something Vintage and is known for her fun, colorful style, says the quirky needlepoint pillows ($88 to $98) are among her favorite presents to give.
8. Ice Cream Subscription
$199
Fans of Jeni’s swear by the brand’s decadent flavors, such as Brown Butter Almond Brittle and Green Mint Chip. A three-month “pint club” subscription ($199) includes three shipments of four pints each, often including a yet-to-be-released flavor. Or opt for a single-shipment bundle such as the Best Sellers ($58 for five pints) or one of more than a dozen holiday-themed combinations ($12 to $108).
9. Rock Paper Scissors Wizard Croc
$17
Inspired by the children’s pastime “rock, paper, scissors,” this card game (use the code gowild for free shipping) is a great pick for kids in your life. Created by Ready Player N in Herndon, it’s rated for ages seven and up—though with a little guidance, younger ages can join in, too. Ideal for two to four people, it can be played at home or on the go.
10. Shinola Organizer Wallet
$295
This new pocket-filled leather organizer wallet by Shinola is a great gift for jet-setting loved ones. It comes in black and tan and can hold three passports, up to six cards, a pen, and more.
