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2025 Modern Gift Ideas From Senior Contributing Editor Vy Yang

I assembled this year’s gift guide around the things I reach for, ritualize, or obsess over – and chances are, you know someone who does the same. If you’ve got a candle devotee, a matcha maker, a self-care enthusiast, or an art collector on your list, you’ll find something here that fits them perfectly. Think of it as gifting for people who savor the little things.

A clear glass table lighter with a wavy shape, decorated with colorful raised dots in red, blue, green, and yellow, on a plain white background

Photo: Courtesy of Edie Parker

I light candles daily and while I won’t be giving up my long matches, this lighter is absolutely joining my catchall tray. It’s sculptural, colorful, and makes the simple act of lighting a candle feel delightfully extra. For the friend who loves creating a cozy ambiance, this is the kind of upgrade they’ll reach for every night.

Sculptural candles always feel giftable, but these? They’re practically objet d’art. The stacked silhouette makes it look like a pillar candle perched on its own pedestal. One is striking on its own; a cluster becomes an installation. If I won the lottery, I wouldn’t tell anyone but there would definitely be signs…

Three personal care items: two green tubes labeled

Photo: Courtesy of Base-K

Head spas are on everyone’s “one day” list, but this kit readily brings that experience home. It’s designed to remove buildup, boost scalp health, and trick your senses into feeling like you’ve slipped into an actual treatment room. For the friend who embraces self-care nights (or maybe one who doesn’t embrace them enough), this hits all the right notes.

A minimalist tea set with a blue electric kettle, bowl, whisk, and cups sits on a countertop, echoing the curated style found in Design Milk Gift Guides, with ceramic bowls stored on the shelf below

Photo: Courtesy of Fellow

I’ve always told my husband that if we ever had to trim the budget, my matcha stays – no discussion. If you know someone whose morning matcha is sacred to them too, this set is the countertop upgrade they deserve. It creates a dedicated corner for their ritual and replaces the usual clutter with something serene. A perfect gift for the matcha loyalist in your life.

My phone’s Featured Photos widget brings me daily joy with those perfectly imperfect snapshots I never share publicly. The Aura Ink frame supersizes that feeling. It’s a cordless e-paper display that renders images in six ink colors, giving every photo a soft, film-like quality. For the sentimentalist who loves reliving memories, it’s a daily dose of joy.

Cover of the book

Photo: Courtesy of Mélanie Masarin

Mélanie Masarin – founder of my ultimate favorite non-alcoholic beverage brand, Ghia – is releasing a cookbook inspired by her travels, French heritage, and the flavors that shaped Ghia. It’s available for pre-order, but that just makes it more fun to gift: tuck the receipt into a gift bag with a case of Ghia, and you’ve suddenly created the perfect foodie present.

Gold chain necklace with assorted colorful gemstone beads and an adjustable clasp

Photo: Courtesy of Chan Luu

Colorful, asymmetrical gemstones are having a moment and this necklace nails the balance between playful and polished. For anyone who loves expressive, artful jewelry (hi, me!), it’s a stunning choice.

Rectangular, shallow bowl with angled sides, featuring a green marbled pattern with white and red accents on a plain white background

Photo: Courtesy of Cabana

Last Christmas I folded stars to hang out of marbled paper and it magnified my love for marbled paper that I want to see more of it in my day-to-day. If you know someone else who appreciates good paper, good patterns, or simply a good catchall, this tray is a small but impactful gift. The marbled finish feels special, and it’s perfect for corralling keys, coins, or daily bits and bobs. A thoughtful pick for the maximalist – or the organized minimalist – in your life.

A set of BIOTYSPA Body Spa and Body Sculpt Kit products, including bottles, bars, pouches, and packaging, arranged against a white background

Photo: Courtesy of Biotyspa

Skincare sets always feel luxuriously indulgent, and this one is the ultimate treat-yourself moment in a box. It firms, smooths, and adds glow – aka everything your overextended, under-pampered friend never buys for themselves but always appreciates receiving.

A framed geometric art print, two green glass cups, and an orange vase with orange flowers are arranged on a white shelf against a plain white wall.

Photo: Courtesy of Molly M Designs

Molly M Designs’ papercut art feels modern but still rooted in a centuries-old craft. Inspired by her travels to Sri Lanka, this piece adds pattern, depth, and a handmade touch to any wall. For the friend curating a more artful home, it’s a beautiful and meaningful gift.

Follow along so you don’t miss any of our 2025 Gift Guides this year!

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As the Senior Contributing Editor, Vy Yang is obsessed with discovering ways to live well + with intention through design. She’s probably sharing what she finds over on Instagram stories. You can also find her at vytranyang.com.

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