Beautiful gifts aren’t hard to come by, but decision paralysis can quickly set in with so many options to consider. In our experience, the most appreciated gifts are those with beauty and brains. In other words, they’re as useful as they are aesthetically pleasing.
To help narrow your search, I rounded up a list of all things gorgeous and stunning — the most stylish gifts that anyone on your list will be happy to use when they’re not showing them off. Keep in mind that shipping deadlines may have passed for a lot of brands, so if you need a gift guaranteed to arrive on time, be sure to check out our last-minute gift guide too.
SKIP AHEAD The best aesthetic gifts in 2024 | Under $50 | Under $100 | Over $100 | Why trust NBC Select?
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The best aesthetic gifts in 2024
Below, you’ll find beautifully-designed gift ideas for this year’s holiday season. This list includes NBC Select staff favorites, products from previous coverage, and highly-rated options.
Under $50
Bodum Chambord Stainless Steel Espresso Maker
As a recent coffee convert, I’ve been looking for kitchen accessories that add a bit of brightness (and caffeine) to my morning routine, like this multicolored espresso maker from Bodum. It brews espresso in less than two minutes on the stovetop, and has a nonreactive, stainless steel interior to help preserve the coffee’s flavor, according to the brand. The espresso maker is hand wash only, and available in small and large sizes, making it suitable both for daily coffee drinkers and those who only need the occasional fix.
Rolife DIY Miniature House Kit
With this miniature kit, your giftee will get both a new hobby and unique decor. Each kit includes over 200 pieces and comes with detailed, easy to follow instructions for bringing the intricate tableau to life. You can also choose from other settings like a coffee shop, a bookstore and more. This option even includes an LED light, so your giftee can keep their creation lit up for all to see.
Nikolas Bentel Bean Chalk
This set is a great gift option for both kid and adult crafters. The chalk has a curled, interlocked design that allows your giftee to draw with multiple colors at once, though it can also be separated if they want to use one color at a time. Plus, it can be used on a variety of surfaces, including chalkboards, wood surfaces and more. And whenever they’re not using the chalk, its unique shape can be displayed among other decor in their home.
Jiggy Puzzles Merry Cactus Puzzle by Shea O’Connor
Each Jiggy puzzle has unique artwork designed by a woman artist, along with a reusable glass jar, puzzle glue and a straight-edge tool to help with preservation, according to the brand. “It’s so rewarding to be able to do the puzzle and then save it forever,” says NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin. This option, which is part of the brand’s holiday collection, has 400 pieces and can be repurposed as seasonal decor when it’s finished.
Dear World Globe
This pinnable globe is for the frequent travelers on your list. It’s made from a thick, cotton paper that’s soft and durable, and includes 50 red pins for your giftee to mark and keep track of their adventures. You can choose between a globe that shows the names of either cities or countries, and it’s available in two sizes.
Verloop Chunky Slide Slippers
Everyone needs a pair of cozy house slippers, and this stylish pair from Verloop has the look and feel of ones you may see in fancy spas. Each pair has a foam-cushioned sole and slip-resistant patches to keep you from sliding on tile or hardwood floors, according to the brand. The interior is lined with a soft polyester fleece, while the outside has a bright and colorful two-tone checkerboard pattern made from a soft fabric.
Vintage Bookshelf Edition Games
I’m a huge fan of board games, but these days I find myself not buying new ones because of how big and bulky the boxes can be. These bookshelf edition games are the perfect solution — each full-size board game is held inside of a linen-wrapped, book-shaped case that slides easily onto a shelf. They also come in a range of colors so your giftee can build an eye-catching collection of classics like Monopoly, Clue, Candy Land and more.
Marycele Candle Warmer Lamp
This candle warmer is a flameless alternative for the fragrance lover on your list. Its wooden base is designed to fit all candle sizes, plus, its built-in timer allows you to set timing in two, four and eight hour intervals, and can activate the candle’s scent within minutes, according to the brand. The ridged glass shade is sure to add a flair of elegance to their space, and it has an electric dimmer that you can use to adjust the bulb’s brightness — this is especially useful, since the brighter the bulb, the quicker your candle will burn.
Los Angeles Apparel Earmuffs
Earmuffs are my favorite winter wear alternative to hats and beanies — they’re warm, cozy and help protect your ears while still preserving your hair. This option from Los Angeles Apparel has a fluffy, faux-fur texture made from a soft polyester material, according to the brand. The headband is also fully adjustable for maximum comfort, and the earmuffs come in 13 different shades, including red, baby blue and chocolate.
Under $100
Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier
This sleek facial humidifier is a favorite of NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson, and a great choice for self care nights at home. The Hey Dewy humidifier helps to hydrate the skin by dispensing a cooling mist, which can run either continuously or in an intermittent pattern, according to the brand. It’s small, wireless and rechargeable with a battery life of up to eight hours, so your giftee can travel with it, too. The humidifier also has a soft LED light that can double as a chic night light.
JW PEI Harlee Shoulder Bag
A small shoulder bag is a wardrobe staple that complements any outfit, in my experience. The asymmetric design of this vegan leather option adds a chic twist to the everyday accessory. It’s also big enough to fit an iPhone 15 Pro Max and smaller models, so you won’t have to worry about storage space, a common issue with mini bags, in my experience. It also comes in a range of neutral and patterned colorways.
Bala Bangles
Malin says she’s “much more motivated to workout if [she’s] using pretty equipment,” which is why she loves these ankle weights from Bala, an NBC Select 2024 Wellness Award winner. “I think of them as a fashion accessory that just happens to be weights, and I don’t mind wearing them while exercising because they’re not super bulky,” she says. The bangles are wrapped in a soft silicone for comfortable wear, and are available in one, two and three pound weights. For more on the Bala Bangles, you can check out Malin’s full review here.
Gustaf Westman Chunky Cup and Saucer
Gustaf Westman products are known for their bold and bubbly designs, and this cup and saucer set is no exception. It’s made from a glazed ceramic that gives the exterior a smooth feel, and comes in one of three bright colorways, according to the brand. Each cup is also individually made, making this gift truly one of a kind, according to the brand.
Glossier You Eau de Parfum
I’m constantly experimenting with fragrance, but I always return to this scent from Glossier because its bright, warm and slightly spicy scent is perfect for everyday wear, in my opinion. It has notes of pink pepper, ambrette seeds, ambrox and iris seeds, and is designed to melt into the skin, so the scent will be slightly different for everyone. The frosted pink bottle is made in-house at Glossier, and looks great displayed on a shelf or dresser. This perfume also comes in two other yummy-smelling variations, Glossier You Doux and Glossier You Rêve.
Courant Mag:2 Wireless Magnetic Charging Stand
Courant’s magnetic, wireless charging stand is elegant tech at its best. This option has two charging pads that can power up multiple devices at once, and it’s compatible with all Magsafe-compatible phones, according to the brand. It’s also covered in an OEKO-Tex certified Belgian linen that’s color-matched to the frame and cable, giving your giftee a minimalist yet stylish alternative to traditional phone chargers.
Mosser Colored Glass Cake Stand
Malin, who’s an at-home baker, says this cake stand has been on her wish list for years — “I literally dream about it,” she says. Each cake stand is made from a colored flint glass that’s molded, pressed, hardened and polished by hand, and has an optional clear glass dome that can be added on, according to the brand. The hand-made nature of the products means that there will be slight color variations in each stand, making each one unique. Whether they’re a dessert expert or a beginner baker, this cake stand will help to make their creations stand out — “the cake stand elevates any dessert and presents it as a showstopper,” says Malin.
Buffy Puffer Blanket
Designed for all-season use, this Buffy blanket is made from a blend of recycled polyester and Tencell lyocell, making it soft and durable, according to the brand. Each blanket is colored with non-toxic dye, and has quilted stitching to give it that standout puffer design (and to help keep the blanket’s fill in place).
Sheyn Bloz Vase
These gorgeous vases are 3D-printed using a unique, corn-based compound that’s also 100% recyclable, according to the brand. Each vase has a blended gradient of colors designed to move with the design of the vase, which has a blob-like, asymmetrical shape that’s meant to look different from every angle. The coloring, which is available in vibrant shades like Bubblegum, Watermelon, and Dragon Fruit, will also vary slightly from vase to vase, making each one totally unique, according to the brand. Despite its detailed design and craftsmanship, the vase is also relatively easy to wash — simply wipe it clean with a wet cloth or under running water.
Haus of Jewelry Alphabet Charm
Pendant charms are thoughtful and personalized gifts that can help add a touch of originality to any of your giftee’s necklaces. This letter charm from Haus of Jewelry comes in an abstract, funky font that stands out from more traditional options. It’s available in four plated finishes, including white gold plated, 14k gold plated, pink gold plated and black plated options, and can be easily cleaned with a soft, lint-free cloth, according to the brand.
Over $100
Hulken Bag
Ask anyone around the NBC Select office, and they’ll tell you that Malin is a huge fan of the Hulken bag, a foldable alternative to the traditional grocery cart. “Before buying the Hulken, I used what I lovingly called a ‘granny cart’ to schlep my groceries, laundry and boxes across NYC,” she says. The Hulken, which has four wheels and three handles for easy portability, is an all-around upgrade. “It’s tall and wide, so it holds a ton of stuff, and it looks chicer than a wagon or shopping cart, in my opinion,” says Malin. She also says that people are constantly stopping her in the street to ask where they can buy one for themselves. The Hulken is available in a range of shiny, metallic finishes, and comes in small, medium and (very) large sizes.
Dusen Dusen Reef Stripe Bathrobe
Bold personalities will shine through in this bathrobe, a colorful alternative to more neutral options. It’s made from a soft cotton-terry blend and has a multicolored, striped design with a contrasting interior and removable tie belt.
Hatch Restore 2
When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, Hatch Restore 2 is the sunrise alarm clock your giftee never knew they needed. I tested this showstopper for our NBC Select 2024 Wellness Awards and it’s been a game changer for my night routine ever since. It has special features like custom light settings, alarm scheduling, relaxing music, nature sounds, and more. Plus, its modern design looks beautiful on my nightstand.
Oura Ring 4
Most health and fitness trackers are far from subtle, but the Oura Ring 4 is an exception to the rule. It’s a sleek, minimalistic ring that measures health metrics like blood oxygen levels, heart rate, body temperature variations, daily movement and more, according to the brand. The ring has up to eight days of battery life and charges on the included dock — more special features can be accessed via its companion app.
Great Jones x Fellow Tea Kettle
This option is a collaboration between NBC Select staff favorite brand Great Jones and kettle brand Fellow, designed similarly to other Fellow models with the brightness and vibrancy of Great Jones’ colors. It’s a stainless steel electric kettle with a gooseneck spout and LCD display on the heating base, so you can know the exact temperature of the water inside.
Assouline Travel Coffee Table Book
Coffee table books are a thoughtful gift for the constant traveler or friend with nonstop wanderlust — plus, they make for stunning decor. Assouline coffee table books are bound in bright, colorful covers, and showcase photography from destinations around the world including Ibiza, Mexico City, Miami Beach and more.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
This NBC Select Wellness Award winner is one of our favorite pairs of over ear headphones. The ear cushioning makes them very comfortable for extended wear, and they also have great sound quality and noise-canceling features. NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz says these headphones “are good at just about everything” and have very intuitive touch controls, along with an excellent battery life.
Salomon XT-6 Sportstyle Sneakers
We love sneakers at NBC Select, and this pair from Salomon is an ideal gift for the style-conscious athlete on your list. They have increased cushioning on the sole for softer landings while walking, along with lug-style soles for added stability when going over bumpy terrain, according to the brand. The XT-6 sneakers are also designed to be lightweight and durable, and come in a wide selection of colors, ranging from everyday neutrals to multicolored statement combinations.
XGIMI Elfin Flip Projector
The Elfin Flip projector’s playful, modern look is an aesthetically-pleasing alternative to traditional projectors, and can also double as decor. The design also allows for flexible viewing angles, including onto the ceiling, according to the brand. The projector doesn’t compromise on quality either; it has 1080P HD resolution, and comes with built-in speakers and a remote control.
Juniper Books “Jackets Only” Book Covers
NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider was “truly in awe” when she received a set of these book covers from Juniper. Some display original artwork inspired by popular series like Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings, while others have evergreen but equally stunning designs. “They’re completely eye-catching and would be a perfect gift for any serious book lover or someone who collects different versions of their favorite books,” says Schneider.
Seasons Soni 2.0 Diffuser
This diffuser blends essential oils with water to create water vapor, which it blows into the air to moisturize and scent your space, according to the brand. Its striking design comes in powdered pastels like slate and sand grey, and also includes a vegan leather carrying strap for easy portability. The diffuser charges using a USB-C cable, and can run for up to four hours nonstop, according to the brand.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m an associate SEO reporter at NBC Select covering skin care, wellness, lifestyle and more, including zodiac- and fun-size-themed gift guides. To find the best aesthetic gift ideas, I searched for the sleekest, most stylish and aesthetically-pleasing products, including options we’ve covered previously along with some NBC Select staff favorites.
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