12 Modern Holiday Gifts for Last Minute Shoppers

We love Anecdote’s talent of cleverly prescribing one-of-a-kind scent profiles to hyper-specific feelings we can all relate to (their best-selling Quarter Life Crisis candle is a team favorite!). Just as their 2021 candle captures the inner peace we were pushed to find in this whirlwind of a year, the fresh, citrusy floral scent of their 2022 candle encapsulates our hopeful optimism for the new year. Whoever receives this as a holiday gift this year can look forward to starting 2022 off on all the right notes – citron and bergamot zest layered atop a base of crisp white cedar, musk, and jasmine.

Graf Lantz Coasters are a solid holiday gift because they come in a range of fun, eye-catching colorways (though I’m partial to the bright tones in their Paradise Set!), feature a minimal design, and most importantly – they really work! Merino wool felt is naturally water resistant, and these coasters can absorb as much as 30% of their weight in water without ever feeling wet. Plus, the wool is also soft to the touch which means you don’t have to worry about scuffing up your coffee table. An all-around winner in our books!

For the skincare junkie or self-care obsessive on your list, this Facial Roller by Alder New York will take their skincare routines to a whole other level. The black obsidian stone feels cooling on the skin and rolling it in upwards motions on your face helps combat puffiness, relieve tension, and promote circulation. A holiday gift we could all use after over-indulging during the holidays! Pro tip: gift it alongside Alder’s Fortifying Face Oil for a glow-boosting holiday bundle.

This sleek and modern Bottle Opener by Belle-V is the kitchen upgrade we never knew we needed. Not only does this limited-edition opener look the part thanks to its polished stainless-steel construction, but it’s also ergonomically designed to make opening bottles a seamless (and satisfying!) activity. It even comes in a gift-ready box, which means you can spare the extra gift wrap. Party hosts, craft beer enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys kicking back with a cold one will be psyched to have this gadget in their kitchen.

Starring original artwork by Clare Youngs, the Gilded Peacock Puzzle by Werkshoppe Puzzles features collage inspired prints, vibrant jewel tones, and elegant gold foil details for a dazzling look and feel. Coming in at 1,000 pieces, this Werkshoppe puzzle will engage (and challenge) anyone on your holiday shopping list, and they’ll love having a piece of ready-to-frame artwork when they’re done!

When you’re in a pinch for the perfect gift, you can’t go wrong with stationery. This set from our 15th anniversary collection made in collaboration with Poketo has your gift recipient covered – the White Lines Notebook is perfect for scribbling down notes, to do’s, or doodles, and the Concept Planner brings structure and productivity to their daily routine, while still leaving room for flexibility and creative brainstorming! You can even split up the set for more holiday gifting power.

Kelly from the Design Milk Operations team loves her Small Cup by Fors Studio and we totally understand why! Hand-glazed and durably designed, the cups’ modern curves and soft coral colorway are sure to add a little something special to your recipients’ morning. They make a perfect gift on their own or paired with a matching carafe for any espresso or sake lover, or a ceramics enthusiast who appreciates beautiful craftsmanship!

This planner and wall-art hybrid by Poketo will ensure you never miss a deadline or appointment in 2022. The poster-sized wall calendars come in bright, delightful colors that are synonymous with Poketo’s designs, making for a cheerful pop of color on your walls. They’re even open-dated which means you can keep enjoying your planner even if you fall off track. Whether your recipient displays one month at a time or opts for a full-on rainbow display to map out their year, they’ll positively love the order, style, and convenience this vibrant wall planner brings to their life.

Travelers, tech-lovers, and pretty much anyone with an arsenal of devices will appreciate the organized layout and convenient design of this Charger Organizer by Native Union. Fit with an array of handy loops, pockets, and a quick-access pocket for must-haves, this modern organizer will keep all your chargers, cables, and tech essentials in one tidy location. Aspiring and established photographers will also get a lot of use out of this for storing camera batteries, SD cards, and cables!

Design Milk readers and staff all agree – the Wick Portable Candlelight is a top-tier holiday gift. If you need proof, just ask Design Milk shopper Jana, who says, “I love my little Wick! It’s adorable and small and yet is so sturdy. Well designed, well made. It truly makes me happy!” With various task and mood light settings, a portable build, and uniquely modern design, we promise that it’ll make anyone on your holiday shopping list happy. You can find it in brass or graphite finishes too!

Give the gift of being infinitely cozy with this Rainbow Throw Blanket by Swell Made Co. Sure to be loved by anyone on your holiday shopping list, the blanket’s graphic black and white print is the perfect complement to nearly any home decor style. The minimal, eye-catching design and warmth of the eco-friendly cotton material makes this throw a total winner.

Can’t make up your mind? A Design Milk Gift Card is always a good holiday gift idea! Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, coworkers, or partners, they’ll love perusing our modern finds and picking out something they truly love.