For many years, I’ve stayed out of the gift-guide fray. The world is already so noisy, and I never want to add to the chatter unless I have something genuinely useful to offer.

This year, though, I started thinking about the ways a gift can spark joy, and how it might be helpful to look at gifting through that lens. What if a gift guide could do more than round up pretty things, and actually help you create more joy?

Most people on your list this holiday season probably don’t need more stuff. But they might welcome more color in their days, a spark for their creativity, a way to turn ordinary routines into rituals, or something that helps them make richer memories.

The best gifts aren’t just things. They’re doorways to a more joyful life.

So… introducing the very first Aesthetics of Joy Gift Guide.

If I have a hidden agenda, it’s this: in a moment when AI is making us newly conscious of how much energy we devote to the digital world, gifts can gently call us back to the physical one. Things like simple pleasures, fresh air, making stuff by hand, sensory pleasure, shared play, and memories you can actually hold (not just scroll past).

The 2026 Aesthetics of Joy Gift Guide

EVERYDAY COLOR

Color has a way of shifting our mood instantly. These gifts brighten daily routines, infusing small moments with energy, warmth, and delight.

1. A collection of vibrant spoons to brighten h’ors doeuvres or morning coffee-making

2. A sustainable, ceramic-lined travel bottle with a whimsical confetti sleeve

3. A beautiful basket with a subtle rainbow

4. A coveted, design-forward calendar that sells out every year

5. For the avid writer, the perfect pen in a rainbow of colors

6. Everyday drinking glasses that are anything but ordinary

7. A playful twist on a classic striped sweater

8. The softest cashmere hat that comes in a rainbow of vibrant hues. (Note: this is my go-to daily hat and I can wholeheartedly endorse. Pair with colorblock cashmere socks for a cozy duet.)

9. A squeal-worthy pillow that would add joy to any style of decor. (There are matching napkins. Just sayin’)

Creative Kits

When life gets busy, creativity often slips to the bottom of the list. These kits bring it right back within reach, offering simple, satisfying ways to make and play.

10. This simple fermentation kit makes homemade kimchi and kraut a breeze

11. A shibori-dyeing kit that teaches you the Japanese art of working with indigo dyes

12. A guided sketchbook starter set

14. Everything you need to make a whimsical, Rudyard Kipling-inspired needlepoint pillow

13. Bagels, but make them joyful: this DIY rainbow bagel kit will show you how

15. A kit that teaches you how to weave your own flower basket

16. A set of handmade watercolors any budding artist would revel in. (Pair with a set of travel brushes and/or a gift certificate to one of Case For Making’s amazing online workshops)

17. Learn block printing and natural dyeing with this bandana-making kit

joyful Rituals

There’s joy in the little things we do again and again. These pieces elevate daily rhythms, making routines feel more intentional and enjoyable.

18. For your plant-loving friend, a copper watering and misting set elevates the everyday tasks of plant care

19. A beautifully designed moon phase calendar for the friend who wants to be more in touch with the cycles of the seasons

20. Getting organized and inspired becomes an enjoyable activity with this stunning oak-framed pinboard

21. Cleaning becomes almost meditative with beautiful tools

22. An essential set for any matcha-lover (add this kettle, which heats water to the exact right temperature for green tea, and a tin of ceremonial matcha for a complete experience)

23. The friend who wants to journal more won’t be able to resist when she has a poppy striped notebook and bright colorblock pencils

24. A pure beeswax sanctuary candle lightly scented with lavender paired with a beautifully illustrated tarot deck for the wisdom seeker

SMALL INDULGENCES

Whether it’s a beautifully made version of an everyday item or a small, unexpected treat, these gifts bring a bit of extra joy to the flow of daily life.

25. A real-deal grownup hairbrush is the kind of thing that feels special, but no one buys themselves. (Add a microfiber hair towel and the lightest yet most protective hair serum for a complete routine)

26. This nanocurrent device promises to increase collagen production, but also just gives a nice, on-demand glow (currently 20% off with code LEEHALO)

27. A grown-up charm bracelet that speaks to the inner child

28. Socks with a whimsical twist

29. A pair of heels designed to be as comfortable as flat shoes

30. An artistic tray gives cocktail hour, or even just a a desk lunch, an aesthetic upgrade

31. For the friend who has a winter beach vacation planned, a colorful caftan will spark appreciation and anticipation

32. A rainbow of non-toxic nail polish is pure whimsy

33. An iridescent gua sha tool makes skincare feel like play

34. Soft slippers in a whimsical patchwork knit

35. Does anyone need a sculptural cookbook stand? No, but it adds real pleasure to a daily task

SENSORY DELIGHTS

Joy often starts with the senses. These gifts invite moments of texture, scent, sound, and flavor that make daily life feel more vivid and alive.

36. A stroll through a lush garden in one beautiful box. (A smaller version with a scent I am so obsessed with, I might buy it for myself.)

37. I am not an incense person, but I tried these woodsy-scented incense sticks after seeing them on Ali Labelle’s instagram and they are an instant mood. (The scent is like cedar closet meets cozy campfire. Heaven!)

38. Sustainable, highly moisturizing lip balms in two highly evocative scents

39. Perfume can be hard to gift, but this discovery set takes the guesswork out of it. It includes 16 intriguing scents so you can try one each day, plus $60 off a full sized bottle.

40. A dreamy, soft, personalizable robe. (This is the robe that convinced me, a lifelong robe-hater, that I am in fact, a bathrobe person. It’s so soft yet so light)

41. The most moisturizing hand cream in three heavenly scents

42. This affordable portable speaker with great sound comes in lots of fun colors is an easy way to bring more music into the home. Create a custom “mixtape” (aka Spotify playlist) to make it more personal

43. A chef-recommended set of artisan spices reinvigorates the palette

44. The very best soaps, made in small batches from essential oils on a multigenerational farm. (Look for their special gift boxes on their site, lined with handmade papers. They’re logo-free keepsakes that are a gift in themselves!)

Hostess Gifts

Great hostess gifts are both useful and uplifting. These items offer a gracious way to say thank you and leave a lingering note of joy.

45. After all that cooking, an easy pasta night — with rainbow noodles — is the best gift a host could ask for

46. The most joyful swirly glass bowl

47. The bottle of this strawberry-scented amaro is sure to bring joy, and that’s even before anyone’s tasted the contents

48. A non-alcoholic negroni with feel-good adaptogens, this is my go-to when I’m skipping wine (20% off with code INGRID20)

49. For a party host, a simple, beautiful cake slice is the kind of thoughtful gift that will quickly get put to good use

50. This remote controlled disco light (a steal at less than $10!) will ensure the party becomes an afterparty. (We use ours as a family on weeknights, and for kids’ sleepovers and sleepunders)

51. Chocolates they’ll still be talking about in the new year

MEMORY MAKERS

Instead of adding more stuff to our lives, these gifts help us hold onto what truly counts. These picks make it easier to capture and revisit the memories we never want to lose.

52. Turn your kids’ drawings into a one-of-a-kind stuffie they’ll treasure forever

53. Yes, you could frame a photo, but a small framed piece of ephemera can make an even more unique and sentimental gift

54. Make custom Lego minifigures for every member of your family and drop them in stockings for a personalized surprise

55. For the traveler, a patterned passport case and leather-bound travel journal will ensure they keep essentials and memories close at hand

56. An heirloom quality brass recipe box keeps grandma’s treasured meals safe, and lets you build a collection of your own

57. This service guides you to create your own book of family stories, recipes, or genealogy to preserve your memories for generations. (Or hire an artist to record a custom song for someone you love)

Outdoor adventures

These gifts are designed to draw us out from behind our screens and into the sensory richness of the outdoors, one small adventure at a time.

58. An adventure pack for budding naturalists, complete with starter binoculars, compass, flashlight, and whistle

59. For less rugged types, a picnic basket offers inspiration for more refined outdoor adventures

60. A pair of running shoes so joyful you can’t help but want to lace up and get outside. (Pair with these ultimate winter running leggings — the only thing that keeps me running when the temp drops below freezing — for giftees in northern latitudes!)

61. A smokeless outdoor firepit will be the centerpiece of countless family memories. (Pair with s’mores fixins so you can put it to use right away!)

62. A backpack to brighten your nature walks. Each one is made using offcuts in a unique color combination based on the individual factory worker’s inspiration. No two are alike

63. These gardening clogs come in a rainbow of colors, for your friend with the green thumb

64. Pair this foraging toolkit with a guidebook and a beginner course, like the one from Herbal Academy

65. A beautiful set of garden tools wrapped up in a handy roll

For the Kiddos

These screen-free gifts are designed to spark imagination, encourage open-ended play, and put creativity at the heart of daily life.

67. A hooded baby towel that declares “this will not be a sad-beige childhood!”

66. The very best kids’ easel, customizable with whiteboard or chalkboard. This one has gone the distance in our house

68. Magnatiles are a perennial favorite toy for a reason, but did you know they make Micro-Magnatiles? Perfect for restaurants and travel

69. The cutest veggie crayons

70. Thanks to this fox-shaped digital camera, I now have a willing buddy for nature walks

71. A well-written, fun graphic novel series to read together at bedtime. (Might mom occasionally read ahead to find out what’s going to happen? I won’t tell if you won’t…)

72. This paper airplane kit offers designs at a range of levels, and lots of fun surprises in how the different planes fly

73. A rare modular play couch that checks both the stylish and fun boxes

74. A fast-moving card game that has everyone laughing, and is easy to throw in your bag for restaurants or travel

75. For creative kids, Ooly’s art supply game is unmatched. A bundle of fabric doodlers, sparkle markers, paint sticks, and a sketchbook or coloring book is sure to unleash the imagination. Add stickers to confirm your status as the fun auntie. (Pro tip: I order in bulk on Black Friday and make bundles for birthday party gifts year round.)

76. These Paint-by-Sticker books are a huge hit in our house for a screen-free, low-key indoor activity. (We have the grown up ones too so we can all do them together!)

77. The rules take a minute to learn, but the endless variations make this game one to return to again and again

Beloved Books

I love a themed stack of books as a gift. To help you choose, I updated my Bookshop booklists. Here are eight different collections you can pull from to create inspiring, whimsical book bundles for your loved ones.

78. Books to inspire joyful home decor

79. Books to broaden your perspective and expand your mind

80. A selection of books to help you grow as a writer

81. Books to help you master cooking

82. A collection of books to help you cultivate an abundance mindset

83. Joyful books of poems

84. Books that spark joy

85. A collection of essential books about color

Festive Attire

These might be gifts, or they might just be a few festive pieces to wear if you’re looking to add a little sparkle and color to your holiday celebrations.

86. The most festive earrings

87. A snowy Fair Isle sweater that’s warm enough for caroling

88. Glowy drops that are like a real life Instagram filter

89. Instant, affordable sparkle

90. A big red hair bow that makes a statement beyond the festive season

91. Shimmery tights glam up a regular LBD (25% off with code INGRID25)

92. A two-piece set just perfect for when the ball drops

93. Holiday shoes that make the outfit (and will bloom again in spring)

94. This timeless skirt is the foundation of easy, festive dressing (15% off with code INGRID15)

95. The red lip gloss I get asked about every time I wear it

96. A simple, shimmering clutch

What’s your favorite gift on this list? Or a joyful gift we missed? Let us know in the comments!

Note: If you purchase something through a link in this guide, the School of Joy may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work — it truly means a lot.