For the Flower-Obsessive
TREE TRUNK VASE by HAY
Sure, you could give your great-aunt another poinsettia, but why not treat her to something with a shelf life of more than a couple of weeks? This porcelain vase is hand-painted in a wood-grain motif and has three severed “branches” for displaying flowers. Created in collaboration with the British painter Richard Woods, the vessel is part of the artist’s first ceramics collection and is inspired by the midcentury furniture that put Scandinavian design on the map—functional, but quirky, with vigorous pops of color. $89; momastore.org
For the Bath Lover
TWO-TONE POLKA-DOT BATH TOWELS by YOSHII
These towels from Japanese brand Yoshii are made from one of the finest cottons in the world, called Shankar 6. It’s cultivated in the region around Imabari, where the farmers wait for the seeds to fall out of the tufts rather than ripping them out manually, which can cause fibers to tear. The cotton is massaged, patted, and puffed, then combed twice before being twisted into thread. The result: a smooth weave on one side and textured terry cloth on the other. $62 each; shopthemansion.com
For the Organized—and the Less So
GERSTNER UTILITY CHEST by BEST MADE
Artists and builders are an exacting bunch, so their storage systems should be both easy to organize and capable of holding a whole lot. This handsome utility chest has ample space for the most extravagant collection of chisels, planes, squares, and clamps, thanks to three built-in drawers. It’s also compact enough to fit on a bookshelf or desktop. Designed for camping haven Best Made in New York by century-old casemaker H. Gerstner & Sons (who brought it back from the archives), it comes in kiln-dried American cherry wood with red felt lining and solid brass hardware. $588; bestmadeco.com
For a Good-Looking Chap
WOVEN DOUBLE-WINDOWPANE SCARF by STOFFA
Nobody wants to be weighed down by chunky, woolly neck warmers. Instead, pick a sleek, sturdy scarf from Stòffa, a purveyor in Brooklyn, N.Y. Woven on 100-year-old jacquard shuttle looms in Biella, Italy, the scarves are made of 70 percent cashmere and 30 percent silk, with a natural fringe that comes from clipping the material to just the right length (71 inches). These weaving techniques produce intricate double-sided patterns of pin dots, candy stripes, and mirrored geometric shapes, as well as this light indigo blue with a tan windowpane motif. $250; stoffa.co
For Hard-Core Gamers
LACQUER BACKGAMMON TABLE by MAISON 24
This backgammon table from Maison 24, a design store in New York, is large enough for tournament-style games (almost 40 inches long and 28 inches tall) but unimposing enough to display with pride. It has a sleek hand-painted cork playing surface and is made to order by a manufacturer in Connecticut. $3,850; maison24.com
For a Distinguished Gentleman
OXTON ROLL-NECK SWEATER by WILLIAM LOCKIE
Give a gift with a pedigree: a sweater designed by William Lockie, the family-owned manufacturer that’s been producing high-end knitwear for more than 140 years. The shop on Drumlanrig Square in the Scottish town of Hawick hasn’t moved since the original William Lockie started the business in 1874. This pill-resistant turtleneck is spun from Mongolian yarn—the finest on the planet. $520; mrporter.com
For the Curious Crafter
QUILT NO. 1 by LOUISE GRAY
A blanket made by hand may seem a little homespun, but quilt company Louise Gray in Minneapolis has reimagined the age-old art with strong geometric lines and neutral color blocking. The cream stitching, black embroidered logo, and fresh crisscross motif of cotton Quilt No. 1 (the brand’s six debut designs are numbered like an edition of prints) create a look strong enough to be hung as the centerpiece of a living room but equally beautiful as a bedcover or slung over the sofa. $425; louisegray.com
For a Fashionable Lady
EMBELLISHED MARY JANES by DOLCE & GABBANA
Italian fashion line Dolce & Gabbana is known for many things—luxurious silk, bold enamelware, and macramé pants—but subtlety isn’t one of them. This hard-to-miss pair of Mary Janes features rich woven trim and glamorous brass-and-crystal flowers. Made in Italy, the shoes’ black leather embroidery offsets a wooden block heel. $3,445; dolcegabbana.com
For the Go-Getter
CLIPPER TRAVEL BAG by MULBERRY
A good weekend bag should have ample space but not so much that overpacking becomes inevitable. Mulberry’s Clipper travel bag can hold three days’ worth of sweaters and jeans, plus a dopp kit and any other travel necessities, like headphones or a neck pillow. Its soft, sturdy brown leather shell has some give, so it can squeeze into a car trunk or an overhead airplane bin. And it will develop a patina that looks better the more it’s used. $2,160; mulberry.com
For That Really, Really Special Someone
DIAMOND ROPE NECKLACE by SIDNEY GARBER
Legendary Chicago jeweler Sidney Garber began creating highly coveted baubles for the Windy City’s elite in 1946. Today his daughter, Brooke Garber Neidich, carries on the family tradition. This glistening 18-karat white-gold chain encrusted with round diamonds can stand proudly on its own or be layered with simpler designs. $202,000; sidneygarber.com
For the Detail-Oriented
EAST WEST WATCH by TIFFANY
Women’s watches are notorious for their unnecessary flourishes. Yet the stainless steel Tiffany East West Watch is sophisticated in its spare design. A smart black alligator-skin strap connects to a navy-blue (or white or black) dial laid out horizontally like a driver’s watch—a popular style in the early days of the automobile. Numerals made from gold powder are oriented to be read with hands on the wheel. $3,500; tiffany.com
For the Eager Audiophile
MR1 BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS by RUARK AUDIO
Don’t let the walnut finish fool you—these speakers combine Bluetooth streaming with state-of-the-art components, courtesy of Ruark, one of the world’s best. They give off a rich sound whether playing MP3s from a smartphone or streaming the latest blockbuster on a flatscreen. The understated look may not make them the flashiest item on the shelf, but the wooden cabinets hide powerful subwoofers that give off that coveted warm analog sound. $460; ruarkaudio.com
For the Winter Traveler
QUINTANA WRAP by ULLA JOHNSON
Stand out in a sea of bland winter coats with Ulla Johnson’s Quintana wrap, a fringed cross between a sweater and a throw. It’s hand-loomed from baby alpaca wool in Peru, where traditional woven garb has been keeping the inhabitants of the Andean highlands warm for centuries. Johnson, who traveled the world as a kid with her archaeologist parents, works with more than a dozen different factories and knitting cooperatives in Peru. $390; ullajohnson.com. Johnson’s Azhar poncho, featured at top: $655; barneys.com
For Photography Buffs
M MONOCHROM DIGITAL CAMERA and SUMMARIT-M LENS by LEICA
True aficionados can turn back the clock with Leica’s fully manual M Monochrom digital camera, which shoots only in black and white. By removing filters that separate colors, the camera can maximize the resolution while also getting blacker blacks and truer whites. $7,950 (camera), $4,295 (lens); us.leica-camera.com
For dozens more gifts for him, her, and the home, scroll down through each category. Click “Back to Dog” if you are in need of further cuteness.
1
Kitchen BACK TO DOG
Amelie Mancini Napkins
The Brooklyn-based, French-born artist and designer screenprints these linen squares by hand with nontoxic, water-based ink. Here, in moss.
$28, ameliemancini.com
My Kitchen Year by Ruth Reichl
Delicious new recipes from the former New York Times restaurant critic and Gourmet magazine editor-in-chief.
$35, powells.com
Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Maple Syrup
Buttery, oaky, special-occasion maple syrup made with sap harvested in Ohio, aged 100 days in 23-year-old Pappy barrels.
$38, pappyco.com
Tom Dixon Brew Cafetiere
This reflective copper French press brewer from British designer Tom Dixon is equal parts futuristic and classic.
$185, tomdixon.net
Brass Bottle Opener
This solid brass squirrel, molded in Jonathan Adler’s SoHo studio, is a chic addition to any bar.
$98, jonathanadler.com
Electrolux Tilt Blender
A powerful and superquiet new blender that uses a 10-degree tilt to get absolutely everything perfectly smooth.
$350, electroluxappliances.com
Laguiole Steak Knives
Made to order at the French company's forge, these gorgeous, old-school steak knives have a twist—rainbow neon acrylic handles.
$829 for a set of six, laguiole-imports.com
Ceramic Egg Separator
This beautiful handmade stoneware from a potter in Richmond, Maine, looks great on the counter, and is super useful, too.
$25, food52.com
Bath BACK TO DOG
Nate Berkus Angled Brass Brush Holder
A minimally chic way to maximize the space on your vanity.
$9.99, target.com
Tom Ford Oud Wood Bar Soap
A hit of warm, rich scents for the hands or the whole body.
$35, tomford.com
“Keep It Pretty Please” Guest Towel
Reese Witherspoon’s new Southern-inspired brand has fun with Sferra.
$78, draperjames.com
Large Gold Comb & Hairbrush
A pair of Italian-made objets that will elevate any grooming regimen.
$40 (comb), $85 (hairbrush), aerin.com
Czech & Speake No. 88 Shaving Set
For the discerning dandy, this London company offers a handsome three-piece set with soap.
$550, mrporter.com
Theodent Family Pack
These elegant, cocoa bean-based toothpastes (in regular, extra strength, and kids’ formulas) are a luxe way to spruce up any beauty regimen.
$109.99, theodent.com
Toto Neorest 750H Dual Flush Toilet
The crowning feature of any well-appointed bathroom, replete with a UV light cleaning system, warm water sprays, and a heated seat.
$9,800, toto.com
Office BACK TO DOG
M Rollerball
Marc Newson designed the cap clip to align perfectly with the star logo.
$400, montblanc.com
Titanium Kanpai Thermos
Free office coffee tastes way better when you drink it out of a Japanese titanium thermos.
$160, snowpeak.com
iPhone Dock
No rose gold option yet, but the wood and metal docks are some of the prettiest and sturdiest around.
$99, grovemade.com
Perpetual Calendar
If you look at this and think, “yeah, but I have my phone,” you obviously don't get it.
$45, momastore.com
Original Anglepoise 1227 Brass Desk Lamp
The original 1930s task lamp is a classic for a reason: It looks good in any office.
$350, thefutureperfect.com
Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay H7 Headphones
Because you can’t park a vintage Wegner sofa behind your desk (and need a way to tune out that one co-worker).
$449, beoplay.com
FiftyThree Pencil
Even if you don't go for the iPad Pro, you can still use your tablet for more than Candy Crush.
$60, shopfiftythree.com
Torun Letter Opener
A nontraditional letter opener from a traditional silversmith. The single twisted piece of metal looks more like a sculpture than a tool.
$225, georgjensen.com
Men's Accessories BACK TO DOG
Shinola Runwell Leather Backpack
Laptop, spare clothes, whatever—this made-in-USA backpack is spacious and built to get better with age.
$950, mrporter.com
Burberry Square Frame Sunglasses
Be shady in the best way possible with these Burberry clubmaster sunnies.
$315, burberry.com
Bally Scardino Shoes
With hand-dyed calf leather and cork insoles, these Swiss-made, double-monk-strapped loafers mean business.
$1,025, bally.com
Saint Laurent Sneakers
The SL/10H are a luxed-up rendition of your basic court classic high-tops. Simple, modern, and stylish.
$645, ysl.com
Leather Weekender Garment Bag
Lies flat for suits, then zips up to create a carry-on-size duffel for shoes and toiletries. Ingenious.
$220, combatgent.com
Kenneth Cole Touch-Screen Gloves
Keep your fingers warm and your texting game strong with these leather bad boys.
$135, kennethcole.com
Cartography Cuff Links
In sterling silver with white gold plating, these ’80s-inspired, cassette-tape cuff links are an accessory not easily forgotten.
$229, cartography.nyc
Wayfarer Socks
A new and funky pair for every day of the workweek.
$49 for a pack of six, nicelaundry.com
Toys & Games BACK TO DOG
Akiko Teak & Steel Pétanque Set
You’ll play pétanque three times a summer, max. Make sure it looks good sitting around the rest of the year.
$229, kaufmann-mercantile.com
Cristallino Foosball Table
A see-through crystal glass table, for when you want to play foosball but don’t want to relegate it to the basement.
$12,500, teckell.com
Hermès Memory Cards
The good news: You’re old enough to afford memory cards from Hermès. The bad news: That means you’re too old to play the game well.
$270, usa.hermes.com
BDDW Ping-Pong Table
A ping-pong table so beautiful you’ll want to sub it out with the dining room table.
$13,800, bddw.com
Henes Broon Electric Ride-On SUV
A fully electric, remote-control SUV for your kid! Don’t think too hard about it.
$1,595, amazon.com
Fleischmann Model Train Set
The fun of a model train set, the punishing rigor of German-made engineering.
$249, reynaulds.com
Men's Apparel BACK TO DOG
Billy Reid Bond Peacoat
Make him feel as sly as James Bond in this high-cut, peak lapel, double-breasted stunner, made famous by Daniel Craig in Skyfall.
$795, billyreid.com
Southern Tide Maritime Jacket
An incredibly light, water-resistant jacket he can wear or pack anywhere. (Near water is a suggestion, not a requirement.)
$295, southerntide.com
Nike Hooded Shell Jacket
For when his training dedication pits him against the wind and rain, there’s this durable, seam-sealed armor by Nike Running.
$300, mrporter.com
Kingsman x Turnbull & Asser Pajamas
Go ahead, give him another excuse to spend all day lazing around with you.
$450, mrporter.com
Gant Rugger Corduroy Blazer
Upgrade his standard navy number to something more luxurious and festive—such as corduroy or velvet, in midnight blue.
$550, mrporter.com
Massimo Alba Sweater
When in doubt, choose stripes. Bonus points for the rare cashmere-alpaca blend.
$538, matchesfashion.com
Todd Snyder Dante Infantry Pant
Equal parts dressy and casual (and 100 percent wool), thanks to its tailored fit and cargo-pocket mash-up.
$395, toddsnyder.com
J.Crew Buffalo Check CPO Shirt-Jacket
Easily a new cornerstone to his casual wardrobe, with versatile layers of warmth and an iconic check print.
$148, jcrew.com
Home Decor BACK TO DOG
Chandelier Arbre
Avant-garde shapes meet the quiet, minimalistic white of Paris’s best ceramicist in this Astier de Villate Setsuko Collection.
$320, abchome.com
Marcel Breuer Tea Trolley
A perfect object from one of the most notable designers of the 20th century.
$5,275, shop.neuegalerie.org
Jielde Zig-Zag Floor Lamp
A classic midcentury design that jazzes up any interior.
$1,495, shophorne.com
Michele Oka Doner Rados Candles
Lots of artsy candles are out there, but these candles are actual works of art.
$170-$250, artwareeditions.com
Tamanohada Fish Welcome Soap
If you’re going to have a fancy soap, it might as well be chic, jet-black, and from a cult Japanese brand.
$52, shop.creaturesofcomfort.com
Swarovski 120th Anniversary Book
The special edition of this massive tome is housed in a glittery case embedded with crystals and available only at Bergdorf Goodman.
$89 online, and $1,100 in store; swarovski.com
Mood by Christofle
A decorative element becomes a usable set of six flatware perfect for a picnic.
$1,000, us.christofle.com
A Day With a Designer
Help a friend solve his or her design problems with a few hours’ help from a qualified interior decorator.
$350, homepolish.com
Women's Accessories BACK TO DOG
Etro Printed Cashmere Scarf
Fun scarves are a great way to add a pop to an otherwise plain winter wardrobe.
$1,030, net-a-porter.com
Balenciaga Peep-Toe Suede Booties
Just be sure to sneak a peek at her shoe size before you make the buy.
$1,335, barneys.com
Nicholas Kirkwood Patent-Leather Flats
This pair of flats combines style and functionality (which she actually cares about).
$450, net-a-porter.com
Leather Jane Tote by CHC
A quality not-so-little black bag can anchor any look for any occasion—especially when super-lightweight and handmade in Chicago.
$410, chelliharmscollection.com
Tory Burch Aberdeen Slipper
For the coziest chilly-nights comfort, try this stylish pair of thick, faux-shearling-lined slippers.
$195, neimanmarcus.com
Leonard II Tortoise/Green Sunglasses
The mirrored lenses make this pair of sunglasses bold and eye-catching, but the rich tortoiseshell adds a dash of timeless appeal.
$290, illesteva.com
Velvet De Luxe 50 Tights
Keep legs warm with Wolford’s opaque tights, which are luxuriously soft but sturdy enough to wash.
$49, wolford.com
Chloé Drew Nano Leather Bag
Give her a gold-adorned excuse to downsize those “essentials” she’s always lugging around.
$1,350, net-a-porter.com
Travel BACK TO DOG
Lumie Zest
Banish jet lag with this portable “sunrise” alarm clock that doubles as a body-clock-resetting light therapy unit.
$191, lumie.com
Mahabis Slippers
From the plane to the port deck, these quirky slippers come in felt or mesh and a variety of colorful, convertible soles.
From $90, mahabis.com
Shinola Bud Cord Holders
Horween leather and a magnetic closure keep even the most slapdash packers tangle-free.
$29, shinola.com
The Motley Palo Santo Cologne
Smells like sex and money and foreign intrigue: heady, rugged wood smoke meets hops and suede in a travel-ready rollerball.
$55 for 8mL, themotley.com
Tumi Pax Packable Puffer Jacket
Lightweight down outerwear is Jet Set Readiness 101. That it zips into a neck pillow? Twist!
$190, tumi.com
Outlier New Way Shorts
Built for spontaneity, these tailored shorts come in a durable, quick-dry fabric and can double as a swimsuit.
$120, outlier.cc
Bluesmart Carry-On Suitcase
A built-in USB charger guarantees they’ll never leave this bag behind—but there’s a GPS tracker, too, just in case.
$399, bluesmart.com
Oru Coast+ Foldable Kayak
An upgraded 16-foot, 34-pound version of the original “origami” kayak for even farther-reaching adventures.
$2,475, orukayak.com
Jewelry BACK TO DOG
Finn Akoya Pearl Ring
A soft pearl solitaire sits mounted on an 18-karat fine polished gold band.
$495, barneys.com
Anita Ko Single-Arrow Earrings
For your favorite Sagittarius, a single-arrow stud of 18-karat white gold and pavé diamonds is killer cool!
$1,700, net-a-porter
Aurélie Bidermann Miki Necklace
The braided rope necklace is made from woven brass dipped in 18-karat gold.
$915, barneys.com
Lanvin Snake Chain Bracelet
A single white crystal square at the center sets off the golden brass links of this 46-millimeter band.
$690, barneys.com
Tiffany Rope Six-Row X Ring
Wires of 18-karat gold twisted into rope and held together with bands of round brilliant diamonds set in platinum.
$7,500, tiffany.com
Mikimoto Pearl Pendant With Diamonds
A subtle pearl-drop jaw-dropper that’s undoubtedly heirloom-worthy.
$18,500, mikimotoamerica.com
Panthère de Cartier Earrings
The iconic symbol of Cartier set in 18-karat yellow gold, tsavorite garnets, and onyx.
$6,250, cartier.us
Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Watch
Forget IWC’s “Engineered for Men” slogan. The smaller Portofino has all the same watchmaking inside but an elegant moon phase complication on its face.
$29,300, iwc.com
Watches BACK TO DOG
Swatch Sistem51
Totally funky, it’s a mechanical watch made entirely by machines in Switzerland.
$150, store.swatch.com
Oak & Oscar Burnham
Little details from an independent American brand elevate this easy-to-wear debut.
$1,650, oakandoscar.com
Nomos Glashütte Metro Neomatik Champagner
Available only until the end of the year, the collection adds Champagne dials and orange accents to Nomos classics.
$3,960, nomos-store.com
Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days Acciaio
There aren't many watches that offer tough-as-nails construction and an automatic in-house movement at this price.
$7,600, panerai.com
Zenith Elite Chronograph Classic
It might look like your grandfather's dress watch, but this chronograph has a thoroughly modern movement inside.
$8,900, zenith-watches.com
Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic Universal Time
Combining a deadbeat seconds complication with a true world timer, this is one serious travel watch.
$15,000, jaeger-lecoultre.com
Hermès Slim d'Hermès
A modern classic: two time zones, a perpetual calendar, and custom art deco numerals in rose gold, with an alligator strap.
$38,900, usa.hermes.com
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
The original luxury sport watch gets a new perpetual calendar and a brash, new dial for 2015.
$62,210, audemarspiguet.com
Home Tech BACK TO DOG
The New Apple TV
Amps up your TV with streaming services, Siri, and, most important, Crossy Road.
$149, apple.com
Hue Starter Kit from Philips
Whether you use these programmable color-change light bulbs to create a soothing bedtime glow or for impromptu living-room disco parties, they're awesome.
$170, bestbuy.com
McIntosh MT5 Turntable
Spotify isn't everything, and this is how you treat a collection of vintage vinyl right.
$6,500, mcintosh.com
Samsung 55" SUHD Smart TV
Curved screens are a gimmick, but 4K resolution, great color fidelity, and built-in smart features aren’t.
$1,800, samsung.com
August Home Access Kit
Never get locked out of the house or miss a poorly timed UPS drop-off again.
$489, august.com
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless
The big black blimp cranks out incredible sound and can handle any audio source. Equal parts funky and glorious.
$699, bowers-wilkins.com
Women's Apparel BACK TO DOG
Fendi Cashmere Sweater
This bold cashmere sweater is a standout—just like your lady.
$1,290, net-a-porter.com
Victoria Beckham Pencil Dress
A work-appropriate, two-tone dress she’ll be excited to slip on, come Monday.
$2,150, mytheresa.com
MCQ Alexander McQueen Mini Skirt
Subtle-yet-sexy in satin twill, it’s equal parts special-occasion fun and office-practical.
$780, net-a-porter.com
Coach Fuzzy Teddy Bear Coat
Bright ‘n’ sassy meet retro construction. It’s the cozy decadence of a fur without the guilt of wearing real fur.
$795, coach.com
Hitt Denim Jacket by Alexa Chung
Every girl needs a slightly cropped, snug-fitting denim jacket—the ultimate wear-over-anything layer.
$278, farfetch.com
Stella McCartney Lingerie
In flirty-yet-refined satin, she’ll feel as good as she looks.
$57 (Balconette bra), $31 (mesh briefs), matchesfashion.com
La Perla Pizzo Nightdress
A tasteful, slinky alternative to those panda bear pajama pants
$970, net-a-porter.com
Balmain Fringe Embellished Top
A splash of metallic sass that will help elevate her look for a night out—or in.
$3,055, matchesfashion.com
Tech Toys & Gadgets BACK TO DOG
Limited Edition 24-Karat Gold Xbox One
You definitely don’t need to play Halo 5 on a 24-karat gold-plated Xbox. But it doesn’t hurt, either.
$1,199, colorware.com
Biomega OKO Electric Bicycle
This beautiful and superefficient electric bike, designed by architect Bjarke Ingels, hides all the wires and motors.
From $2,295, austere.co
Ricoh Theta S Spherical Camera
It’s only a little bigger than a Bic lighter, but it records full 360-degree spherical video. Making someone a YouTube star is a pretty great gift.
$347, bhphotovideo.com
Sennheiser IE 800 Earbuds
These are about as good as in-ear headphones get. The vented ceramic buds are a far cry from the plastic pair rolled up in the bottom of your gym bag.
$800, sennheiser.com
Bernard Favre Planet Watch Winder
Even if you don’t want to buy someone a perpetual calendar, you can keep the watch they already own accurate with this gyroscopic winder case.
$1,285, bernardfavre.com
R-Kaid-R Game Console
Because playing Sonic the Hedgehog on a beat-up Game Gear is lame when you can use a hand-built portable walnut-and-brass cabinet instead.
Roughly $2,700, lovehulten.com
BB-8 Droid
Sometimes a toy really is the best way to go. You control the little guy with your iPhone and drive pets and toddlers crazy.
$150, store.sphero.com
Microsoft Surface Book
It’s a powerful laptop with a crazy-looking hinge, or it’s a massive tablet with a responsive pen.
From $1,500, microsoftstore.com
(Corrects the name and price of the tights listed under Women's Accessories.)