Good evening. Tonight, we’re sharing our favorite plastic-free gifts. Plus …  | | Falcon Enamelware, Pendleton, Holcomb Studio; illustration by Con McHugh for NYT Wirecutter |
9 gifts that won’t end up in a landfill |
A few weeks ago, I sent my friend a set of coasters after hearing her gripe about the lack of “grown-up” ones in her apartment. She and her boyfriend had been using disposable ones they’d collected from local bars that had, naturally, become stained and raggedy with use. The thick, weighty set I sent, on the other hand, is made from sturdy earthenware, so it’s sure to last much longer. Plus, the coasters fit right into their apartment’s minimalist, neutral aesthetic. I can’t lie: The flurry of thank-you texts I received after they arrived in the mail made me feel good. That’s just one of the reasons I think it’s worth wading through the sludge of shoddily crafted junk to find gifts that your recipient will actually want to use again and again — and, ideally, won’t end up in a landfill. To that end, my colleagues and I have rounded up some of our favorite well-made, plastic-free gifts — home goods, wardrobe upgrades, and more — that should delight just about anyone. - If the rustic look of earthenware doesn’t feel quite right for your giftee, I’m also drawn to these polished stainless steel coasters. They make me want to host a dinner party, just to give my guests the pleasure of resting their glasses on these sleek, handsome little trivets. Plus, my inner neatnik would be very happy to know that the shallow lip means there’s no chance that any dribbles of condensation will appear on the table.
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- I’ve been eyeing this classic ceramic salt cellar for years now. (It feels like it’d get me just a tiny bit closer to living out my Julia Child fantasies.) The wide opening makes it easy to grab a pinch while cooking, and the curved design helps prevent spills and splatters from getting inside. It’d make a wonderful housewarming gift — or a just-because surprise for any foodie in your life.
- Little gold hoops are like white T-shirts or a great pair of jeans. They match everything, and the best ones will never go out of style. These solid-gold huggie hoops are one of the best we found for around $100. They’re simple but refined, so they’re easy to style every day and great for pairing with bolder pieces in a stack.
- If I spot handmade pottery inside your home — specifically, this earthy, speckled popcorn bowl — just know I want to be your friend. Its pleasing heft and substantive size makes it great for, yes, eating popcorn, but also for slurping noodles or tossing a salad. As deputy director Maxine Builder put it: “A day with her in the dishwasher is a day wasted.”
- Another excellent bowl (because there’s no such thing as too many, if you ask us): these striking wood vessels. Each of them is hand-carved in Italy, so they’re perfect for anyone who wants to channel Euro summer for their backyard dinners. They’re also just the right size to hold handfuls of nuts or crackers, or for single servings of salads or pasta — a very easy way to elevate a Sad Desk Lunch.
- How about a lightweight, beautifully designed throw blanket? This one is made from organic cotton that feels exceptionally soft right out of the packaging. And I like that the colorful plaid pattern feels folksy, almost like the quilts my grandma makes. Pendleton’s iconic wool blanket will set you back as much as $500, but this version is just under $80 — and it’s machine-washable, too.
- Yes, this colorful enamelware jug is technically meant for serving beverages — but its tall shape and sturdy construction make it ideal for displaying flowers, too. And the clean, classic design looks lovely in just about any kitchen or dining room.
- Wirecutter’s beauty expert swears by this scrubby exfoliating bar for a bit of pampering. It’s packed with microcrystals to scrub away dead skin, prevent ingrown hairs, smooth complexions, and more. An added plus? It comes in some stunning packaging, so it’d look great as a part of a wellness gift basket or a bachelorette goodie bag.
- On one side, this chic, colorful glass vase holds a handful of blooms. But when you turn it upside down, it becomes a little bud vase or tealight candleholder. Tiny yet mighty — and almost certain to outlast whatever flowers you might display inside.
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| What to give: My minimalist brother? |  |
My brother is 34. He works in tech and is a digital artist. He loves going to the gym and on dates to fun places. Here’s the problem: He’s significantly wealthier than I am and an extreme minimalist who periodically gets rid of everything he owns. I’d like to give him experiences, like a zoo membership or concert tickets, but my budget doesn’t allow for that. — S.A. From gifting expert Mari Uyehara: Consumables are a good go-to for anti-materialists. A digital artist may appreciate the hand-painted technicolor shells of these excellently rendered chocolates. And a lover of fun places may feel transported by this box of Japanese snacks. If he’s the type of gym-goer that’s also a health nut, consider a rotating wellness goodie, like, say a tin of matcha. (I recommend Ippodo.) But I’d also suggest a longer-term solution for a guy who values experiences over things. Create a low-cost tradition with your brother. Maybe that’s a park picnic, croissants and coffees at a cafe, or revisiting a beloved chain childhood restaurant that you wouldn’t eat at any other time. To mark the occasion per family tradition, give him a small token, like ephemeral paper incense, and hand-write him a card about what makes him a great brother. He may even be tempted to hold onto them in his periodic material purges. Have someone who’s impossible to shop for? Submit your question here. | |  | Were you forwarded this newsletter? Sign up here for The Gift. Handpicked hidden gems. Great deals on lovely things. Your biggest gifting conundrums, answered. A gift guide from Wirecutter. Get it in your inbox. |
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One last gift (for you): These (on-sale!) high-rise bootcut jeans feel like a modern take on a classic style. Plus, our testers found they hug curves just right.
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