30 Days of Gift Ideas: 4 More Crowd-Pleasing Gifts

Looking for a one-of-a-kind holiday gift that’s guaranteed to delight? In our 30 Days of Gift Ideas series, we’re sharing one high-quality handmade gift each day for 30 days. Check out the full collection, as it builds, on our 30 Days of Gift Ideas page, and get ready to be inspired. This week’s theme: Crowd-pleasers

Each December, we tick our way merrily down our shopping lists until, inevitably, we hit a name that throws us off our gift game. If you’re feeling stumped, don’t fret: Below, we’ve selected four more time-tested—yet still unexpected—treasures that are snazzy enough to impress everyone from the pickiest new parent to the trickiest distant in-law. Simply stock up on a few (and maybe one for you) and you’re ready to win the holidays.

Sentimental spice spoons

The meticulously measured ingredients. The carefully hand-worked dough. The delicate, decorative piping. Baking is an act of love, and with these charming, heart-shaped spice spoons from Beehive Handmade your most prolific pastry chefs can infuse every last morsel with sweet sentiments. Inspired by old family recipes that call for a pinch of this or a dash of that, these playfully labeled pewter spoons are sure to stir up warm memories while helping them whip up a few new ones of their own. Heart-shaped measuring spoons from Beehive Handmade; normally $34, on sale now for $27

Natural wood building blocks

A modern interpretation of a classic toy that the whole family will appreciate, these heirloom-quality building blocks from Tangerine Studio are designed to be so aesthetically pleasing they’ll actually fit in with the decor when they’re scattered across the living room floor. Plus, even the most particular parents can take comfort watching their precious little peanut grip and gum the natural wooden shapes, which are sanded satin-smooth and painted with non-toxic, VOC-free paint. Wooden building blocks from Tangerine Studio, $35

An artful ceramic mug

Cocoa or coffee, tea or hot toddy—whatever their cold-weather beverage of choice, somehow it always tastes better sipped from a cherished mug, and this handcrafted ceramic stunner from potter Katie M Mudd just might be the one. Painted with light, abstract brushstrokes in a soothing palette, the cup’s stylish design encourages finding calm amid holiday chaos, and because it’s microwave- and dishwasher-safe, this special-moments mug doesn’t require any extra-special treatment. Modern brushstrokes mug from Katie M Mudd, $42

A swoon-worthy soap sampler

These exquisitely assembled soap sampler sets from natural skincare line Among the Flowers prove that saving the planet can still feel super luxurious. Each hand-poured, small batch soap is infused with essential oils derived straight from the seller’s herb garden, then attractively encased in a mix-and-match 4-pack, and finally, garnished with a dainty bouquet of mostly-foraged flowers for a breathtaking wildcrafted effect. Natural soap sampler set from Among the Flowers, $15

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