2025 Modern Gift Ideas From Senior Editor Aria Lee

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2025 seems to be the year of taking stock – of who and what is most essential to us. As we step into uncertain times, it becomes even more important to show those we love how we feel. If you’re looking for a bit of guidance, these 10 gifts, large and small, will definitely make the impression you’re going for.

Photo: Courtesy of ISUWA

Red Metal Flower Tray by ISUWA \\\ $38
For those of us who can’t have enough flowers in the home, ISUWA has crafted a bold answer: simple bends in sheets of metal form to create flower trays that come in three handy sizes and a multitude of colors. Use them separately or together to add a graphic pop to your table.

Three colorful glass vases with red, green, and blue patterns are displayed on a reflective blue surface—a vibrant pick for your 2025 Gift Guide.

Photo: Courtesy of Maria Ida Designs

These happy little vessels are perfect for holding a couple flowers, or just a singular stem. Glassblower Maria Ida creates colorways based on the fun things in life – hues called Jelly Baby, Sprite, and Jester clue you in on exactly the type of creator she is. I have a mini bowl from about 5 years ago, and it sits on my bedside table. I hate to admit that I have dropped it on a carpeted floor (but it did survive the fall, making it officially klutz approved).

Close-up of a person's ear with wet, blonde hair, wearing a black flower-shaped earring with small pearl-like centers—an elegant choice featured in our 2025 Gift Guide.

Photo: Courtesy of CLED

CLED derives its meaning from the word recycled, posing the question, “Why is jewelry made of animal materials, gemstones extracted from the earth, or mass manufactured plastics with low quality?” These sweet little studs are made of reclaimed glass, melted down into small flower motifs, and set in earring form to regain a second life.

A silver bowl filled with red and purple fruit-shaped candles sits on a white surface; some candles are lit and placed in front, making it a charming addition to any 2025 Gift Guide.

Photo: Courtesy of Scandles

Fresh berries on a cake – what could be better? Enter Scandles, a Los Angeles-based brand that creates beautiful, food-themed candles in a multitude of organic shapes. Have your flavors match your decorations – the candles even come packaged in a paper box, just like you’d find at the produce stand – perfect for gifting or lighting on special moments.

A person holds a white electric toothbrush in a bathroom with a soap dish, towel, plant, and sink visible on the countertop—a sleek addition for any 2025 Gift Guide.

Photo: Courtesy of Quip

Quip has been on my radar for a while, and have recently expanded into multiple avenues of dental care. I’m excited to try their whitening strips, and they have more affordable options (kid’s too!) that are appropriate for any budget. The Quip Ultra features a signature mirror mount and replaceable bristles (not the full bristle head every time you need a new one), reducing plastic waste by over 70%. What’s more, a single charge lasts over 30 days, and app integration lets you know exactly how well you’ve brushed – no more guessing.

Two upright brooms with matching dustpans, one black and one light green, stand side by side against a light-colored wall—an ideal pick for any 2025 Gift Guide.

Photo: Courtesy of Food52

As anyone who has ever dropped a bottle of olive oil in the kitchen can attest, messes happen, and you don’t necessarily want to use a roll of paper towels to clean up. Made from durable silicone, the Dotti Multi-Surface Broom & Dustpan features an adjustable pole, removable broom head for easy cleaning, and best of all, a foothold – simply slip your foot on the back of the dustpan to hold it in place to reduce bending down. Perfect for those with mobility issues, carpets, or pets, the bristles will really get into the spaces you need it to, and look good doing so.

A pasta-shaped trivet, a wooden spoon, and metal pasta tongs hang from hooks on a metal rod against a white background—perfect picks for any kitchen in the 2025 Gift Guide.

Photo: Courtesy of MoMA

We see pasta, we make pasta. I love a good spoon rest, and am on the hunt for the perfect place to put my saucy utensils when not in use. While somewhat poetic, errant tomato sauce on a ravioli isn’t great to look at. The silicone body is super easy to clean, and can be hung from a hook to dry completely – ensuring everything kitchen-related item has a home.

A round bowl with alternating vertical pink and red stripes on its exterior and interior, placed on a white surface—an eye-catching piece perfect for any 2025 Gift Guide.

Photo: Courtesy of Rosemary Home

Blush pink and bold red: a color combination finally getting its flowers, shown here in stripe form. This sweet little bowl from Rosemary Home is crafted in Murano glass, known globally for its quality and hue. Store trinkets, jewelry, or candy in this playful vessel, adding a pop of color to your desk or counter.

A hand holds a glowing, oversized plastic fish-shaped container against a solid red background—an eye-catching pick for your 2025 Gift Guide.

Photo: Courtesy of Heliograf

Heliograf is a company dedicated to stopping plastic pollution at the “sauce,” harnessing plastic destined for the deep ocean, much harder to reclaim. An ode to single-use soy sauce packets, the portable Light Soy is made from this same reclaimed plastic, creating a unique and novel addition to any interior while directly reducing waste streams.

A clear bottle of MALIN+GOETZ tomato home spray sits next to its red box packaging, both displaying product details and volume in white text—a fresh pick for any 2025 Gift Guide.

Photo: Courtesy of MALIN+GOETZ

Light, fresh, and green, the Tomato Home Spray by MALIN+GOETZ tackles 98% of funky smells using odor-neutralizing technology. Clean and crisp, this spray features basil top notes, middle notes of tomato, and a base of cedarwood and green pepper, for a bit of a spicy finish. Spray this before guests stop by to make your space feel like a greenhouse, no plants necessary.

Follow along so you don’t miss any of our 2025 Gift Guides this year!

Growing up in NYC has given Aria a unique perspective into art + design, constantly striving for new projects to get immersed in. An avid baker, crocheter, and pasta maker, handwork and personal touch is central to what she loves about the built environment. Outside of the city, she enjoys hiking, biking, and learning about space.



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