2025 Best Modern Gifts to Splurge On

0
9


For many, great design is the ultimate indulgence. This gift guide celebrates objects that marry form, function, and a little fantasy. From sculptural furniture collaborations and serene wellness sanctuaries to sustainable showpieces and high-design everyday tools, each piece offers something more than beauty. It offers thoughtful experience. Whether it’s the flicker of a Danish fireplace, the quiet glow of a 3D-printed lamp, or the soft weight of a reversible throw, these gifts are made to be lived with, admired, and loved for years to come. Because splurging, when done with intention, is an art form in itself.

Photo: Courtesy of Fatboy

Mixing camp and convenience, the Jolly Trolley is perfect for any eccentric on the move. Whether it’s serving cocktails, displaying lush greenery, or holding tools for an afternoon barbecue, this multifunctional bar cart brings playful sophistication to any space. Its aluminum frame and outdoor coating mean it thrives both indoors and out, while the removable tray, smooth steering handle, and dimmable LED lamp add smart, joyful utility.

A stainless steel French press, a matching cup on a tray with a spoon, and a coffee grinder sit on a marble countertop near stacked books and dishes.

Photo: Courtesy of Aarke

Coffee primed for perfection. The Aarke Coffee Press offers aesthetes a masterclass in minimalist design and precision engineering for the sake of savoring every sip. Crafted entirely from stainless steel, its double-walled, vacuum-insulated body keeps coffee hot for up to three hours while staying cool to the touch. Every detail – from the reusable mesh filter to the spill-free spout – is built for performance, longevity, and effortless ritual. Compact yet uncompromising, it’s dishwasher-safe, tool-free to disassemble, and designed to elevate the coffee-making experience from brew to countertop display.

A pleated mushroom-shaped lamp emits a warm light on a glass table beside a faceted glass vase and a clear glass paperweight.

Photo: Dillon Matthew, courtesy of Wood

Inspired by the delicate strength of pleated paper and the sculptural work of Issey Miyake, the Kinoko Lamp reimagines the classic mushroom silhouette through modern, sustainable design. 3D printed from recycled PLA in an accordion-like form, it offers the soft, diffused glow of paper without the fragility. Thoughtfully cordless and USB-C rechargeable, it delivers up to 80 hours of light with three dim-to-warm settings. Finished with a recycled aluminum base and weatherproof seal, the Kinoko is as functional as it is poetic – an artful, portable statement piece that brings quiet beauty wherever it glows.

A woven armchair sits on a rug in a minimalist room with white walls, wooden floor, and a wall art installation of colorful, semi-circular shapes arranged in a grid.

Photo: Courtesy of Modu

Sunrise is sure to add some movement and soft dimension to any wall it will call home. The hand-painted art series is crafted from museum-grade acrylic and finished with a soft, luminous gradient. Each piece pairs a nuanced color scheme with precision for a lightweight, durable, and surprisingly serene visual statement. A residue-free adhesive and easy-align template make installation effortless and damage-free without the need for tools. What’s more, the sleek, modern, and endlessly versatile wall art lends itself to customization by those to whom are gifted. Sunrise is also available in 56-, 90-, and 153-piece sets so you can select which works best for the recipient.

A woman sits cross-legged inside a small wooden infrared sauna in a modern living room, illuminated by red light.

Photo: Courtesy of EZLIFE

The best presents are those packages filled with good intentions, and in a world that moves a little too fast, the EZLIFE 1-Person Ultra Low EMF Infrared Sauna offers the gift of calm. Built from solid wood with tempered glass panels, it brings spa-level restoration to smaller spaces through its – quite literal – minimalist design. Low-EMF carbon fiber heaters deliver deep, soothing warmth without harmful radiation, while chromotherapy and red light options let you tailor your mood and energy. Compact yet powerful, this modern sauna blends form and function to elevate the home, apartment, or even a studio into a private sanctuary.

A bowl of mixed greens, two lemons, a bottle of vinaigrette, a small wooden box, and wooden salad servers on a round marble tray against a blue background.

Photo: Courtesy of Trashy Goods

The Smart Susan puts a modern spin on its iconic older sibling, the Lazy Susan, as it marries sustainability with sleek design. Crafted from recycled denim, fabric, and plastic, each piece has its own unique texture and hue. The smooth-spinning metal plate and raised acacia wood edge keep everything stylishly in place for effortless function with eco-conscious flair. Made from 73% recycled plastic and sustainably sourced acacia, this piece helps reduce landfill waste and CO₂ emissions while storing carbon naturally. The Smart Susan is proof that conscious design can still turn heads – and now tables this holiday season.

A rectangular textile features a geometric maze-like pattern in blue and peach, with bold lines creating interlocking shapes. The fabric is slightly rumpled.

Photo: Courtesy of Verloop

Aptly named, this jacquard-knit throw features bold, two-tone interlocking strips that reference a column-like structure. Beyond its immediate beauty, this throw delivers on versatility and style. The visual impact is strong while the material remains soft and perfect for draping over furniture – as well as gifting coziness. Crafted from a blend of new and repurposed yarn, it’s fully reversible and cotton-weighted for year-round comfort. Its smaller size makes it easy to move from the couch to the bed or even outdoors whenever a little extra snuggle-worthy material is required.

A round, light wood stool with three curved legs and a geometric pattern on the seat. Close-up shows detail of the seat’s segmented wood design.

Photo: Courtesy of Marimekko

Two Finnish icons, one timeless collaboration, and a ton of fun. The Stool 60 Kivet celebrates Artek’s 90th anniversary by uniting Alvar Aalto’s 1933 “L-leg” design with Maija Isola’s bold Kivet pattern for Marimekko. Crafted from Finnish birch using delicate marquetry, the stool’s contrasting wood grains create a luminous play of light and texture. Each piece is unique – its pattern appearing in positive or negative depending on the veneer’s direction – reflecting the soulful artistry of handcrafted design. Made in Turku, Finland, this limited-edition piece makes a memorable gift as it embodies the harmony of form, function, and the enduring innovative Finnish spirit.

A modern, round black tabletop fireplace with a glass screen and natural wooden tripod legs, showing a small flame in the center—an elegant addition to any Gift Guide.

Photo: Courtesy of Lumens

Bring sculptural warmth with a futuristic touch to any space in the design-savvy home using the Eye Fireplace from Le Feu. Designed by Søren Lauritsen, this Danish icon blends retro charm with modern refinement. A concave hood balances atop a slender tripod base, where clean lines meet soft, organic curves. Fueled by clean-burning BioEthanol, it casts a gentle, flickering glow that adds atmosphere while maintaining eco-conscious appeal. It’s a fabulous piece for those who appreciate collectible-leaning home furnishings.

A matte gray electric cargo bike with a step-through frame, rear rack, battery mounted in the frame, and wide tires, shown in profile view against a white background.

Photo: Courtesy of Retrospec

Redefine adventure with the Roo Rev, a design-forward electric cargo bike built for power, comfort, and everyday joy. Its high-capacity frame and advanced Ananda e-system handle up to 400 lbs effortlessly – even on hills – while puncture-resistant tires, torque sensing, and front suspension ensure an ultra-smooth ride. Integrated turn signals, brake lights, and a vivid color display make every trip safer and smarter. Roo Rev blends all this cutting-edge engineering with sleek utility so that riders may load up, head out, and hit the road in style year round.

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

With professional degrees in architecture and journalism, New York-based writer Joseph has a desire to make living beautifully accessible. His work seeks to enrich the lives of others with visual communication and storytelling through design. When not writing, he teaches visual communication, theory, and design.





Source link