Another year, another Skim Milk gift guide, this time spotlighting 10 minimalist essentials for the 2025 holiday season. We have gathered everything from elevated everyday objects to considered home pieces that actually earn their place in a space. Alongside a few trusted names, you will find work from smaller studios and makers worth knowing. Whether you are shopping for someone who lives by “less is more” or just appreciate good design, here is what caught our eye this season.
Photo: Courtesy of BALMUDA
The cult-favorite steam toaster gets an upgrade. BALMUDA’s latest iteration refines what made the original essential – that signature steam technology that delivers a crisp exterior with a soft, fluffy center – while adding a professional Salamander Grill Mode for finishing touches that rival your favorite bakery. Six specialized modes give you precision control, whether you are gently crisping sourdough or melting cheese to bubbly perfection. Available in black or off-white, it’s the kind of countertop essential that earns its real estate.
Photo: Courtesy of Fritz Hansen
Danish design studio VE2 reimagines the classic desk organizer with this solid oak letter tray from the Nomad collection. It is the kind of piece that makes you want to keep your desk tidy – beautifully carved wood that feels as good as it looks. Use it solo for mail and papers, or stack it with other pieces from the series to build a modular desktop system that actually works.
Photo: Courtesy of Dyson
Dyson’s most powerful hair dryer yet is also their lightest – a feat of engineering designed specifically for professionals but equally at home on the bathroom counter. The Supersonic r™ delivers streamlined, evenly heated airflow that protects hair’s natural shine while giving you salon-level precision. A number of attachments automatically adjust temperature and airflow ranges, taking the guesswork out of styling.
Photo: Courtesy of GRAMS28
A sleek leather folio that actually makes sense of your tech chaos. GRAMS28’s nappa leather case features a padded laptop slot, organizational pockets for chargers and cables, and an exterior quick-access pocket for your phone or keys. The Italian full-grain leather comes from Gruppo Mastrotto, a carbon-neutral tannery with gold-rated environmental credentials, so it looks good and does good.
Photo: Richard Gaston, courtesy of Vipp
Vipp’s iconic pedal bin is sized down to scale 1:5 but still fully functional with an operational pedal. It is crafted with the same meticulous attention as the full-size version: powder-coated steel, stainless steel, rubber, staying true to every proportion and detail. Use it as a desk bin, a conversation starter, or simply as sculptural proof that good design works at any scale.
Photo: Courtesy of Teenage Engineering
Teenage Engineering’s field recorder is a love letter to analog in a digital world. The TP–7 centers around a motorized tape reel that lets you physically interact with your recordings – scrub, scratch, pause with a finger, or fast-forward with the side-mounted rocker. Beyond the tactile pleasure, it is a serious recording and editing tool with multi-track capability, metronome, cue points, and built-in transcription in multiple languages.
Photo: Courtesy of Bionic
For the Apple purist who wants their Magic Keyboard and Trackpad to feel like a single, cohesive tool. This CNC-machined aluminum tray unifies both devices with a subtle elevation that improves typing ergonomics and keeps everything perfectly aligned. The weighted base and non-slip silicone grips mean it stays put during use, while the matte anodized finish blends seamlessly with Apple’s aesthetic.
Photo: Courtesy of Kouros Maghsoudi
This hand-poured ceramic tray does not apologize for its hedonistic roots. Inspired by New York’s unapologetic nightlife, the Hug Tray features a complex electroplating process that gives each piece a unique, opulent finish. Originally conceived as an ashtray, it is versatile enough to catch jewelry, corral keys, serve as a party plate, or simply sit on your nightstand as a sculptural object.
Photo: Courtesy of Minimalux
A wide, hand-polished band that proves simplicity never goes out of style. Crafted from 100% recycled sterling silver and made to order for your exact size, the Drum Ring features clean lines and a substantial presence without feeling heavy. The only branding is a discreet Minimalux monogram on the inner face – because good design does not need to announce itself.
Photo: Courtesy of Fundamental Berlin
Fundamental Berlin’s Gravity collection uses mathematical principles to create the illusion of weightlessness – a stainless steel structure balanced on a glass vessel with an almost sci-fi elegance. Made in Italy and assembled in Berlin by social workshops, each piece reflects the brand’s commitment to sustainable materials and responsible manufacturing. The single-material approach means it is easy to clean and designed for longevity.
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