We have highly specific gift guides for every kind of person, from grandparents to babies, gamers to bookworms, hikers to home cooks. But the gifts below — from fashion-y PPE to DIY mushroom farms — are novel, new, and, above all, very 2020. We mined the internet, sleuthed around social media, and tapped into our own shopping hive mind to unearth the latest, coolest stuff at truly every price point, from four bucks to, well, about 400 times that.
$25 and under
The same game they know and love (or love to hate), except this iteration’s notably stylish.
We love a non-fusty puzzle, and it doesn’t get less fusty than John Derian.
A sparkly sponge to make doing dishes (something we’re all spending more time on these days) infinitely more enjoyable.
Hand-poured in Brooklyn by Japanese designer Yui Kobayashi.
This all-natural playdough (plant-based colors! compostable glitters! essential oils!) isn’t just for kids.
If they’ve already knitted, embroidered, and tie-dyed to excess, here are 52 other suggestions for ways to pass the time.
Only Glossier could make a soap bar seem groundbreaking.
This new hair line is vegan, cruelty-free, Black-owned, and beloved by our curly-haired friends at the Cut.
Some especially well-designed, easy-to-apply falsies, courtesy of former J. Crew creative director Jenna Lyons.
Status vinegars are having a moment and this small-batch version is good enough to drink.
If sipping vinegar doesn’t appeal, consider these tablets that promise fresh, fizzy kombucha in an instant.
Cereal that’s actually good for them and that’ll look good on their shelf, too.
A cheaper-than-usual and smaller-than-usual versions of Taschen’s best-selling coffee table book.
The dusty book smell — sans dust.
Note: While you can give the gift of a preorder, this product doesn’t ship until 1/6/2021.
A tote inspired by New York’s 16th annual Reasons to Love New York issue, and a tribute to all the local businesses we lost this year.
$50 and under
A mini Molly (for a fraction of the price).
Note: Backordered until December 15, 2020.
Or even mini-er Frodo and friends.
For the kid (or the parent of the kid) who prefers toys plush instead of plastic.
For the kid who misses art class (or the adult who misses their weekly bodega bouquet).
A gift that proves you have your finger on the pulse.
A glow so high-def, it’ll even show up on Zoom.
A sampler of masks to soothe a variety of skin-care afflictions.
For the caffeine enthusiast, you can’t do any better than Blue Bottle’s espresso blends.
For the natural-wine enthusiast, you can’t do better than this new Gamay from designer Rosie Assoulin.
Machine-washable microfiber scrunchies that can be used to hold their hair and clean their iPhone screen.
Mushrooms really are popping up everywhere these days (including, should you gift this kit, their kitchen).
$100 and under
This may look like an objet d’art designed by Jeff Koons, but it’s actually one of the fastest-selling kids’ toys of 2020.
Not only is this handcrafted in Peru, but one doll provides ten meals to children in need.
You can’t go wrong with anything from Jungalow, but we especially like these cheerful ceramic vases.
Each ashtray is one-of-a-kind and made by hand using techniques originating in Murano, Italy.
Made of machine-washable twill that happens to be ecofriendly, too (the brand used excess fabric lying around from previous seasons).
An especially nice-looking mezuzah made of glass and steel (and also available in black, navy, and off-white).
This sure-to-sell-out gadget can basically turn a cell phone into a gaming console.
A new (and less expensive) take of the cult-classic shaggy-dog sweater
A kindercore fleece from A24, the maker of films like Moonlight and Uncut Gems — and now a maker of cool merch, too.
A twee (but not too twee) collar to liven up Zoom appearances.
Note: Because this is coming from Spain, shipping is $15.
A timely gift that’ll come in handy long after the pandemic’s over.
A new body oil from the skin-care brand that brought us “the secret to rich-person skin.”
A fanciful mask for socially distanced special occasions (or, y’know, grocery runs).
A sleek self-cleaning bottle, made for anyone perpetually on-the-go (or germaphobic).
From our friends at Eater (and in partnership with natural-wine purveyor Mysa), the gift that keeps on giving.
$200 and under
This sleek, highly giftable coffee maker is a collaboration between Crux and Bronx chef collective Ghetto Gastro.
A mini (and thus cheaper) version of the Strategist-favorite massager.
A West~bourne-curated care package: Togarashi Chex mix, Lani Halliday baked goods, a whole bottle of Ghia, and so much more.
A less delicate — but just as elegant — spin on your grandma’s doily.
A plush rug that’ll brighten up their space and their day.
They don’t have to be a kid to enjoy Lego’s nod to Pop Art.
But they do have to be a kid to enjoy this child-size sleeping bag, produced in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute.
$500 and under
The Super Puff — long one of our favorite puffers — now comes in a waterproof rendition, ideal armor for winterizing one’s social life.
Or consider this blanket, a collaboration from Snow Peak and technical blanket company Rumpl, which has buckles to convert it into a jaunty cape.
A less technical, but no less luxurious blanket, this one is machine washable, weather-resistant, and handmade in South Africa.
Some fancy slippers, because no one’s wearing real shoes this winter.
A made-to-order, handblown, and, yes, wavy (are you sensing a trend?) set from upstate New York.
This “breakthrough” coffee grinder is a game-changer for home brewers, according to Strategist writer Louis Cheslaw.
A significantly more delicate bauble inspired by a Susan Alice Dashwood painting.
Trend forecasters say this latest Apple watch is sure to sell out.
An actually worthy remake of the iconic Princess Diana sweater.
The year of the housedress has shown no signs of letting up, and no one does it better than Salter House.
Splurges
A particularly luxurious gift for the feline-obsessed friend in your life.
This charming little lettuce leaf can be worn as a brooch or a pendant.
If there’s ever a winter to splash out on winter boots, this is it.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
