holiday gifts 2019

42 Surprising, Delightful, and Weird Holiday Gifts Over $200

From a flamingo cork puller to a fancy fire extinguisher.

Photo: Joe Lingeman/JOE LINGEMAN
Photo: Joe Lingeman/JOE LINGEMAN

Typically, we share recommendations for the best products, period — it doesn’t matter when they came out as long as they are exceptionally useful, beautiful, surprising, or otherwise worth recommending. This year we have gone in a different direction, focusing almost entirely on the world of the new. Here, you’ll find a wide assortment of recently released things for every person on your list, from mood music for a plant owner (a rerelease of a 1976 record that apparently helps monsteras and ZZ’s grow) to a big-dog-specific tote for a pit-bull parent. Plus, of course, hundreds of other ideas, from a diamond ear cuff (seen above, cartier.com) to a handful of eerily realistic ceramic peanuts to a Lucite cat bed that could easily double as a side table. Don’t miss all of the Strategist’s holiday gift coverage right here, too.

Zebra Knee-Highs

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

The giant MNZ box alone is worth the price.

Lipstick Purse

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

This Jacquemus “bag” has room for one Ruby Woo.

A Night at the Beatrice

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

André Saraiva’s faux concert poster imagines an ideal lineup at the storied mid-aughts nightclub.

Quieter Theragun

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

The newest version of the handheld massager has a subtler-sounding vibration.

Holiday-Party Cover-up

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

Cheerful, cropped, and collared.

Vanity Brush

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

From Gucci; would not look out of place in a Sofia Coppola period piece.

Ruby-Red Cat-Eyes

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

Slightly sporty, slightly ’50s.

Upstate Jacket

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

The wool is sourced from an Italian mill near Florence.

Murano Glassware

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

Created with Venetian glassmaker Salviati.

21st-Century Steiff

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

Known for its classic teddy bears, the 19th-century company is now making unicorns.

Moon-Landing Camera

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

An updated version of the Hasselblad used to document Apollo 11.

Whole-Ear Diamonds

Photo: Joe Lingeman/JOE LINGEMAN

It stretches from the cartilage all the way to the lobe.

Cable Bracelet

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

Instead of just a regular old chain chain.

Avian Cork Puller

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

From Carl Aubock, the designer responsible for a rooster brass bell and a human-foot paperweight.

Toddler Purse

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

For LEGOs or string cheese.

Shaker-esque Play Kitchen

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

For the no-frills child chef.

Realistic Rower

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

Like a Peloton but for rowing, with live classes taught by Olympians.

Orange Ski Pants

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

Mix things up a little this year at Beaver Creek.

Well-Marbled Wagyu

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

And a boneless New York strip and a prime-rib steak, all aged over 30 days.

Carry-on Kayak

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

From Oru; weighs 20 pounds and folds into a handbag.

88-Pound Tub

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

Styled after the 18th-century “Bateau Bath.” 

Dainty Pillow Sham

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

A new floral print from the storied linens line.

Dancing Shoes

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

A ballerina-flat comeback is expected this spring.

Cleaning Quartet

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

Includes a rack, an ostrich-feather duster, an ebonized-oak-handled broom, and a dustpan with contoured edges that can apparently even gather glitter.

Non-Dowdy Electric Bike

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

It’s vintage style and can go up to 36 mph.

Legged Serving Bowl

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

From the Haas Brothers’ first homeware collection.

Swedish Soda-Maker

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

An aesthete’s SodaStream.

Lucite Cat Bed

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

Could double as a side table.

Gentleman’s Money Clip

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

For the one who still refuses to carry a wallet.

Blue Blazer

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

This single-breasted satin jacket by Henning NYC goes up to size 24.

35 New Prince Songs

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

Courtesy of Prince’s estate, a remastered edition of 1999 featuring never-before-released tracks.

Cleverest Carry-on

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

It has a two-sided suitcase-style interior and can be carried as a backpack, tote, or carry-on.

Jaunty Cardigan

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

Designed by former Parsons classmates.

Jerry Saltz–Approved Painting

Photo: UNTITLED, 2019, COURTESY OF JAMES BARRON ART

Vera Girivi recently showed her richly saturated paintings at Paris’s Outsider Art Fair.

Racquet Backpack

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

The quilted leather bag holds a racquet plus nine balls.

Striped Scarf

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

Acne Studios collaborated with artist Jacob Dahlgren, who has worn a striped T-shirt every day since 2001.

Over-the-Top Watch

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor/Protected by Copyright

The Daytona features eight diamonds and an 18-karat-gold setting.

Antipasto Knives

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

Capable of slicing through even the toughest Grana Padano.

Velvet Lounger

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

A Hollywood Regency–esque chair by Orior, a heritage Irish furniture brand.

Very Fleecy Fleece

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

A fuzzy brown pullover from Japanese outdoors line Snow Peak.

Fancy Fire Extinguisher

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

A slightly less unsightly way to comply with fire-safety standards.

Creamy Belt

Photo: Courtesy of Vendor

Really for any wearer of pants.

*This article appears in the November 25, 2019, issue of New York Magazine. Subscribe Now!

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.

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42 Surprising, Delightful, and Weird Holiday Gifts Over $200