130 People With Particular, Exacting, Exceptional Taste on the Most Perfect Gift Under $104

John Waters

“A shocking little book that seems to celebrate the ‘destruction of a house of lies,’ with page after page of photographs of the fires burning in Paris’s Notre Dame cathedral.”

Stephanie Danler

“It’s the most versatile and beautiful countertop item. Use it to store fruit, or as a serving dish. It can go on the stove, in the oven, and even in the dishwasher.”

Bevy Smith

“Holidays are always tense. So give your overworked bestie a gift that keeps on giving … multiple orgasms.”

Amy Sedaris

“I have given this to a 13-year-old boy, a 24-year-old girl, and a senior citizen. You can also get the bracelets in silver, and you can stack them as well (they come in 4mm and 5mm, too).”

Isaac Mizrahi

“Everyone should have one of these bags, if not more than one. It’s been a mainstay in my world for as long as I can remember.”

Emma Straub

“When my husband bought this diffuser at the Muji store at JFK, I openly mocked it, but now I really love it. Buy with nice smelly oils, and you are a dream friend!”

Karla Welch

“These are my absolute fave. I travel with them, because honestly, hotels are the only place I ever have the time to take a bath.”

Jazzi McGilbert

“Weird, but hear me out: After I got these as a wedding gift, they quickly became the best things in my home, hands down. Not only can you change the color, brightness, and temperature of the lighting — you can do it all from your phone.”

Erica Chidi Cohen

“Smells like sandalwood and neroli and makes you automatically chill out after a long shower.”

Adam Rapoport

“Navigating bike lanes, especially at night, can feel like a roller-derby match. These are super-bright, easily rechargeable, and quick for the cyclist in your life to get on and off.”

Vanessa Lavorato

“This Lucky Charm Potion from Snakeroot Apothecary always boosts my mood when I spritz it around my house. The rosemary and cedar smell fresh and I love how Rachel explains the properties of the ingredients she uses. Her Smog Lifter Potion is essential for L.A.”

Judy Collins

“To brighten up life all year round. Such a treasure for your home.”

Ladyfag

“No need for needles and freaking out your mom — this sterling-silver-plated piece pops in and out easily and is super-comfortable. Trust me, this gift will make you the coolest aunt or uncle this year.”

Lady Bunny

“Slather on raspberry jam and clotted cream for an English treat that’s so rich it will also clot your arteries if you have it too often.”

Susan Alexandra

“Janie Korn (a.k.a. my sister) hand sculpts her pieces with so much care and panache. My current fav is the Pink Poodle. I recommend never burning it.”

Ina Garten

“From my favorite bakery in Paris. They jokingly call these shortbread cookies punitons — or little punishments. They arrive packed in a beautiful hand-painted tin that you can use long after the cookies are gone.”

Editor’s note: The link below will prompt you to enter an address before you can buy the punitons.

Elizabeth Perkins

“You do not realize how much you love all your food toasted until you have this baby on your counter. Heats up quickly, and super-easy to wipe clean.”

Tonne Goodman

“My favorite cookbook is John Pawson’s. If he says Maldon is the best, then it is. The bucket seems a bit extreme, but then again, salt fanatics do exist. I gave it to my brother-in-law, who is a wonderful cook, and he laughed and loved it.”

Aminatou Sow

“At $80, this might sound steep, but hear me out. This pass covers entry for two people into any of the 2,000 federal recreation sites — including the 58 national parks. That’s access to more than 84 million acres, for TWELVE WHOLE MONTHS. (If you know someone who is in the military, they are able to receive a pass for free. If you are giving this as a gift to someone over 62, it is $80 for a lifetime pass. COME ON!)”

Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin

Corky Pollan

“Suddenly, bowls have become everyone’s favorite dinnerware. Size matters, and Dana Brandwein’s handmade 7x2 Kashmir bowl is just the right size to accommodate multiple components. Plus, it’s dishwasher- and microwave-safe.”

Rio Viera-Newton

“There are few things more fun than closely observing (okay, spying on) really far-away stuff. If you live somewhere scenic, it’s glorious to look at birds and starry night skies. If you live in Brooklyn, like me, it’s cool to gaze at the Statue of Liberty or watch fancy boats float down the Hudson. Also, I watched a car chase on the FDR the other night and it was totally exhilarating.”

Claire Mazur

“Thompson Street Studio’s quilts are stunning and utterly unique. While the blankets are ‘investment pieces,’ the quilted coaster set feels similarly heirloomish — and makes owning a piece of the studio’s artistry a lot more accessible.”

Katie Sturino

“Nobody wants to buy a portable phone charger, but most people would use it every day. I use the red one — I never shy away from color. It’s super-slim and actually gives more than two times the amount of charge your phone needs, so you don’t have to be constantly scoping for your next outlet.”

Heron Preston

“Affordable. Super-cute. Useful. It’s a convenient way to keep our city streets clean of dog business or other trash.”

Noura Sakkijha

“Succulents require little care (who hasn’t been guilty of forgetting to water their plants)? With this trio, you can also choose different planter colors.”

Tina Brown

“A mug of L.A. Burdick’s cocoa always goes down well in my house, especially when teamed with a gift subscription to the British weekly The Spectator (it is still my favorite retro print read with Brexit commentary that reminds us it’s not just this side of the Atlantic that has lost the plot).”

Natasha Pickowicz

“I give all of my cooks a classic Moleskine notebook stamped with a monogram bearing their name (an extra $5 to $7) and allegiance to pastry. Always a hit.”

Caroline Maguire

“The kit is perfect for friends, family, or daughters (like mine) who are into making their own jewelry.”

George Wayne

“Rafanelli orchestrated quite a few state dinners for the previous occupants of the White House. It’s total inspiration — the perfect way to get people thinking of ideas for their own unforgettable party.”

Sophie Buhai

“Blenko, a family-run glass company established in 1893, makes the perfectly designed water carafe for a desk. I love the lapis blue.”

Kate Young

“Cate and I hung out while she was recording this, and I feel really connected to it. I’ll be giving it to all my vinyl-collecting friends.”

Lesley Arfin

“Don’t even put anything in it — just stare at one until your brain gets skyrocketed into the fourth dimension. To me, $65 is a small price to blow someone’s mind.”

Angela Dimayuga

“This tool allows you to use your own leverage to work out knots in pressure points on your back or other parts of your body that need help. Use it on a quiet night at home with a movie on.”

Scarr Pimentel

“My father-in-law gave me one for Christmas, and I started doing the same. They’re soft, cozy, and everyone looks good in them.”

Angie Mar

“Salvador Dalí was a true artist and showman. His book is extraordinary — it’s a beautiful work of art that I refer to time and time again.”

Anna Bond

“What could be better than a surprise box of ice cream at your door? Jeni’s flavors include the unexpected (Cognac with Gingerbread) and classic (Darkest Chocolate). Everything ships in a well-designed box with dry ice.”

Lauren Santo Domingo

“This lingerie pouch preserves one’s dignity when TSA starts unpacking your bag in front of your fellow travelers. Aside from the appliqué monogram, the pouch can be personalized in different fabrics and finishes (from muslin to satin), and in many colors, making it even more ‘intimate.’”

Editor’s note: The price shown is for one medium-size bag.

Nell Diamond

“Use it next to your sink to store jewelry, or keep it on your desk for paperclips and random change that you never have any use for. The ant adds an unexpected touch.”

Ben Gorham

“One of the best construction games children can play with, and KAPLA blocks are made of natural products.”

Karin Bereson

“A funny, slightly subversive children’s book to be enjoyed by parents as well.”

Marie Louise Scio

“Nothing beats the taste of quality.”

Lolo Zouai

“Now people won’t have to ask what their sign is.”

Rita Konig

“My mother-in-law, who is quite hard to buy presents for, grows cucumbers amongst many other things in her garden. I love the idea of any specialist trug or basket, and this is so appealing.”

Adam Selman

“Nothing says ‘I’d like to spend some QT with you this year’ like a light-up Frisbee. Trust me.”

Linda Rodin

“I’ve tried them all and this one is perfect.”

Ali Bird

“It’s not something you’d likely buy for yourself — which is why it makes it such a luxurious gift. It smells incredible and is a real treat when applied immediately after bathing.”

Carmen Chen Wu

“The rose flavor (think flower, not wine) tastes wonderful and fresh, and is full of antioxidants and anti-aging goodies. Cases are a little pricey, making them a great gift.”

Rachel Antonoff

“Susan’s earrings are a very special gift for the cherry-loving person in your life.”

Matthew Schnipper

“For a little extra panache at his future son’s bris.”

Pierre Davis

“Maison Margiela has a series of scents — to receive all of them at once would be perfect.”

Ana Kras

“The speaker is the size of a quail egg and gives such a nice sound. I always have it on me, and have already gifted many.”

Camilla Deterre

“Cozy and chic, with plenty of color options. A Carhartt beanie is so 2015.”

Misa Hylton

“A water bottle is always convenient. Soji’s is energized by a natural rose-quartz crystal that helps rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.”

Chris Black

“Stuff his stocking with … stockings! These orange socks from French designer/hunk Jacquemus will brighten anyone’s day when they peek out.”

Fabiana Faria

“This Venezuelan rum is delicious. For Venezuelans like me, it’s also a bit nostalgic as well.”

Fiorella Valdesolo

“I can’t think of something I like to give (and receive) more than socks. Hansel from Basel’s are both sturdy and whimsical.”

Jackie Johnson

“No one needs another damn candle, but literally everyone will use and love this lighter. It’s rechargeable, so you never have to toss another unrecyclable lighter into a landfill again.”

Marques Brownlee

“Simply the best mouse I’ve ever used — and I’ve used a lot of mice in the last ten years.”

Marisa Competello

“Brooks Brothers’ monogrammed pajamas are a classic for a man — and a woman (I own a pair).”

Missy Robbins

“Gustiamo has incredible Italian specialities. I love the Wholesome Grains & Legumes basket, but they are all great.”

David Shaftel

“The new Wilson Triniti tennis balls stay lively without needing to be packaged in a pressurized canister, so they last way longer than traditional balls. Even with the full case, they’ll probably lose all these before the balls go dead.”

Lori Goldstein

“Perfect for a nightstand, where the notebook is poised to take in late-night thoughts.”

Masami Hosono

“Super-fun — and it will make any old kitchen look cool and chic.”

Editor’s note: the multi-color cutting board has sold out, but an equally delightful blue-and-yellow style is still available at both retailers below.

Rafael de Cardenas

“Creative Growth is a nonprofit organization based in the Bay Area that serves great artists with disabilities. It also makes the best gifts, like this superb Charles Smith print of Batman.”

Amy Morris

“This is actually a traditional Spanish wine decanter, but I suggest filling it with a favorite olive oil for an eye-catching holder that can sit on the counter instead of being tucked in a cabinet.”

Jordan Roth

“A most wonderful collection of children’s books hand-selected based on your family and your child’s interests. Perfect for the kids in your life, or those you love who have children.”

Mimi Thorisson

“The most luxurious pepper mill.”

Nicole Gibbons

“I am a big fan of gifts that keep on giving: Blueland’s Clean Essentials kit, which comes packaged in reusable bottles, is just that. Plus, the bottles’ clean design makes them stylish.”

Agnès B.

“Spending time with friends and family is my favorite part about the holiday season, and there’s no better way than with this bottle of Champagne.”

Mickey Boardman

“This hamburger dog toy is perfect for people without pooches who, like me, are obsessed with art that looks like food. It’s for display purposes only.”

Caroline Goldfarb

“The national nightmare that is un-aesthetically pleasing cannabis accessories is now over, thanks to this simply stunning, stacked gold grinder. It’s a must for your friend who likes to indulge in the Devil’s Lettuce. (Not Sweetgreen. Weed).”

Buzz Bissinger

“The Beis Cosmetic Case has a zippered top and enough room for about a dozen skin-care items. The lining is water-resistant and very easy to clean, and it has compartments for brushes and smaller items such as tweezers. There is also a cleverly designed cosmetic mirror with a built-in stand.”

JiaJia Fei

“Every holiday season, I gift a suite of Muji’s 0.38mm black gel pens — the only ones I can write with — to my team, so that everyone is on brand.”

Durga Chew-Bose

“You’d be surprised how many people — even among your friends — were once competitive figure skaters. And even for those who were not, a Hockney photomontage is thoughtful because it’s the sort of thing you ‘add to cart’ but never purchase for yourself.”

Matt Tyrnauer

“For a few years in the 1960s, Eero Saarinen’s TWA Flight Center at JFK (which recently reopened as the TWA Hotel) redefined air travel — which, alas, has been defined-down almost ever since. This book gives a granular account of the design and construction of the terminal.”

Harley Viera-Newton

“A dwarf Meyer-lemon tree is a great BFF for anyone who has the right amount of space in the sun (indoors or out). It’s incredibly helpful when you decide to make dinner last minute and don’t feel like running to the store.”

Tabitha Simmons

“The packaging is so beautiful and the soaps themselves add a nice touch to any home.”

Ty Williams

“The bathtub is where a lot of people (including me) get some of their better ideas. I love the smell of Bathing Culture’s earth-friendly soap and use it for virtually everything.”

Rita Sodi and Jody Williams

“We always buy these loaves as gifts — but they’re too good to part with, so we end up eating ourselves.”

“The silver-plated nutmeg grater we use at home — and to finish the tagliatelle with prosciutto and Parmigiano at Via Carota, as well as Bar Pisellino’s seasonal hot cider.”

Lauren Williams

“Handmade in Chicago, each one is totally unique. Give it to a friend who looks like the face, to a family member who elicits that exact face whenever you see them, or to someone who simply needs a smile.”

Kathy Grayson

“Shrigley is one of few artists who can make junk and not have it suck.”

Jeralyn Gerba

“A stellar artifact of both music and design, the Voyager Golden Record pairs Carl Sagan’s masterful curation of sounds with an awesome book of images and essays and a nifty collectible pin. Sagan wrote of the project, ‘The launching of this bottle into the cosmic ocean says something very hopeful about life on this planet.’ Is there a better message than that optimism to send during the holidays — or ever?”

Miles Greenberg

“Nothing says, ‘I neither know you nor your interests very well, but am obligated to get you something’ quite like the ever-inoffensive Diptyque candle. That’s why you shouldn’t get anybody a Diptyque candle. A nice tea is pleasant, tasteful, useful, and thoughtful — without really meaning anything at all, which is sometimes just the ticket.”

Elizabeth Roberts

“A simpler version of that Tivoli radio already sitting on someone’s mantle, this Mason Jar Radio comes pre-tuned to the station of your choice — whether WNYC or any other local public station.”

Omar Sosa

“It’s hard for me to think of someone who wouldn’t like this book full of incredible spaces to dream of.”

Rachael Wang

“Rustic Roots stuffs its coolers with gorgeous, locally sourced organic produce that’s just begging to be transformed into a meal. You can gift a single basket, or a weekly subscription if it’s for someone who loves to cook.”

Jake Rodehuth-Harrison

“It’s the PERFECT Palo Santo holder as it keeps the wood upright, so it can continue to burn. Denise of D Ceramics is my neighbor and makes her simple-but-elegant pieces in her garage turned studio.”

Sally Breer

Sandeep Salter

“These Berea brooms, made by the students of Berea College in Kentucky, are so intricate. Surely the tallest gift under the tree.”

Sandy Liang

“My favorite part is doing the cheat codes and then building cool houses.”

Eric Adams

“Gift it with your favorite smoothie recipe — or mine, a self-concocted one I call the ‘Endurance Secret’ (blend cacao powder, maca powder, açaí powder, moringa powder, amla powder, a cup of blackberries or blueberries, and greens, whether kale, spinach, or bok choy).”

Meredith Melling

“I literally stopped doing Botox when I started using this.”

Waris Ahluwalia

“Charbonnel et Walker is one of Britain’s oldest chocolatiers. The chocolates are delicious and come in beautiful packaging. My favorites are the the Dark Chocolate Thin Mints and Dark Marc de Champagne Truffles. (Now you know what to get me.)”

Emily Oberg

“Most of us don’t need more things. We’re especially low in vitamin D during the winter months, so this will benefit anyone on your list, no matter their gender, age, or taste.”

Molly Prentiss

“Give this to every new baby you know. It’s good for mush in the beginning and full-on meals during toddlerhood. You can get it engraved. It’s not plastic. Win, win, win, yum, yum, yum.”

Ken Fulk

“One of the highlights of holidays past was when my grandmother would deliver her sky-high, homemade coconut cake to our house. I try to carry on this tradition by sending friends something as close to my grandmother’s original recipe as possible (that is, without having to make it myself).”

Sarah Flint

“A small luxury that can be enjoyed every day. Gift it with your favorite kind of tea (mine is English Breakfast) for an extra personal touch.”

Brandon Veloria

“These pillows are so sweet. I love that they’re made from deadstock materials.”

Mary Ping

“The design book highlights everyday items that have really nailed it, are just right, and will withstand the test of time.”

Prabal Gurung

“These ultrasoft towels from my friend Nell Diamond’s Hill House Home come in a variety of beautiful colors. They are customizable, too, so you can tailor them to capture the spirit of your loved ones.”

Tara Foley

“As delicious and nutritious as they are gorgeous. Feels like you’re indulging in something very decadent, when in fact, it’s healthy.”

Irene Neuwirth

“A dinner bell for wrangling your rowdy guests … or is that just at my house?”

Walter Isaacson

“Not for the faint of tongue. With every use you are kicked into a new quantum orbit of alertness.”

Anna Gray

“Useful presents will remind people your graciousness. With this pair of beautiful scissors, your friend will feel elegant and rich every time they open an Amazon package — and that is a great feeling to bestow on anyone.”

Clémence Polès

“It’s a synbiotic that is made from mushrooms, dissolvable, safe to eat and comes in recyclable and compostable packaging.”

Jake Woolf

“Smells like a musky orange — which doesn’t sound great, but is actually the ideal balance between masculine and fresh.”

Laura Geller

“These REAL flowers, which come in a gorgeous marble vase, are guaranteed to last for 12 months — and you don’t have to do a thing.”

Kathryn Duryea

“To show appreciation for the hero in your life.”

Rayman Boozer

“Who doesn’t want to open a box that says Gucci? Fuchsia is the perfect accent color and the Herbosum aroma is both sensual and invigorating. A stylish gift for co-workers, friends, and significant others alike.”

Lauren Chan

“My husband got me one last year. I was a little disappointed at first because it’s, well, a mug. But after using it for a year, I can’t deny how great it is to have perfectly heated coffee every morning.”

Karen Mabon

“You can never go wrong with adopting a penguin. It even comes with a cute cuddly toy.”

Daniel Power

“It’s the best of nature-bathing without the maniacal bike demons and noisy hordes of nearby Prospect Park. Even if you only ever wanted to go once (say, for the pastoral Time Square cosplay exhibition that the modern-day Sakura Matsuri has become), the cost is well worth it for skipping the line.”

Laila Gohar

“Order it online and have it delivered anywhere in the country. Dessert with a side of nostalgia. It’s perfect.”

Jamie Mizrahi

“You can monogram initials or a nickname, and who doesn’t live in cozy pajamas over the holidays?”

Olivia Chantecaille

“For the people on my list who are impossible to shop for, I’m adopting a giraffe.”

Terrie Sultan

“This whiskey glass has a terrific feel in the hand, and is definitely not something you see every day. It’s for those special people who really want something beautiful in their chase for the perfect drink.”

Ian Bradley

“Mejuri has great pieces under $100 that are great quality and don’t turn your skin green. These are the perfect small hoops for all genders.”

Lauren Kelly

“Inspired by the 30,000 B.C.E. fertility symbol, for the goddesses in your life.”

Rafael Viñoly

“This much-lauded orchestra serves as a springboard for young musicians (the future of classical music), who perform side-by-side concertmasters and principals of critically acclaimed orchestras.”

Shantell Martin

“Use your voice to make samples and have fun making music anywhere. It looks a little complicated but it’s actually really simple.”

Garrett Leight

“In this digital era, nothing is more refreshing than well-designed print items. For someone who loves to plan, this is functional, thoughtful, and looks a lot better than calendar full of of cats.”

Saskia Wilson-Brown

“A silk hankie that will magically usher you through the trials and tribulations of holiday dinners to your reward: the New Year’s Eve party. Give it to a deserving friend, or someone who needs a glamorous receptacle for their family-induced tears.”

Lauren Rodriguez

“These are actually my favorite shoes across the board.”

Olivia Kim

Katie Merchant

“This barrette, a collaboration between two Toronto-based designers 100% Silk and Par Ici, is very sensual and mystical. It’s made entirely out of brass with primitive hardware that won’t snag hair.”

Adam Lippes

“I never thought luxury could come in a tube.”

Nate Berkus

“Art as a puzzle that kids and adults alike will love.”