Are you weary of giving, (or receiving) blasé gifts? Once I received a Pin the Tail on the Donkey game from an overwhelmed relative who was rushing to meet the “obligation” of giving many different gifts at once. Yeah, I know— it’s the thought that counts. But the problem was that the donkey was missing a few key parts (like the tail), and I was nearly 15 years old!

Seeking out opportunities to gift all-year-round has allowed me to view giving gifts as an art form. The all-year-round approach gives me time to be more genuinely thoughtful, cater to the refined tastes of the recipient, while adding a touch of quiet luxury. This is the same approach I take when designing a space. It’s amazing to me how the gift goes from being mere stuff, to an immersive, more meaningful experience for the recipient. It’s also a great way to introduce those I care about to products and services they may have never considered before. And because the recipients are often not expecting my gift, they are genuinely surprised.

I've meticulously curated a collection of unique discoveries below to give you a taste of the types of items I look for when shopping for gifts. Enjoy!

1. Health and Fitness: Sculpt Your Sanctuary

“Your health is your wealth”, and a home gym should reflect that mantra. When choosing health and fitness items, think beyond the ordinary. Look for equipment that not only promotes well-being but also conveys a sense of refinement. Keep an eye out for fitness equipment that seamlessly blends with your decor and gives the appearance of art, rather than a device of torture. The more handsome the equipment, the more likely it is to blow the mind of its recipient— which is what we want.

1) Boxing Gloves 2) Walnut Dumbells 3) Bag & Tennis Racket Holder 4) Kettlebell 5) Decorative Weight 6) Luxe Adjustable Dumbbells 7) Jordan Fleece Pullover 8) Nike Court Legacy 9) Luxury Bali Spa Escape

2. Home and Garden: Where Elegance Meets Nature

I believe the outside of your home should look just as refined as the inside. For those who appreciate the finer things of outdoor life, focus on details that help them create a more elegant experience in the garden. Items #6 and #8 below can serve as a testament to your thoughtful consideration of them and their space's unique character.

1) Baby Blue Velvet Chair 2) Bar Cart Book 3) “Stargazing” Home Scent 4) Wireless Scent Diffuser 5) Stripped Bowl 6) White Garden Hose 7) Sofa & Ottoman 8) Onyx Watering Can 9) Pink Cove Bed

4. Splurge-Worthy Details: A Feast for the Senses

In the world of thoughtful gifting, the fascination lies in details that charm the senses. It’s all about turning simple things into big curiosities. For instance:

• A regular bar of soap hits very differently than a chemical-free, naturally fragranced, handmade soap

• The standard bottle of lotion pales in comparison to luscious hand or body balms infused with orange, rosemary and lavender.

• A utilitarian eyeglass case will have a completely different sensation in the hand than an engraved, soft, leather wrapped eyeglass case.

Trust me— the differences between ordinary objects and their more unique versions is striking. These splurge-worthy details aren't just gifts; they are expressions of refined taste that compliment and elevate the one receiving the gift.

1) BYREDO Eau de Parfum 2) Black Cain Chair 3) Aēsop Hand Wash & Hand Balm Set 4) Men’s Toiletry Bag 5) Aēsop Gloam Eau de Parfum 6) Murad Eye Depuffer & Pore Corrector 7) Eyeglass Case 8) The Ordinary Skin Care Set 9) Modern Velvet Pouf

5. Luxury Table Games: Extravagant Gifts for Your Most Loved

I remember a moment from my childhood when my mom surprised my dad with a cool walnut-wrapped pool table. Even the crew that delivered it to our basement were excited about the reveal. I share that story to make a point—don't be afraid to go a bit over the top with your gifts. Just reserve the extravagance for someone who has truly earned it.

I’ve never been a fan of adult game rooms with typical setups and bold primary colors? If you're thinking of a big, generous gift (for yourself or someone special), why not use it as a chance to shake things up in the game room? Imagine a marble Tic-Tac-Toe side table—it's not just a game but a total work of art, and bonus, a spot to park your drink. Or how about a reclaimed wood ping pong table that pulls double duty as your dining table. Unconventional, right? That’s precisely the point.

1) Foosball Table 2) Concrete Tic-Tac-Toe 3) Reclaimed Wood Ping Pong Table (doubles as a dining room table) 4) Tortoise Table Top Game 5) White Bone Domino Set 6) Natural Guanacaste Ping Pong Table (doubles as a dining room table) 7) Fori Side Table Chess Set 8) Black and Walnut Pool Table with Wall Rack & Accessories 9) Dimensional Tic-Tac-Toe

6. Tech and Personal Safety: Boosting Everyday Living with a Twist

Geeking out on tech is one of my secret passions. When I can blend style, functionality, and just a hint of discretion, consider me unstoppable. Some can be intimidated by, or even resistant to technology. So when picking out tech gifts, think about the tech-savviness of the person you're spoiling. Can your gift recipient easily embrace and apply this technology to their daily grind?

Let's break it down. Someone who values safety and lives solo might love to have a flashlight with a built-in taser. It's a game-changer that's easy to embrace, providing that extra layer of security. For the jetsetter in your life, cue the Apple AirTag—it's a small gadget that becomes a luggage-tracking hero during their travel adventures. When you insert technology where it’s most useful, it’s easy to embrace it.

1) Men’s Battery-Heated Shirt 2) Mini 3 Drone w/Remote 3) SABRE Stun Gun + Flashlight 4) Apple AirTags 5) Portable JBL Waterproof Speaker 6) Eufy Baby Monitor 7) Apple Watch Series 9 8) Outdoor 360° Solar Security Camera 9) Robotic Vacuum

In all seriousness, who needs another batch of ties or scarves? No one. Here's to lifting the gift-giving game, turning occasions into memories etched in warmth and style. Here's to a world less ordinary and gifts that truly matter. 🎁✨