The season of giving is officially here. The lights are up, the air’s a little crisper, and the invites are rolling in. Whether you’re shopping for your bestie, your coworker, or that “I can’t show up empty-handed” situation, this year’s CarteHaus Holiday Gift Guide is all about things that get used, feel intentional, and elevate the everyday.
From cozy classics to scent-forward staples, these are our favorite finds for giving (or keeping). Thoughtful, beautiful, and perfect for even the hardest-to-shop-for on your list.
1. Le Creuset Heritage Round Dutch Oven in Agave
The forever kitchen icon
A gift that quite literally never goes out of style. A Le Creuset is heirloom-level cookware that gets better with age. The Agave color — a deep, moody navy — is timeless, goes with any kitchen aesthetic, and doesn’t stain (we’re speaking from experience here). It’s the kind of piece that inspires slow cooking, a good glass of wine, and maybe even a dinner invite in return.
Bonus point if you include your favorite recipe card inside or a cookbook!
Best for: The home chef, the newlywed, or that friend with a collection of cookbooks.
2. A Record Player
Offline sound to be present
There’s “press play” and then there’s drop the needle. There’s something wildly grounding about listening to an album from start to finish without skipping or shuffling, just music the way it was meant to be heard. The Pro-Ject’s T1 BT Record Player brings back the ritual of listening and enjoying. We love its clean design, high-quality sound, and the walnut finish that looks good even when you’re not using it.
Best for: The friend who loves music, has a growing vinyl collection without the record player, or simply needs an excuse to put their phone away for an hour.
3. CarteHaus White Tree Candle
A holiday classic, elevated
CarteHaus White Tree - Limited Edition Decorative Jar
Part candle, part decor, all festive charm. Our winter classic, White Tree, is now poured in a limited-edition white Christmas tree vessel, making it an even better holiday gift. The scent is a crisp blend of pine, balsam, and fir that smells like a freshly cut tree on a snowy day. Once the candle’s done, the chic white vessel lives on as timeless holiday decor year after year.
Best for: Anyone hosting holiday dinners, a white elephant gift, or the Christmas lover.
4. Kanel Winter Salt Collection
For more luxe cooking
Elevated cooking, but simpler. These salts from Kanel add instant depth and dimensional flavor to any dish, think truffle on popcorn, a hint of citrus on salad, or a touch of smokiness on roasted veggies. The Winter Collection has Kanel’s four bestsellers, including our personal favorite, the Summer Black Truffle Salt. We love gifting this because it’s something everyone will actually use, but wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves. A small but mighty gift that makes every meal taste like a Michelin experience.
Best for: The foodie, the grill master, and your friend who reviews their favorite restaurants.
5. A Candle Warmer
Create a vibe and make your candles last longer
For those who love a long-lasting candle and prefer a “no open flame” vibe, a candle warmer is genius. A candle warmer gently melts the wax from above, releasing fragrance without burning the wick, meaning your candle lasts longer and the aroma stays soft and consistent. It’s ideal for apartments, dorms, or simply creating ambiance without the flame.
There are dozens of options out there, but we love the clean aesthetic and dimmer options of this Wayfair candle warmer.
Best for: The college student, the minimalist, or that one friend who goes through candles way too fast.
6. Sonoma Syrup Co. Flavored Syrups
For the at-home barista, or mixologist
Make a morning cup of coffee or a mocktail more delicious and special. These syrups from Sonoma Syrup Co. turn a regular cup into something out of your favorite cafe. They’re made with natural ingredients and just the right amount of sweetness (cane sugar!). We’ve been into the Pumpkin Pie Latte Syrup for morning coffee and espresso martinis, and the Pomegranate flavor for sparkling water or post-work cocktail.
Best for: The coffee lover, the entertainer, or the one with a fully stocked bar cart.
7. The Citizenry Aurora Alpaca Throw
For cozy evenings
The Citizenry Aurora Alpaca Throw
A throw blanket always makes a great gift, and this one checks every box. This one from The Citizenry is made from alpaca wool, so it’s incredibly soft, warm, and somehow still lightweight. Each piece is ethically handwoven through fair-trade partnerships, which makes it feel even more special. Even if you think they may have enough blankets, we can almost guarantee that they don’t have one like this one. Perfect for canceling plans and curling up with a book (and a candle, of course).
Best for: The homebody, the reader, or anyone who loves their cozy nights in.
The Final Touch
That’s a wrap, literally and figuratively. Whether you’re shopping for the homebody, the foodie, or the friend who already has it all, these gifts are thoughtful, beautiful, and made to be enjoyed and elevate their routine. Add your favorite CarteHaus candle (our votives make a great add on!) to the mix, a heartfelt note, and you’re good to go.
P.S. Don’t forget to treat yourself. Find your favorite candle.