21 Gifts to Spread Hygge for the Holidays

No tech is required in this cozy gift guide.

21 gifts to spread hygge for the holidays

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An appreciation for comfort and coziness is at the heart of hygge (pronounced hoo-gah), a Danish concept that has caught on around the world. Creating hygge in your life is as simple as discovering how to enjoy a reading nook on a rainy day or snuggling with loved ones by a crackling fire. Share some hygge this holiday season with these cozy and creative gift ideas. No tech required.

1. The Hygge Bible

Meik Wiking’s The Little Book of Hygge sparked global interest in Scandinavia’s cozy way of life when it was released in 2016. The founder of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen has written this guide that explains why hygge is to Danes “what freedom is to Americans.”

the little book of hygge by meik wiking

2. DIY Firestarter

Nothing could be more hygge than a homemade gift. These holiday wax firestarters from Rooted in Thyme use pine cones, cinnamon sticks, and bay leaves to give a striking and scent-filled kindling alternative.

Wax Firestarter Cupcakes | HelloGlow.co
Copyright © 2018, Hello Natural

3. Mexican Hot Chocolate

Mexican hot chocolate is the perfect start for a snowy night holed up indoors. Rancho Gordo Stoneground Chocolate contains wild cinnamon, piloncillo, and 70 percent chocolate. The artisanal product from Napa comes with a personal recommendation from our staff.

rancho gordo stone ground chocolate
Copyright © 2018, Rancho Gordo

4. Cozy Candles

An intoxicating scent transports any living room to hygge heaven. The musky, spicy, and woody smells of Seventh Avenue Apothecary Cashmere and Frankincense, Lockwood Basil Ginger Soy, and Bath & Body Works Mahogany Teakwood create the perfect atmosphere for coziness. Just remember, moderation is key; hoarding is definitely not hygge.

seventh avenue apothecary cashmere and frankincense candle
Copyright © 2018, Seventh Avenue Apothecary

5. Neo-Victorian Literature

Curling up with a great novel is a simple pleasure, and some modern books have depicted the drama of Dickensian times in a new light. Fingersmith by Sarah Waters, Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood, and The Meaning of Night by Michael Cox would satisfy any bookworm on your gift list.

fingersmith by sarah waters

6. Socks

Socks with wacky prints and snarky sayings are trendy presents of late, but there is something to be said for well-made footwear. Smartwool Cenozoic Crew Socks and Bombas Women’s Knee-Highs are highly-rated socks for comfort that lasts through the colder months.

Women's Marls Knee-High at Bombas

7. Houseplants

Unlike the difficult responsibility that goes along with gifting a pet (a big no-no), plants are perfectly acceptable as presents, especially if they’re easy. A low-maintenance Christmas cactus or peace lily will work for any level of plant expertise. To make a unique planter, find some translucent haworthias and rare aloes online and arrange them yourself.

Haworthia cooperi houseplant from mountain crest gardens
Copyright © 2018, Mountain Crest Gardens

8. Teas

Who doesn’t relish a hot cup of tea on a snowy morning? Barry’s Irish Breakfast Tea and Bigelow Cozy Chamomile are popular favorites for the caffeinated or decaffeinated in your life.

Barry's Tea, Irish Breakfast, 80-Count (Pack of 6)

9. Kettle

The tea drinker on your gift list will surely appreciate the style and utility of a Hiware Glass Teapot for hygge entertaining or solo use. A stainless steel infuser is a must-have for loose leaf fanatics.

Hiware Good Glass Teapot with Stainless Steel Infuser & Lid

10. Flannel Luxury

It’s okay to splurge on a robe for a special gift (or for yourself). Vermont Country Store’s flannel robes for men and women are a highly-rated indulgence for evenings (and mornings and afternoons) at home.

portuguese flannel robe from vermont country store
Copyright © 2018, The Vermont Country Store

11. Memory Foam for Your Feet

And how could one lounge in a robe without the proper footwear? Ultra Ideas Fleece Memory Foam Slippers complete an outfit perfect for lush relaxation.

Ultra ideas fleece and memory foam slippers

12. Comfort from the Ground Up

Interior design is integral to hygge philosophy. The Serena & Lily Jute Border Rug is a bright, muted touch for a cozy room, while the sheepskin stylings of RugMyBaby add furry drama to your special space.

white icelandic rug from rugmybaby

13. Essential Oils

The properties and uses of various essential oils have long been disputed, but it’s hard to argue against the subtle, calming aroma of a quiet diffuser dispensing a well-extracted eucalyptus oil.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil by Now

14. Dark Chocolate

Park City, Utah’s award-winning Ritual Chocolate has created their Bourbon Barrel-Aged 75% Cacao Chocolate by aging cocoa nibs in bourbon barrels for several months.

Ritual Chocolate's bourbon barrel aged chocolate

15. Double-Textured Blanket

The Bedsure Knitted Throw can be strewn across a couch at one moment and cuddled the next, with its knitted texture on one side and Sherpa lining on the other.

Knitted Throw with Sherpa Reversible Fuzzy Blanket
Copyright © 2018, Bedsure Designs

16. Bubbles

Someone you know has yet to discover the stress-relieving qualities of a bubble bath, and you have the power to change that. Neiman Marcus Prosecco Bubble Bath is an apt introduction. For a homemade gift, try your hand at making DIY natural bath bombs.

Prosecco Bubble Bath by Neiman marcus

17. Body Pillow

The Company Store Medium Firmness Pillow is a top-rated body pillow for more than sleeping. Contrary to popular belief, a body pillow isn’t only for spine support; it can be used to achieve comfort and relaxation in myriad ways throughout the home.

the company store medium firmness body pillow
Copyright © 2018, The Company Store

18. Special Sweaters

The novelty of an ugly sweater wears off faster than a Christmas cookie sugar high. A comfy one, however, is treasured forever. L.L. Bean Women’s Waffle-Stitch Cardigan and WoolOvers Men’s Lambswool Moss Stitch Sweater fit the bill for long-cherished closet favorites.

Woolovers Lambswool moss stitch sweater

19. Baking Swag

The best way to bring hominess to a space might just be the sensory stimulation of baking. The smells and anticipation of treats makes a home like little else can. While the baker in your life might need some specific cookware, the Japanese simplicity of the Hand-Eye Supply BasShu Normal Apron is a foolproof gift that ties together any kitchen.

BasShu Normal Apron by Handeye Supply
Copyright © 2018, Hand-Eye Supply

20. Weighted Blanket

If you know someone who seeks the calming, anti-anxiety effects that this new trend can elicit, check out the Quility Weighted Blanket, a top pick from leading researchers.

Quility Premium Adult Weighted Blanket & Removable Cover

21. Box Subscription

When all else fails, give the simple joy that keeps on giving. Subscribe a lucky recipient to Hygge Box, and they can receive many of the small pleasures on this list throughout the year.

Standard Hygge Box
Copyright © 2018, Hygge Box

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