The holidays are here again — which means it’s officially the season of pretending you knew exactly what to get everyone, even though you absolutely did not. Luckily, I’ve spent the last year testing, trying, burning, sipping, reading, puzzling, stretching, sex-toying, and straight-up obsessing over a whole collection of products that actually make great gifts.

Some of these brands sent things my way (thank you, PR gods), some are ride-or-dies I buy with my own money, and some are just things I think deserve a spot in your life or under someone’s tree. No filler. No fake enthusiasm. Just twenty genuinely good, useful, aesthetically pleasing, or delightfully queer-adjacent gifts that I would recommend without blinking.

Whether you’re shopping for a writer, yogi, traveler, puzzle-doer, whiskey-sipper, cozy-homebody, proud bottom, proud top, or proud “I just like nice things,” this guide has something for them — and maybe a few things for you, too. No shame in that.

Let’s get into it.

1. Gifts for Everyday Joy

Shiddie Co. Candles

If you want a gift that smells incredible and comes with a tiny emotional plot twist, say hello to The Shiddie Co.—aka my candle brand, born in 2025 and fully committed to bringing cozy chaos into the world. These candles aren’t just premium soy and clean-burning (though they are), but they also come with something no other candle company is doing: a completely original, writer-crafted message on the back that changes on every candle.

Think of it as a mini fortune, poem, affirmation, roast, or story fragment that’s tied directly to the theme of the candle and written by me. The message is collectible, personal, and a little addictive: once people get one, they want the next. And the next. And the next.

The flagship five scents are the perfect entry point, and for the holidays, they’re on sale: all five for $100, which is basically a “buy four, get an extra Shiddie” situation. There’s also a complete holiday line for the seasonal fan, plus Big/Little Shiddie bundles so you can mix minis and 10-oz candles into a gift set that feels totally personal.

Bottom line: if you want to give a gift that smells amazing, looks beautiful, says something meaningful, and is literally one-of-a-kind with the changing messages… give them a Shiddie.

Glasvin Stemless Whiskey Glasses

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a sommelier without needing a trust fund or a wine cellar the size of a guesthouse, Glasvin is the move. Their handcrafted, minimalist stemless whiskey glasses are designed to enhance the actual flavor of your drink and make even a Tuesday-night pour feel elevated. The whole company is built around accessibility and craftsmanship: minority-owned, community-focused, and partnered directly with artisan glassblowers so every piece is unique and reasonably priced.

These particular glasses were created by designer Kevan Mah in honor of his sons, which gives them this quiet emotional resonance you don’t expect from barware. It also makes sipping from them feel a little more intentional. They’re dishwasher-safe, beautifully balanced in the hand, and durable enough for everyday use (because no one wants to baby their glassware). For the whiskey lover, the aesthetic minimalist, or the “I’m an adult now, I deserve nice things” friend, this set is an easy, elegant win.

Artfelt Pride Parade Puzzle

Artfelt Pride Parade Jigsaw Puzzle — *Courtesy of Artfelt*

If you want to give a gift that feels like joy, community, and queer resistance all rolled into one box, the Artfelt Pride Parade Puzzle delivers. Artfelt exclusively features LGBTQIA and BIPOC artists, because representation matters (even on cardboard), and this puzzle is basically a love letter to queer creativity. Illustrated by Bats Langley, it’s a riot of color, characters, glitter, movement, and unapologetic pride that turns your kitchen table into its own mini parade.

This isn’t just a puzzle; it’s an invitation to slow down, snack heavily, blast music, and connect with people you actually like while you hunt for edge pieces. And when that final piece clicks into place, it feels like you’ve been right there in the march, feeling sweaty, smiling, and totally alive. For the queer friend, the puzzle nerd, or anyone who needs a reminder that joy itself is a form of resistance, this one is an easy, vibrant win.

Aura Frames

If you want a gift that feels personal without requiring you to actually make a scrapbook (because who has the time), the Aura Frames Aspen 12" digital frame is the move. It’s consistently rated Wirecutter’s #1 digital frame, and for good reason. The HD anti-glare display is gorgeous, the setup takes about a minute, and anyone you invite can beam photos or videos straight to it from anywhere in the world. It’s basically the modern-day version of passing around a photo album… except it updates itself and doesn’t live in a dusty cabinet.

You can add unlimited pictures, videos, and even Live Photos, plus captions for the moments that need context (“Yes, this was the night we got kicked out of that bar”). The frame automatically adjusts brightness, looks great in both orientations, and even lets you scan old printed photos so grandparents can feel like tech geniuses. It’s an effortlessly meaningful gift for parents, chosen family, long-distance besties, or anyone who deserves daily joy in slideshow form.

Aura has plenty of other frames to choose from, as well, so browse around and find the fit that’s best for you!

Yellow Leaf Hammocks

If you want to give someone the gift of instant relaxation (or a legitimate excuse to ignore their responsibilities for an afternoon), the Yellow Leaf Hammocks are perfect. Yellow Leaf doesn’t just make the world’s coziest hammocks—they partner directly with the craftswomen of the Mlabri Tribe in Northern Thailand, creating sustainable jobs that allow women to become household breadwinners and lift their communities out of poverty. Every hammock is handwoven, signed by its maker, and created with the brand’s signature Weightless Weave™ that feels like being gently held by a cloud that also believes in women’s empowerment.

The Chair Hammocks, in particular, are ideal for small spaces or indoor/outdoor setups, expanding into a full-body recline while still packing down to the size of a football. It’s sturdy, weather-safe, quick-drying, and pretty enough to make any corner of your home feel like a vacation you didn’t have to book. Whether you're gifting it to a stressed-out friend, a backyard lounger, or someone who simply deserves to be swaddled in ethical luxury, this hammock is relaxation with a conscience.

BrüMate Drinkware

BruMate Era Tumbler — *Courtesy of BrüMate*

If you’re shopping for someone who loves their beverages the way they love their personality—strong, temperature-controlled, and slightly dramatic—BrüMate is the perfect pick. Their whole brand exists to make everyday moments feel like mini celebrations, and two of their bestsellers do it flawlessly: the Era Tumbler, a spillproof, straw-friendly hydration flex, and the Hopsulator Slim, literally the best thing to ever happen to canned seltzer.

BrüMate is unapologetically stylish (the prints are gorgeous), built to solve annoying real-life problems (goodbye, lukewarm drinks), and committed to innovation that actually makes your day better, not just prettier. Whether you're gifting a commuter, a camper, a yogi, a seltzer-lover, or someone who keeps “accidentally” knocking drinks over, BrüMate brings form, function, and a little bit of fun to every sip. It’s the kind of gift people use daily and instantly wonder how they ever lived without.

NWTN Home

If you’re shopping for someone who believes their smoking accessories should look like they belong in an art museum (or on the bar cart of a very stylish gay couple), NWTN Home has you covered. The brand blends classic heritage glassware design with modern cannabis functionality, resulting in pieces that are genuinely beautiful, well-crafted, and elevated enough to leave out on display. Their Highball Hand Pipe is a perfect example — a hand-blown borosilicate glass piece adorned with diamond and wedge cuts that make every hit feel a little like a vintage cocktail moment.

For something more dramatic, the Deco Gravity Bong is a showstopper: sleek, heavy-hitting, easy to clean, and stunning enough to pass as designer glassware until someone asks, “Wait… is that what I think it is?” Both pieces come in a range of gorgeous colors (Baltic Amber, Emerald, Orchid, Lapis, and more), making them both customizable and functional. Whether your gift recipient is a longtime enthusiast or simply a design snob with taste, NWTN Home brings elegance to every smoke-friendly space.

Speks

If you’ve ever wanted a gift that says “I support your mental health and your chaotic creativity,” Speks is the answer. Designed by a small Brooklyn-based team that believes work should be fun, their fidget toys are beautifully made, ridiculously satisfying, and genuinely helpful for stress, focus, and keeping your hands busy while your brain catches up. Speks makes everything from magnetic balls to sculptural desk toys to sensory putty to memory-gel squish balls, and the Best Sellers Bundle wraps all their greatest hits into one glorious, anxiety-soothing package.

Inside, you get their iconic 512-piece Spectrum Speks, a set of Crags magnetic putty, the impressively hefty Supers magnet balls, and a trio of Gump memory-gel stress balls, all in your choice of colors. It’s tactile, mesmerizing, endlessly fidgetable, and the kind of gift people keep on their desk and use every single day without ever admitting how much they need it. For the stressed-out creative, the office worker, the ADHD friend, or literally anyone who loves a good distraction, this bundle is the ultimate desk-toy upgrade.

Mill Rock East

If you want to give a gift that feels thoughtful without being a mind reader, Mill Rock East is a total win. If you’re overwhelmed by their inventory, their Build Your Own option is great for customizing the gift or letting them customize it for themselves. Their whole brand is built around the idea that jewelry should mean something, and the customizable pieces let you design your jewelry with the exact charms, birthstones, names, or symbols that reflect the person you’re gifting. You choose the chain, choose the number of charms, mix-and-match metals or stones, and end up with a piece that feels personal, intentional, and way more special than anything mass-produced.

What makes Mill Rock East so good for gifting is how easy they make the whole process: fast shipping (most custom pieces ship within 24 hours), beautiful packaging, and styles for both men and women, all at genuinely accessible prices. Everything is crafted by a small team in Connecticut who believes jewelry isn’t just pretty, but rather a story you get to carry with you. If you’re looking for a “wow, you really thought about this” kind of gift, this customizable collection is it.

P.F. Flyers

If you’re shopping for someone who loves a little nostalgia with their style, check out P.F. Flyers. If you have a shoe lover in your midst, their 1993 Center High-Top is a slam-dunk gift. These are the exact shoes immortalized in The Sandlot—the “run faster, jump higher” sneakers with decades of athletic history behind them. P.F. Flyers has been shaping footwear culture since 1933, pioneering the first-ever patented sneaker insole (the Posture Foundation) and becoming the chosen shoe of athletes, kids, soldiers, astronauts, and basically anyone who demanded both comfort and character.

The modern version keeps all that heritage but adds updated support, eco-friendly materials, and all-day wearability, so they look vintage but feel brand new. The 1993 Center High-Top is the ultimate everyday sneaker: durable canvas, classic silhouette, iconic comfort, and absolutely effortless to style. Whether you’re gifting a sneakerhead, a nostalgic ‘90s kid, or someone who just appreciates a shoe with a story, these high-tops are a cultural icon that still delivers.

2. Gifts for the Mind and Body

Breathe and Flow Shop

Breathe and Flow Yoga Mat — *Instagram.com/breatheandflow*

This one is personal for me. I found Breathe and Flow during the pandemic, back when I was just trying to survive the day-to-day, and Flo’s Yoga for Men series became the first doorway into a practice that eventually changed my entire life. I’ve never met Bre and Flo in person, but they were the teachers who helped me through grief, gave me a path forward after losing my dad, and ultimately inspired me to step onto the teacher’s mat myself. Their work isn’t just classes. It’s presence, strength, breath, grounding, and a kind of steady compassion that meets you exactly where you are.

Their shop reflects the same intention: beautifully designed yoga mats (including ultra-light travel mats), minimal, stylish, branded apparel, and thoughtful accessories that elevate the practice without feeling commercial. They also created Grounds of Gratitude, their coffee line that turns your morning cup into a slow, mindful ritual rooted in appreciation. Everything they make exists to help you reconnect with yourself: to move, breathe, and listen.

If you’re gifting a yogi, a beginner, someone rebuilding, or someone who needs a moment of peace in a noisy world, Breathe and Flow offers gifts that carry heart, purpose, and genuine meaning. It’s more than merchandise—it’s the beginning of a deeper journey.

42 Birds Yoga Mats

42 Birds The Robin Extra Long — *Courtesy of 42 Birds*

If you’re gifting someone who loves yoga, nature, or refuses to practice on a mat that squeaks, check out 42 Birds. Even better, if you have a tall friend (like me!) in your midst, their extra-long version of The Robin is a beautiful upgrade. This family-owned, sustainability-driven brand makes all their mats from Mediterranean cork—one of the most eco-friendly, renewable materials on the planet—and their extra-long 85" version gives tall practitioners the space they deserve. The cork surface offers a smooth, grounded feel with grip that actually improves as you heat up, and its naturally antimicrobial properties keep the mat fresh without any extra fuss.

Lightweight, supportive, and PVC-free, The Robin delivers that “connected to nature” energy while still being practical for studio life or home practice. It rolls out beautifully, looks stunning in any space, and includes a cotton carrying strap so the yogi in your life can take it everywhere. For the eco-conscious friend, the taller mover, or anyone whose current mat is… let’s say “well-loved,” this is a gift that feels thoughtful, stylish, and rooted in something good.

Pro tip: Use code WARRIORSEDGE15 for 15% off (requires a minimum purchase of $30).

LĒVO

LEVO II+ Essentials Bundle — *Courtesy of LĒVO*

For the foodie, wellness guru, or DIY skincare enthusiast in your life, the LĒVO II+ Essentials Bundle is the perfect gateway into the world of natural infusions. LEVO was founded on the idea that herbs shouldn’t need solvents, additives, or complicated kitchen setups to release their goodness. Their patented technology makes infusing oils and butters as simple as pressing a button. The LĒVO II+ is sleek, odor-controlled, and fully customizable, allowing you to make everything from marinades to balms to infused honeys with clean ingredients and total creative freedom.

The Essentials Bundle takes things even further with extra power pods, gummy molds, an herb press, a sprayer, a block tray, MCT oil, and digital cookbooks to help you dive in. It’s beautifully packaged, genuinely helpful, and one of those gifts that immediately sparks new ideas. If you want to give someone a tool that inspires experimentation and supports a more intentional, natural lifestyle, this kit is a home run.

3. Gifts for Travelers, Foodies, and People Who Deserve Nice Things

Equator Coffees

Founded in 1995 by life-and-business partners Helen Russell and Brooke McDonnell, Equator Coffees is one of the most respected specialty roasters in the country. It’s also one of the first to center on sustainability, direct trade, and regenerative agriculture, long before it became industry standard. A Certified B Corp with deep, decades-long relationships across more than 20 countries, Equator approaches coffee with an emphasis on quality, ethics, and storytelling. Every bag they roast is tied to the land, producers, and communities that shape it, and their team goes out of their way to share the origin stories that make each coffee unique. They even offer guides on the best ways to brew each blend, so you can get a café-quality cup at home without guesswork.

For gifting, their Mocha Java Blend is a standout: a Fair Trade, Organic medium roast that scored an impressive 92 points from Coffee Review. It brings together fruit-forward Ethiopian coffees from Kayon Mountain Estate with the depth and structure of “Queen Ketiara,” a women-produced Sumatra coffee from the Ketiara Cooperative. The result is a beautifully balanced cup with notes of dark chocolate, almond, and berry-like fruit that’s rich enough for milk, but nuanced enough to sip black. For the coffee lover, the foodie, or the friend who treats their morning cup like a daily ritual, Equator is thoughtful, delicious, and sourced with intention.

Lonely Planet LGBTQ+ Travel Book

Lonely Planet LGBTQ+ Travel Guide — *Courtesy of Lonely Planet/Alicia Valenski*

For the queer traveler (or the queer traveler at heart), Lonely Planet’s LGBTQ+ Travel Guide is one of the most thoughtful, inspiring, and downright useful books you can gift. Written by debut author and queer, neurodivergent travel writer Alicia Valenski, the guide highlights more than 50 LGBTQ+-friendly destinations around the world, all shaped by interviews, insights, and recommendations from queer locals who actually live there. This isn’t just a list of Pride parades and rainbow crosswalks; it’s a profoundly human, community-driven look at the places where queer people can explore, connect, and feel at home.

Packed with itineraries, queer-owned businesses, safety tips, colorful maps, and “know before you go” breakdowns, it’s the kind of guide that sparks serious wanderlust while also grounding you in the realities of traveling as an LGBTQ+ person. Critics have already called it a “must-have for queer travellers,” and honestly, they’re right. It’s both a gorgeous coffee-table book and a practical resource. Whether you’re shopping for an adventurer, a dreamer, or someone planning their first big post-pandemic trip, this guide is an affirming reminder that the world is wide, beautiful, and filled with queer stories worth discovering.

Natterjack Whiskey

If you’re gifting a whiskey lover who wants something bold, memorable, and a little bit rebellious, Natterjack Irish Whiskey is the bottle to reach for. Inspired by the adventurous, yellow-striped Natterjack toad—the only native toad of Ireland and a creature famous for walking its own path rather than hopping—this brand is all about doing things differently. Founded by a team of pioneers eager to blend Irish tradition with American ingenuity, Natterjack creates a whiskey that’s smooth, unique, and unmistakably its own. Their bottles have a story, a spirit, and a personality that embodies the “live deliberately” ethos in every pour.

The standout gift here is the Cask Strength, affectionately known (by me) as the grand daddy. Bottled straight from a char-4 virgin American oak cask at a fiery 63% ABV, it’s a pure, uncut expression awarded Irish Whiskey of the Year in 2024. Expect aromas of orange and butterscotch, a punchy mix of charred oak, malt, cloves, and muscovado sugar on the palate, and a long, honeyed finish that feels like sitting by a warm fire on a winter night. It’s not a whiskey you shoot, it’s a whiskey you savor. For the adventurous drinker, the bourbon lover, or anyone who appreciates a bottle with real personality, Natterjack Cask Strength is a gift that leaves a lasting impression.

History by Mail

For the history lover—or honestly, anyone who loves getting real mail that isn’t a bill—History By Mail is one of the most unique and thoughtful gifts you can give. Created by Ari Siegel after discovering how alive history feels when you hold primary documents in your hands, the subscription delivers monthly replicas of real letters, sketches, maps, and artifacts straight from America’s archives. Each envelope includes a high-quality reproduction and a beautifully written context page that turns the document into a story. It’s tactile, educational, and surprisingly emotional, like opening a time capsule from someone who lived centuries ago. And yes, if you saw them on Shark Tank, this is that company.

Their standard History By Mail Subscription is fantastic on its own, but I also love their themed add-ons, which make the perfect bonus gift. The Urban Legends add-on dives into Salem Witch Trial records, Houdini séances, Loch Ness sightings, UFO reports, and other eerie gems from the past. The National Parks add-on is gorgeous, featuring historic Yellowstone maps, John Muir sketches, Theodore Roosevelt letters, and other treasures from America’s most iconic landscapes. And for year-round learning, the U.S. Holidays subscription sends primary-source documents tied to twelve major holidays, arriving just before each one. For the curious, the nostalgic, and the lifelong learner, History By Mail makes history feel real.

4. Gifts for the Sex-Positive and Curious

That Asset Bottom Health

Yes, I get it, talking about butt health in a gift guide might feel a little weird at first, but nearly everyone deals with hemorrhoids, fissures, irritation, or general discomfort at some point in their lives. That Asset is here to take the taboo out of taking care of your most overlooked body part with Hole Control™, the first-ever steroid-free, doctor-reviewed daily system designed for long-term relief. Made with homeopathic botanicals like Horse Chestnut, Stoneroot, and Calendula, this cleanser-and-serum duo calms swelling, soothes irritation, strengthens the skin barrier, and supports overall perianal health without the harsh side effects of steroid creams. It’s even pregnancy-safe, which proves this is not just a “gay thing,” not just a “men’s health thing,” and definitely not something to be embarrassed about.

The Hole Routine: Control Bundle includes the complete cleanser and serum system, plus their iconic Butt Towel, making it a genuinely thoughtful, practical gift for anyone dealing with flare-ups or just looking for a happier, healthier backside. It’s the type of present people may not buy for themselves (but still should), but will absolutely thank you for later. Because at the end of the day, a healthy, comfortable butt is something everyone deserves.

Future Method Bottom Care and Toys

Future Method Anal Douche Kit — *Courtesy of Future Method*

Yes, gifting intimacy products can feel a little blush-inducing, but Future Method is the rare brand that actually makes sexual wellness feel smart, safe, and judgment-free. Founded by Dr. Evan Goldstein, a surgeon who has spent his entire career caring for queer bodies, Future Method was created to address the significant educational and product gaps in sexual health. Their Anal Douche Kit™ is truly the gold standard for pre-play prep: a single-use, portable system with an isotonic and iso-osmolar solution designed to cleanse gently without harming tissue (unlike water or saline enemas, which can strip the skin and throw everything off). It’s discreet, easy to use, and honestly one of the healthiest, safest options out there.

For those interested in long-term comfort, confidence, or exploration, the Glass Anal Dilator Set™ is another bestseller, created with real anatomical science to gradually relax and strengthen sphincter muscles. It’s beautifully made, body-safe, and designed for all experience levels, making it approachable even for people who are curious but nervous. Yes, these products are extremely popular among bottom gays (no shame, no surprise), but Future Method’s mission is inclusive: better education, safer sex, and healthier bodies, period. If your gift recipient values wellness, pleasure, empowerment, or wants to feel more confident in their body, Future Method is a thoughtful, sex-positive choice that blends science with play.

Überlube

If you’re gifting someone who appreciates quality in the bedroom (or just prefers their intimate moments without sticky surprises), Überlube is the gold standard. Created after hundreds of formula iterations and nearly a decade of testing, this silicone-based lubricant is lightweight, long-lasting, never gummy, and designed to enhance sensation rather than drown it out. The brand’s gorgeous, clear-glass bottles say everything you need to know: simple, safe, elegant ingredients with absolutely nothing to hide. It’s used by athletes, recommended by medical professionals, and loved by… well, pretty much anyone who tries it. And if you’ve been paying attention to the last two entries in this gift guide, this is the perfect touch to make your sex life more well-rounded.

At the end of the day, gifting is really about connection, and every item in this guide is something I’ve personally used, loved, or believe can genuinely brighten someone’s life. Whether you’re shopping for comfort, creativity, pleasure, wellness, or pure everyday joy, these brands all offer something thoughtful and meaningful. I hope this guide helps you find a gift that feels right for someone you care about or maybe even something special for yourself. Happy gifting, happy exploring, and may your holiday season be filled with warmth, delight, and a few new favorites.

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