When gifting something for the home, my goal is always to complement the lifestyle of the person I’m shopping for. As always, I want to give them an object that isn’t too precious to be used regularly but is still something they may not buy for themselves. As a rule, I avoid giving anything kitsch that may clash with their decor or sense of humor and make sure whatever I buy has a practical purpose. Style and substance.

The housewares chosen for this holiday edition all have subtle but clever details that make them stand out from other products in their category. As whimsical as they are functional, they each add a creative touch to the recipient’s space.

Make home sweet home even sweeter.

1. LIGA Beach Clean Collection (£12.95 and up)

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I’ve always liked having placemats to protect my dining table. You can switch them out for different seasons and occasions and use them to inject a little color into your tablescape. But cloth options can stain easily and may need to be replaced often. At first glance, these placemats and coasters from Cornwall-based housewares brand LIGA appear to be splattered with paint, but their unique look actually comes from pieces of cork and recycled EVA plastics. The collection also includes accessories like passport holders and key fobs.

2. Aarke Carbonator 3 (€210)

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Making my own sparkling water helped me break my soda habit almost a decade ago. And now, it’s time to upgrade our old machine for something that looks a bit nicer on the bar or countertop. This carbonator from Aarke is made of sturdy stainless steel with a sleeker profile. Aarke is a Swedish company founded by Jonas Groth and Carl Ljungh and launched in 2013. Use syrups or fresh fruit to make your own flavored water or sodas to drink on their own or mix with spirits. It’s an indulgence, for sure, but perfect for someone who looking to cut back on single-use plastics.

3. 2023 Thoughts of Dog Day To Day Calendar ($16.99)

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I know we all use our phones to track our lives, but I still prefer a physical calendar for some daily motivation or laughter. If you have a dog lover in your life, you can’t go wrong with this sweet option from one of my favorite Twitter accounts. Each day offers a glimpse into a dog’s inner monologue and a surefire reason to smile. We’ve had one in our home for a few years now and I plan to buy them as long as they’re released. Do I imagine Scoop is saying these things to me each morning? Maybe.

Want more gift ideas? Check out my 2021 beauty, fashion and home picks.

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MIDDI is a weekly roundup of mid-priced beauty, fashion and home buys released every Monday. Have a product you’re searching for? Leave your suggestions in the comments.