2026 Holiday Gift Guide
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Good taste never goes out of season. These gifts are made for every kind of moment, shared, savored, or celebrated. No matter the reason to gather, these ideas honor connection and the people who make life worth toasting–the Connector, the Savorer, and the Celebrator.
The Connector: Gifts for Bringing People Together
These are low-budget, high-impact gifts that say, “Let’s make memories together.” This section is dedicated to the spontaneous friend or gracious host. The Connector understands that real connection is the greatest luxury. These gifts are chic, low-effort catalysts for shared moments.
A Game
A well-designed game never gets old. Choose something that looks as good as it plays. Maybe a minimalist board game or an illustrated deck of cards. Select a gam that is just as welcome on a coffee table as it is to play. The goal of this gift is simple. Make time for connections that feel easy and fun.
Glassware + Custom Cocktail
Nothing brings people together like a shared drink. Gift a set of unique glasses, something vintage or modern. Consider pairing it with a signature mocktail (like Per Se). When a drink is shared, it becomes a gift that says, “I made this for us.”
People in the Twin Cities can check out these women-owned vintage shops
- Style Society (Saint Paul)
- The Mustache Cat (Saint Paul)
- carousel + folk (Minneapolis)
- Audrey Rose Vintage (Minneapolis)
Cooking Class
A hands-on way to connect. A cooking class is an experience gift that blends learning and laughter. It is the perfect excuse to spend an evening making something delicious together. If you choose free online options–like this Kitchn Cooking School–you are only in for the cost of the ingredients. It is a reminder that the best memories aren’t expensive and are made in the moment.
Themed Movie Night
Curate a night in. Pick a few favorite films, some popcorn, oversized candy, and a playlist to set the mood. Thoughtful touches turn a simple plan into a full experience. The magic is not in the plan; it is in showing up for each other. Here is a simple recipe for a great movie night.
- Pick a theme. Go broad with something like RomComs or Action Movies, or narrow it down with things like Cult Classics or Celebrity Crushes.
- Choose two or three movies that fit. Keep it balanced so there’s something for everyone.
- Match the food and drinks to the vibe. For example, if you’re watching Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, serve Chicago-style hot dogs or nachos with soda or a non-alcoholic beer as a nod to the baseball scene.
- Keep it simple. It’s the thought that counts, not the complexity.
The Savorer: Gifts for Embracing Slow Moments
These gifts are for the person who knows that slowing down is an art form. They find joy in the details. To them, rest is not laziness; it is presence. Slowing down is how the Savorer reconnects with themselves and the people they care about. It is their way of remembering that life feels fuller when you actually taste it.
Method to Slow Brew Coffee
Tending to a coffee ritual is grounding. It is the kind of gift that invites pause and pleasure. An everyday luxury that turns coffee into a ritual. A small rebellion against rushing through life. For the coffee connoisseurs, choose something like a Chemex or stovetop espresso maker.
High-Quality Olive Oil
A bottle of high-quality, small-batch olive oil says more than you think. It elevates an ordinary dish by adding depth and flavor. Select an option that is as stunning as it is useful like Ya Albi. We give you permission to choose something that delivers over something that shouts.
Memory Slideshow
Not every gift needs to be wrapped. Gather photos, set them to music, and create a slideshow. It is simple and intimate. This gift proves that time and thought mean more than price tags.
Per Se Pink Daiquiri
Per Se’s newest offering is pure flavor. The Pink Daiquiri is inspired by the Hemingway Daiquiri–a modern take on a classic cocktail using grapefruit and cherry juice that is as balanced as it is bold. Buy the Pink Daiquiri for people who savor the sip, the ones who appreciate moments that linger.
The Celebrator: Gifts for Cherishing Life’s Moments
These gifts are made for those who see life as one big reason to celebrate. The Celebrator doesn’t wait for a holiday. They know that joy deserves attention and that small wins deserve a toast. These gifts don’t need a big budget to make every moment feel special.
Instant Camera
Because memories deserve to be held, not just stored. This gift is for the person who sees the joy in the moment and wants to keep it forever. An instant camera captures fleeting moments and turns them into something tangible. It is fun, nostalgic, and endlessly shareable. In an age of scrolling, a physical photograph is a lavish keepsake.
Mocktail Mixed Pack
Per Se’s mixed pack brings three distinct flavors together, crafted for every guest and every gathering. It is an easy, elegant way to elevate hosting without compromise. No need for alcohol to set the tone. Just good taste and better company.
Mixed Tape or Playlist
This is a modern love letter. Curate a playlist that celebrates your connection, songs that bring back memories, or tracks that make them smile. For a tiny splurge, elevate the aesthetic. Gift the playlist in a customized USB cassette tape or write out and illustrate the tracklist like we used to do with mixed tapes. It is simple, heartfelt, and personal.
Museum or Zoo Annual Membership
A membership offers a full year of exhibits and discovery. It is the kind of present that grows more meaningful with every visit. In an age of consumption, an annual membership becomes a celebration of culture and joy. It is not about collecting things, but collecting stories.