Typically, we share recommendations for the best products, period — it doesn’t matter when they came out as long as they are exceptionally useful, beautiful, surprising, or otherwise worth recommending. This year we have gone in a different direction, focusing almost entirely on the world of the new. Here, you’ll find a wide assortment of recently released things for every person on your list, from mood music for a plant owner (a rerelease of a 1976 record that apparently helps monsteras and ZZ’s grow) to a big-dog-specific tote for a pit-bull parent. Plus, of course, hundreds of other ideas, from a diamond ear cuff (seen above, cartier.com) to a handful of eerily realistic ceramic peanuts to a Lucite cat bed that could easily double as a side table. Don’t miss all of the Strategist’s holiday gift coverage right here, too.
Zebra Knee-Highs
The giant MNZ box alone is worth the price.
Lipstick Purse
This Jacquemus “bag” has room for one Ruby Woo.
A Night at the Beatrice
André Saraiva’s faux concert poster imagines an ideal lineup at the storied mid-aughts nightclub.
Quieter Theragun
The newest version of the handheld massager has a subtler-sounding vibration.
Holiday-Party Cover-up
Vanity Brush
From Gucci; would not look out of place in a Sofia Coppola period piece.
Ruby-Red Cat-Eyes
Upstate Jacket
The wool is sourced from an Italian mill near Florence.
Murano Glassware
Created with Venetian glassmaker Salviati.
21st-Century Steiff
Known for its classic teddy bears, the 19th-century company is now making unicorns.
Moon-Landing Camera
An updated version of the Hasselblad used to document Apollo 11.
Whole-Ear Diamonds
It stretches from the cartilage all the way to the lobe.
Cable Bracelet
Instead of just a regular old chain chain.
Avian Cork Puller
From Carl Aubock, the designer responsible for a rooster brass bell and a human-foot paperweight.
Toddler Purse
For LEGOs or string cheese.
Shaker-esque Play Kitchen
For the no-frills child chef.
Realistic Rower
Like a Peloton but for rowing, with live classes taught by Olympians.
Orange Ski Pants
Mix things up a little this year at Beaver Creek.
Well-Marbled Wagyu
And a boneless New York strip and a prime-rib steak, all aged over 30 days.
Carry-on Kayak
From Oru; weighs 20 pounds and folds into a handbag.
88-Pound Tub
Styled after the 18th-century “Bateau Bath.”
Dainty Pillow Sham
A new floral print from the storied linens line.
Dancing Shoes
A ballerina-flat comeback is expected this spring.
Cleaning Quartet
Includes a rack, an ostrich-feather duster, an ebonized-oak-handled broom, and a dustpan with contoured edges that can apparently even gather glitter.
Non-Dowdy Electric Bike
It’s vintage style and can go up to 36 mph.
Legged Serving Bowl
From the Haas Brothers’ first homeware collection.
Swedish Soda-Maker
Lucite Cat Bed
Could double as a side table.
Gentleman’s Money Clip
For the one who still refuses to carry a wallet.
Blue Blazer
This single-breasted satin jacket by Henning NYC goes up to size 24.
35 New Prince Songs
Courtesy of Prince’s estate, a remastered edition of 1999 featuring never-before-released tracks.
Cleverest Carry-on
It has a two-sided suitcase-style interior and can be carried as a backpack, tote, or carry-on.
Jaunty Cardigan
Jerry Saltz–Approved Painting
Vera Girivi recently showed her richly saturated paintings at Paris’s Outsider Art Fair.
Racquet Backpack
The quilted leather bag holds a racquet plus nine balls.
Striped Scarf
Acne Studios collaborated with artist Jacob Dahlgren, who has worn a striped T-shirt every day since 2001.
Over-the-Top Watch
The Daytona features eight diamonds and an 18-karat-gold setting.
Antipasto Knives
Capable of slicing through even the toughest Grana Padano.
Velvet Lounger
A Hollywood Regency–esque chair by Orior, a heritage Irish furniture brand.
Very Fleecy Fleece
A fuzzy brown pullover from Japanese outdoors line Snow Peak.
Fancy Fire Extinguisher
A slightly less unsightly way to comply with fire-safety standards.
Creamy Belt
Really for any wearer of pants.
*This article appears in the November 25, 2019, issue of New York Magazine. Subscribe Now!
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
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