What a wild year it’s been: First the hope of the vaccine, then the scourge of new variants; first the swearing-in of Biden, then the situation in Afghanistan; first the acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse, then justice finally served for Ahmaud Arbery. We thought the emotional rollercoaster would ease up after Trump was defeated, but lol, it’s never that easy. Know what is easy though? The simple happiness we get from putting together our annual gift guides, where we get to turn our brains off, scour our favorite stores for wishlist-worthy objects, and focus on sheer indulgence for a minute. What’s our favorite candle this year, our favorite wine glass? Which books are we dying to have on our coffee table now, and in the case of Jill (whose guide is featured below), which four-figure Gio Ponti vase? (Yep, that’s how we’re rolling this year.)

If you’re shopping for loved ones this week, we hope you can get some inspiration from these lists — particularly when it comes to supporting small businesses and talented independent makers. If you’re just in it for the escapism, well, join the darn club.

Oopsie Platter I and Oopsie Platter II by Sticky Glass, $960 and $1,780

Iter Bowl by Argot Studio, $56

Addled Tall Glass by Nienke Sikkema for RiRa Objects, $163

Pleated Pitcher by High Gloss for Areaware, $90

Ribete Mug by Perla Valtierra, $58

Anthropomorphic Polychrome Vase by Effe Vetreria Artistica, $4,770

Casca Vase by Ferm Living, $75

Wave Pitcher by Sophie Lou Jacobsen, $215Green Pom Wine Glass by Issy Granger, set of 6, $195

Kurili Set of 2 Salad Serves by Danese, $145

Oracle Olive Oil Gift Set, $98

Mandy Mug by Recreation Center, $46

Contemporary Vase, Giallo Siena Marble Brown Glass Cylinder, by Erik Olovsson, $1,265

Honeydew Flower Candlesticks by Sean Gerstley, $120

Stuoia 1923 Vase by Gio Ponti for Ginori 1735, $1,030

Large Fragilis Bowl by Atelier Armand for Menu, $99.95

Stripe Scented Candle by Hay,  $65

Phoenix Vase by Roger Selden for Post Design, $460

Green Candela Resin Vase by Raul de la Cerda, $127

A24 x Wary Meyers Test Card Soap, $16

Tulip Vase by Sophie Lou Jacobsen for La Romaine, $650

Technivorm Moccamaster, $349

“Baby Won’t You Hold My Butt” The Pedro Tribute Ashtray, $67

Everybody Timer by Dusen Dusen for Areaware, $48

Big Ripper Titanium Water Pipe by Jonah Takagi for Dangle Supply, $269

Iridescent Nassau Cup by Sirius Glassworks, $60

Rombini Vase by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Mutina, $756

Saunders S Soy Candle, $136

Block Shop x Fireclay Tile coasters, set of 2, $35

Ziggy Dog Bed by MINNA, $225

Copitas by Ginny Sims for Tiwa Select, $160

Vivian Springford Book, $125