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A Very Hygge Gift Guide
Need gift ideas for the hygge enthusiast in your life? The hygge beginner? Or maybe for a friend who could use a little extra cozy in their life right now? Bring that coziness to the celebration with this very hygge gift guide – a list of 15 hygge gifts that are perfect for Christmas, birthday, or just because.
The very act of giving a gift is cozy, but trying to find a cozy gift to give? It’s not always as simple. But we could all use a little extra coziness in our lives – especially with everything that 2020 has thrown at us!
What makes a gift hygge?
You’ve probably heard the word “hygge” by now – it’s showing up everywhere these days, but what exactly does it mean? While the Danish concept doesn’t have a direct translation into English, it can be summed up as cozy contentment mixed with comfortable companionship and simple pleasures.
Meik Wiking’s Little Book of Hygge explains it as “achieving everyday happiness”. So how can we turn that idea of everyday happiness and simple pleasures into a gift? First, think about what makes a moment hygge. Things like:
Creating a cozy atmosphere – Think candles, a crackling fire in the fireplace, and warm low lighting
Getting comfortable – Cuddly soft blankets and comfy clothes
Homemade items (and the time spent making them) – Enjoying a batch of freshly baked cookies, the smell of bread baking, sitting down to crochet a new blanket
Enjoying nature – Bringing the outdoors in or spending time outside
Togetherness – Time spent with a small group of people whose company you enjoy – chatting, laughing, or just quietly spending time together
Small pleasures and little indulgences – Fancy chocolate, something special to drink, maybe a guilty pleasure or two
Gratitude and reflection – Taking time out to appreciate what you have, where you are, and where you’ve been
A very hygge gift guide
To create this gift guide, I wanted to add a little of ALL those aspects, so this list is specifically designed to BRING THE COZY to your loved ones. Here are 15 cozy gifts perfect for Christmas, birthdays, or just to show someone you love them! Happy giving!
1. Cozy loungewear
What is the first thing you think of when you want to get cozy? For me, it’s super comfy pj’s and loungewear! In fact, that usually one of the very first things I do when the work day is finished and it’s time to cozy up.
To share those comfy vibes, I recommend these fleece Frankie & Johnny PJ’s. (I may or may not be wearing them right now, in fact…)
2. Candles, candles, candles!
Candles are like instant hygge. In fact, Denmark tops the chart for most candles used by any country, per capita! But since scented candles can be a little tricky as a gift (SOOO many differing opinions about what smells nice), candle holders with unscented candles are a nice compromise.
This candle set hits two of the hygge points! Candles are clutch when it comes to those cozy happy moments, and the wooden candle holders bring that “outdoors inside” feeling.
3. A tea set (that is just a little bit special)
Tea is AMAZING for hygge moments. It can’t be rushed, there is a feeling of ritual involved in making and enjoying a good cup of tea.
For the tea lovers (or tea newbies) in your life, try this cute little set, that comes with everything you need.
4. The Hygge Game
Part of hygge is togetherness. Not a big fancy event or a wild party, just a simple, enjoyable time spent together. Games are a great way to spend that time!
The Hygge Game is really less of a game and more along the lines of a box of conversation starters, but it DEFINITELY adds to the togetherness of any social time.
5. A fun little DIY kit
This idea can take on so many forms! There are kits for every little hobby these days, so the trick is to find something that fits the person.
Right now, I am IN LOVE with the idea of these little DIY miniatures kits, especially since it’s fun to create, and then you have a cozy little piece to display when it’s finished. And there are SO MANY OPTIONS! These are a few of my favorites:
6. A New Journal
Journals make a great gift. Even if the recipient isn’t into journaling, per se, it’s still a nice little place to keep notes, thoughts, or reminders.
This little journal…well, it’s adorable, but it also can help inspire those moments of gratitude and reflection. (Bonus points if you include a nice pen.)
7. A Baking Kit
Homemade goodness! Baking bread isn’t the quickest thing to do, but that’s also what makes this a great hygge gift.
It’s a nice way to slow down, be present in the moment, make something, and indulge a little bit in the fresh baked bread!
8. Some outdoor fun
As the Norwegians say, there is no bad weather, only bad clothing. So embrace the cold, bundle up in a good warm coat, and go enjoy the outdoors!
Snowshoes might just be the perfect gift for an active friend who feels a little cooped up during the winter months.
9. Something Scandi
It wouldn’t truly be a hygge gift guide without giving a nod to Scandi culture.
This little Tomte does the trick, particularly if you’re shopping for a Christmas or a gnome lover! (PS – you can learn more about tomte folklore here )
10. A Book about Hygge
I mentioned this book above, and there’s a reason for that. It’s a great guide to all things hygge!
Perfect for the hygge beginner, reader, or cozy-lover, this book is a great little start to understanding what Hygge is all about. And it’s also just a cute little coffee table book, isn’t it?
11. A small indulgence
If the tea set wasn’t a great fit, how about this hot chocolate set?
Add in the marshmallow stirrers for just a little more indulgence and an adorable 2 part gift!
12. A Cozy Blanket
Cozy is the name of the game! I don’t care how many soft, squishy, cuddly blankets I have; I am always happy to add another to the collection.
If you’re buying for someone who feels the same, check out this blanket.
13. A Fair Isle Sweater
Admittedly, clothing can be a little more tricky as a gift, but this sweater was just too cute not to add to the list!
If you have a sweater lover in your circle and you’re confident on size and style, this gift might be a great fit! (Pun very much intended)
14. Cozy socks
I feel the same way about socks as I do cozy loungewear.
Putting on a warm pair of cozy socks on a cold evening is one of the better tiny happy moments in life! And also makes a great small gift – we all know someone with constantly cold toes, right?
15. A Live plant
And finally, this one goes back to bringing nature inside. I LOVE plants as a gift. They clean the air, add a touch of green to the home, and grow and change!
Check out this set of three little potted plants, all ready for a cozy home.
Happy Hygge Gifting!
I hope this list has left you feeling inspired to gift a little hygge and to add calm and cozy moments to someone’s life!
