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 vase that grows an avocado (seen above, $45 from ilexstudio.com) to a handful 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.
Zooey Deschanel’s Butter Lettuce
To be grown in her newly launched self-watering vertical garden.
Downtown Cowboy Hat
Appropriate for a rodeo in Mesquite or a shopping day in Chinatown.
Court Cards
For basketball-camp correspondence.
Obscure Art Book
It documents German-born artist Felix Burrichter’s exhibition at the Swiss Institute, and, to be honest, we really liked the cover.
Streetwear Ken
He looks about ready to flex on the corner of Mercer and Howard.
Start-up Stomach Relievers
Mood Music for Succulents
Mort Garson’s recently rereleased, Moog-heavy 1976 record is meant to help houseplants grow.
Shelf-Worthy Lube
The bottle comes with a little easy-grip koozie.
Trompe L’Oeil Cat Toy
Cartoon Cooler
An unlikely but charming collaboration between SpongeBob and Igloo.
CBD Lip Balm
The first non-soap, non-candle offering from Maine-based Wary Meyers.
Hinoki Bath
Coveted Kids’ Toy
These Blume dolls grow, wacky hair first, out of a plastic planter.
Recycled-Plastic Cutting Board
Sold out three days after it launched in July, it’s now back in stock.
Milky Face Wash
From HoliFrog, an entirely face-wash-focused beauty brand.
Silk Scrunchie
The color, according to Judi Rosen, is “Laura Ashley threw up.”
Chengdu Chili Sauce
Newly available in the U.S.; “its fragrancy lingers,” according to Grub Street.
Display-Worthy Toilet Paper
Bean-to-Stick Chocolate
Cacao from the Dominican Republic, processed into sticks in Red Hook.
’90s Tank
It looks straight out of a Delia’s catalogue.
The New Black Vanguard
Curator and critic Antwaun Sargent’s new fashion-photography book.
Avocado Planter
Biodegradable Glitter
For a more sustainable New Year’s.
Pastel Goblets
Bowl Sweatshirt
Aplat’s cotton cover is a less wasteful alternative to tinfoil.
TWA Socks
Extremely Online T-Shirt
Ceramic Peanuts
Carol Joo Lee’s sculptures are fairly indistinguishable from the real thing.
One-Handed Knife Cleaner
It’s meant to be mounted inside the sink.
Non-Fusty Puzzle
Featuring the Site of Reversible Destiny in Yoro Park, Japan.
Fresh Rice
Direct from Japanese farmers.
Sans-Serif Magnet Letters
These are made from soft foam; punctuation marks included.
Misshapen Carrots
A weekly subscription for 14 slightly worse-for-wear (but no less delicious) fruits and vegetables.
Pineapple Soy Sauce
Fermented with black soybeans and, yes, Taiwanese-grown pineapples.
Never-Before-Seen Seuss
Element of Surprise
Inside could be a temporary tattoo or a piece of candy.
Tinsley Mortimer’s Eyelashes
A collaboration between Winky Lux and the Real Housewife.
Specific Cookbook
From carbonara lasagna to sweet-pea lasagna.
Keto-Friendly Cereal
Unlosable Keys
Distinguished Onesie
Baby pj’s from Paper Cape, made from 100 percent pima cotton.
Art Hat
A collaboration between Only NY and the Brooklyn Museum.
BirthJays
Bird Buddy
Moon-Landing Kit
From buzzed-about LEGO alternative Plus-Plus.
Memphis-Inspired Crayons
Broadway Baby ABCs
“She’s brilliant and bold with talent in meters … Ladies and gentlemen, Bernadette Peters!”
Square Shades
For the teen who is over round lenses.
Modern Duck Umbrella
Its canopy is meant to recall a composition notebook.
Brooklyn-Made Sake
Non-Gluey-Feeling Lip Gloss
From cruelty-free brand Tower 28; made with apricot-kernel oil.
Cactus-Pear Plate
Modern chinoiserie from designer Dingding Hu.
Art-Collector Cosplay
The point of this board game is to amass the most valuable art collection, as well as the most cash.
Toddler Pots
If all those wooden kitchen toys feel a little staid.
*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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