Hygge gifts may be a new category for a lot of us who don’t have families from Denmark, but it’s something we could all use more of these days. It’s the Danish concept of coziness — a lifestyle all about finding comfort, pleasure, and warmth in simple things that soothe us.
Hygge is hot tea and warm slippers. It’s sitting aside a glowing fire with friends and eating yummy food while sipping seasonal cocktails. It’s reading a great book under a soft blanket. And it’s a quiet afternoon spent walking — or snowshoeing — through the woods.
There’s no one right way to “hygge,” which is why it’s so fun to pull together ideas for hygge gifts that will help bring more coziness and comfort into the lives of people we love in a way that speaks to them.
Oh, and just in case you aren’t sure, it’s pronounced hoo-guh. Sounds a bit like “hug” because that’s what you’ll get when you gift one of these hygge-inspired gifts.
16 of our favorite hygge gifts
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While some of our favorite gift recommendations are special indulgences that we wouldn’t normally buy for ourselves, these hygge gifts are those encouraging pleasurable coziness for its own sake. And if it works for the Danes, who have to get through long-cold winters while maintaining that Danish good-naturedness, it can work for all of us.
Comfy socks or slippers that make you feel good in more than one way
Warm feet are a must for me to get into the “pleasurable coziness” feel of hygge, and we’ve long loved Bombas socks and slippers for their amazing construction and soft materials. Seriously, there’s a reason they’re a cult favorite! Their cozy shop for women and cozy shop for men are each jam-packed with footwear that is perfect for any hygge gift you are putting together — check out the 4-pack of winter socks for women (above) or for men now on sale.
What we love just as much as their socks is they give away a pair of socks to people in need, for every pair you purchase. That just makes me feel warm inside too. (Prices starting around $16 — note that they’re a current sponsor, but not for this guide. We just happen to love them!)
A scented candle to bring warmth and peace
For the full hygge experience, nicely poured soy candles like the ones from Three Buds Apothecary — a small, woman-run business out of New England — give off both flickering light and gorgeous scent. Liz is currently loving the long-lasting Nomad scented candle at home, but they actually sell a Hygge candle with a sandalwood base, and notes of jasmine and a hint of coconut. And that minimalist concrete vessel goes with any decor. ($45, Three Buds Apothecary)
Or…warmth and peace without the flame
If you’re looking for a hygge gift for someone who’d like the lovely scent without the fire to attract kids and pets, Nest reed diffusers are exquisite. And will do the trick without a flame, in 19 different seats. (around $59, Amazon)
Some new comfy, warm clothes
All of my “comfy clothes” got quite the workout during quarantine, so some new pieces to refresh our wardrobe would make an awesome hygge gift for pretty much anyone these days. We’ve been a huge fan of socially-conscious ABLE fashion ever since Liz went to their Ethiopian HQ to meet the women making their leather bags and cozy scarves — since then, their Mamuye tote has become a best-selling classic.
The brand has grown wildly, and their new apparel collection includes this Isabel loungewear sweater set — the perfect “uniform” for my new hygge lifestyle. If it’s gone, there’s a terrific collection of sweaters that will keep you amply cozy, whatever you wear on the bottom. (prices vary, ABLE)
Hygge is definitely not a woman’s-only concept, so let’s not forget the men in our lives who need a little cozy in their lives too. A stylish new hoodie like this one would be a step up from their favorite bang-around sweatshirt, but if you want to blow their socks off, check out this scrumptious cashmere hoodie sweater in two colors. It even has pockets! ($223 on sale, Nordstrom)
We all love this soft, warm, yet stylish Barefoot Dream Cardigan — so easy to slip over anything when the temperature dips, and it makes a special, but very wearable gift. ($116 at Nordstrom) And don’t forget our roundup of stylish leggings you can wear as pants Because stretchy leggings are very, very hygge in our book.
A heated blanket to create a hygge wintertime lounging spot
If someone were to gift me a heated throw blanket from Pure Enrichment, you might not see me leave the house until April. Made of Micromink and lined in sherpa, you will find it weighted for those who love the feeling of a heavy blanket, and unweighted for those who like a lighter throw. I’ll accept either, btw. (from $69.99 at Amazon and Nordstrom Rack)
Related: 9 creative, healing, self-care gift ideas that go beyond bath salts and chocolates
A hygge gift for a hot cuppa
If coffee is their jam, we’ve covered the best coffee makers and how to use them so you can find just the right style for your giftee. Me? I’d love to get a little one-pot espresso maker from Bialetti for when I could use a jolt of caffeine but don’t want to make a big pot of coffee. ($33, Amazon)
If you’re going to snuggle under the covers, it helps to have a hot cup of tea or cocoa to savor. If they don’t already have an electric kettle, this retro-style mini-electric kettle from SMEG makes a gorgeous and generous gift. Pretty in pink, it holds three cups of water, or enough to get me through the afternoon. ($149.95, Nordstrom)
Of course coffees, teas, and cocoas make wonderful hygge gifts too. We’re all fans of the beautifully boxed, teas from Vahdam. Check out their classic collection of tea gift boxes including seasonal holiday boxes, often on sale. They’re well priced, and you’re supporting an ethical small business. (Starting at $18 on sale, Vahdam Teas; great prices on Amazon as well.)
(Screen-free) books to read
Another way to create a hygge home is to put down the phone or close the laptop and pick up a book. While we have reviewed tons of books on our site (for kids too!), to kick things off, we think gifting How to Break Up With Your Phone by Catherine Price could be an appropriate way to really get into the hygge mindset. As long as they take it the right way.
If they prefer YA — as many of us adults do — take a look at this list of the best YA books of all-time. Surely there’s something they’ve been meaning to crack open.
A hygge gift to add light to the shorter days
Winter can feel bleak, so bring in some pretty lights to help keep spirits bright when it’s dark outside (again). Inexpensive indoor lights like this shiny star curtain of lights can add a shimmery glow to a room, and come highly rated. ($20, Amazon)
Related: How to decorate with tea lights: creating ambience, not a shrine
A roaring fire…indoors or out
A roaring fire is very hygge, but not everyone has a fireplace around which to gather, which is why I love the sleek indoor electric fireplaces from Electactic. They can either hang on the wall like a picture, or be recessed into a wall or cabinet. The remote lets you change the color of the flame, but it’s more than just a pretty picture: These units really do give off some heat to warm up a room, making it a great gift for yourself too. (from $184, Amazon)
You can also take the fire outside with a hygge gift like a Solo Stove fire pit. The top-rated modern design gives off a ton of heat making it perfect for family s’mores or safe outdoor entertaining with friends and neighbors. I really adore ours. In fact my favorite thing is that doesn’t blow black smoke in my direction every time I find a comfy seat. Marshmallows not included — but appreciated, I’m sure. (from $140
An oversized chair that envelops you in hygge
They may want hibernate all winter in this oversized Lovesac chair, which is like a grown-up’s version of the bean bag chair, only softer. Big enough for the kids and dog to join, if you’ll let them on. No doubt, this is a splurge with a capital S, but I’ve lounged in one of these before, and they are the thing of dreams. (“The Big One” is on sale for $1,320 at Lovesac, with smaller sizes available too)
A new screen-free game. Like Hygge: The Game.
If you’re with friends or the kids, try a new board game or learn a great new card game. Stock up on some challenging–yet rewarding–puzzles to rotate through the winter. Even a deck of cards can be a thoughtful hygge gift if it’s as beautiful as this one from Jonathan Adler. Or, why not check out the Hygge Conversation Game which presents a series of fun, thought-provoking questions you can talk about all evening with friends — maybe even in front of that indoor fire, while holding that lovely cup of tea. ($20, Uncommon Goods)
