Happy holidays, dear friends! Despite the fact that the shopping madness has ensued and seemingly every free minute there’s a holiday party or event to take part in - I just really love this time of year. I love that this season gives us all the opportunity to take a minute and think of ways to spread joy to one another. I love that this time of year gives us a chance to gather together and enjoy each other’s company. Despite the fact that winter can be cold and miserable at times - I love the winter for this reason. So hygge!

Many of you who’ve been here a while know - I’m obsessed with hygge… the Danish lifestyle tradition of celebrating togetherness and coziness. Hygge is being curled up on a couch watching a nostalgic movie while it snows outside. Hygge is watching the snow fall as you cook with a loved one or wearing your favorite, oversized sweater. It’s truly what makes me get through those dreary, grey, cold winter days ahead. (P.S. you can listen to me ramble on about how I celebrate hygge on Sara and I’s episode all about it on Passports & Pizza!)

In the spirit of the holidays, this year I’ve decided to give gifts that bring hygge to my loved ones. Little gifts and trinkets that I know will give them that warm, cozy feeling.

What Makes A Hygge Gift

When deciding what to include in a hygge gift, I always like to think specifically of the person that is receiving it. What do they love? What makes them feel cozy or calm? What can I imagine them savoring over the cold, winter season?

One thing I’ve been loving to do lately is giving my loved ones an almost “intro to hygge” gift set. After picking a few, small items I know they’ll love, I add Mike Weiking’s “Little Book of Hygge” into the mix so they can learn all about incorporating hygge in their life. Such a cute little touch! And finally, for my own shopping hygge-mentality, I’ve been attempting to buy intentional gifts and use my spending towards good. Too often, gift shopping can feel frivolous and wasteful… and that is soooo not hygge!

One little aspect that’s made my gift shopping feel a little cozier and more meaningful is Giving Assistant, which connects online shopping to charities. It’s a shopping reward platform lets you donate your cash back earnings to a nonprofit or organization that is close to your heart.

While shopping these last few weeks, I chose to donate my cash back money towards First Descents - an outdoor adventure non-profit for young adults impacted by cancer and other health issues. I love that my money spent spending is going towards something bigger and better than something tied up in a bow!

And finally, the nicest little touch to a hygge gift is a handwritten note or card. Nothing makes those warm, fuzzy feelings come quicker than a sentimental message. It’s a tiny addition that I think means the world!

Looking for some hygge gift ideas to give? Here are some of my favorite hygge gift ideas to give (maybe even to yourself) for a cozy winter ahead!

Candles

Yes, this is definitely the most expected hygge gift. But, it’s a staple for a reason! I love giving a candle to any loved one because it’s a long-lasting home addition that brings all the cozy vibes to a space.

The Danish love their unscented candles (and so do I… especially if I know the person is smell sensitive), but if you happen to know the smells your person loves - that’s an added bonus! If you’re feeling extra giving, a beautifully designed match box or match holder is a great addition too! I’m personally obsessed with this Sugared Birch scent (it smells like the perfect mix of Anthropologie and Christmas).

A Cozy Blanket

Who wouldn’t love a cozy blanket on a cold night? I try to find the softest, warmest throw blanket possible when I shop for hygge gifts. But, another great idea is to get a heated or weighted blanket if you have a bigger budget!

Tea Or Coffee (with Homemade cookies)

If you have a local roaster or if you happen to know your gift recipient’s favorite tea blend or coffee style, it’s the perfect treat! Add a batch of homemade cookies or other sweets and you’ve got yourself a hygge gift that’s perfect for a winter afternoon. Lancaster is bursting at its seams with local coffee roasters, which makes my heart happy. This year, I’m gifting a favorite discovery - Square One Coffee’s Sasquatch blend.

Printed Photographs

Nostalgia and sentimental memories is incredibly hygge. So why not get a couple of favorite memories printed and framed for a gift? In our digital age, having something physical to hang on the wall or mantle place is so rare and special. Try to find a photograph that means a lot to your gift recipient and you’ll see them beam with happiness when opening it!

Knitted Hat

Keep the winter cold at bay and give a warm, cozy knitted hat. It’s the perfect adorable accessory that brings all the coziness when heading outside. Bonus points if you made it yourself!

Board Games & Puzzles

I miss the days of being “snowed in” because it gave us the opportunity reconnect over classic board games and puzzles. Hygge is pretty much the opposite of digital screens, so giving a deck of cards, a board game or puzzle is the perfect entertainment for a cozy night in.

I love that puzzles, specifically can be personalized too! Cat lovers, Italy-ophiles… you better believe there’s a puzzle out there for every interest!

Cast-Iron Dutch Oven

Warming stews and hot soups? Yeah count me in! If you’re looking for a big ticket hygge gift idea - a cast-iron Dutch Oven is a great choice. Dutch ovens can do it all - from baking bread to slowly simmering a pot of soup, to roasting a dinner for hours and hours. It’s the catch all kitchen item that feels so joyous to bring out during the winter!

A Film Camera

Help your gift recipient embrace “slow passions” with a film camera! I’ve been really enjoying the practice of documenting photos this way because it feels more intentional and almost meditative. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the nostalgic look of film, is there? I personally love the look of Kodak Porta 400!

Skin Care or Other Self-Care Goodies

The self-care industry is alive and well in recent years, and I’m here for it! A great little stocking stuffer or small addition to your hygge gift set is a skin care or self-care goodie. Thick hand lotions, moisturizing oils or lip treatments are great choices! Not too keen on buying skin care? A sleep mask, bath salts or a jade-roller are other great alternatives!

A New Journal

Sometimes a brand new notebook or journal feels like a refreshing start to life. If you happen to know that your gift recipient craves more “me time” - a journal is a perfect gift choice. It symbolizing internal thinking and mindfulness, an approach that brings calm and coziness when practiced regularly.

Loungewear & Slippers

Ahhhhhh…… slip into something comfortable and everything automatically seems more hygge. Gifting a loungewear set or a pair of slippers is a classic choice for the cozy vibes. I personally love a pair of plush, cozy slipper socks in the winter time and treated myself to this pair from Target!

A Book That Means A Lot To You

Sentimental book giving adds a personal touch that I love. I like to write out a paragraph or two explaining the significance of the book and why I think the gift-recipient will adore it, or what made me think about them for it! That little extra step goes miles in terms of making something simple more intimate.

Anything Homemade

And of course, anything you can make by hand is a must when it comes to hygge gifts. Whether you add a homemade note or card, a batch of brownies, a homemade scarf or a full blown homemade set of ceramics… anything homemade is instantly hygge. The intentional creation of something to give away feels so hygge. And who doesn’t love having little trinkets around their home that remind them of friends, family or loved ones?

Here’s to having a cozy year ahead! What’s the most hygge gift you’ve given or received? I’d love to know!

Post sponsored by Giving Assistant. All reviews and thoughts are my own. As always, I never recommend anything I don’t personally love and wouldn’t buy or use myself. Some of the links above are affiliate links.