Let’s face it: sometimes ‘thank you’ really isn’t enough, and hosting is werrrrrrk. Give a token of gratitude with these gifts that you never buy for yourself.

Playful, decorative, and dripping with cool, here are my picks to please any host this holiday season, with just a dash of Scandinavian sensibility.

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1.) SMALL BLACK TUFTED CONTAINER

In a pair, this would be amazing for salt and pepper. Alone? It’s the perfect bedside vessel for smalls. It’s just so gorgeous.

Michiko Shimada, $38

2.) GOLD ANGEL WINGS:

If someone gave me these while I was hosting a dinner party, I would be over the moon. Danish and beautiful, these would make a lovely piece for any wall or back.

Michele Varian, $48

3.) REINDEER WITH BELLS EMBROIDERED STATIONARY

This girl doesn’t mess around. Give this embroidered (so Scandi!) handmade beaut with a personal thank you scribbled on the back for a seasonal keepsake your host can frame.

Coral & Tusk, $24

4.) GOLD OYSTER BOX

I love this small vessel for holding salt, earrings, fortunes from cookies, and other tiny treasures. This one is so special it will be passed down in families for generations to come.

Michele Varian, $82

5.) HYBRID EUTROPIA PORCELAIN BOWL

I cannot get enough of the china from Seletti. While out of Italy, the aesthetic is progressive, playful, and cool as hell… quintessentially Scandinavian. I not only give these, I own many.

Seletti, $70.60

6.) LARGE WHITE TUFTED CONTAINER

I just want to squish this container, it looks so delicious. A small grouping of these on a dresser or countertop – showstopper.

Michele Varian, $48

7.) HOBIE VASES

The sea inspires at least 50% of Scandi style (winter being the other half). These vases were definitely born from the antique glass buoys that are still used ‘up North’.

Jayson Home, $28-$48

8.) 9 BY NOVOGRATZ LOVE LETTERS DECORATIVE PILLOW

Super easy and super sweet, my friends and badass designers the Novogratz have a new line at Walmart. Affordable and a great gift for any home.

Walmart, $14.97

9.) ANIMAL HOLIDAY TREE

Coral & Tusk pulls at my heartstrings with everything they make. Embroidery is this animal holiday tree.

Coral & Tusk, $50

10.) FELT CANDELABRA

While you’re shopping at Ikea, you might as well pick up a bunch of these and keep them in your closet for when you need them. It doesn’t get more Swedish than this cuteness that costs less than a dollar.

Ikea, $6.99

11.) PAINTED CONCRETE CANDLEHOLDER

Less is always more in Scandinavian design, and these candleholders embrace that concept completely. Weave them into your garlands during the holidays and then use them nearly anywhere around your home for the rest of the year.

Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co., $36-$42

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12.) SWEDISH EGG WHITE FACIAL SOAP:

Soaps from around the world always make a great host or hostess gift. A new small, a box covered in a language you can’t read… it’s fun, and this Scandi scent is clean and beautiful, just like their design aesthetic.

Sockerbit, $5

13.) COPPER CANDLESTICKS

Hello, Denmark. This shape was created and really owned by the Danes, and it’s always relevant. A classic shape for a classy party host.

Michele Varian, $150

14.) ROPE UTENSILS

Rope is such a predominant medium of seafaring cultures, which is why this gorgeous set of utensils (including a cheese fork, server, spreader, and knife) fits so nicely into this Nerd Herd. The utensils we realize we don’t have just when we need them most, your host will love you for it.

Jayson Home, $18 each

15.) CAST IRON WHALE BOTTLE OPENER

I love unique bottle openers. It’s a household item we all need, but rarely think to buy for ourselves… which is why it’s the perfect hostess gift. This little guy is weird, substantial, and amazing. Cast iron whale? Awesome by any measure.

Burkelman, $22.50

16.) THE MORE THE MERRIER CANDELABRUM

Light is one of the most important elements of Scandinavian interiors and the candleholder is a design stronghold in this part of the world. I’m melting over this gorgeous homage to the vintage Danish candleholders of the 60s.

Design Within Reach, $103

17.) LICORICE TIRES

Salty licorice is an acquired taste, I’ll admit. But much like olives, you just have to keep trying, and one day… you’re hooked. Nords chow down on this stuff. It makes a sweet hostess gift that gets passed around the table – sometimes as a dare.

Sockerbit, $12.99 per pound

18.) CHALK WARE CITYSCAPE SET

This cityscape is so charming and a beautiful addition to any mantle or tabletop story. The matte finish is very Scandinavian and very right now, but is a timeless accent for anyone.

Matt Austin, $24.50

19.) ZINC OVAL TRAYS

I live for these trays and use them a lot in my own designs. Not only are they affordable, but they also look like they’ve been pulled from the bottom of the sea. Trays are the underrated superstar of a lot of rooms, creating vignettes in your bathroom, kitchen, living room… the possibilities are limitless.

Jayson Home, $15-$22

20.) CARAMEL ASSORTMENT

Made entirely with pre-war machines by dudes with mustaches, Shane Confectionary chocolate is SO good. And the store is as beautiful as the first bite.

Shane Confectionary, $28

21.) VODKA

You know what? Sometimes I’d rather bring my host something other than wine, and this vodka is so damn good. Smooth and so clean, this bottle is the gift that keeps on giving.

Reyka, prices vary