There's a lot to be said for truly original holiday presents. Those special things that have real thought behind them -- whether they're unique in their quality, something the giver finds truly exceptional, or an item customized to the giftee's taste. Or in a perfect world? All of the above.
Here, in no particular order, is a list of such very special gifts. And we've still got enough time to jump online and order so they arrive in time for the holiday.
The Modern Heirloom Scarf ($270 on vintnersdaughter.com). This limited edition silk piece, meticulously stitched in Como, Italy, is one you won't see everywhere. It's the first piece in the small luxury brand's Natura Veritas series, and its pattern merges hand-drawn roses with a bold geometric motif.
The Lip Treatment Capsule ($89.95 on marinskincare.com). Anyone who hates winter's dry lips but loves coastal New England charm will be thrilled to find themselves the new owner of this adorable limited edition set of four deeply hydrating (as in: rich in hyaluronic acid and squalane, with naturally abundant marine glycoproteins) lip treatments that they can wear all day. They come in a special tin box with gold detailing, ready to be re-used for jewelry, playing cards, or anything else your recipient's heart desires.
Feast of the 7 Tinned Fishes Gift Set ($125 on saltiegirl.com). Remember that episode from "The Bear" when Donna makes all seven Christmas fish dishes and just goes absolutely nuts? Order your loved one the stress-free snacking version from Boston's buzzy seafood spot, Saltie Girl, and send everything from yellowfin tuna with lemon to sardines with confit lemon and chili pepper. No trauma required.
Midnight Honey ($48 on farmaesthetics.com). Created by Brenda Brock on a farm in rural Rhode Island, this restorative elixir is as effective for all faces (as a moisturizer) as for bodies (as a bath oil) -- and is a godsend all winter long. Give it to someone once, and they'll thank you forever.
Organic Spray & Grow Holiday Gift Wrap Mushroom Growing Kit ($30 on northspore.com). Part science experiment, part fine dining ingredient factory, this gift is tailor-made for the food nerd in your life. Each of these kits comes in a limited-edition sleeve (covered with trees, mushrooms, and stars). The end result will be home-grown mushrooms, from lion's mane gems to pink or golden oyster varieties.
Holiday Tin Cookie Bundle ($99 on levainbakery.com). Levain's rich-as-can-be cookies have become a holiday staple around my house. But this year there's something new on offer: A first-ever 12-pack of the company's iconic 6-ounce cookies, packaged in a limited-edition holiday tin, exclusively online. And yes, that means the dark chocolate peppermint is back.
Marlowe Santal Body Set ($34.99 on marloweskin.com). Let's not forget the guys. One of the best things about Marlowe is just how unisex it can be. This simple but luxurious set of all-body skincare smells like subtle amber, is cruelty-free, and doesn't contain chemicals like phthalates or parabens.
Natterjack Cask Strength Irish Whiskey ($89.99 on shop.natterjack.com). What would the holidays be without a topnotch tipple? Newly launched in Boston (and awarded Irish Whiskey of the Year 2024 by Jim Murray's Whisky Bible), Natterjack uses both Irish and American aging techniques. The result? A smooth and almost bourbon-ish, toffee-like sip that's as enjoyable for the connoisseur as the dabbler. And everyone's charmed by the bottle, emblazoned with a nonchalant silver toad.