Feeling a little stumped for what to get friends and family for the holidays this year? We’ve got just the thing for you. We asked some of our staffers — you know, the people who live and breathe all things delicious, beautiful, and functional at Williams Sonoma — to give us their top picks for holiday gifts in 2020. From the edible (like a wreath made out of charcuterie!) to the classics (like a stylish Dutch oven!) to the trendy (hello, air fryer!) — you can’t go wrong with anything on this list.
1. Lady and Larder Christmas Wreath Cheese Board
A traditional wreath made out of balsam and acorns is alway a nice touch for the holidays, but do you know what’s even better? A wreath made out of all your favorite charcuterie board finds from Lady and Larder! “This gift box comes with all of the best salamis and prosciuttos to create a bountiful platter for holiday gatherings,” says perishables and garden associate buyer, Meredith Sublett. The kit includes five different types of artisan meat, dried and fresh fruit, sea salt almonds, pickled mustard seeds, and herb garnishes.
2. Staub Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven
The always-stylish Dutch oven from Staub is a classic holiday gift. Cookware associate buyer Drew Chase recently got one for her mother, and said that “it’s a beautiful yet functional piece for any kitchen, and the best part was the quick cleanup!” The Dutch oven comes in a variety of different sizes and colors, but Chase particularly recommends the 4 quart option in Grenadine.
3. Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark Sampler
It’s not the holidays without a tin of peppermint bark from Williams Sonoma! With so many different flavor options to choose from for gifting, this sampler pack makes things easier. “Can’t decide which flavor to give? Why not give all three!” says sweet food buyer Genevieve Severyn. “The Peppermint Bark Sampler is the perfect choice for any fan of our world-famous peppermint bark!”
4. Coravin Model 6 SmartClamp™ Wine Preservation System
This is for that friend of yours who is always opening a nice bottle of wine whenever you see them. The Coravin allows you to taste various bottles of wine without needing to cork the bottle (yes, really!). Take it from cooks tools senior buyer Taryn Flynn, who says the “Coravin is the last wine opener you will ever buy.”
5. Shun Premier 6.5” Master Utility Knife
Cutlery and books buyer Jennifer Linsley says this is her new favorite knife. “The Master Utility does it all! It’s big enough for every day tasks, but flexible enough for small and precision cuts,” she explains. Made in Japan, the knife features a light, hand-hammered blade and a walnut-colored PakkaWood handle.
6. Galaxy Chocolate Croissants
These French-style buttery, chocolatey croissants from Master pastry chef Jean-Yves Charon are an ideal way to show your love during the holidays. Food and garden senior buyer, Alex Smith says she especially loves to get these for her friends with kids. “They are the absolute best enjoyed right out of the oven,” she explains. The gift comes with 15 croissants and are shipped frozen (and take less than 20 minutes to heat up in the oven).
7. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer
This 11-in-1 cooking appliance from Breville does it all, including roast, bake, slow cook, and air-fry! Electrics buyer Kimi Sawanobori says that this is her most-used electrics in the kitchen. “I love that this fits on my countertop nicely, while also having great internal capacity to cook pizzas or pies,” she explains. Sawnbori also loves that the appliance comes in a handful of luxe colors.
8. Luxardo Maraschino Cherries
This little jar of Luxardo cherries is literally the cherry on top of any good cocktail. Culinary editor Sharron Wood says that “these chewy sweet-tart cherries made in Italy are nothing like the artificial, neon-colored versions you find everywhere else” and that they make for a great stock-stuffer for your cocktail-obsessed friends. Wood suggests using them as a garnish in a Manhattan or Aviation, or muddled in an Old-Fashioned.
9. Williams Sonoma Cutting Board, Set of 3, Acacia
It’s amazing what a good cutting board can do for your cooking, and this gorgeous set of three from Williams Sonoma are not only functional — but also beautiful. “This set is going to be one of my go-to gifts!” Jennifer Linsley says. “ It has three different sizes, making it perfect for a variety of prep or serving needs.” Linsley also notes that the acacia wood holds up to the sharpest knife, and it looks great for entertaining.
10. Dolly Parton Cookie Cutter Set
“Leave it to Dolly Parton to spread the holiday cheer,” says test kitchen associate manager Devon Francis. This 26-piece cookie cutter set is inspired by Dolly Parton’s songs and childhood Christmases in Tennessee. It includes cookie cutters, icing bags, decorating tips, plastic coupler, and a storage box. “I think this is a perfect gift to bring over to any cookie party or gift to any music enthusiast,” explains Francis. She also suggests pairing it with this classic sugar cookie mix.
