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Hygge will never go out of style. In October 2017, the Danish term—which is used to convey a kind of warm coziness, and has no English equivalent—was one of Dictionary.com’s top 10 most-searched words. But it’s a lifestyle that’s best understood when experienced firsthand. To help that special peace-seeking someone in your life find the ultimate level of relaxation, might we suggest one of these goodies?
1. The Little Book Of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living; $12
The first rule of hygge is to learn everything you can about hygge—like how it’s pronounced (it’s hoo-gah). That’s just one of the gems serenity-seekers will find in The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living, which offers a history of the philosophy and tons of tips for how to easily integrate the concept into your life. Plus, it’s written by Meik Wiking, CEO of Copenhagen’s Happiness Research Institute, so a brighter mood is practically guaranteed.
Buy it: Amazon
2. Valuxhome Electric Fireplace; $300
Whether reading a book or chatting with friends, there are few snugger places to do so in the wintertime than in front of a flickering fireplace. But if your giftee isn't lucky enough to have a home with a fireplace, there’s a simple workaround: They can mount an electric one to the wall, just as they would a plasma TV. They’re sleek, smokeless, and add instant ambiance.
Buy it: Amazon
3. French Vanilla Yankee Candle; $21
A fireplace isn’t the only thing that flickers in a hygge-happy home: Candles are a simple way to dazzle the eyes and indulge the olfactory senses. While a handful of tea lights are a quick and inexpensive way to create the effect, a richly scented candle—in an inviting aroma like vanilla or cinnamon—can take anyone's cozy quarters to the next level.
Buy it: Amazon
4. Eddie Bauer Fleece Blanket; $24
With or without a fire to keep them warm, your loved one is also going to want a blanket—and a soft and cozy one at that. Eddie Bauer’s fleece blanket is lightweight, so it's easy to carry from room to room or on the go. Plus, its bold buffalo check style screams comfort.
Buy it: Amazon
5. Acorn Slipper Socks; $34-$95
Slippers or socks? The ACORN Slipper Socks offer the best of both worlds. They're essentially big, warm, woolly socks with serious traction, making them perfect for both lounging on the couch and padding into the kitchen to get a refill on that hot chocolate.
Buy it: Amazon
6. Glerups Open Heel Slippers; $100-$135
If your favorite hygge enthusiast's quiet contemplation tends to attract a few interruptions—like taking the dog for a walk—these rubber-soled Glerups slippers are tough enough to handle the outside elements while keeping feet warm.
Buy it: Amazon
7. WISSOTZKY Tea Magic Tea Chest; $38-$40
A hot cup of something is an essential part of any hygge environment. While coffee and cocoa are all well and good (and delicious), a cup of tea can really hit the spot during blustery winter months. Even if you don't know what kind of tea fits your giftee's personality best, this giant box of black, green, fruit, and herbal teas can be a great way for them to sample everything.
Buy it: Amazon
8. Amazon Essentials Packable Puffer Vest; $23-$30
When your loved one does have to head outdoors, there’s no reason they can’t keep that cozy vibe going—especially when wrapped up in a puffer vest. These Amazon vests come in a variety of colors and pack down small for easy storage after the weather warms up.
Buy it: Amazon (women’s); Amazon (men’s)
9. Fisherman sweater; $30-$33
Whether they’re taking a walk in the snow or hunkered down with a book, nothing says cold-weather comfort like a soon-to-be-favorite sweater. These classic fisherman-style cotton cable sweaters from Amazon Essentials comes in a variety of sizes and colors, so there's just the right style for everyone.
Buy it: Amazon (women's); Amazon (men's)
10. WEMO Mini Smart Plug; $50
Though smart technology might seem to fly in the face of everything that hygge stands for, the environment you surround yourself with—from the temperature to the lighting—is all a key part of creating the perfect setting. This pack of two mini smart plugs from Wemo, which work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home, allows the user to control both their lights and appliances from a smartphone—no climbing out from under the blanket required.
Buy it: Amazon
11. The Hygge Game; $20
Once you’re all cuddled up and comfortable, break out The Hygge Game, which has “more than 300 entertaining, interesting and thoughtful questions designed to spark cozy conversation,” including questions like “What’s the longest line you’ve ever stood in, and what were you waiting for?” and “Do you like it when friends drop by unexpectedly?”
Buy it: Uncommon Goods
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A version of this story ran in 2020; it has been updated for 2021.