Gifting is an art

Beyond the gesture or the object, giving a gift well is a way of saying “I see you,” “you matter to me,” “I’ve been thinking of you.” Though it might seem like a simple or routine custom, when done with intention, it becomes a profound act of generosity and sensitivity.

Since time immemorial, humans have practised the art of gifting: as a symbol of affection, as a thank you, as a rite of passage, or simply for the joy of sharing. The festive season may concentrate the year’s highest volume of gifts — but truly, any day is a good time to surprise someone with something carefully chosen.

This guide is a personal and honest selection, where each recommendation has been chosen for its quality, aesthetics, philosophy, and emotional resonance. Perfect for those who value design, culture, attention to detail and objects that tell a story.

Literary recommendations

A well-chosen book is much more than an object. Gifting a book means offering time, pause, discovery, or a new perspective. With that in mind, we’ve curated a selection for various tastes and sensitivities: from unforgettable novels and brilliant essays to soul-soothing poetry and collectible art editions.

“Quemar dinero” – Xavi Daura

A sharp and biting essay on the value of money, the traps of the system, and the absurd logic of contemporary capitalism. Philosophy, humour and critique.

“My Year of Rest and Relaxation” – Ottessa Moshfegh

One of the most celebrated (and strange) novels of recent years. A young woman in New York decides to sleep for a whole year to reset her life. A brilliant and dark satire on modern apathy. Read more

“Cronofobia” – Sergio C. Fanjul

A fascinating essay on our obsession (and fear) of time. Fanjul explores how the continuous present imposed by technology is reshaping our perception of past and future, and the role of literature, culture and memory in facing that temporal anxiety. A lucid, urgent, and thought-provoking read.

“Martyr!” – Kaveh Akbar

A lyrical, spiritual and moving novel about identity, exile and human fragility. A striking debut from renowned poet Akbar, full of symbolism, wit and emotional depth. Read more

“Notes from Underground” – Fyodor Dostoevsky

A cornerstone of world literature. The monologue of a cynical, lucid anti-hero who anticipates modern existentialism. Raw, intelligent, relentless.

“The Unusual Barcelona” – CC/magazine

The Unusual Barcelona is a love letter to the city: an independent publication that merges magazine and city guide formats. Now in its fourth edition, this editorial hybrid expands in depth, design, and ambition, with 128 pages featuring over 400 carefully updated recommendations, long-form articles on architecture, art and lifestyle, and collaborations with some of the city’s most inspiring creative voices.

Crafted with artisanal quality — Fedrigoni papers, Japanese binding and thoughtful graphic design — it’s a collector’s item, a gift, and a new way to rediscover Barcelona through an emotional, honest and highly aesthetic lens.

“Failed it!” – Erik Kessels

A celebration of error as a creative engine. This book by the great Erik Kessels dismantles the myth of perfection and reminds us that the imperfect can be extraordinary. Perfect for creatives in crisis (or not). Read more

“The Little Book of Solitude” – Joost Joossen

A poetic and practical reflection on the value of being alone. How to embrace inner silence in a world saturated with noise. A necessary read to reconnect. Read more

“A24 Screenplay Collection” – A24 Publishing

Twelve beautiful book-objects featuring screenplays of iconic films like “The Lobster”, “Lady Bird” and “The Lighthouse”, accompanied by interviews, production notes, and visual archives. Pure cinephilia. Read more

“Lo esencial” – Miguel Milá / Claudio Oliva & Gonzalo Milà

A visual and emotional journey through the life of Miguel Milà, an icon of timeless design. An ode to simplicity, utility and beautifully considered objects. Read more

“Días simétricos” – Bob Pop

An intimate diary where Bob Pop narrates his experience with illness, routine and the body with brutal honesty and humour. Confessional and moving literature.

Coffee & Chocolate: Everyday rituals that move us

The smell of morning coffee or a piece of chocolate after lunch — small rituals that transform a day, and when gifted, delight in their simplicity and beauty.

Our favourite speciality coffee brands: Nomad Coffee, Three Marks, La Cabra, Lykke, BlueBell Coffee and Friedhats. All have online shops and beautiful packaging, perfect for gifting.

Looking for something sweet, sensory and healthy? Cosmic Dealer  and LØT Roasters are our favourites.

Beauty & Fragrance: Care, scent and pleasure

Gifting beauty means offering a moment of care, an oasis in the routine, an invitation to reconnect with the body and the senses.

Among our favourite brands: Mid/night 00.00, with its clean aesthetics and effective formulas made in Barcelona; 27 87, a contemporary perfume brand with bold character; and Theodoros Kalotinis, whose narrative fragrances evoke Hellenic roots.

And for perfume-objects, Ortigia is pure soul: perfumes, soaps, candles and sets illustrated with unique Sicilian iconography. Everything smells of pleasure and Mediterranean beauty.

Design: Objects with intent

Good design can be felt. Our list includes pieces that fuse form, function and poetry: Mulgeo’s magnetic storage systems that also serve as seats; anything from Frama, whether cosmetics, furniture or aluminium tables.

Furniture by Duplex reimagines Scandinavian lines with artistic soul. We also love A.O.T, HAY, Muuto and HEM — especially for decorating with statement pieces like chairs, beds or sofas.

Designs by Zieta and Marc Morro captivate us with their honest, brutalist approach, as do the chromatic, sculptural pieces by Muller Van Severen — true functional art. And when it comes to rugs, cc-tapis is a dream.

Textile detail lovers? The embroidered tableware and accessories by Sarah Espeute are unique pieces that transform any table.

Art, photography & music

Art is one of the most intimate gifts — it reflects both the taste of the giver and the universe of the recipient.

We love: symbolic and contemporary works by Chidy Wayne; the movement and femininity in Ritsch Sisters’ photography; and Eike Koenig’s visual world where typography, politics and aesthetics merge.

Also worth exploring: special art and design editions found at Terranova, Llibreria Finestres or museum shops like Barcelona’s DHub.

For analogue and digital photography, we recommend Chandal, Dubblefilm, La Peliculera and Sales de Plata.

And if music and good sound matter, Transparent speakers are an absolute joy.

Fashion & Accessories: Identity and storytelling

The kind of fashion we love tells stories. It’s made with values, intention and timeless aesthetics.

We admire COS and Arket for their clean, functional lines; and American Vintage or Colourful Standard for high-quality basics in every shade imaginable, made with organic cotton. When it comes to jewellery, we love Rígido and Simuero.

Our favourite eyewear brands: Kaleos, Matsuda, Mykita and Gentle Monster. For footwear, Sivasdescalzo is great for discovering unique trainers — but we’re currently obsessed with G.H. Bass loafers: timeless classics reinvented with a contemporary twist.

And for fun, quirky gifts: Eat My Socks — socks shaped like food, packaged in delightful ways that never fail to make people smile.

Experiences: The intangible can also be gifted

Not everything fits in a box. Sometimes the best gifts aren’t things, but moments. Shared time. Memories. Experiences.

Ideas to consider: concert tickets, a theatre performance, a surprise trip (even nearby), a phone-free dinner, a creative workshop or a handwritten letter.

And to soundtrack the process of dreaming, wrapping, choosing and imagining, here’s our Spotify playlist: CC/vibes — the perfect backdrop for finding the perfect gift. Good luck!

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