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<\/p>\nBeyond the gesture or the object, giving a gift well is a way of saying “I see you,” “you matter to me,” “I\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s highest volume of gifts \u2014 but truly, any day is a good time to surprise someone with something carefully chosen.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019ve curated a selection for various tastes and sensitivities: from unforgettable novels and brilliant essays to soul-soothing poetry and collectible art editions.<\/p>\n
“Quemar dinero” \u2013 Xavi Daura<\/em><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “My Year of Rest and Relaxation” \u2013 Ottessa Moshfegh<\/em><\/p>\n 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<\/a><\/p>\n “Cronofobia” \u2013 Sergio C. Fanjul<\/em><\/p>\n A fascinating essay on our obsession (and fear) of time. Fanjul<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n “Martyr!” \u2013 Kaveh Akbar<\/em><\/p>\n 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<\/a><\/p>\n “Notes from Underground” \u2013 Fyodor Dostoevsky<\/em><\/p>\n A cornerstone of world literature. The monologue of a cynical, lucid anti-hero who anticipates modern existentialism. Raw, intelligent, relentless.<\/p>\n “The Unusual Barcelona” \u2013 CC\/magazine<\/em><\/p>\n The Unusual Barcelona<\/em><\/a> 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\u2019s most inspiring creative voices.<\/p>\n Crafted with artisanal quality \u2014 Fedrigoni<\/em> papers, Japanese binding and thoughtful graphic design \u2014 it\u2019s a collector\u2019s item, a gift, and a new way to rediscover Barcelona through an emotional, honest and highly aesthetic lens.<\/p>\n “Failed it!” \u2013 Erik Kessels<\/em><\/p>\n A celebration of error as a creative engine. This book by the great Erik Kessels<\/em> dismantles the myth of perfection and reminds us that the imperfect can be extraordinary. Perfect for creatives in crisis (or not). Read more<\/p>\n “The Little Book of Solitude” \u2013 Joost Joossen<\/em><\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n “A24 Screenplay Collection” \u2013 A24 Publishing<\/em><\/p>\n Twelve beautiful book-objects featuring screenplays of iconic films like “The Lobster”<\/em>, “Lady Bird”<\/em> and “The Lighthouse”<\/em>, accompanied by interviews, production notes, and visual archives. Pure cinephilia. Read more<\/p>\n “Lo esencial” \u2013 Miguel Mil\u00e1 \/ Claudio Oliva & Gonzalo Mil\u00e0<\/em><\/p>\n A visual and emotional journey through the life of Miguel Mil\u00e0<\/em>, an icon of timeless design. An ode to simplicity, utility and beautifully considered objects. Read more<\/p>\n “D\u00edas sim\u00e9tricos” \u2013 Bob Pop<\/em><\/p>\n An intimate diary where Bob Pop<\/em> narrates his experience with illness, routine and the body with brutal honesty and humour. Confessional and moving literature.<\/p>\n The smell of morning coffee or a piece of chocolate after lunch \u2014 small rituals that transform a day, and when gifted, delight in their simplicity and beauty.<\/p>\n Our favourite speciality coffee brands: Nomad Coffee<\/em>, Three Marks<\/em>, La Cabra<\/em>, Lykke<\/em>, BlueBell Coffee<\/em> and Friedhats<\/em>. All have online shops and beautiful packaging, perfect for gifting.<\/p>\n Looking for something sweet, sensory and healthy? Cosmic Dealer<\/em>\u00a0 and L\u00d8T Roasters<\/em> are our favourites.<\/p>\n Gifting beauty means offering a moment of care, an oasis in the routine, an invitation to reconnect with the body and the senses.<\/p>\n Among our favourite brands: Mid\/night 00.00<\/em>, with its clean aesthetics and effective formulas made in Barcelona; 27 87<\/em>, a contemporary perfume brand with bold character; and Theodoros Kalotinis<\/em>, whose narrative fragrances evoke Hellenic roots.<\/p>\n And for perfume-objects, Ortigia<\/em> is pure soul: perfumes, soaps, candles and sets illustrated with unique Sicilian iconography. Everything smells of pleasure and Mediterranean beauty.<\/p>\n Good design can be felt. Our list includes pieces that fuse form, function and poetry: Mulgeo<\/em>\u2019s magnetic storage systems that also serve as seats; anything from Frama<\/em>, whether cosmetics, furniture or aluminium tables.<\/p>\n Furniture by Duplex<\/em><\/a>\u00a0reimagines Scandinavian lines with artistic soul. We also love A.O.T<\/em><\/a>, HAY<\/em><\/a>, Muuto<\/em> and HEM<\/em> \u2014 especially for decorating with statement pieces like chairs, beds or sofas.<\/p>\n Designs by Zieta<\/em><\/a> and Marc Morro<\/em> captivate us with their honest, brutalist approach, as do the chromatic, sculptural pieces by Muller Van Severen<\/em><\/a> \u2014 true functional art. And when it comes to rugs, cc-tapis<\/em> is a dream.<\/p>\n Textile detail lovers? The embroidered tableware and accessories by Sarah Espeute<\/em> are unique pieces that transform any table.<\/p>\n Art is one of the most intimate gifts \u2014 it reflects both the taste of the giver and the universe of the recipient.<\/p>\n We love: symbolic and contemporary works by Chidy Wayne<\/em>; the movement and femininity in Ritsch Sisters<\/em>\u2019 photography; and Eike Koenig<\/em>\u2019s visual world where typography, politics and aesthetics merge.<\/p>\n Also worth exploring: special art and design editions found at Terranova<\/em>, Llibreria Finestres<\/em> or museum shops like Barcelona\u2019s DHub<\/em>.<\/p>\n For analogue and digital photography, we recommend Chandal<\/em>, Dubblefilm<\/em>, La Peliculera<\/em> and Sales de Plata<\/em>.<\/p>\n And if music and good sound matter, Transparent<\/em><\/a> speakers are an absolute joy.<\/p>\n The kind of fashion we love tells stories. It\u2019s made with values, intention and timeless aesthetics.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ccmagazine.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Mianodedescansoyrelajacion.jpg\")
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<\/p>\nCoffee & Chocolate: Everyday rituals that move us<\/h6>\n
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<\/p>\nBeauty & Fragrance: Care, scent and pleasure<\/h6>\n
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<\/p>\nDesign: Objects with intent<\/h6>\n
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<\/p>\nArt, photography & music<\/h6>\n
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<\/p>\nFashion & Accessories: Identity and storytelling<\/h6>\n
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