Every December, there’s that moment, usually around the 20th, when you realize you’ve spent more time debating whether you diy that cute ceramic ashtray you saw on TikTok rather than actually buying gifts. And suddenly, you’re in that familiar panic spiral, scrolling through 14 tabs, asking yourself whether people still like candles or if everyone has collectively moved on.
At KHAMSA, we’ve learned this the hard way. Last year, to make it easier on myself, I decided to buy everyone in my family (when I say everyone, i literally mean everyone) an oversized fleece hoodie that keeps you warm. Let’s just say I took the easy way out and felt slightly guilty for not personalizing my gifts. So yes, we’ve made mistakes so you don’t have to.
This year’s guide is my redemption arc: thoughtful, fun, very niche, and very KHAMSA-coded. Gifts that feel like they were chosen by someone who actually knows you, or at least pretends convincingly.
So here they are: five categories, five moods, endless ways to become the one who gets it right with the coolest, most niche gifts; and the one who shops locally, supporting home-grown businesses from around the region, because the best finds are often the ones closest to home.
١. The ones who host like it’s a personal trait, this one’s for you.
You know them. The friend who turns a random Tuesday into a full-blown gathering, who somehow always has the good glasses out, incense burning, music perfectly soft, and a table that looks like a hug. Hosting isn’t a chore for them, it’s their love language.
1. Bode – Velvet Cloakroom Hanger. Find it here | 2. Buccellati – 6-Piece Torsade Silver Flatware Set. Find it here | 3. Nada Debs – Dervish Carafe. Find it here | 4. Studio Tuut – Mini Karake. Find it here | 5. BambahXTablegems – Ceramic mini Tray. Find it here | 6. Porta – Butter Dish. Find it here | 7. Salim Azzam – The Ribbon Coasters. Find it here | 8. Beit Prod – Gucci Ashtray. Find it here | 9. Beit Kanz – Ahmed Amer Cushion 45×45. Find it here | 10. Romyni – Sterling Silver Presentation Box “Cairo Garden Competition, 1931”. Find it here | 11. Dastaangoi – Jasmine of the Orient. Find it here.
٢. Ink, ideas & everything in between.
This edit is for the word collectors and highlight addicts: sharp pens, moody books, sketch markers and notebooks that fit the aesthetic. Think niche, design-first pieces with attitude, because even your late-night thoughts deserve something cooler than a random scrap of paper.
1. Sarah Bahbah – Dear Love. Find it here | 2. Kaweco – Collection fountain pen Liliput Hummingbird. Find it here | 3. Cartier – Planner. Find it here | 4. Eileen Gray – Designer and Architect book. Find it here | 5. Louise Carmen – Customizable notebook. Find it here | 6. Carnet Hazan – Les chats dans l’estampe japonaise 16. Find it here | 7. Copic – Sketch Refillable Markers – Basic Set (Set of 36). Find it here | 8. Assouline – Mystic Mist, The Rituals of Huqqa. Find it here | 9. Bettina Rheims – Femme fatale portfolio book. Find it here
٣. The bathroom shelf overachievers, this one’s for you.
For the ones whose bathroom looks like a mini concept store & who treat their routine like a full-time job. The ones with devices, serums, spa bookings and a running list of “holy grails” in their notes app. This edit is packed with smart tools, glow-boosting textures and niche picks (many from around the region), because obviously your skin only deserves the most extra.
1. Antati – Skin Analyzer Device. Find it here | 2. Slip – Queen Pillowcase. Find it here | 3. A Timeless Sanctuary of Healing at Talise Ottoman Spa | 4. Rimowa – Packing Cube M. Find it here | 5. Hermès – Compose yur own Trait d’Hermès 4-pencil gift set. Find it here | | 6. Moonglaze – Phases Blush Stick in March. Find it here | 7. Chanel – Sublimage l’extrait huile levres. Find it here | 8. Dr. Dennis Gross – DRx SpectraLite Faceware Pro. Find it here | 9. Augustinus Bader – The 12 Days of Bader. Find it here | 10. Sorbe – Duo: Sorbé Clip + Ceramide Lip Butter. Find it here | 11. The Cosmetics Fridges – The Jumbo Black Marble. Find it here
٤. For the Ones Who Never Really Grew Up (In the Best Way)
For the fun yet personal “I’m sure you’re gonna love it” list, this one’s for the playful child at heart, the ones who still get excited about gadgets and little objects that don’t need a reason to exist beyond pure joy. Think design-y toys, nostalgia hits, and fun stuff in shiny packaging, the kind of niche picks that make people say “wait, where did you even find this?” and secretly love you a bit more for it.
1. Teenage Engineering – Supertone EP-40. Find it here | 2. Not Boring – No More Tears Caps. Find it here | 3.LEGO® – McLaren Formula 1™ Race Car. Find it here | 4. Fondation Recherche Alzheimer – 1 Picasso For 100 Euros. Find it here | 5. Frescobol Carioca – Trancoso Signtaure Bats. Find it here | 6. Bottega Veneta – Jenga Game. Find it here | 7. amongst few – GB Color T-Shirt. Find it here | 8. Coach – Small Pretzel Bag Charm. Find it here | 9. Miu Miu – Uno Card Set with Leather Case. Find it here
٥. Fashion, but make it personal.
For the ones who don’t just wear clothes, they build universes out of them. The friend whose wardrobe feels like a mood board, who mixes regional designers with bold statement pieces, who treats accessories like plot twists. This edit is for the style architects. Think sculptural jewelry, character bags, unexpected textures, and niche labels they’ll brag about discovering. Gifts that simply fit their story.
1. Kamushki Studio – Wishbone Turquoise Beaded Pendant Necklace. Find it here| 2.Pomellato – Iconica Earrings. Find it here | 3. Yasmin Mansour – Mini Cycas Bag. Find it here | 4. Rafa – Hand Belt Silver. Find it here | 5. Shabab – Mules. Find it here | 6. Torbastudio – SARALisa Tapestry Tote Bag. Find it here | | 7. Birkenstock – Arizona Big Buckle narrow-width sandals. Find it here| 8. Max&Co. – P. Terzini &Co.llaboration card holder. Find it here | 9. Emergency Room Beirut – Carpet Round Jacket. Find it here | 10. Port Tanger – Daryan Carmesi Acetate Amber. Find it here | 11. adidas – Superstar II Sneakers in Cow-printed Pony Hair. Find it here | 12. Garcon de Famille – MOB61 Polished – 2 Pack – Rings. Find it here
