42 Timeless Gifts That Work Perfectly for Any Occasion

At a loss for what to gift during the often-hectic holiday season? Unison has a great new range of well-designed, unique housewares that will live well beyond the holidays.

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Grid Gray Knit Throw Blanket

Keep your modern instincts in check. A throw blanket in a classic square pattern brings order to your space. Enjoy the clean simplicity. Relish the soft-and-cozy factor -- especially on days when curling up is #1 on your agenda. The grid pattern is a Unison classic and fan favorite. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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Unison Turin Burgundy Knit Throw Blanket

We’ve added this second colorway option to the exclusive Unison creative collaboration with Chicago-based artist Chad Kouri. It’s based on his “Color Grid” series of original artworks. Get all wrapped up in its neutral color palette punctuated by a playful contrast of soft pink and burgundy. With super-soft double-knit construction, it’s a picture of texture, too. Go ahead — cozy up or drape it over your sofa. When you have this kind of feat of form-meets-function, you don’t need to hide it in a chest. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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Edgewood Made Round Walnut Wood Board

Practice the art of the serve. Our Walnut board is handmade in the U.S. and attention grabbing by way of its modern form and natural simplicity. Walnut is known for its fine grains and here that beauty shines through, while details like a hexagonal carved edge and handle are subtle but striking. Walnut is also appreciated for its density and resistance to shock. While this board is a definite presentation piece, it can also be used for cutting. Either way, it signals that the party starts now. Also available in Black Oxidized Walnut and Maple. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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Salon Black Tray

French bistro flair, at your service. Ferry your drinks and snacks anywhere, dining room to patio, living room to kitchen, with this serving essential. It shows off French wicker in a new way, allowing the material’s strength and tidy appearance to shine forth, simply. A clean, painted veneer rim is broken by notches to give you a steady grip.

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Force Medium Tray

It’s all in the name: Force is a range of trays made in an impactful manner. They’re created from a single piece of high-gloss polished stainless steel, which with great power is then pressed into elegant but streamlined looking tableware. It’s a classic design by Simon Legald with modern appeal. It’s also quite durable to last you dinner party after dinner party. The Medium size is apt to carry drinks and appetizers. Also available in Small. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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Hasami Black Bowl Set of Five

For almost 400 years Japanese artisans in the Hasami district have been making pottery such as this. Simple and unadorned, Hasami pottery is seen as both a cultural and design legacy that remains as relevant now as it was back in the Edo period. These bowls, as with all Hasami porcelain, are made from natural Amakusa pottery stones mixed with potter's clay. So while the color is starkly monochrome, the feel is an unexpected rush of texture. The range of sizes is perfect for serving and side dishes. But you won’t want to limit them to the dining room — put them just about anywhere in your home as a decorative accent. Available in 5 sizes in Gloss Gray and Black. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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Mist Petroleum Vase 11.5"

In terms of vase studies, the Mist series is worth looking at — again and again. Contemporary yet timeless, it was created using traditional glassmaking methods by Tamer Nakisçi, who lent his modern eye to the resulting form. The material, lead-free corrugated crystal, gives the impression of being slightly blurred and rippled, which makes your flower display that much more alluring. The petroleum color hearkens seaglass and is a fresh addition to any room. Also available in a 8.25” size and Clear or Caramel. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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Luna Brown Small Vase

Introducing a new form for your fauna. This soda glass and brass vase makes a great show of just a stem or two. And if you remove the brass lid, there is room for a small bouquet. Its mixed materials come together in an artistic play. The brass finish gently shines and will develop a nice patina over time. This small size fits any space, on a side table or even on a dining table as one piece of a greater visual tableaux. Also available in a larger size and in Clear. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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LSA International Space Gold Vase

This vase knows how to work its angles. Its slanted design draws your stems together, maintaining the shape of a floral arrangement. The handpainted gold metallic band adds extra flourish, providing a shining touchpoint to any table setup. Flower power, indeed. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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Dot Forest Round Leather Placemat

Things come full circle with these recycled leather placemats, crafted in Argentina. In the production process of this material, off-cuts discarded by the leather industry are given a second life. These scraps are recovered, cleaned, compacted and bonded with latex and other natural fibers before being transformed into a new sustainable and environmentally-friendly material of the same durability as regular leather. In a forest hue, they bring the mood of the outdoors in, grounding your meal in natural harmony. Also available in Apricot, Brick, Charcoal and Black. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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Omaggio Pearl Medium Vase

Tone on tone takes evocative new meaning with this ceramic vase that won’t lack for attention. Matte meets pearlescent in classic stripes, creating an optical-illusion play for the eyes. With a classic shape that gives it timeless appeal, this is the epitome of style meets function. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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Nocto Black Taper Candleholder

The classic chamber candleholder is back — this time, in modern and minimalistic form. True to its original purpose of guiding one with light at night, it has a handle and purposeful design to keep a candle upright. Yet, it’s meant to be sturdily placed on the table as well. In black for graphic impact by day and alluring obscurity at night. Also available in White. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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Rig-Tig Save-It Storage Box Set of Five

Life can be complicated but storage doesn’t have to be. That’s why these simple and practical storage boxes are the perfect fit for busy lifestyles. Exclusive to Unison and made of durable Paulownia wood (so light, it’s balsa-like), they keep everything from dry spices to condiments tidy, making for a very cohesive kitchen. Also useful in the living room for magazines and toys, bedroom for accessories or shoes, or bathroom for all your bath basics. Each set includes five different sizes that nest into one another when not in use. Dust them off with a dry cloth to keep them clean and happy. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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Bunbuku Black Waste Can

No thought was wasted in the sleek, modern Bunbuku Black Waste Can. Crafted of highly durable steel and joined together by caulking instead of welding, this tapered receptacle is tolerant against rust and fire. Made in Japan from start to finish since 1918, it's long-lasting in construction and design. With a matte, bold black finish and molded ridge for a single stroke of cool interest, it cleans up in more ways than one. Received the Good Design - Long-Life Design Award in 2015. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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Cylinda-Line Press Coffee Maker

Set a conquer-the-day mood with Arne Jacobsen’s award-winning design. You’ll get just the right taste and temperature from this press coffee maker because it’s double-walled to retain heat. Just infuse that coffee and press the plunger to make up to 8 cups. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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Manual Cocktail Stout Decanter

Put a frosted bar accessory into the mix. This hand-blown glass decanter crafted by Chicago maker Manual Goods is a stylish take on translucency. Use the corked closure of the decanter as a dosing jigger — perfect when you need to quickly measure out those shots or dose syrups and juices. In a stout shape, it adds visual counterbalance to your spirits display. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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Cork White Coasters Set of Four

Your desire for a beautiful coaster: only natural. Enter these neutral designs, made by fusing soft rubber and natural cork. Their manufacturing method is innovative, involving just heat and pressure, and excluding any binders or harmful chemicals. In easygoing white, with speckles of a sandy hue, they inspire a relaxing mood. Also available in Gray. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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Bistro Teak 2PC Serve Set

Your favorite dish deserves the ooh-la-la that only the finest French cutlery artisans can provide. That’s why you’ll choose this teak two-piece serving set (a fork and spoon) by French culinary design company Sabre. Part of its Bistro Flatware collection, this dynamic dining duo graces your plates with a stunning blend of stainless steel and teak. Each piece is handmade to elevate your culinary experiences one bite at a time. Strong yet elegant, they’re made for high praise. Match them with our Bistro Flatware collections. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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LSA International Deco Gold Tumblers Set of Eight

A touch of gold brightens any table. These Art Deco-inspired tumblers are crafted from handmade glass in Poland and feature geometric lines and metallic finishes for a modern twist on a classic era. Use them for mixed drinks, starters, or sorbets. Set features eight unique glasses. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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Hasami Gloss Gray Coffee Dripper

A pottery art that’s been practiced for almost 400 years is applied to a ritual that feels nearly as historic: enjoying morning coffee. This coffee dripper is an expansion of our current offering of Hasami porcelain and is paired with the Hasami Teapot for brewing pour-overs (teapot sold separately). Simple and unadorned, Hasami pottery is seen as both a cultural and design legacy that remains as relevant now as it was back in the Edo period. The coffee dripper, as with all Hasami porcelain, is made from natural Amakusa pottery stones mixed with potter's clay for enduring aesthetic appeal and quality. Also available in Black. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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Cylinda Line Cocktail Shaker

Streamline your shake-ability. Everyone needs this stainless-steel bar essential with a brilliant finish and modern shape that will do your best cocktail recipes justice. Arne Jacobsen designed the award-winning cocktail and tableware series Cylinda-Line for Stelton in 1967, and it’s become the essence of everything they do. The series was recognized with the ID-prize 1967 by The Danish Society of Industrial Design and The International Design Award 1968 by The American Institute of Interior Designers. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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Parker Gold Cheese Knife Set of Two

When cheese is not merely a course, but an occasion. This modern knife set is made to accompany both casual gatherings and formal dinners, and sets an elevated tone. Plated in gold, these pieces are made to be noticed. Quality craftsmanship is also key: The blades are made from high quality molybendum steel to resist corrosion and wear, and be used for years. The expertly set handle within the blade is a thoughtful example of form meets function. Also available in stainless steel. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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Eva Brushed Gold Salad Servers

A side salad will never be relegated to the corner. Not when these special occasion serving pieces are around. Made from 24-carat brushed gold plating over stainless steel, they offer the durability and luster their maker, Cutipol, is known for. Pass the arugula. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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LSA International Otis White Wine Glasses Set of Four

The striking geometry of these handblown glasses is worth a toast. Their hand-drawn stems are delicate counterpoints to the straight sided, cylindrical bowls. And their narrow shape brings out the flavor and aroma in any white wine. In a set of four, your cabinet will be stocked and ready when company arrives. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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Sabre Paris Bistro Ivory Pie Server

You’ve gone through many dessert phases. But, let’s be honest: You always go back to pie. This French-made pie server is worthy of your affections and sacred fruit recipes because it’s handcrafted with quality materials, like stainless steel and handsome white acrylic. You like to couple it up with other matching pieces from our Bistro Flatware collections, which are also made by French artisans who admire the elegant design and savagely good sweets. Bonus: it’s dishwasher safe at low temperatures.

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Hasami Black Mug 13oz

Simple and unadorned, the clean lines recall Japan’s traditional forms. In fact, for almost 400 years Japanese artisans in the Hasami district have been making pottery such as this. The mugs are created from porcelain made from natural Amakusa pottery stones mixed with potter's clay, giving it an amazing textured feel. Also available in Gloss Gray.

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Lemnos Plywood Wall Clock

The most precious thing we have is time. So why overcomplicate it? This modern clock is clean and simple – just like life should be. Its timeless design also makes it a natural fit for any living space. Each is individually made at the hands of skilled craftspeople in Japan, who finesse high-quality plywood and accent it with beautiful basswood for texture. Good to know: This timekeeper received the Good Life Long Life Design Award in 2013.

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Hoop Medium Vase

Hello, gorgeous flow. Handmade in midnight blue colored glass, the fluid shape of our Hoop Vase is what will get you every time. Its name is taken from a hoop, which also inspires its attractive curves. Naturally, it’s made for flowers but looks equally appealing on its own as an art piece. It also looks beautiful as a set, paired with the Large and Small sizes. Photo Courtesy of Unison

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Oblique White Planter

Keep your plants thriving through neat and tidy living. Kingston, N.Y. artist Andrew Molleur handcrafts planters that seamlessly integrate a display vessel and water tray in a triumph of minimal design. Both are easily separated to remove excess water or other emotional runoff your greenery may expound. The design prompts healthy growth and easy maintenance while looking concentrically savvy in shade of ridged porcelain. Each slip cast vessel boasts a matte exterior and glossy inner soul. Also available in Brick and Black colors.

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