We asked the people behind our favorite housewares stores to shop their own collections for the gifts that belong on your list.
Thanks to its essential function and simple, natural shape, this brass bottle opener has a timeless beauty anyone can take pleasure in." --Keiko Shinomoto, co-owner
(Bottle openers, $40-$65; tortoisegeneralstore.com)
The colors of this inlaid wood handle are inspired by the hues of the desert. The elegant patterning makes it great for entertaining." --Currie Person, owner
(Santa Fe Stoneworks wine key, $60; spartan-shop.com)
This sugar bowl is made by a family-owned factory in Portugal. I love the fin-shaped handles and the cherry-red color. Dipping my spoon into it in the morning says 'Hello, wake up!' in the most friendly, very Portuguese way possible." --Alisa Grifo, owner
(Red sugar bowl, $28; kioskkiosk.com)
Josh Vogel lets the raw material guide the direction of his hand-carved maple tools, so each piece is unique. Their unusual shapes make them beautiful objects as well as functional kitchen utensils." --Sam Hamilton, owner
(Blackcreek Mercantile & Trading Co. kitchen tools, $85-$110; 415-931-7433)
For the holidays, I'll use designer Yumiko Sekine's linens to wrap up homemade granola or jam--they're the perfect hostess gift." --Julie Baine, founder
(Fog Linen kitchen cloth, $16; shop-pod.com)
Portland glass artist Lynn Read makes these bowls with surplus from his larger creations; no two are alike. Use several to showcase finishing salts--a different type for each." --Craig Olson, co-owner
(Glass salt bowls, $14 each; canoeonline.net)
(Credit: Jonathan Kambouris)