For the cook
Tala's enamel Cook's Measure cup epitomises old-fashioned practicality. A quick, simple alternative to scales, it measures dried goods in ounces, grams and cups for easy recipe conversions. Its authentic vintage design means it also looks great on the worktop. Dh59, Lakeland, Mushrif, Mall Abu Dhabi, and Mirdif City Centre, Dubai
Sagaform's decanters for oil and vinegar are among the Swedish designer's signature pieces. The spherical oak stopper finishes the bottle's sleek elegant design beautifully to make a striking table centrepiece. Dh109 for a set of two, Kollektion & Co at Ordning and Reda, Ibn Battuta Mall and DIFC, Dubai
Joseph Joseph has a fantastic, stylish range of innovative kitchenware including the Orb porcelain mortar and pestle. It has a main bowl for crushing and grinding larger quantities, while the lid doubles as a receptacle for smaller amounts of herbs and spices. The weighted pestle is also really comfortable to use. Dh249, Lakeland
Take the heat off with the Hotman potholder, a witty stainless steel trivet whose arms and legs support your saucepans and protect your kitchen worktop from scorching. Dh98, Harvest Home, Jumeirah Centre, Dubai
These stoneware storage pots with oak lids are too cool to keep in the cupboard - you don't have to be a decent cook to want one. They come in a range of shapes and sizes, each with a typically Nordic folk-inspired design that looks great in any style of kitchen. Dh109, Kollektion & Co
Keep knives and forks in order while introducing some old-school charm into your kitchen with this vintage-style cutlery box from Luz de Luna. It looks too good to be hidden away in a drawer, so place it on the counter for everyone to see. Dh180, Luz de Luna, Iridium Building, Umm Suqeim Road, Dubai
For bigger spenders (Dh400-plus)
Ligne Roset's Chantal lamp proves that less really is more. A transparent base and shade in clear mouth-blown glass are set off perfectly by a simple red textile cable. Dh8,300, Aati and Ligne Roset, Dubai
Airdiem's sculptural shisha sets look so good that even non-smokers will love them. Made from solid pewter covered in marine-inspired detailing, Red Coral is our favourite. Dh10,450, Faubourg Design, Dubai
Nothing says indulgence like a caviar set made from semi-precious stones. The French company Cub-ar makes products out of Armenian obsidian, a rare material created when volcanic lava cools suddenly, and this is one of its most exclusive products. Dh36,018, Faubourg Design, Dubai
For a highbrow gift with a twist, these silver motorbike bookends from Indigo Living are just the thing. Dh595, Indigo Living, Dubai
Michael Aram's steel Pomegranate salt and pepper shakers are beautifully formed and incredibly lifelike. Even when they're not in use, they'll add a touch of glamour to the tabletop. Dh400, Bloomingdale's, Dubai Mall
Bowers and Wilkins is well known for its wonderfully designed audio products and the Zeppelin Mini docking station is no exception. It offers advanced acoustic technology in a slimline package that's perfect for desktops and bedside tables. Dh1,599, Archimedia, Dubai
For bargain hunters (Dh100 and under)
Whichever way you look at it, Ritzenhoff's double-sided bottle opener is guaranteed to put a smile on its recipient's face. Dh62, Harvest Home, Jumeirah Centre, Dubai
The delicious scent of Prey's almond soap fills a room better than most candles (in the shop, we smelled it before we saw it). It's also beautifully packaged in suitably seasonal wrapping that its recipient probably won't want to remove. Dh58, Harvest Home
Fab India is a great place for homeware gifts for all budgets, with beautiful handmade home textiles and accessories, including organic cotton cushion covers starting from just Dh25. We like this lovely screen-printed one in dusky coral. Dh58, Fab India, Mushrif Mall, Abu Dhabi; Shop Nashwan Building Al Mankhool Road, Bur Dubai; Jumeirah Road, opposite Mercato Mall, Dubai and Sharjah City Centre mall
With luggage tags, notepads and super stylish storage boxes, the Pantone range is a great source for gifts. Our favourite remains the now-classic mug, reissued in a new range of deeply desirable colours. Dh45, Bloomingdale's, Dubai Mall
This embellished jewellery box and matching perfume bottle would make a pretty finishing touch for a dressing table. Their weight means they also feel considerably more expensive. Dh59 and Dh69, The One stores nationwide
For a pure, natural way to scent your home, Lucia's organic soy wax candle delivers the fresh, heady scent of chai tea that you can smell through its lovely duck egg blue packaging. Dh99, The One
For the design devotee
For those who treasure the sleek, innovative design of their Apple iPad, a personalised wool felt cover from Bahrain's Boxed Online will keep it looking smart in more ways than one. $49 (Dh180), www.boxedonline.com
Erik Magnussen's vacuum jug for the Danish company Stelton is a contemporary classic, having sold 10 million pieces since it was first produced in 1977. It's renowned for its patented "rocker stopper", which opens as you start to pour. Dh325, Bloomingdale's, Dubai Mall
The Kontur flexible, unbreakable silicone vase is modelled on a futuristic flower where each "petal" is a space for different stems. Designed by Mette Kargo Hvid for Normann Copenhagen, it is also on display in New York's Museum of Modern Art. Dh145, www.filini.com
Muuto's Wood Lamp was designed by a team of Danish architects looking for a low-tech alternative to the modern, technical desk lamp. With all the nuts and bolts deliberately emphasised rather than concealed, its simplicity and rawness has an instant, striking appeal. Dh959, Kollektion & Co at Ordning and Reda, Ibn Battuta Mall and DIFC Dubai
The award-winning James the Bookend has been propping up paperbacks since Black and Blum brought him to life in 2009. Now a ubiquitous figure in the design world, he comes in black, red, lime, orange and blue. Dh129, Kollektion & Co
Koko the penguin might be the cutest light we've ever seen. Whether he's perched on a side table or standing on the floor, he'll be a playful addition to any space - and is bound to put a smile on your face. Dh569, www.filini.com