Choosing Christmas presents can be… a lot. Especially when your gift list includes everyone from “this person deserves the world” to “I barely know them but I still need to show up with something.” It is festive, yes, but it can also feel slightly overwhelming.
This year, we had a bit of fun with the way most of us secretly decide who gets what. You know the drill. The nice list and the naughty list. And somewhere in between, a whole mix of personalities that make the holidays entertaining. With a little help from IKEA, here is a light-hearted gift guide that feels more like a wink than a sales pitch, because Christmas gifting does not always have to be that serious.
The Nice List
For the ones who truly earned their holiday cookies.
For your daughter who has been dreaming of a room makeover
The KURA bed is one of those pieces that quietly grows with a child. Low and cosy for younger kids, then flipped into a loft when they are ready for more independence, it naturally becomes a reading nook, hideout or play space. It is less about a “new bed” and more about giving her room the freedom to evolve along with her imagination.
For your spouse who has been hinting about matching dining chairs
You know the hints. The glances. The “wouldn’t it be nice if…” conversations. The HÖGVER chair fits right into that unspoken wish list. Clean lines, timeless design and suddenly, your dining table feels a little more put together. Sometimes, harmony really is the best gift.
For your mum who believes every meal needs at least three sauces
Every Malaysian household has that one trolley-worthy collection of sambal, chili oil and secret family recipes. The RÅSKOG trolley simply makes life easier, rolling wherever it is needed and keeping everything within reach. It is practical, familiar and very mum-coded.
For your niece who lives for imaginary adventures
The SANDLÖPARE storage trunk looks like it belongs to a tiny explorer. One day it holds toys, the next it is packed for a mission to the jungle or outer space. It is storage, yes, but also a quiet invitation to dream bigger stories.
For your best friend who loves a little lift in their space
The RUDSTORP side table does not shout for attention. It just quietly makes a room feel nicer. A thoughtful pick for the friend who appreciates small details and calming corners.
For your niece who already calls herself a chef
The SILLTRUT play kitchen is where pretend meals turn into big ideas. Stirring, serving and “hosting” become part of playtime, and creativity takes centre stage. It is one of those gifts that keeps them busy while their imagination does all the work.
The Naughty List
For the ones who test your patience, but still get a gift anyway.
For your friend’s kid who loves kung fu fighting
The KRAMIG panda is soft, huggable and very kick-friendly. It absorbs every dramatic flying kick without anyone getting hurt. A peaceful solution, honestly.
For that cousin who eats in bed and denies it
Crumbs do not lie. The FARMARKVAST bin is a subtle hint disguised as a useful object. Snack responsibly, or at least clean up the evidence.
For your little brother who treats bath time like an escape room
The SANDLÖPARE hooded towel is perfect for catching, wrapping and calming tiny bath-time rebels. Soft, cosy and undeniably cute, even when they are not.
For your colleague who keeps losing office supplies
Every workplace has a mystery person who somehow loses everything. The TROFAST bin is your polite attempt at restoring order, one stapler at a time.
For your grandkids who think furniture is a canvas
The LÄTT table-and-chair set gives them a space to draw freely without sacrificing your walls and sofa. Everyone wins.
For your neighbour who always borrows your plates
At some point, it stops being borrowing and starts being a collection. The DAGGASTER plate feels like a friendly boundary wrapped in a gift.
Christmas gifting does not have to be perfect. Sometimes, it just needs to be thoughtful, a little funny and very honest. And if it makes someone smile, or laugh because they know exactly why you picked it, then you probably got it right.
