How do you evengetcoasters? In my mind they materialize in your home when you're old enough to care about what happens to yourcoffee table: One day they just appear, neatly stacked, ready to be offered to your guests with a glass of water. I have abasic cork setthat I have no recollection of purchasing and almost never use, not because my furniture is impervious to cold beverages but because—regrettably, this matters to me—they're extremely boring. Situated between a candle and my latestcookbook purchase, they're a burden more than a functional piece of tableware, something I know I'msupposedto have but can't bring myself to utilize. And because I get by just fine ignoring them, I can't imagine buying myself a replacement set.
Of course…if someone were to get me coasters as agift? That's the dream. When small household items get the present treatment, the result is always extra special and worthy of display. A set of coasters is the perfect gift in this category, a useful but also slightly frivolous thing that doesn't take a ton of money to transition from "just ok" to “legitimately cool.” Coasters are an opportunity to show off style and personality, go big with luxury materials (they're small, so you can spring for marble), or say something specific with color choice or pattern. If responsible for your own, you'd probably bring home a cork set in athriftystupor; as a gift for someone else, you can go big, bringing a bright (or fancy) (or wacky) spot to their living room accessories collection. Just hope a friend or family member returns the favor.
Trendy
Coasters are an easy way to try out an interior design trend on a small scale without spending a ton of money or embarking on a kitchen remodel. Get your friend who wishes they had terrazzo countertops to back away from thecontact paperby gifting them some coasters in the characteristic chippy style. Or opt for a set that mimics themural style on displayat seemingly every cool all-day cafe right now, replete with blobs and swoops.
Timeless
Classic coasters fit seamlessly into yourdecorwithout making a splash. If you're giving a set as a gift, go for neutral colors in luxe (or just luxe-looking) materials, like marble, wood, leather, ceramic, or subtle metallics. Even wool felt can feel fancy if done right;this setfrom HAY is thick and absorbent without looking crafty, in a heathered oatmeal color reminiscent of a cozy sweater.
Bold
The best coasters for someone looking to make a bit of a statement are colorful, patterned, or both. They can provide a pop of contrast in an otherwise pared-back room, or another opportunity for fun in a maximalist space. These stripes, geometric patterns, and swirly agate would make charismatic gifts, so snag a few and stuff them into every stocking on your list.
Personalized
We all have a friend who likes objects that Say Something about them—these are the best coasters to order for that person. Give the gift of repping their hometown or favorite vacation destination with a set of customized map coasters, or let the stars do the talking with this subtle but pointed Zodiac option. For aparentorgrandparent, a set that you can fill with photos is a foolproof choice.
Wacky
Coffee table accessories are supposed to beconversation starters, so give the gift of a coaster set that's sure to imbue any living room with a bit of personality. Get weird with these rubbery Lego-esque numbers, or a resin set filled with gold leaf and (buckle up) over the counter pills. So they don't “go” with the rest of your house (or even make much sense)—so what! They're just coasters, after all.
