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Nine modern gifts for the ‘quiet luxury’ lover – without the price tag

The chic friend that's always ahead of the cultural zeitgeist? We've got the luxe modern gift they'll love to unwrap.


If there’s one hard person to buy for, it’s the friend or partner whose personal style screams ‘quiet luxury’. That’s a low-key approach to the finer things: think neutral colour palettes, clean lines and chic, minimalist style. It can feel like this stylish soul already has everything – or that their personal taste is a little out of the average budget.

To help, we’ve put together some modern gift ideas that won’t break the bank, but will still fill their need for style-heavy minimalism. Embrace your inner it-girl this holiday season.

Nine modern gifts to shop now

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01

Organic Matcha Powder Tin

$39 from T2

Gift your matcha-loving mate this delicious organic blend so they can whip up their own soothing drink at home.  This blend has fresh, grassy and slightly sweet notes, while the combo of caffeine and L-theanine give a slower, sustained release of energy without any jitters. It’s all packed into a chic, black tin that will look sleek on any kitchen counter or work desk. 

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02

Fira Side Table

$799 from Freedom

The number one rule when it comes to gifting modern home decor? Stick to a neutral colour palette and play with texture. This modern side table is perfect for any contemporary living space, including the bedroom, lounge or office. It makes a fab gift for someone decorating a new home. 

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03

Flow Studio Chloe Vase

$195 from Shop Your Home and Garden

This ceramic pear-shaped vase is the epitome of simple elegance. It’ll add a touch of grace to any space. Each Flow Studios piece is unique, given they’re handcrafted and made to order, using environmentally conscious practices. The recipient will think of you whenever they fill this piece with flowers for years to come. 

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04

Stone Caravan Mugs

$79 from Vaune Homewares

A retro collection inspired by the pieces found in Grandma’s kitchen cupboard, these cups are designed to stack easily, saving on all-important space. We personally think they’re too cute to be shut away in a cupboard – buy them for your coffee-loving friend to stack by their machine.

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05

Iced Coffee Cup with Straw

$59.99 from Frank Green

Nothing puts a spring in the step like a sunny morning walk with an iced latte in hand. This reusable iced coffee cup will save your minimalist friend from cold hands, and more importantly, save disposable plastic cups from refill. The double-wall vacuum insulation prevents condensation and keeps ice whole for up to 12 hours – perfect for that summer morning commute. 

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06

Salt & Stone Bergamot & Hinoki Body Mist

$86 from Sephora

This body mist does double duty, with hydrating properties and an energizing scent to really refresh the skin. Red algae and glycerin both enhance hydration and promote firmer skin, while notes of bergamot and hinoki leave a warm, energizing scent. The generous 100ml size will last for months. 

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07

Polar Coaster Coral & Travertine

$310.50 from The Iconic

If budget isn’t an issue, opt for these chic marble coasters. They perform double-duty as stunning home decor while protecting from dreaded drink rings on the coffee table. Each is made from two contrasting marble pieces paired together, finished with a black non-slip base. Simple and refined, they’re sure to impress at the recipient’s next cocktail party.  

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08

Cocoon Ceramide Cream

$145 from Raaie

When it comes to beauty packaging, you really can’t beat Raaie. This organic local beauty brand’s products are so aesthetic that they’ll take pride of place on the recipient’s bathroom counter. This nourishing multi-functional moisturiser offers hydration and protection through a blend of seven ceramides. New Zealand marine algae deeply hydrates the skin, while mānuka honey MGO 850+, wild-harvested alpine rosehip and avocado oil lock in moisture. 

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09

Sol.To Light in Matt Black

$195 from Shop Your Home and Garden

This modern light is the perfect gift for that person who has everything. Pop it by the mirror for makeup application, or by the bed for soft ambient lighting.  The integrated LED (no bulb required) mimics natural light and includes dim-to-warm technology.


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