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What does it mean to be cute? Is it in a gently drawn smile, big eyes, a fluffy animal? What makes one person prefer the cuteness of a googly Pokemon, say, while another prefers the squeezability of chubby baby thighs? Whatever shapes our cuteness preferences, there’s something inherently calming about an adorable object — calm that might be useful to continue on in an ever-scarier world.
For those of us who need an endearing thing to look at now and then, here are these 18 items — among many, many more out there — to give or keep for yourself, even if just to draw out a small smile on tougher days ahead.
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Birds In Hats Calendar, $15.38+
Who knew birds looked so amazing in hats? Artist Alice Tams did. That's all.
Vagenda Notebook, $10
For the note-taking, uterus-sporting badass in your life. Bonus: Illustrator Jen Corace donates a significant portion of the proceeds to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
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Coffee Cat Vinyl Sticker, $2.50 each
Do you know someone who loves coffee and cats ... and who would really benefit from displaying that love in a succinct manner on their laptop? Look no further.
World Hug Print, $35+
We need a world hug more than ever this year. Hang this reminder of solidarity from artist Laura George on your wall, or give it to a friend.
2017 Calendar Wall Hanging, $30
This serene moon can look over the year ahead, thanks to artist Phoebe Wahl.
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Heart In My Hands Necklace, $15.38
Tell a lover or friend how much you care about them with this hand-drawn, hand-colored plywood necklace from Kate Rowland.
Lady Artists T-Shirt, $19.23
Etsy/Alexsickling
Pay tribute to your favorite women in art with these aesthetically pleasing circles styled by U.K. artist Alex Sickling.
Feelin' Myself Print, $19.19
Give your best pal the gift of feelin' herself, a reminder that keeps on giving year-round.
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Cat Plate, $40
Use this sleepy kitty to hold your sandwich or your knickknacks. If you're not the cat type, artist Jill Burns also has curled-up pups, chipmunks and more.
Sagan's Cosmos Print, $15.38
Etsy/Kriski
Has one of our favorite science baes ever looked so dapper in bright pink and blue? Probably not, so you should secure this print before it disappears ~*into outer space.*~
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Octopus To-Do List, $8
Boygirlparty.com
Susie Ghahremani's shop on BoyGirlParty.com is a veritable playground for the cute-obsessed. Pick your poison: There are cat totes, baby onesies, llama earrings and more, but we're partial to this industrious octopus.
Cardiovascular System Shirt, $31
Etsy/Rachelignotofsky
Our insides have never looked so darling as in the hands of Rachel Ignotofsky, who's got illustrated versions of plant cells, the heart and several bodily systems done up in a colorful style. The cardiovascular system in particular makes our heart thump.
Iron-On Patches, ~$8
Etsy/Belsart
Are you a "Noodle Head," or are you more aligned with some "Bad Bacteria"? Either way, you can wear it on your sleeve -- adorably -- thanks to illustrator and printmaker Belinda Chen.
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Music Time Wallet, $16
Buy Olympia
We already knew egg and toast were a delicious pair, but we didn't realize they could get down so beautifully together. Remind yourself every day with a wallet designed by Dan Goodsell.
Work / Play Mug, $10
Buy Olympia
This is one sturdy mug from Jason Sturgill that captures the emotional rollercoaster most of us working stiffs go through each day -- just make sure the right side is turned toward the boss' office.
Snailed It Mini Print, $7
Frida Clements
How you should feel after you've purchased all the above items to hold close to your chest for eternity: like you've snailed it. If that's up your alley, illustrator Frida Clements has many, many more animal puns where that came from.
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