The holiday season is a time to celebrate with family and friends, and what better way to show your appreciation than with a thoughtful gift? As an interior designer, I believe that the best gifts blend beauty, functionality, and personal meaning. Whether you're shopping for someone who loves a cozy home, has a passion for style, or enjoys creative spaces, here are some of the best holiday gift ideas for the ones you love.
1. Customized Throw Blankets and Pillows
There’s something incredibly personal about a soft, stylish throw blanket or set of pillows. Look for high-quality materials like cashmere, wool, or chunky knits in colors that complement your loved one's home decor. Opt for customized options—such as embroidered initials or a unique design—that add a personal touch.
Designer’s Tip: Neutral tones are versatile and fit most interiors, but if you know their favorite color palette, go bold with a pop of color to make the gift even more special.
Gift Idea: Check out the Letter Together Blanket or Boucle Letter Pillows
2. Scented Candles with a Designer Touch
Scented candles are a classic gift, but they can be elevated with the right packaging and fragrance selection. Look for candles from boutique brands that use natural ingredients and offer luxurious scents like sandalwood, lavender, or fig. Many candles come in beautiful containers that can double as decor pieces.
Designer’s Tip: Choose a candle in a glass jar that complements the style of their home—whether it’s modern, rustic, or minimalist. Once the candle is burned down, they can reuse the jar for storing small items. Gift Idea: Aurora Floral Etched Glass Candle.
3. Personalized Artwork or Prints
There’s nothing like a piece of art to make a home feel more personal. Choose artwork that reflects the recipient’s style or life experiences. Whether it’s a cityscape of a place they love, a custom family portrait, or a minimalist print that complements their aesthetic, art is a deeply meaningful gift.
Designer’s Tip: Consider gifting a framed piece that’s ready to hang, so they can immediately enjoy it in their space. Gift Idea: If you don't consider yourself "Artsy" check out Society6 and support various artists!
4. Handcrafted Ceramics
Handmade ceramics are both functional and beautiful, making them an ideal holiday gift for anyone who appreciates artistry. From unique mugs and bowls to decorative vases, handmade pieces add character and warmth to any home.
Designer’s Tip: Choose neutral tones like white, beige, or soft pastels for versatility, or go bold with a statement piece that can serve as the focal point of a room. Gift Idea: A set of handcrafted mugs or search your local markets for a unique artisanal touch to add to their kitchen or dining room.
5. Luxurious Bedding or Towels
High-quality bedding or plush towels are the ultimate indulgence. Consider gifting a luxurious bedding set with high-thread-count sheets, a down comforter, or soft bath towels in neutral tones. These gifts are not only functional but also add a sense of comfort and elegance to daily life.
Designer’s Tip: Opt for classic, neutral tones like whites, greys, or soft blues that suit most styles. If you're unsure, crisp white bedding is always a safe and timeless choice. Gift Idea: A set of Egyptian cotton towels or a hotel-quality bedding set to elevate their everyday living experience.
6. Smart Home Accessories
For the tech-savvy loved ones, smart home accessories like smart bulbs, speakers, or even a smart thermostat can make for thoughtful and practical gifts. These devices not only add convenience but can also enhance the overall ambiance of their home.
Designer’s Tip: Choose products with sleek designs that blend seamlessly into the home, such as a smart speaker in a neutral finish or modern light fixtures with smart bulbs. Gift Idea: A stylish smart speaker that blends technology with home design, allowing them to control their lighting, music, and more with ease.
7. Decorative Trays and Organizers
A beautifully designed tray or organizer can elevate any space while providing functionality. Look for trays made of marble, wood, or metal that can be used to display candles, vases, or other decorative items. These gifts are perfect for adding style to an entryway table, coffee table, or nightstand.
Designer’s Tip: Choose a design that matches their home’s decor. For a modern home, go with sleek, minimalist materials like metal or glass. For a more rustic or traditional home, a wooden tray adds warmth and texture. Gift Idea: A mercury tray to style on their coffee table, or a decorative catch-all tray for their entryway to store keys and essentials.
8. Indoor Plants or Stylish Planters
For the nature lover, indoor plants are a gift that keeps on giving. Pair a beautiful houseplant like a fiddle leaf fig or snake plant with a stylish planter that matches their home’s decor. Plants not only brighten up a space but also improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere.
Designer’s Tip: Choose low-maintenance plants if the recipient is new to plant care. Pair the plant with a chic planter that reflects their style—whether that’s a ceramic pot, a woven basket, or a modern metallic planter. Gift Idea: A low-maintenance snake plant in a sleek ceramic planter to add a touch of greenery to their living room or office.
When it comes to holiday gifting, thoughtful, personalized items that reflect your loved ones' style and needs are always a win. Whether it’s cozy textiles, handcrafted ceramics, or personalized artwork, these gifts are sure to make them feel special and appreciated while enhancing their home.
So this holiday season, think beyond the ordinary and give the gift of design with pieces that bring beauty, comfort, and functionality into the homes of those you care about.
Until next time Friends, Stay Gold.
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