18 Designers on the Best Gift They’ve Ever Given

Gift-giving is an art, and when it comes to interior designers, they have a knack for selecting gifts that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of interior designers and explore the most memorable gifts they’ve ever given. From unique coasters to personalized bouquets and distinctive vases, these designers’ gift choices reflect their keen sense of aesthetics and thoughtfulness.

Interior designers have a natural talent for creating visually stunning spaces, and their gift-giving choices reflect this aesthetic sensibility. In this article, we’ll explore five beautiful holiday gift ideas shared by top interior designers. From functional yet decorative cutting boards to personalized marble picture frames, these gift ideas are sure to make your loved ones’ holidays even more special.

• Decorative Cutting Board:

Interior designer Megan Unger, the owner of Megan Robertson’s Designs in Orange, California, recommends gifting a wood cutting board. What makes this gift special is its dual functionality—it serves as both a decorative piece and a practical kitchen tool. Megan’s unique touch is to top the round cutting board with a Christmas wreath adorned with a bow that matches the recipient’s house. This thoughtful addition allows them to hang it on their front door as a festive decoration, making it a versatile and stylish gift.

• Unique Coasters:

Noelle Isbell, principal designer at Noelle Interiors in Manhattan Beach, California, suggests oversized pink Himalayan coasters as ideal host or hostess gifts. These coasters go beyond the basic and add a touch of uniqueness to any table setting. What sets them apart is their ability to simultaneously serve as both decorative elements and functional items. Noelle loves that recipients can immediately use these gorgeous coasters to elevate and protect their tables, making them a practical and visually appealing gift.

• Artisan Bouquet of Flowers:

Noel Gatts, founder and designer at beam&bloom in Bloomfield, New Jersey, believes in the magic of a personalized posy. A bouquet of artisanal flowers not only adds a festive atmosphere to a home but also engages multiple senses. Noel finds that people often don’t splurge on such luxuries for themselves, making it a thoughtful gift. An artisan bouquet can be enjoyed by everyone who visits during the holidays, spreading joy and beauty throughout the season.

• Elegant Marble Picture Frame:

Megan Molten, founder and principal designer at Megan Molten in Charleston, South Carolina, recommends gifting a marble picture frame. This versatile and timeless gift effortlessly fits into both formal and casual settings. Megan’s preference is for frames with special detailing, like brass edging, to make them stand out. She takes the extra step of filling the frame with a classic black and white personal photo. This added personal touch allows recipients to cherish a special memory and adds sentimental value to the gift.

• Whimsical Hanging Frog Vase:

Gina Gutierrez, founder and principal designer at Gina Rachelle Design in Sebastopol, California, loves the idea of gifting a modern and whimsical vase. Such a vase offers endless opportunities for creative styling and design. Gina’s choice is a hanging frog vase filled with blooms, transforming it into a two-in-one gift—a stunning vase and a gorgeous floral arrangement. This distinctive and artistic gift ensures that recipients will remember it for years to come.

• Oversized Candle:

When it comes to candles as gifts, it’s all about finding one with that extra “wow” factor, as Heather Fujikawa, principal designer and co-owner of House Sprucing in Dallas, Texas, suggests. To elevate the standard candle gifting, Heather presents hosts with a jumbo-sized candle featuring not one, but five wicks. What sets this candle apart is its delightful combo scent of peppermint and fresh-baked cookies. This aromatic and luxurious gift adds a touch of indulgence to any holiday celebration.

• Keepsake Book:

For a truly meaningful and everlasting gift, consider gifting a subscription to a service that creates personalized remembrance books. Leigh Anne Schurr, special projects manager at Marguerite Rodgers Interior Design in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, recommends a service that sends the recipient a personal question each week for a year, allowing them to record their personal history and preserve precious memories. At the end of the twelve months, an heirloom book is delivered, filled with a wealth of memories and stories to cherish forever.

• Personalized Wine and Spirit Bottles:

Add a unique and personal touch to a favorite wine or liquor bottle by customizing it with a special message or logo. Sara Malek Barney, founder and principal designer at BANDD/DESIGN in Austin, Texas, finds this to be her favorite holiday present. It conveys the thought and effort put into creating something unique and tailored specifically for the recipient, making it a truly heartfelt and memorable gift.

• Inspirational Wall Art:

Homemade gifts from platforms like Etsy can infuse a personal touch into any gift choice. Laura Brophy, principal at Laura Brophy Interiors in Newport Beach, California, loves gifting wall art with words from a poem her father used to read to her as a child. One such piece is called “Attitude Poem” by Charles Swindoll, which carries a meaningful and motivational sentiment. It promotes positive vibes and resonates with the human spirit, making it a thoughtful and inspiring gift.

• Tabletop Accessories:

Practical yet aesthetically pleasing gifts are always appreciated by hosts, and placemats are the perfect choice that combines function and style. Karen Wolf, founder and designer at Karen B. Wolf Interiors in Short Hills, New Jersey, prefers generously sized placemats (usually 16″ x 16″) in neutral colors that can complement any interior. Gideon Mendelson, founder and creative director at Mendelson Group in New York City, suggests butter dishes as a great gift option. Not only are they functional, but they also add a touch of elegance to a countertop, making them perfect for everyday use even after the holiday meals are over.

• Custom Coffee Table Book:

While creating a scrapbook requires time and effort, the result can be a heartwarming and tear-inducing gift. Becky Shea, creative director and founder of BS/D in New York City, shares her experience as an interior designer who creates custom coffee table books. These books contain images of a client’s home, including professional photos of a renovation in progress and the final result, along with meaningful quotes. It’s a gift that clients proudly share with friends and family, building a collection of cherished memories and design inspiration.

• Food Delivery:

In the midst of the holiday hustle, who wouldn’t appreciate the gift of food delivery? Whether it’s platters filled with delectable appetizers or festive dessert trays, the gift of grub is always a welcome sight. Michelle Zacks, designer at Michelle Zacks Design in Brooklyn, New York, loves the idea of gifting a 3-month oyster delivery that can be enjoyed throughout the holiday season. It’s an unexpected and elegant treat that adds a touch of luxury to the festivities.

• Framed Photograph:

Expressing gratitude during the holidays can be beautifully done through artistic gestures, and a framed photograph is a timeless and heartfelt gift. Michael Cox, owner of foley&cox in New York City, has made it a tradition to gift each of his team members a framed photograph. This thoughtful gesture not only decorates their homes but also builds a collection of cherished art pieces that hold sentimental value.

• Small Appliance:

For those who enjoy the convenience of modern kitchen gadgets, a small appliance can make an excellent gift. Amber Guyton, founder and designer at Blessed Little Bungalow in Atlanta, Georgia, emphasizes the joy of being an at-home barista with her espresso machine. She shares her passion for coffee with friends and family by gifting them user-friendly espresso machines. It’s a thoughtful gesture that allows them to enjoy barista-quality coffee in the comfort of their own homes.

• Home Portrait:

A custom home portrait that captures the essence of someone’s residence is a heartfelt and unexpected gift that will hold sentimental value for years to come. Liz Goldberg, founder and creative director at CAROLYNLEONA in Raleigh, North Carolina, enjoys commissioning black and white sketches of her clients’ beautiful homes. This unique artwork becomes a cherished reminder of the place where countless memories have been created. Hayley English, founder and CEO of Hayley English Interiors in Pasadena, California, also appreciates the timeless charm of gifting a watercolor painting of someone’s house, ensuring that the essence of their home is forever preserved in art.

• Personalized Platter:

Art can find a place outside of traditional frames, as Alexandra Kaehler, founder of Alexandra Kaehler Design in Chicago, Illinois, suggests. She loves commissioning beautiful blue and white ceramic platters that can be customized with images, names, and dates. These personalized platters serve as both functional and decorative pieces, adding a touch of elegance to any home.

• Customized Jewelry:

Jewelry becomes even more special when it bears a personal touch, such as inscriptions or monograms. Emma Kemper, owner of Emma Beryl Interiors in Brooklyn, New York, treasures a pearl and mint garnet necklace that was gifted to her with her daughter’s birthstone and initials. Now, she delights in passing on the sentiment by gifting similar personalized jewelry to others. It’s a beautiful and sentimental piece of art that holds deep meaning.

• Holiday Ornament:

A holiday tree ornament is a gift that brings joy year after year, serving as a cherished memento of past holidays spent together. Ariel Richardson, founder and principal designer at ASR Design Studio in San Diego, California, loves gifting colorful ornaments made of natural fibers. These ornaments not only enhance holiday decor but also serve as enduring reminders of the festive seasons shared with loved ones.

These thoughtful and personalized gift ideas from interior designers add a touch of warmth and sentiment to the holiday season. Whether it’s a small kitchen appliance for the culinary enthusiast, a custom home portrait capturing cherished memories, a personalized platter that combines art and functionality, customized jewelry with inscriptions, or a holiday ornament that brightens up the festivities each year, these gifts go beyond the ordinary and create lasting memories for both the giver and the recipient.