They’re the tastemakers, the trendsetters, and the home decor visionaries. Interior designers know just how to make a space come to life, so you can only imagine that when it comes to giving gifts, they know exactly which home decor products can make a home sing with style.
So, on the hunt for some chic gifting inspiration, I asked top interior designers to share their go-to home decor gifts for this year. From coffee table books and candles to oil dispensers and linen napkins, these gifting ideas are both chic and thoughtful.
‘The key is to think of what someone may not splurge on for themselves – something that will bring a smile every time they see it or that they didn’t realize they couldn’t live without,’ interior designer Karina Plotko advises when choosing gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
If you’re struggling to come up with clever Christmas gift ideas – or even if you think you’re a gift-giving pro – give these designer-recommended picks a read. After all, the experts know what they’re talking about, so you can count on their ideas to be the kind that people will actually want to receive.
According to kitchen designer Yvonne Harty, one of her favorite things to gift during the holiday season is chic kitchen decor, like this brass salt and pepper mill set from Cove Home. Handmade in Greece, this mill set is timeless by design. 'These functional-meets-heirloom pieces are practical, decorative, and elevate everyday meals,' the designer tells me. Plus, this set is far too stylish to be kept in a cupboard so it doubles as kitchen countertop decor too.
'For me, the perfect home gift is a beautiful coffee table book, which can be personalized further based on the interests of the recipient,' interior designer Courtney Sempliner recommends. 'Avid gardener? Architecture lover? Fashion obsessed? So many options out there to choose from, although my favorites are from Taschen or Assouline.' This Christmas, get the design-lover in your life this Frank Lloyd Wright architecture book. And to complete the gift, Courtney recommends pairing the coffee table book with a seasonal candle, like this delectable Black Raspberry and Balsam Candle from Cue.
I'm a firm believer that every home needs trinket trays – emphasis on the plurality of trays. You can never have enough of them, and that's why they make such a great home decor gift idea for anyone – from close friends and family to coworkers or even your in-laws. Lauren Andersen, founder and creative director of SEN Creative recommends this ultra chic wavy one from Ink + Porcelain. 'Ink + Porcelain is women-run and only carries female artists,' Lauren tells me. '[This tray] is a great entry point to the many incredible pieces they offer.' Check out the brand's curation of gifts designed by women, too – there are tons of stylish finds that would make great holiday presents.
If you're struggling to decide what to gift someone, think about the everyday items that they have in their home – what type of gift can elevate their daily routine? The kitchen is a great place to start, as there are tons of stylish little trinkets and countertop decorations that make great gifts – like this effortlessly sleek dripless oil can. As a gift recommendation from Karina, she says that this oil can is 'great to use every day and especially beautiful when you have company.' Anyone would be happy to give this can a central spot on their kitchen counter.
Everyone has some form of hand soap in their home, but most of us just buy ourselves the most basic kind. So, when it comes to giving gifts, go the extra mile and give someone a luxurious version of this everyday necessity. It's a recommendation that comes from interior designer Steph Schlegelmilch. 'I love gifting friends and family with chic basics that elevate a powder room, like this Umé Cold Process Hand Soap,' she says. 'It's an unexpected and unique gift, and the different scents and palettes can easily be tied into the room's design.' Plus, this hand soap is simply cool.
If you're hitting a wall trying to think of clever gift ideas, interior designer Darci Hether recommends doing some self-reflection – what's a gift that you would love to receive but wouldn't buy for yourself? 'Home items that would be lovely to have – turning the mundane into magical moments – but never seem to put in my own cart' make quite the gift, Darci tells me. One of her recommendations is this carafe and glass set from Ferm Living. It's an everyday item that's sleek in design and highly practical, too. Anyone would be happy to keep this on their bedside table for a late-night drink of water.
'This year, cashmere throws and blankets are my go-to gifts because their softness, warmth and beautiful simplicity exude quiet luxury,' interior designer Kristina Lawrence says. 'A beautifully made cashmere throw isn’t just decor; it’s an invitation to slow down after a long day. The texture softens architectural lines, layers effortlessly into a minimalistic palette, and feels indulgent without being flashy. It’s the kind of timeless piece that elevates any space and brings a touch of luxurious comfort.' Cashmere blankets might be a splurge, but for a special person in your life, it's a gift well worth the price.
'When shopping for friends and family, I really think about how the gift will be used,' interior designer Jennifer Cataldo says. 'For my friends who love to play games, a Rummikub set or a poker set customized with recipients' initials, makes for a thoughtful gift.' I can confirm that a personalized Rummikub set makes for an exceptional gift idea – a friend of mine got this one for my family a few Christmases ago, and not only do we play it all the time, but we leave it out on our coffee table because of its stylish, monogrammed look.
We all have that one friend who always hosts events at their place – from dinners to evening parties and even game watches. This Christmas season, give them a gift that they'll be excited to use at the next gathering they host – linen napkins. This set of four was picked by Yvonne Harty. 'Most of my clients entertain, and pieces like [linen napkins] elevate everyday moments, such as family dinners, weekend brunch, or a holiday party. It’s something people rarely splurge on for themselves,' Yvonne says.
'One of my favorite gifts is a set of antique or vintage leather-bound books with gold embossing and beautiful marbled endpapers,' interior designer Debbie Mathews LeRoy tells me. These from E Lawrence, LTD. are her recommendation. 'I am always on the hunt for books that have interesting embossing designs, colorful marbled paper, and perhaps even have significance for the gift recipient. I think antique books with their worn leather that has often developed a rich patina can add a sense of history to any space and can serve as a multifunctional accessory for an end table or bookcase.'
'One of our favorite gifts for our clients is a custom house portrait,' interior designer Nicole Cole tells me. She's been using the same Philadelphia-based Etsy seller, Erica Harney, to create these one-of-a-kind paintings for her clients. 'We love the idea that this is something that is unique to each of our clients and also is locally made and really celebrates the spirit of their home,' she explains. This is a really thoughtful and sentimental gift to give someone in your life who has just moved, but it's also a charming gift to give anyone on your holiday gifting list.
When in doubt, you can always rely on candles as an easy home decor gift idea. For a grandparent or even a new friend, a candle is a thoughtful gift that can help someone create a relaxing atmosphere in their home. Interior designer Mimi Meacham recommends candles from Schumacher, in Citrus Garden or Roca. 'We stock-pile these candles from Schumacher and gift them to clients and friends alike,' the designer tells me. 'Not only do we love the fabrics, wallcoverings and accessories from Schumacher, [but] the two candles they offer are fantastic.'
Whether you’re shopping for the friend who loves to host, the one who loves a styling moment, or even the one who has everything, these designer-approved picks prove that the most memorable presents are the ones that elevate the everyday. And you're looking for a more curated collection of host gifts, check out our gifts under $50 – all hand-picked by our Head of Living.
