We Asked 6 Designers for Their Number-One Holiday Gift Idea

Written by

Blair DonovanSenior Editor of Style at Apartment Therapy
Blair DonovanSenior Editor of Style at Apartment Therapy
As AT’s Senior Style Editor, I cover the latest interior design trends, expert decorating ideas, and must-see home products. Whenever I’m not keeping tabs on the next TikTok “core” or buzzy IKEA collection, I’m most likely reading, online shopping, or looking for the best tacos in New York (recs are encouraged).
published Oct 29, 2023
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
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Credit: Photo: Sidney Bensimon; Prop Styling: Carla Gonzalez-Hart

Between picky, hard-to-please relatives (you know the ones) and the sheer amount of gift options nowadays, it’s no easy feat conquering your holiday shopping. Of course, our team has already curated some of the best ideas by budget, interests, and style preferences, but I decided to take it one step further and source some expert gifting intel. 

Below, six interior designers weigh in on the go-to presents they’re giving to friends, family, and even clients this year, starting at $25. Get inspired by these stylish picks, ranging from fun jeweled Champagne coupes to sleek, small-space-friendly tech accessories  — because when in doubt, you can never go wrong with a unique, designer-approved present.

1 / 6
Maison Balzac
$139.00

Some of the best presents are those little luxuries you wouldn’t think to buy for yourself, and designer Brooke Spreckman of Design Hutch has just that. “I love gifting something a little impractical — and love this pair of Champagne coupes for a celebratory gift,” she says. The bright bubbled design looks decorative on bar carts and beyond, plus the set of two has special-occasion cocktails (or even just Friday night happy hour) covered in style.

2 / 6
Amazon
$100.00

Treat every design-lover on your shopping list to a sophisticated Jo Malone diffuser that smells as good as it looks, courtesy of Victoria McKenney of Enviable Designs. “I love this as a gift because it is a beautiful piece that can be placed anywhere in the house and will fill the room with a beautiful but subtle scent,” adds McKenney. “With so many different aromas, there will be a choice to match the scent for everyone’s preference.”

3 / 6
Crow Canyon
$48.00

For a timeless touch, Portland, Oregon-based interior designer Max Humphrey gravitates toward Crow Canyon’s enamel splatterware collection. “I use the pitchers for floral arrangements and the tumblers, bowls, and plates for vintage-inspired dinner parties,” he says. “I love that it's handmade but will last a lifetime.” Choose from a handful of cheery colors to brighten up anyone’s kitchen decor for less than $50.

4 / 6
The Floral Society
$40.00

If you’re looking for something more unique than a holiday-scented candle this year, Ryann Swan Hackett of Ryann Swan Design can’t get enough of The Floral Society’s pretty tapers and ceramic holders. “They are such a fun take on a traditional tapered candle and come in so many fun shapes and sizes,” she says of this gift idea. The dramatic-looking 18-inch Fancy Taper Candles specifically add a tall, textured touch to tables or mantels.

5 / 6
Courant
$150.00

Designer Lauren Meichtry of Elsie Home + Design turns to Courant’s Catch:2 leather wireless charging pad for gifting friends and clients alike, as it conveniently (and stylishly) charges two devices at once and eliminates extra eyesore tech accessories. “As designers, we spend a lot of time on little details which make a space look beautiful,” she says. “Then real life sets in and those cute nightstands we styled are cluttered with cords to charge your phones, AirPods, watches, etc. Courant created the perfect solution to this.”

6 / 6
Amanda Lindroth
$25.00

“Add a little island-inspired gift to your host's bar,” says designer Amanda Lindroth of this cute nautical bottle opener from her own coastal-centric home line. Each one’s completely unique, handmade from real seashells to make every beverage feel vacation-worthy year-round, no matter where the recipient lives.