15 Stylish Gifts Interior Design Pros Love to Give

There are so many benefits to online shopping, but I can’t be the only one who sometimes finds themselves missing the experience of browsing in a store — especially around the holiday season. Not only are the in-store displays usually out of this world, but I always love seeing how everything is merchandized. It’s so much easier to picture a vase in your living room or a machine on your coffee bar when you see it set up beautifully in the store (and have a very persuasive salesperson on-hand to expound on its benefits). Well, consider this the online version of that shopping experience.

We went to some of the most stylish people we know (interior designers and experts, of course!) to get the inside scoop on the no-fail gifts they love to treat their friends and family to during the holiday season. From personalized coasters to self-care must-haves, these picks are unique, beautiful, and sure to please anyone on your nice list this holiday season. Consider this your full permission to take all the credit, too — we won’t tell a soul you had a little insider help.

“I like to find everyday items made with interesting materials in unique shapes. This cute wooden mug with a curvy handle makes for a fun holiday gift for just about anyone.” —Sarah Sherman Samuel, designer and interiors expert

Buy: Homu Mumans Wooden Cup 001, $19.63

“Who doesn’t need a little self-care moment? This essential oil diffuser, plus a little lavender essential oil, is the perfect gift for the design enthusiast who appreciates a moment of peace and quiet.” —Justina Blakeney, designer, author, and founder of Jungalow

Buy: Vitruvi Stone Diffuser, $119

“I love gifting items that look beautiful sitting out but also are entertaining and bring family and friends together. A chess and checker set or a beautiful deck of cards are unexpected yet charming choices.” —Mel Bean, designer and owner of Mel Bean Interiors

Buy: Burke Decor Checkers and Chess set, $55 

“I am obsessed with Los Angeles ceramicist Lucy Michel. She makes the most simple and perfect vases, and vessels. She was the first person to make the loop vase and it is truly a toss-up of which is prettier, the vase or the flowers! She also makes incredible everyday objects that completely elevate your kitchen, like hand-thrown sponge holders and hand juicers. Next on my gifting list: her handmade snack bowls.” —Amy Sklar, designer and owner of Sklar Design

Buy: Lucy Michel Snack Bowl, $70

“These small needlepoint stockings are perfect for creating new holiday traditions. Typically, the “bauble stockings” hold the final gift of Christmas (or a clue to it), but it could also be used as a place setting or for something super special (engagement ring?! keys to a new car?!). These stockings are handmade and give back — five percent of profits go to the Atlanta Children’s Shelter, and an additional 10 percent of the profits from this collaboration stocking go to No Kid Hungry.” —Erin Gates, author and owner of Erin Gates Design and Elements of Style

Buy: Only on the Avenue Waltz of the Flowers Bauble Stocking, $85

“This spice rack comes with 18 spices for the kitchen in simple, modern amber-colored jars. The rack — which comes in a few different colors — can be mounted or sit on the countertop while looking elegant at the same time. All the spices are organic and are the perfect gift for anyone that cooks frequently.” —Linda Hayslett, designer and owner of LH.Designs

Buy: Evermill The Counter Top Rack, $249

“Gingham is my absolute favorite pattern! I love that these napkins make it easy to include it in the dining space as well.” —Raili Clasen, designer and owner of Raili CA Design

Buy: Heather Taylor Home Gingham Napkin Set, $82

“This is such a versatile box that you can use for anything on your vanity — jewelry, keys, dried petals, anything dainty you want to keep close and dear. It’s multi-functional, which is ultimately is a win-win for the gift receiver!” —Tessa Jennifer, founder of fashion and home decor brand Auralie

Buy: Los Objetos Decorativos Seashell Box, $75

“A fresh, organic bay leaf wreath is a thoughtful gift for the holiday season that serves a dual purpose. Hang it elegantly as decor, then store the dried leaves to use for culinary adventures throughout the following year.” —Lauren Wall, co-founder of Principle Faucets

Buy: Bay Leaf Wreath, $36, McFadden Family Vineyard & Farm

“I always like to give a personalized gift to clients for the holidays, such as monogrammed cocktail napkins if we’ve just completed a living or dining room together, or monogrammed towels if we are working on a bathroom renovation. I find these little luxuries are ones that people don’t always purchase for themselves. I love Weezie towels — they’re super soft and absorbent, and there are lots of color choices for the piping and embroidery.” —Kerri Pilchik, designer and owner of Kerri Pilchik Design

Buy: Weezie Piped Edge Hand Towels, $40

“This cutting board is my favorite hostess gift. It’s personal and versatile — it can go in any kitchen and fit the aesthetic. Also, it’s affordable!” —Brittany Farinas, designer and owner of House of One

Buy: Milk and Honey Luxuries Personalized Cutting Board, $40

“Gifting beautiful vases is so special because you can personalize it with florals or plants that speak to the person you’re giving it to. What is so lovely about this particular vase is that even when it’s not filled, it is a sculptural piece that can stand alone as a work of art.” —Emily Vaca, founder of MINNIDIP and La Vaca Designhouse

Buy: Humboldt House Co. Arch Flower Vase, from $75

“Nothing warms up a home more than a handcrafted touch. Sourcing gifts from local artisans, like this coaster set from Michelle Moji, is a holiday gift that keeps on giving. You can feel confident that your gift is completely unique and crafted with love.” —Mandu Mbride, designer and owner of CQ Interiors

Buy: Mojo Calligraphy Personalized Coaster Set, $20

“I love sending the Regenerative Farm Box from Flamingo Estate with a bottle of their amazing olive oil. It contains beautiful produce with the most gorgeous packaging ever. These boxes inspire wonderful cooking adventures while directly supporting the local farmers so it’s a win-win all around.” —Ellen Marie Bennett, author and founder of Hedley & Bennett

Buy: The Regenerative Farm Box, $70

“I love these planters because they’re playful and practical! It’s the best when something like a basic planter becomes a work of art in and of itself. Plus, I strongly believe we all need more plants in our life, and plants need planters, so voila!” —Faith Blakeney, designer and owner of Faith Blakeney Studio

Buy: Giraff Savannah Garden Pot, $59