30 Chic Christmas Gifts for Design Lovers — Wow the Most Stylish People on Your List Just Like That
Let us help you charm the most selective tastemakers you know with our pick of the best Christmas gift ideas for the design-obsessed
There's nothing more challenging than shopping Christmas gifts for connoisseurs of design. When their home is a temple to classics — furniture, vintage Bauhaus; wall decor, one-off finds from a Paris flea market; shelves, scattered with objets by up-and-coming craftspeople — you know you have a task on your hands.
Fortunately, my day job skills can be put to good use to help you. For this crowd, it’s not about the price tag (luxury doesn’t guarantee cool); it’s about finding the niche, the unexpected, and, above all, the beautiful. And I know all the right home decor brands to shop this brief.
This gift guide is designed to delight the discerning design unicorns in your life: the trendsetters, the purists, the people who seem to always have just the right thing. Let’s wow them.
Gifts for Design Lovers
Livingetc knows design.
Here is my pick of the very best Christmas gifts for design lovers — guaranteed to leave your friends wishing you were their Secret Santa…
The Everyday Host
Price: $32
Anyone who’s followed my edits likely knows I’m obsessed with Belgian designer Ann Demeulemeester’s line with Serax — particularly the Dé collection, a stunning exploration of light and shadow on porcelain. Each piece is an artful vessel, perfect for savoring a brew or admiring as a showpiece.
Price: $44
Marble isn’t just a material; it’s a statement. From tabletop to counter, it defines the vibe. Enter the Lusine napkin rings: chic, sleek, and in four cute colors. Each piece, crafted by artisans, is one of a kind. I think these these little accents are perfect as a thoughtful gift or a treat for your own table, turning any setting into a showstopper.
Price: $100
Shake up their glassware game with these bold cocktail glasses, featuring colorful stems. Equal parts chic and playful, these feel delightfully everyday to me. Whether it’s martinis or mocktails, these glasses elevate every single sip. And when cocktail hour is over, they look wonderful on display on home bar shelves.
Price: $95.79, Was: $110
I can’t imagine a chicer way to start my day. You know Alessi’s espresso makers, but I’ll go out on a limb and say this matte black version is the most stunning yet. Compact with a sleek, parametric design that belies its price, it’s the perfect “universal” gift for those with impeccable taste.
Price: $159
Snag these dessert plates while they’re on sale — because who doesn’t love a bargain with a side of style? Handmade in Portugal from ceramic, I love the playful squiggle design. They’re cute, quirky, and ready to elevate everything from cake to cookies.
Price: $24.98
Serve style on a platter — literally. Burlwood is the ultimate it material right now, so this tray will bring rich texture and a dose of drama to any coffee table or bar cart. Trendy yet timeless, it’s the gift that says, “Yes, I know what’s hot" — and now so do you.
Your Favorite Foodie
Price: $200
Have you ever seen a more stylish skillet? This octagonal cast iron cookware by Lodge has a pre-seasoned lid coated in 100% organic flaxseed oil, and is built to handle everything from baking bread to searing steaks. Intended as a modern heirloom, it is crafted to last a lifetime.
Price: $85.95
Got a pasta lover on your list? We’ve got you. Look how chic these beechwood-handled tools are! The Pasta Every Day cookbook by Meryl Feinstein (of Pasta Social Club fame) promises to make making fresh pasta easy, with recipes for doughs, fillings, and sauces. We’re sold.
Price: $35
Oyster platters are having a moment, and it’s easy to see why: they’re a bit outrageous, delightfully over-the-top — because really, how often does one shuck oysters at home? Still, they make for a fabulous conversation piece.
Price: $85, Was: $95
A chef is only as good as their tools — and tools only as good as their display. We’ve all seen the standard wooden knife block, which can feel a bit cluttered. This magnetic knife block, however, is sleek and modern, keeping blades organized and ready for action while transforming the counter into a more refined, and dare I say artistic, space.
Price: $35
For the caviar enthusiast in your life, this chic caviar server is the perfect vessel for savoring each luxurious spoonful without resorting to the tin! Given that caviar’s been trending, this piece makes an excellent gift for connoisseurs and casual dabblers alike.
Price: $145
For the master charcuterie crafter and/or ultimate connoisseur, this stunning cheeseboard is a showstopper. Made from sultry Rosso Levanto marble, its deep cherry-red tones and white veining could not be more striking. It even comes with three stackable serveware pieces — perfect for dips, crackers, or grapes.
The Interiors Obsessed
Price: $24
If you’re interiors obsessed, you won't rest with anything generic. This butter dish is sweet as anything. I love this collab between Shea McGee and Jessie Randall, who founded Loeffler — another fashion meets interiors triumph.
Price: $39.99
I’m obsessed with this shapely stoneware vase — it’s the kind of piece that works, and demands the limelight, in virtually any space. The texture is earthy yet refined, and it looks just as stunning with fresh blooms as it does standing solo.
Price: $39.47
Sophie is a British interior designer who is absolutely one of my favorites. Her schemes are eclectic, colorful and collected and she is incredible at decorating with art. Her recent book is such an inspiration. Whether you’re buying for someone who is redecorating or just dreaming, I know they’ll be inspired.
Price: $14.99
While I adore my Diptyque and Loewe, this candle from H&M Home feels refreshingly unique. Its stacked, geometric form is the definition of “extra,” and hits that perfect gifting sweet spot: something you wouldn’t buy for yourself but would love to receive — and at a friendly price point too!
The Homebody
Price: $255
While the price might give you pause, never underestimate the value of a quality throw blanket. Think of it: for most, it’s the last indulgence of the day. Enter: Cozy Earth’s Bubble Cuddle Blanket. It's (in my humble opinion) the absolute best, with its ultra-soft faux fur that looks like it was plucked from a luxury Aspen ski lodge.
This isn’t just a candle — it’s a whole mood, tied up with a bow. Luxe, fragrant, and ready to impress, it’s the gift that says, “I have taste, and so do you.” Whether for ambiance or aesthetics, this little flame brings big energy. Design-obsessed teen in your circle? They'll love it. Bonus: No wrapping required!
Price: $19.90
Silk is my non-negotiable sleep essential. It’s fantastic for skin, helps prevent pulling (hello, fewer wrinkles), and is naturally antibacterial, keeping your face fresh all night. This silk sleep mask is a little luxury that elevates any bedroom and is perfect for travel — something I never go anywhere without!
Price: $22
Who says puzzles are just for rainy days? This design-forward masterpiece turns downtime into an art form. Perfect for the style-savvy and the detail-obsessed, it’s as much a brain boost as it is décor-worthy when completed. Gift it, solve it, frame it—this puzzle does it all, with flair.
Price: $129
There’s a hotel I love staying at in Los Angeles, and it might have something to do with the fact that these robes are stocked in every room. They’re the perfect blend of cozy and cool, made with a four-ply gauze of long-staple Turkish cotton. Unisex and prewashed to perfection, they come in a range of soothing hues and have become a must in my own collection.
Price: $65
Bombas are quickly gaining a following as being the best slippers for women. Their sleek silhouette keeps things polished for casual hosting, while the all-over sherpa and memory foam soles feel like heaven. Bonus: with grip-friendly bottoms, they’re as ready for a stroll to the mailbox as they are for lounging. Consider this pair the ultimate in homebody footwear.
The Entertainer
Price: $63, Was: $79.95
For those who love to entertain, a candelabra is a surefire way to dial up the drama, even if it’s just for a takeout night with friends on a Tuesday. This CB2 pick is a bona fide art piece, and since it’s currently on sale, it feels like quite the steal.
Price: $130
These unapologetically ornate coasters by Gohar World are the cure for a boring dinner party. There’s no chance of awkward silences when the conversation starter is right under their glass. This level of niche luxury isn’t something most people would buy for themselves, but it’s bound to be a memorable favorite.
Price: $186
Every good host knows that a bit of fun is essential, and this candy-colored glass set brings it in spades. Each stem is unique yet complementary, making it a playful addition to cocktail hour or a dinner party. And when they’re not in use, they double as stylish eye candy for a bar cart or shelf.
Price: $325
A few drinks in, and guests are ready for games. Sure, regular playing cards would do, but imagine the reaction when your gift recipient pulls out Pucci memory game cards. Testing both recollection and sartorial prowess, they’re more than just cards — they’re a conversation piece, elevating any entertainer to “host with the most” status.
Price: $195
If I didn’t know better, I’d have thought this Jonathan Adler decanter was a piece of sculpture. The description calls it “a dash of deco, a soupçon of Memphis, and a nod to Russian constructivism” — basically, it’s surrealist art du jour. It’s a fabulous accent for any bar cart, countertop, or shelf, and effortlessly ups the glamour for any occasion.
Price: $129
This resin-acrylic beauty is the perfect addition to anyone's entertainment arsenal, and is especially well-suited for any unexpected, and usually fairly awkward, cousin visits. Consider it an instant ice breaker and a subtle, chic cue that they’re the “fun” house.
Where is the best place to buy design gifts?
For design-forward gifts that feel unique, Anthropologie is a forever favorite. It’s a true treasure trove of finds that toe the line between trendy and timeless, and, having seen many of these pieces in person, I can confirm they often look far pricier than they are.
If you’re leaning toward high-end, Saks Fifth Avenue and Net-A-Porter are hard to beat. Saks offers a broad selection with a more classic feel, while Net-A-Porter skews fresh and avant-garde. Bloomingdale’s is another solid choice in the luxury camp and frequently has sales, so it’s ideal for scoring a designer deal.
For more budget-friendly options, don’t overlook Amazon and Wayfair. Both continually surprise with an impressive range of styles, and mid-range options like CB2 are another solid go-to for pieces that look straight out of a design showroom.
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Formerly covering fashion at L’Officiel USA, style maven Julia Demer brings her love of design to Livingetc’s world of interiors. As the title’s New York-based Style Editor, Julia's work reflects a sharp eye for detail and an innate passion for aesthetics. Her journey began with a strong foundation in design, honing her craft at renowned establishments like The Row and even establishing her own eponymous fashion brand. Julia’s design background is evident in the way she thoughtfully curates shopping edits, always maintaining a focus on emerging trends while preserving timeless sensibilities. For Julia, fashion and interiors go hand in hand, reflecting her lifelong commitment to perfecting the art of style.
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