There’s no better time than the holidays to surprise a client with the perfect present, especially an art lover who looks to you for creative vision. “The most important part of any gift is that you put thought behind it and that the person who receives it understands it was not just a generic item but something you believe they would love, enjoy and use,” designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard tells Business of Home.
To help you spread some seasonal cheer, we asked designers to share their favorite gift ideas, and they delivered. From surrealist cutlery sets to characterful salt and pepper shakers, your maximalist-leaning clientele will cherish these designs all year long.
ON REPEAT CUSTOM BLANKET BY BAUBLEBAR
“A monogrammed throw that actually matches a client’s space feels incredibly considered, and [is] an unexpected upgrade from standard blankets. Every time they curl up on the sofa, they’re wrapped in something that was designed just for them.” —Britany Simon, Scottsdale, Arizona
CALDER CUTLERY SET BY SEBASTIÃO LOBO AT CASA SHOP
“We gift this one-of-a-kind brass cutlery set as a piece of art and jewelry for your table. Handmade by Portuguese artist Sebastião Lobo and inspired by Alexander Calder, it beautifully combines craftsmanship, sculpture and everyday function.” —Monica Santayana, Moniomi, Miami
CANDLEHOLDER BY POLSPOTTEN AT FARFETCH
“I like gifting clients candleholders. They instantly add a little drama and height to any room, even without a candle. Plus, there are so many styles to play with that I can go quirky or subtle depending on the client and the space.” —Delia Kenza, Brooklyn
RUTH ASAWA: RETROSPECTIVE HARDCOVER BOOK AT MOMA DESIGN STORE
“I like to send the catalogs of my favorite museum exhibitions of the past year. This year it will probably be the Ruth Asawa show at MoMA. Even rich people rarely have enough books!” —Peter Dunham, Los Angeles
STRONG HEARTS DOUBLE CANDLEHOLDER BY FOUNDRAE
“I love anything unique for a coffee or side table, or for a bookshelf. Unusual candlesticks make wonderful gifts, and who doesn’t love candlelight?” —Jennifer Cohler Mason, New York
1990S SONY CORDLESS PHONE SCULPTURE BY NANCY PEARCE
“When we consider our client gifts, we like to find something special from a small maker or artist, which brings a level of craft and interest to the gift. An object with enough style and peculiarity that the recipient can’t help but recall who gifted it.” —Marli Jones, Rebel House, Winnetka, Illinois
MOROCCAN HAND-PAINTED DISHES BY K+CO LIVING
“Each of these dishes feels special and full of good energy. We love giving gifts that are unique, meaningful and made by hand.” —Karen Wolf, K+Co. Living, Short Hills, New Jersey
INCENSE WAX CANDLEHOLDER BY LOEWE
“These candlesticks are simple to gift, effortless to incorporate into any home, and always appreciated—plus, they’re the kind of piece people enjoy replenishing and collecting over time.” —Tina Ramchandani, New York
BRASS HAND BOTTLE OPENER BY CARL AUBÖCK AT MOCIUN
“This brass bottle opener is one of those small-but-mighty gifts. It’s the kind of piece that makes opening a drink feel a bit more fun (and a lot more stylish)!” —Amy Courtney, Fairfield, Connecticut
LUCKY BUTTERFLY IN IRIDESCENT CLEAR BY BACCARAT
“The Lucky Butterfly captures and reflects light in a way that instantly elevates a space. Beyond its sculptural beauty, it symbolizes transformation, optimism and new beginnings—the perfect sentiment for starting a new chapter in a home.” —Lynn Berney, LTA Interiors, Boca Raton, Florida
ROSACE SCENTED CANDLE BY BAOBAB COLLECTION
“To us, great design goes beyond how a home looks: It’s about how it feels, functions, and even how it smells. This candle is the perfect gift to add warmth, comfort and a touch of holiday magic to any space.” —Renee DiSanto, Park & Oak, Glen Ellyn, Illinois
ARIA CANDLEHOLDER BY MESO GOODS
“Since we always emphasize the transformative power of good lighting with our clients, I know they’d immediately appreciate how a piece like this can elevate a room, whether it’s lit for an intimate dinner or simply adding architectural interest during the day.” —Rebekah Zaveloff, Imparfait Design Studio, Lakeside, Michigan
ADVENT CALENDAR BY DIPTYQUE PARIS
“There’s nothing more fun than gifting a gift that keeps giving, and an Advent calendar allows you the surprise of opening a drawer every day to reveal a gift.” —Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Los Angeles
ZEBRA VIDE POCHE BY ASPREY
“Everyone has clutter to control, and this piece does it while making a statement. There’s hardly a place it wouldn’t be welcome.” —Gina Valenti, Abrams Valenti, Chicago
NIKI + SIMON SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS BY THE HAAS BROTHERS AT L’OBJET
“We always look for pieces that bring a little magic to the table, and these shakers do exactly that. They’re beautifully made—the kind of object that feels both playful and sculptural—and they instantly spark conversation.” —Huma Sulaiman, Los Angeles
