’Tis the season for spreading cheer—and what better way to evoke the holiday spirit than giving a client the perfect present? “It is important to find a gift that is true to your client’s style,” New York–based designer Alfredo Paredes tells Business of Home. “Especially one that can seamlessly blend into their space.”
A mindful gift is also a wonderful way to honor—and maintain—a connection with your client after the project wraps. “If someone can afford anything, it’s silly to try to impress them with a price tag,” says New York designer Roric Tobin. “The more thoughtful the gift, the more likely it is to be memorable—and a reminder of a shared experience cannot be beat.”
Intrigued, we asked an array of interior designers to share their favorite gift ideas for clients, and they definitely did not disappoint. From vegan cactus-silk-tasseled candlelighters to teak-and-resin cake stands, here are 33 designer-approved gifts your clients will cherish all year long.
For the Maximalist
WAVE COCKTAIL NAPKINS SET IN FIRENZE BY MATOUK
“These cocktail napkins from Matouk are my favorite gift item this season. The classic yet whimsical design is perfect for the holidays and anytime you feel festive throughout the year.” —Gray Walker, Charlotte, North Carolina
FORTUNY MURILLO CANAPE PLATES AT L’OBJET
“The Fortuny collection from L’Objet is perfect for a lover of fine textiles. These pieces are nice enough to break out for a festive dinner party, or bring a bit of luxury to everyday dining.” —Megan Evans, New Orleans
RIALTO GLASS COUPE SET IN MILLICENT BY SIR/MADAM
“Holidays are a time for entertaining and spending time with loved ones, and these glasses come in an array of colors to liven up a client’s tabletop.” —Anjali Pollack, New York
TAKASHI MURAKAMI CANDLE BY PERROTIN
“Several of my clients have purchased important works by Murakami through me, so when I saw these candles at Perrotin, I knew they would be perfect.” —Roric Tobin, New York
CANDLELIGHTER IN AUBERGINE BY REBECCA DE RAVENEL
“I love that this unique candlelighter, hand-made by artisans in Morocco, functions as a practical gift but is also beautiful in design.” —Christina Nielsen, New York and London
NESLIHAN COFFEE CUPS BY TAMAM
“My favorite gift to give is a set of ceramic cups along with a fancy canister of tea. Each ceramic piece by Tamam is hand-painted in Turkey, and the color combinations are so vibrant; it’s easy to tailor the gift to suit the colors in a client’s home.” —Tara McCauley, New York
BLITZ CANDLEHOLDER BY GREG NATALE AT BERGDORF GOODMAN
“Candleholders are an ideal gift for the holiday season. They’re festive accessories that add an elegant touch to a dinner table tableau.” —Greg Natale, Sydney
For the Minimalist
AROMINI BT DIFFUSER IN ROSE GOLD BY AROMATECH
“AromaTech’s products make exceptional client gifts, as they harness the enchanting and transformative essence of scent. Every intricacy contributes to crafting an entirely immersive space.” —Lauren Czarniecki, Czar Interiors, North Palm Beach, Florida
VICTORIA ETCHED DISH BY MODERN MATTER
“This jewelry dish adds a touch of whimsical sophistication to a bedroom.” —Young Huh, New York
SET OF 5 MINI SIGNATURE CANDLES BY DIPTYQUE PARIS
“This Diptyque candle set makes for a lovely client gift and is an embodiment of sophistication and sensory indulgence.” —Nina Magon, Houston
VELVET ROSE & OUD DIFFUSER BY JO MALONE LONDON
“One of our favorite client gifts is a Jo Malone diffuser. The scents are incredible, and we love that a diffuser sets a spirit for a space for months to come.” —Lathem Gordon, GordonDunning, Atlanta
CIRCA BRASS INCENSE SET BY CINNAMON PROJECTS
“I’ve gifted this incense set many times. Each scent is very nuanced, and they linger for hours after burning. A great scent alternative to the typical candle.” —Nina Farmer, Boston
EUROPEAN SOLID CASHMERE THROW IN IVORY BY WILLIAMS SONOMA HOME
“A cashmere throw—even better, a personalized one—is a great go-to client gift. A luxury item that can complete and complement a designed home allows me to add color and texture to a finished project while providing an indulgent gift.” —Kristin Kong, K Kong Designs, Atlanta
For the New Traditionalist
BRADFORD TISSUE BOX BY PIGEON AND POODLE
“We love gifting these adorable faux shagreen tissue box covers to clients. No one wants to look at the tacky cardboard Kleenex box on their bedside table, and these come in a variety of colors to work in any scheme.” —Anne Hulcher Tollett, Hanover Avenue, Richmond, Virginia
ERNESTO ROOM SPRAY BY TRUDON
“Who doesn’t love a divine scent that doubles as beautiful tabletop decor? We love gifting this small luxury to clients, so we leave their home not only looking new and fabulous but smelling that way.” —Eleanor Tate Trepte and Nina Dekay Grauer, Dekay and Tate Interiors, Palm Beach, Florida
THE BONFIRE DELUXE CANDLE SET BY FLAMINGO ESTATE
“This box of 30 personalized candles is so absolutely extravagant—a memorable gift that’s the perfect amount of over-the-top for your favorite client.” —Christine Gachot, Gachot Studios, New York
ORGANIC LOFTY WAFFLE BLANKET IN LIGHT GREY BY QUINCE
“We love gifting our clients products that they can actually use in their homes. Quince is one of our favorite sources for luxurious products that are a great value, such as this waffle throw.” —Lauren Lerner, Living With Lolo, Scottsdale, Arizona
GIOBAGNARA LEATHER BACKGAMMON SET BY ABASK
“Games make great gifts because they are interactive. Abask offers several backgammon, domino and chess sets in a range of styles and prices to suit any interior.” —Sergio Mercado, New York
OAK & ORANGE BLOSSOM HAND DUO BY MCGEE & CO.
“Everyone I know—neighbors, friends and family—is getting this as a gift this year: The layered floral, spice and herbal notes are equally masculine and feminine, and it is cozy and refreshing.” —Shea McGee, Studio McGee, Salt Lake City
SWEET ’N SALTY PIE BY ROYERS PIE HAVEN AT ALL THINGS ACRES
“Who doesn’t love pie? This beyond wonderful Texas pie company ships frozen pies all over the country. I’ve sent the Sweet ’N Salty—a dense brownie, caramel and salt pie—to several friends who could not stop thanking me.” —Vicente Wolf, New York
For the Entertainer
STATED SHAPED CUTTING BOARD BY AMERICAN HEIRLOOM
“Coasters and cutting boards are always a welcome gift to help protect the new countertops and tables we design for clients’ homes. I especially like these state-shaped cutting boards by American Heirloom. You can choose a heart, house or star icon to have placed in their home city, and even add an engraving—making it quite personal. Plus, they are made from recycled bamboo.” —Mindy O'Connor, Melinda Kelson O’Connor Architecture and Interiors, Philadelphia
WISHBONE NAPKIN RINGS BY DIXON RYE
“These brass wishbone napkin rings are the perfect gift to give to clients upon completion of their dining rooms. They add the ideal amount of shine to a dinner party while being obviously hand-made and well-crafted.” —Bradley Odom, Atlanta
EVERYDAY CLASSIC TUMBLERS SET BY BACCARAT
“We encourage clients to use these as a little daily luxury.” —Benjamin Johnston, Houston
AUSTIN WHITE SWIRLED CAKE STAND BY BLUE PHEASANT
“I love these teak and resin cake stands. A lot of clients don’t have them in their collection, or they have really basic ones. This is the perfect mix of a clean look that’s a little interesting and unexpected.” —Susie Novak, Oakland, California
TATUNG ELECTRIC RICE COOKER AND STEAMER AT YUN HAI
“I love gifting this beautiful rice cooker to friends and clients who are particularly savvy in the kitchen. The design and product are the pride and joy of Taiwan, where my family is from. I grew up with this rice cooker, and I am so excited that Yun Hai has brought it to the States in an accessible way.” —Jean Lin, New York
GOLD ORCHID WINE STOPPER BY MICHAEL ARAM AT NEIMAN MARCUS
“More times than not, we’re meeting clients with large wine collections, and we love the idea of a beautiful metal sculptured piece that can elegantly add to the collection of drinking utensils but functions as a stopper.” —Tavia Forbes and Monet Masters, Forbes Masters, Atlanta
For the Client Who Has Everything
DONATION TO THE COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS
“The Coalition for the Homeless is a vital local organization, and my clients appreciate a charitable gift. We started giving donations as gifts during the pandemic, and now it’s a tradition.” —Mark Cunningham, New York
HARLEM TOILE DE JOUY STRUCTURED TOTE BY SHEILA BRIDGES AT THE MET
“Everyone needs a tote bag—whether it’s as your daily catch-all, beach bag or grocery bag. This structured canvas tote is not only practical and sturdy, but colorful and stylish.” —Sheila Bridges, New York
IONIC DISHWASHING BRUSH SET BY CURIO HOME GOODS
“If we are doing a build or remodel that involves the kitchen, I love to give the Ionic Brush Set. The design, functionality and beautiful packaging make it a lovely and thoughtful gift—and also unexpected.” —Brad Ramsey, Nashville, Tennessee
SIGNATURE COLLECTION BY AND SONS CHOCOLATIERS
“This gorgeous chocolate is delicious for all ages—and very sharable. Plus, it’s available at all price points.” —Cleo Murnane, Project M Plus, Los Angeles
THE GARDEN TOUR BY FLAMINGO ESTATE
“I like to give gifts that might also be a discovery moment for my client. Flamingo Estate’s products are earthy and stylish, and somewhat niche. The items in The Garden Tour box are intended for all different areas of the home, which is unusual, and I use these products in my own home, so I can definitely stand by them.” —Alfredo Paredes, New York
BUTTON MINI CANDY PORTABLE WIRELESS BLUETOOTH SPEAKER BY MUZEN
“This mini speaker’s one-of-a-kind design and powerful sound make it the perfect gift for clients.” —Daniella Villamil, Las Vegas
BLACK WALNUT RIGGLER BY MARLEY NATURAL
“Even if you don’t smoke cannabis, this [hand-blown glass riggler] would be a beautiful piece to have in the home just for eye candy.” —Tess Twiehaus, Tess Interiors, Los Angeles
