Finding the right gift for a designer or design enthusiast can feel challenging — they notice details and value craftsmanship. This curated gift guide focuses on thoughtful, stylish options that celebrate great design. Many picks are ideal for interior designers but will also appeal to architects, product designers, and graphic designers who appreciate well-made, beautiful objects.
Below you’ll find practical tools, sources of design inspiration, and small decorative items that work well in a variety of interiors. All selections aim to be both beautiful and useful, helping the recipient create or style spaces they love.
Design Tools
These tools are attractive and functional — great for sketching, color matching, or planning projects.
Idea & Project Pads: Amal Iqbal’s pads include 1/4 scale grids for floor plans and elevations plus space for notes — a lovely, practical gift for designers who sketch by hand.
Brass Ruler: A durable, elegant ruler that’s perfect for drawing plans or marking details. It’s the kind of tool they’ll keep and use for years.
Color Reader: A portable color scanner that finds the closest paint match — incredibly useful when selecting finishes or sourcing colors from fabrics and objects.
“Pocket Doors” Shirt: For lovers of old-house charm, a graphic tee or sweatshirt that celebrates preservation is a playful, wearable gift that shows their design values.
Art Gift Certificate: A gift card to an independent print shop allows the recipient to choose artwork that fits their space. It’s a flexible present that supports artists and guarantees a piece the recipient will love.
Design Inspiration
Books and magazines remain one of the best gifts for designers. They provide reference images, fresh ideas, and lingering inspiration.
A Subscription to The World of Interiors: A thoughtfully edited shelter magazine that highlights exceptional homes and unexpected finds from around the world — ideal for someone who enjoys curated, high-quality inspiration.
Jungalow: Decorate Wild by Justina Blakeney: A vibrant, personality-driven book for those who love bold color and joyful, maximalist interiors. It mixes storytelling with practical tips.
Every Room Should Sing by Beata Heuman: A beautiful source of ideas for using color and pattern thoughtfully across rooms — great for someone refining a signature palette or looking to be bolder with color.
A Tale of Interiors by Louisa Pierce and Emily Ward: Packed with dramatic interiors and layered looks, this book is perfect for browsing when you want striking, curated inspiration.
Streaming Subscription: A streaming service that includes a wide range of design and renovation shows can be an excellent gift for someone who prefers video-based inspiration and design entertainment.
Beautiful Gifts For The Home
Design lovers enjoy small, well-made objects that can be styled on shelves, mantels, and tables. These items are easy to incorporate and refresh a room’s look.
Jewelry Vessels & Catchalls:
A stylish catchall looks lovely on a nightstand or dresser and keeps everyday items organized. Choose colors and finishes that match the recipient’s aesthetic.
Ridged Jewelry Vessel: Made to order in a range of colors, a ceramic or sculpted tray is a practical, decorative gift.
Rainbow Bubble Glass Catchall: A colorful, playful option for someone who loves bright accents and lively details.
Handmade Speckle Tray: Earth-toned trays work beautifully in neutral or natural interiors and are useful for holding small items.
Taper Candles & Candle Holders
Taper candles and interesting holders add atmosphere and can be swapped seasonally. Choose colors and shapes that reflect the recipient’s style.
Handmade Taper Candles: Available in many colors and sold in sets — a simple but thoughtful gift.
Roman Pillar Candles: Textured candles add sculptural interest beyond standard tapers.
Twisted Taper Candles: Whimsical shapes and colors for a recipient who likes playful details.
Pair candles with holders that suit their aesthetic — thrifted brass or handmade wood holders are both attractive and versatile.
Wood Taper Candle Holders: Neutral, mix-and-match pieces that can grow into a set over time.
Minimal Brass Taper Holders: Sleek and refined, ideal for someone with a minimalist aesthetic.
Contemporary Resin Candle Holders: Hand-sculpted pieces that serve as conversation starters and sculptural accents.
“Friends” For Your Bookshelf
Small objects that sit atop stacked books — styling “friends” — add character to shelving and mantels. These decorative accents make excellent gifts for someone who loves to style their space.
Clay Objects & Bows: Small handcrafted ceramics in various shapes and speckled glazes are perfect for styling and adding texture.
Marble Bowl: A compact marble or stone dish makes an elegant home for keepsakes or small trinkets.
Wood Link Decor: Neutral, sculptural links that look beautiful atop a coffee table book or on a shelf.
Handmade Bells: Textural wall bells add soft movement and tactile interest to a gallery wall or small corner.
Any of these selections make thoughtful, design-minded gifts — small, well-made objects that can be incorporated into a home and enjoyed every day.