Gifting Season

Clever’s Best Gifts for Friends and Family Who Love Design

Nothing spreads holiday cheer like an elevated staple
Make merry with new bedding gadgets home decor and more.
Make merry with new bedding, gadgets, home decor, and more.Stylists: Maggie DiMarco, Audrey Lee

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Since the holiday season is fast approaching, we’ve rounded up our picks for the best gifts for friends and family with proclivities for great design: from your picky cousin who couldn’t decide on a sofa for months, to your Noguchi-obsessed mother-in-law, your best friend who loves to host, and anyone in between. No matter what winter has in store, we’re committed to making sure you come out smelling as fresh as pine this gifting season. So to relieve some stress and cut out the guesswork, we’ve rounded up 32 thoughtful gift options that’ll show them how much they mean to you (or that might make a nice treat for yourself).

Jiu Jie Blue & White Baby Knot Cushion

This knot pillow can dress up the most drab bed-scapes and couch setups. Available in multiple solid colors, patterns, and materials, they’re a fun twist on a classic throw pillow (pun intended).

Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set

Rest easy knowing that anyone who receives this sateen sheet set with a fun geometric design will wake up on the right side of the bed.

Curves By Sean Brown Off-White Chairs Throw Blanket

It’s no surprise this Emma Chamberlain–approved throw made our wish list. Designed by Sean Brown and adorned with notable chair designs, we think it’s the ideal piece to display on your favorite seat or hang up as an unexpected art piece.

Our Place Always Pan

We never get tired of talking about the Always Pan and the aesthetic value it adds to any kitchen. If you know someone who isn’t already privy to the cookware essential from Our Place, the holidays are the perfect time to upgrade them to this colorful kitchen must-have.

1000 Design Classics

Explore 1,000 of the world’s most thoughtfully designed objects with this eye-catching coffee table book from Phaidon. A great gift for any design enthusiast, this visually compelling read is filled with beautiful photography and interesting anecdotes about some of our favorite pieces from the Eamese, Alvar and Aino Aalto, Isamu Noguchi, and more.

The Tinned Fish Serving Set

Tinned fish lovers will love this swoon-worthy gift set from Fishwife and Fredericks & Mae. Each comes with Fishwife faves, cutlery, and a matching cutting board to make your next night in all the more savory.

Ghia x Sophie Lou Jacobsen Totem Glasses

These glasses dreamed up by Ghia and Sophie Lou Jacobsen are the ultimate party favors to treat someone to this time of year. To bring things over the top, we recommend throwing in a bottle of bubbly.

Weekender Bag

From Arlo Skye and Dusen Dusen, here’s a little something special for someone with a big trip coming up!

Inez Washable Silk Printed Long PJ Set

For her, we recommend this comfy set of machine-washable silk pj’s from the brand, which is available in an array of charming prints.

William TENCEL™ Modal Printed PJ Set

For the guy in your life who could use a new set of pj’s, this best-selling pair from Eberjey is so buttery soft, he might have a harder time getting out of bed in the morning. And did we mention you can monogram them too?

Gifts from Gantri, Houseplant, Cold Picnic, A24, and Ghia will warm things up this winter.Stylists: Maggie DiMarco, Audrey Lee

Bearaby Cotton Napper (15 lbs)

A comforting weighted blanket will be a perfect gift if your giftee is prone to sleepless nights or even stress and anxiety. This one from Bearaby comes in several different hues, is made from 100% organic cotton, and is available in four weight options ranging from 10 to 25 pounds.

Tekla Blue Striped Pyjama Shorts

Tekla is our go-to for loungewear that can easily be worn out of the house. These unisex boxers can take your giftee from the sheets to the streets—all while looking Scandi-chic.

Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm

For the person in your life who has it all, a luxurious Aesop balm will be a lovely upgrade from their current hand cream.

Carbonator 3

Aarke’s stainless steel carbonator makes hydrating fun. Available in 10 different colors, we like the unexpected pop of color this cobalt blue will add to your kitchen counter

Different Puzzles Gravity Gallery

Art lovers and gallery hoppers will have a particularly good time piecing together Different Puzzles’s 1,000 piece Gravity Gallery design.

The Loftie Clock

Though this alarm clock looks sleek and streamlined, it’s actually full of bells and whistles (the sophisticated kind). Beyond showing you the time, the Loftie clock has features like built-in bluetooth speakers, guided meditations, sleep playlists, breath-work exercises, sound baths, and white noise. It’s here to help you finally get some restful sleep.

Beyond Measure Duo

If they’re an aspiring baker, an elegant set of measuring cups from Great Jones might inspire their next great pastry.

Splat Side Table

Sophie Collé’s Splat Side Table is the next item on our list of fashionable gifts for friends and family. Incorporating Sophie’s bright color palette and playful design style, these mini tables will bring an immediate breath of fresh air to the space.

Gantri Analog Task Light

Functional and fashionable, a table lamp from Gantri is the ultimate desktop accessory for a stylish home office. We like this cubic version for more modern spaces, or this lantern design to create a relaxed ambiance.

Striped Oven Mitts

We’d love it if Dusen Dusen designed all of our home decor—so naturally, some striped oven mitts from the brand are a must buy (and they might even pair quite nicely with an Always Pan).

Yes, chef! A kitchen revamp for the holiday season is easy with Our Place, Sophie Lou Jacobsen, and Dusen Dusen.Stylists: Maggie DiMarco, Audrey Lee

Nail Polish Collection

A potentially epic stocking stuffer, these polishes from Tyler The Creator’s brand are a lovely gift for anyone who has a penchant for nail art.

Ashtray Set by Seth

The classic Ashtray Set by Seth (Rogen, that is) is the ultimate holiday gift for the person on your list who just moved into a new space. Each kit includes an ashtray and mini vase set—all designed by Seth—to host their favorite plants and plant-centered activities (wink).

Joanna Buchanan Zodiac Cocktail Picks, Set of 12

Your zodiac-obsessed bestie will appreciate these astrology-themed cocktail picks. Each one is delicately crafted with a different gilded motif in accordance with the 12 signs.

Squiggle Pitcher

Whether they’ll use it to serve delicious beverages during brunch or as a vessel for botanicals, this metal squiggle pitcher from Sophie Lou Jacobsen will easily match their favorite drinkware and florals.

Glass Tabletop Lighter

Even if you’re not a smoker, this fluorescent lighter from Edie Parker can easily spruce up your bookshelf or coffee table.

Wekuku Aha! Candle Gift Box

This animated candle set from Shanghainese brand WEKÜKÜ is the ultimate way to spark joy through votives. The best part? It already comes in a very stylish box that’s ready for gift-giving.

Host Necklace With Chicken Feet & Potato Pearls

The holidays are the perfect time to surprise someone with a piece of jewelry. This luxurious yet light-hearted freshwater pearl necklace from Gohar World is a unique gift that should delight your loved one with eclectic taste in accessories.

Craighill Cal Bookend (Pair)

How about a home library refresh? A sleek-looking pair of bookends from Craighill will keep their treasured paperbacks looking sharp.

Green Logo Scramble Blanket

One of these throws is the ideal companion for wintery nights watching TV. These stand-out blankets come in scene-stealing shades like green, purple, and rust, with bold logo letters running across to remind you who makes your favorite flicks.

Cold Picnic I Like The Way You Think Sweater

Since sweater weather is almost in full force, warm up a loved one (or yourself) with one of these knits from Cold Picnic. Available in gender-neutral adult and children’s sizes, each sweater is made of an alpaca wool blend that’s super soft and very cozy.

Yoshitomo Nara Walk On Flip Clock

Make waking up a bit more fun with this playful clock designed by Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara. It features 84 original illustrations on the clock’s 24-hour (12 a.m. and 12 p.m.) and 60-minute flaps—so every timestamp is unique.

Architectural Digest Subscription

Last but not least on our best gifts list, a subscription to their favorite magazine will be the present they can enjoy beyond the holidays. Subscribe now get 1 Year of AD at a discount, plus an exclusive tote!


More Gift Guides From Team Clever:

Best Gifts for Women (and Everyone Else in Your Life): Skip the gift cards and get her something she’ll actually love—like a lovely piece of jewelry or a new set of wine glasses.

Best Gift Ideas for Men That Won’t Disappoint: Whether you’re shopping for a husband, boss, or BFF, impress him this holiday with the best gadgets, games, Lululemon goodies, and more.

Stocking Stuffers and Gift Add-Ons That’ll Delight Everyone on Your List: Looking for the best mini Christmas gifts? Sometimes the best things come in small packages.

Gifts Under $50 for the Design Lover: The best holiday gift ideas—including DIY kits from Uncommon Goods, tote bags, and home decor—for keeping spirits high when budgets are low.

Expensive Gifts Worth the Splurge: Treat someone on your list who’s been extra-good (or maybe even treat yourself) with some luxe cookware, a TikTok-famous mirror, a Theragun, and more.

Best Gifts for Foodies 2022: A best friend gifts according to their tastes. From New York ice cream to cookware, the food enthusiast on your list will love these picks.

Best Candles to Give as Gifts—Or Treat Yourself: The perfect home fragrance for every votive lover on your gift list.

Self-Care Gifts That Deserve the Hype: The best silk eye masks, scented candles, and water bottles to treat someone deserving (or yourself!) this holiday season

Best Etsy Gifts for Every Occasion: Birthdays, holidays, housewarming parties—there’s a keepsake for everything at Etsy.

White Elephant Gift Ideas That Will Steal the Show: We found funny gifts that don’t skimp on style. Check out our white elephant gift guide, which includes socks, coffee mugs, coasters, and more.