It’s the 1st of December, where has the year gone? In Sydney, it’s our official first day of summer. If you celebrate Christmas, you’ll be opening the first door on your advent calendar today. Inspired by the gift-giving season, or if you’re feeling stuck and looking for inspiration for a gift for any occasion, I’m going to give you a shopping wish list of some of my favourite interior design inspired gifts.
Sometimes it’s difficult to ideate what to get certain people (men can be particularly difficult to buy). Or you may have spent years lavishing your loved ones with wonderful gifts and simply be lacking some inspiration this year as you’re all out of ideas! A gift for the home is always a welcomed idea. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, quite often it’s the smaller details that make a house a home.
Everybody loves candles
Candles create an ambience in the home; maybe subtle candlelight at the dinner table, or a soft crackling glow while you soak in the bath or read a book on your favourite chair. Candles not only create beautiful lighting effects but of course come in a countless number of shapes, sizes, colours and most importantly, fragrances. There is quite literally, something for everyone.
A few of our favourites are Diptyque, Le Labo and Aesop. Another firm favourite candle maker of mine is Trudon. They are the oldest candle-making company in the world (est. 1643) and make exquisite candles and room fragrances.
A personal touch
A vase is always a wonderful gift idea, especially when accompanied by a beautiful bunch of flowers. A vase doesn’t have to be on display all of the time, so you can be more adventurous with style or design, and when they do use it they will think of you. William Yeoward has some beautiful vase designs. As does Mud Australia, who create elegant and timeless porcelain homewares right here in Sydney. Tablecloths, table mats and napkins are also nice gifts for the home, which you can also find online at Mud Australia.
Another idea for an item that can be used less frequently, but still valued, would be a beautiful throw. Throws aren’t just for the winter but are equally stylish in the warmer months to add different textures or colour accents to a space. They are so versatile, the recipient is sure to find a use or a space for a throw in their home.
For around the home…
Sometimes it’s nice to buy something for someone that they wouldn’t think to buy themselves. A coffee table book is a great way to show somebody you care, by gifting them something that would not only look perfect on their coffee table, but a subject matter that excites them. A cookbook for the chef in your life, a gardening book for those with green fingers, or one of the many amazing design books for inspiration. I know around five or six designers that have released books in the last year.
For those with a more playful nature, games or board games make a great gift. For example the MoMAN backgammon board; not only hours of fun but a quirky accessory for a study or coffee table. Speaking of the study, perhaps a beautiful pen or pencil (I personally love a beautiful pencil and an ink pen), something someone isn’t likely to buy themselves but would certainly appreciate and make use of.
A picture is worth a thousand words
Last but not least, photo frames are a thoughtful gift for that special person in your life. Whether you decide to frame a particular picture or leave that choice to them, they are a great interior design-inspired gift idea. Consider the style of their home and the type of decor they have already. Even in a contemporary home a vintage frame could look quite stunning, or vice versa. Photo frames come in a variety of sizes or styles, but my preference would be antique silver or monotone. Perspex photo frames look great in the home, with the focus being purely on the photo, and they can be easily changed.
I hope I’ve given you some new inspiration for gifting for your loved ones this year, and for those that are thinking of sending me a gift, you now know my favourites.
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